About The Firm
Welcome to Diversified Capital Wealth Management, LLC.
Our management style helps inspire confidence, clarity and calmness in all market conditions and encourages clients to resist emotional decision-making. It also reduces fees and expenses related to unnecessary adjustments. – Michael R. Palmisano
Firm Overview
Diversified Capital Wealth Management’s approach to personalized portfolio management begins by providing clients access to a broad institutional spectrum of asset classes and sophisticated investment strategies. The firm has deep expertise in managing equity and fixed income investments, which typically form the core foundation of client portfolios. Depending on each client’s investment objective, we may complement our selections with those from best-in-class managers specializing in unique areas of the market. This disciplined and conflict-free investment process provides opportunity for optimal diversification, constructed within our strategic allocation framework and then personalized to align with each client’s personal goals and risk tolerance.
Diversified Capital Wealth Management uses actively managed tactical value-based asset allocation strategy investment portfolios. As an independent firm, we conduct in-house due diligence on a universe of investment options, allowing for the most appropriate, diversified financial strategies to meet each client’s needs. We fundamentally & quantitatively evaluate portfolio performance and risk, taking into consideration the correlation of assets within the portfolio, including those that may be transferred into the portfolio from prior accounts. As a result, tactical management is much more proactive rather than reactive.
The Value of Working with a DCWM Financial Advisor
Pursuing your financial goals can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially without someone to guide you in the right direction. A financial advisor can help you make sense of the markets and put together a financial plan tailored just for you.
What Makes Us Elite
We are uniquely equipped to help clients identify opportunities and solutions that align with their values and goals. We do this by tailoring our services to the needs of each client and adapting our models to create customized results. Our skilled team has the size and depth to provide institutional resources, yet we are small enough to know each of our clients in a very personal way.
This allows us to advise our clients in a way that aligns their financial resources with their personal values. This ignites in them the ability to accomplish lifelong goals.
Our difference in managing investments is the intricacy we have with our portfolios. Our team of in-house investment professionals is dedicated to monitoring both your current holdings and future opportunities.
Because we create our portfolios based on client personalization, we have knowledge of how they should react in different economic cycles. We then apply this knowledge on a very personal level for each client’s individual needs. The benefit is an institutionalized process that creates a customized result.
Diversified Capital Wealth Management, LLC is held to a Fiduciary Standard
Currently, there are two standards that advisers and financial planners are held to - the suitability standard and the fiduciary standard. The suitability standard simply requires that investments must fit clients' investing objectives, time horizon and experience.
The other standard of care, the fiduciary standard, basically charges advisers with putting their clients' best interest ahead of their own. For instance, faced with two identical products but with different fees, an adviser under the fiduciary standard would be compelled to recommend the one with the least cost to the client, even if it meant fewer dollars to the firm. Unfortunately, many investors don't distinguish among financial advisers and financial planners. Studies have shown that individual investors don't know who is a fiduciary or what a fiduciary actually is.
How to discern among Financial Advisers
It's hard for average investors to know which type of adviser is held to what type of standard - suitability or fiduciary. For broker-dealers that are held to a suitability standard, the compensation system is set up in a way that can lead to conflicts of interest. Increasing investors' education would go a long way toward unveiling the information gaps that currently exist between financial professionals and their clients.
The Fiduciary Standard
Investment advisors are bound to a fiduciary standard that was established as part of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. They can be regulated by the SEC or state securities regulators, both of which hold advisors to a fiduciary standard that requires them to put their client's interests above their own. The act is pretty specific in defining what a fiduciary means, and it stipulates that an advisor must place his or her interests below that of the client. It consists of a duty of loyalty and care, and simply means that the advisor must act in the best interest of his or her client. For example, the advisor cannot buy securities for his or her account prior to buying them for a client, and is prohibited from making trades that may result in higher commissions for the advisor or his or her investment firm.
It also means that the advisor must do his or her best to make sure investment advice is made using accurate and complete information, or basically, that the analysis is thorough and as accurate as possible. Avoiding conflicts of interest is important when acting as a fiduciary, and it means that an advisor must disclose any potential conflicts to placing the client's interests ahead of the advisors. Additionally, the advisor needs to place trades under a "best execution" standard, meaning he or she must strive to trade securities with the best combination of low cost and efficient execution.
Professional Services
Listening, Guiding, Teaching, Coaching
Complex interdependent world markets, global interests, and changing tax requirements can be difficult to have confidence and peace of mind when it comes to your financial life. Diversified Capital Wealth Management’s financial advisory services practice understands this and the unique challenges you face in managing your wealth and planning for the future. The professionals in the firm offer the judgment, experience and capability required to help you achieve your goals now and for future generations. The firm provides a robust portfolio of private wealth services to better serve the sophisticated needs of high net worth individuals and families.
Tax Planning
Today’s tax environment requires a tactical approach and a range of strategies so that you are well positioned for tax policy changes.
- Tax Returns review
- Tax advantaged Investments
- Tax distribution withholding calculations and RMD’s
- Tax deferral options
- Interface with advisors
Investment Planning
Your investment strategy should keep you on an even keel while providing you the flexibility you need to capitalize on new opportunities.
