FAQs

Does PROVIZR only help with university retirement accounts? ↓

    

• We help individuals with their 403(b), 401(a) and/or 457(b) plans. These retirement accounts are specific to certain public and non-profit institutions. In addition to universities, these plans are often used by hospitals, schools, and municipalities.

             
  

Do I have to move my university retirement account to have PROVIZR help me? ↓

    

• No. Your university retirement account stays with TIAA or Fidelity. You don’t have to transfer it. We work through TIAA and Fidelity to manage the investments in your account. You will maintain the same account numbers and access that you currently have.

             
  

Is there a minimum account size? ↓

    

• No. We can help all university retirement plan participants regardless of account size.

             
  

Can PROVIZR help with my IRA or ROTH IRA? ↓

    

• Yes. We also offer services to help with these types of accounts.

             
  

Do I have to retire or leave my company before PROVIZR can help with my retirement plan? ↓

    

• No. Our services are fully available whether you are employed, changed jobs, or retired.

             
  

Is PROVIZR a fiduciary? ↓

    

• Yes. We are investment fiduciaries. This means we are required act in your best interest at all times.

             
  

How long does it take PROVIZR to begin managing my account for me? ↓

    

• It’s just a matter of signing the authorizations and we can be managing your account in about 2 weeks.

             
  

Can I talk to someone at PROVIZR about a specific question on my university retirement account? ↓

    

• Not only can you talk to someone, but you will have a dedicated advisor that you can call, email or schedule an appointment with.

             
  

Will PROVIZR let me know when adjustments are made to my university retirement account? ↓

    

• Yes. Anytime we make investment adjustments we can send you an email update.

             
  

Is there a fee for the initial consultation? ↓

    

• No. Your initial consultation is at no cost or obligation.

             
  

How do I pay PROVIZR? ↓

    

• Provizr charges a quarterly fee for our managed accounts. The fee is deducted directly from your account so that you never have to write a check. Financial Planning fees can be paid separately by check or credit card.

             
  

Can you explain exactly how the fees work? ↓

    

• Sure! Let’s say, for simplicity’s sake, that you have $100,000 in your account. Our annual fee is 0.75% for this size of account. We bill quarterly based on the quarterly value of your account. So let’s say you sign up with us on January 1st. On March 31st, we will record the value of your account which is now worth $104,000 for example.

  Our billing would look like this:

  • March 31st value: $104,000
  • Provizr annual fee: 0.75%
  • Quarterly fee billed: $195 ($104,000 X 0.75% / 4)
             

*This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation.

Do you require a contract or time commitment? ↓

    

• Because we bill quarterly for advisory fees, the minimum time commitment is 3 months. You can cancel at any time.

             
  

Are there any hidden fees? ↓

    

• Provizr does not have any hidden fees. However, the TIAA and Fidelity investments inside your plan have their own expenses.

             
  

Can you tell me more about your investment approach? ↓

    

• Glad you asked!! Provizr’s investment philosophy is centered around the notion of managing downside risk. We seek to participate when the markets are rising and manage risk in portfolios when they are declining. Our monthly technical and economic analysis attempts to determine major trends in the market and adjust our portfolios accordingly. We believe the major component of investment success is to not lose as much during severe market downturns.

             
 *No strategy assures success or protects against loss. 

What if I am a very conservative or very aggressive investor? ↓

    

• We will match your investments with your risk tolerance. We have strategies for investors who are conservative, aggressive, and everything in between.

             
  

Do you use proprietary investments? ↓

    

• No. We only use the mutual funds currently offered in your retirement plan.

             
*Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principle.  

Do I have to make portfolio changes myself? ↓

    

• No, not at all. Provizr works directly through Fidelity and TIAA to manage the investments for you.

             
  

How often will PROVIZR adjust my investments? ↓

    

• Provizr conducts a detailed monthly analysis which will dictate changes to the investment portfolio. Therefore, every month, we can potentially make adjustments to your portfolio. If changes are to be made, we take care of it for you automatically.

             
  

Can't I just use a Target Date Fund? ↓

    

• Target date funds are a one-size-fits-all approach. Provizr Clients get customized portfolios that are monitored specifically for their retirement goal and adjusted accordingly.

  *An investment in a target date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date, the approximate date when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. Target date funds gradually shift their emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative ones based on the target date.           

  

Can PROVIZR help if I need a withdrawal out of my account? ↓

    

• Absolutely! Simply give us a call and your advisor will prepare the necessary paperwork to facilitate a withdrawal or transer.

             
  

Can PROVIZR help with an old 401k? ↓

    

• Yes. We can assist you with understanding all of the options available with your old 401k plan.

             
  

Will PROVIZR change my contribution amount into my university retirement plan? ↓

    

• No. We will not change the amount that you are withholding out of your paycheck to fund your retirement. But should you decide you want to make a change, we can help you with that!