FAQs

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What does “fee only” mean?

At Highland Investment Advisors (HIA), “fee-only” means we do not accept referral fees or commissions from selling investment products. Our compensation comes solely from asset-based fees or hourly fees for specific financial planning engagements. This approach ensures our advice is unbiased and in your best interest, free from conflicts of interest that can arise from commissions and referral fees.

Why is choosing a fee only advisor important?

We believe choosing a fee-only advisor is crucial because it encourages unbiased advice and prioritizes your interests. At Highland Investment Advisors, our fee-only structure ensures that we only succeed when you do. By charging a percentage of assets managed, our success is directly tied to the growth of your investments.

What is Highland’s advantage over other firms?

At Highland Investment Advisors, our primary advantage is our legal fiduciary duty to put your interests first. Beyond this legal requirement, we believe it’s simply good business practice. As a privately owned, independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, you work directly with the owners of the company. We take the time to understand your unique financial situation and provide straightforward advice aligned with your long-term goals. Unlike commission-based employees pushing the latest investment product, we are dedicated to your success.



Before deciding to invest on your own, consider these questions:

Do you enjoy investing?
Do you have the necessary knowledge?
Do you have the time?
Do you have the emotional fortitude to remain objective and disciplined with your own money?

The difference between investment returns and investor returns often comes down to behavior. Individual investors frequently fall into traps such as attempting to time the market, chasing returns, and reacting impulsively to daily news. Having an unbiased partner can help you avoid these pitfalls. Beyond investment performance, we offer value in retirement planning, estate planning, insurance analysis, budgeting and cash flow management, large purchase decisions, education funding, business planning, and more.

Who regulates Highland?

Highland Investment Advisors is regulated by the Federal Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As an SEC-registered firm, we comply with federal regulations designed to protect investors. We serve clients throughout Florida and Wisconsin and across the United States. For more information on investment advisor regulations, visit: brokercheck.finra.org

What are your qualifications to provide us with this service?

Adam Drake holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He has passed numerous securities exams throughout his career and has worked with some of Milwaukee’s top financial firms before becoming a partner at Highland Investment Advisors in 2009. His experience spans working with new investors building their portfolios to multi-generational families managing significant wealth, giving him a broad perspective on investment management and financial planning.



Our team also includes a CFA, CPA, CFP® triple-credentialed advisor (Ryan Moran) with more than 20 years of experience in family offices and private banking—bringing a level of coordination and long-term planning typically associated with ultra-high-net-worth families. In addition, our team includes professionals with MBAs, Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designations, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualifications, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to your financial decisions.

Who is a typical client of Highland?

We typically work with two types of families: those approaching or in early retirement who need help answering ‘How much can I spend?’ and managing Roth conversions, taxes, and estate planning; and high-earning professionals in their peak years who know they should be doing more but need someone to pull all the pieces together.

What does a first meeting look like?

What is your minimum investment?

Do you work with physicians?

What is your fee structure?

Do you provide tax preparation?

no, but we provide tax planning and the PRO Plan

PRO Plan FAQ

Do I have to pay separately for tax preparation?

Highland offers the Professional Reimbursement Option (PRO Plan), which provides a management fee credit to offset your CPA or estate attorney fees. Please see our ADV for more information.