This website is a publication of Pillar Wealth Advisors, LLC (“Pillar”), an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill, or training. This website (“Website”) is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to Pillar’s investment advisory services, along with related information, publications, and links. The publication of this Website should not be construed as Pillar’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized financial planning or investment advice over the Internet.

Pillar does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether directly or indirectly linked to the Website and takes no responsibility for such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience, educational, and informational purposes only. Third-party sites that are directly or indirectly linked to this Website may collect information, including personal information relating to Users’ online activities over time and across different websites and other online services. Pillar does not control a third-party’s collection or use of personal information or tracking technologies. Access to financial planning applications, calculators, or similar interactive devices do not serve the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized individual advice from Pillar, or from any investment professional.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. All financial planning and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss, and different financial planning strategies, investments, and types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific financial plan, investment, or investment strategy, including those recommended by Pillar, will be profitable or equal any historical performance level. Not all services will be appropriate or necessary for all clients, and the potential value and benefit of Pillar’s services will vary based upon the client’s individual investment, financial, and tax circumstances. The effectiveness and potential success of a financial plan depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the manner and timing of implementation, coordination with the client and the client’s other engaged professionals, and market conditions.

Certain portions of the Website (e.g., newsletters, articles, videos, audio files, commentaries, indexes, etc.) may describe Pillar’s or other professional’s recommendations or positions as of a specific prior date. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions, that information may no longer be reflective of current positions or recommendations. While information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, Pillar does not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No User should assume that the publication of any of this material serves as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized advice from Pillar or from any other investment professional. Users should not use any Website content as the sole basis for any investment, financial planning, tax, legal or other decisions. Rather, a professional adviser should be consulted, and independent due diligence should be conducted before implementing any of the options referenced in the Website content. Pillar is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm. The tax and estate planning information provided is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Users, clients, and prospective clients should consult an attorney or tax professional regarding their specific legal or tax situation.

Except as prohibited by law, and as a condition precedent to accessing this Website, each User agrees to release and hold harmless Pillar, its members, managers, officers, directors, owners, employees, agents, and affiliates from all adverse consequences resulting from any actions or omissions related to this Website that are independent of receiving personalized individual advice from Pillar. The preceding sentence shall not limit or waive any applicable User rights under federal or state law, including securities laws and fiduciary obligations that cannot be limited or waived.  

Professional Designations:

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with flame design) logo in the United States (these marks are collectively referred to as the “CFP® marks”). The CFP Board authorizes use of the CFP® marks by individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. To earn the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must currently fulfill specific requirements in the areas of education, examination, experience, and ethics. Individuals who become certified must complete ongoing education, ethics, and certification requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP® marks. CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP® certification.

Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist^SM: The Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist^SM (CRPS) designation is awarded by the College of Financial Planning® to applicants who complete the CRPS professional education program, pass a final examination, commit to a code of ethics and agree to pursue continuing education. Continued use of the CRPS designation is subject to ongoing renewal requirements. Every two (2) years the designee must renew their right to continue using the CRPC® designation by completing 16 hours of continuing education and reaffirming to abide by the Standards of Professional Conduct. 

Chartered Life Underwriter: Since 1927, the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation has been the respected risk management credential for advisors. Designees have completed eight or more college-level courses representing an average study time of 400 hours. Topics for required courses include insurance and financial planning, life insurance law, estate planning, and planning for business owners and professionals. Elective courses include such advanced topics as income taxes, group benefits, retirement planning, and health insurance. CLU® designees must meet experience and continuing education requirements and must adhere to a high ethical standard. The mark is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator with the top level of academic accreditation. 

Chartered Financial Consultant: The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation has been a mark of excellence for almost thirty years and currently requires nine college-level courses, the most of any financial planning credential. Average study time to earn the ChFC® exceeds 450 hours. Required courses cover extensive education and application training in financial planning, income taxation, investments, and estate and retirement planning. Additional electives are chosen from such topics as macroeconomics, financial decisions for retirement, and executive compensation. ChFC® designees must meet experience requirements and adhere to continuing education and ethical standards. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the highest level of academic accreditation.  

Retirement Income Certified Professional®: The Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation teaches advisers techniques and best practices used to create sustainable streams of retirement income. The education covers retirement income planning, maximizing Social Security and other income sources, minimizing risks to the plan, and managing portfolios during the asset distribution phase. The designation includes three required, college-level courses that represent a total average study time of more than 150 hours. RICP® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the highest form of academic accreditation.

Chartered Financial Analyst®: The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charter is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. CFA® designates an international professional certificate that is offered by the CFA Institute. There are currently more than 178,000 CFA® Charterholders working in over 170 countries and regions. To earn the CFA® charter, candidates must: (1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; (2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; (3) join CFA Institute as members; and (4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. 

Certified Public Accountant: Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are licensed and regulated by their state boards of accountancy. While state laws and regulations vary, the education, experience and testing requirements for licensure as a CPA generally include minimum college education (typically 150 credit hours with at least a baccalaureate degree and a concentration in accounting), minimum experience levels (most states require at least one year of experience providing services that involve the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills, all of which must be achieved under the supervision of or verification by a CPA), and successful passage of the Uniform CPA Examination.  In order to maintain a CPA license, states generally require the completion of 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year (or 80 hours over a two-year period or 120 hours over a three-year period).  Additionally, all American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) members are required to follow a rigorous Code of Professional Conduct which requires that they act with integrity, objectivity, due care, competence, fully disclose any conflicts of interest (and obtain client consent if a conflict exists), maintain client confidentiality, disclose to the client any commission or referral fees, and serve the public interest when providing financial services. The vast majority of state boards of accountancy have adopted the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct within their state accountancy laws or have created their own. In addition to the Code of Professional Conduct, AICPA members who provide personal financial planning services are required to follow the Statement on Standards in Personal Financial Planning Services (SSPFPS).