- Tax efficient investments
- Reporting and disclosures
- Structure of tactical holdings and asset allocation
- Selection of investment holding vehicles
- Independent financial approach
Risk Management and Insurance
Protecting your family’s well-being and assets from various risks involves obtaining appropriate insurance coverage and making strategic choices about forms of asset ownership.
- Independent and objective assessment of Life Insurance coverage
- Independent and objective assessment of Fixed and Variable Annuities
- Policy comparisons
- Insurance for liability and investment purposes
- Analyzing assets and beneficial ownership structures
Business Planning
Estate, Trust and Gift Planning
Business and Succession planning plays a critical role in the longevity of your business. Communicating with family members and other key stakeholders about your plan is a critical ingredient in your business lasting beyond a leadership transition.
- Analysis in implementation or cost effective review of existing retirement plan
- Guidance in the process of developing a succession plan and process
- Tax considerations
- Transitioning the business: Exit strategies, IPO’s, Buy/Sell, Third party sale, etc.
Estate, Trust and Gift Planning
Estate, Trust and Gift Planning
Without proper planning, estate and inheritance taxes can significantly impact the wealth available for future generations. Plans should be reviewed routinely to address changes in tax laws.
- Analyze and coordinate estate documentation and arrangements
- Effective use of trusts and other entities
- Suggesting gross estate and global tax exposure
- Consulting regarding wealth replacement opportunities
- Lifetime giving to family and charities
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
An ideal philanthropic giving strategy achieves the family's goals while being tax efficient.
- Analyzing tax efficiency of current and proposed giving
- Utilizing charitable trusts and foundations in wealth planning
- Coordinating philanthropic goals, Giving time horizon and estate planning
- DCWM Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 Public Charity with various Beneficiaries, and Donations are Tax-Deductible.
Awards and Media
Awards and Media
Our role goes beyond analyzing data and implementing strategies. We pride ourselves on being a business of integrity - where solid client partnerships are formed and full potential is realized. At Diversified Capital Wealth Management, LLC, we aspire to exceed expectations.
Better Business Bureau
DCWM supports the efforts of the Better Business Bureau. We are proud to currently hold a clear record with the BBB. Recognition from rating services or publications is no guarantee of future investment success. Working with a highly rated advisor does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the adviser by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluations.
DCWM volunteers help sort tons of life-saving meals
Diversified Capital Wealth Management clients, advisors, and friends gathered to feed starving families. Through an effort between DCWM & VCPI for Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, volunteers packed 12 tons of life-saving meals at the HTF warehouse located in Milwaukee, WI. The meals will feed many starving families for an entire year.
“It is always amazing to see DCWM’s community come together and help those who need it most. This is the first year we have held the event, and each year we are reminded of the profound impact individuals can make by donating something as simple as time,” said, Mike Palmisano, President of DCWM.
DCWM is among the envied boutique wealth management firms
DCWM is a Registered Investment Advisory firm which takes pride in being a business competitor’s aim to replicate. Through their model, the firm is uniquely equipped to help clients identify opportunities that align with their values and create retirement and investment plans which help clients attain their goals. DCWM is located in Mequon, WI, and ranks among the envied boutique wealth management firms.
Events
Whether it is an economic presentation, small-group financial discussion, or simply a chance for us to gather as a community and give back to those less fortunate, DCWM aims to provide our current and future clients, education & resources that surpass other firms. We invite you to join us!
Market Update Seminar
The DCWM team has a multitude of industry resources at our fingertips. Equally importantly, however, we understand the value of making them available to you. As timely topics arise, DCWM invites a high-profile economic speaker to present a Market Update to our clients. Back by popular demand, DCWM has hosted Securities, Insurance, Legal and Tax Experts. Contact us to learn more about DCWM's Market Update Seminars.
Ever wonder exactly what goes into settling an estate? How stocks are traded? How Retirement plans compare to each other? Need help at your companies benefits review? Or what really goes on behind the scenes at DCWM? We are excited to host a series of events dedicated to answering the questions you’ve always wanted to know about. Events are held in "coffee chat" style. The atmosphere is casual, the group size is small, and the topics vary. It is your opportunity to bring the questions you’ve always wanted to ask and chat with DCWM and others like you about the designated subject.
Small Group Presentations
Small Group Presentations
Small Group Presentations
Occasionally, DCWM advisors extend personal invitations to small group financial updates. Fund company Portfolio Managers and professional industry speakers are brought in to provide their unique perspective of the economic landscape. Past topics have included: Impact of the Elections, Capital Markets Outlook, Retirement Planning, Insurance, etc. These events are announced by limited release. Interested in attending? Follow DCWM online to receive these event announcements.
The Gift of Knowledge
Small Group Presentations
Small Group Presentations
Are you looking for a financial speaker for your upcoming workshop, seminar or panel discussion? Sharing our financial knowledge to help improve the lives of others is always a priority to us. Please contact our marketing team at info@diversifiedcwm.com or 414-688-7547 for more information. We look forward to providing a financial presentation for your next event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of investment philosophies do you incorporate?
Predicting the direction of the financial markets is a futile, stressful effort. Yet, in their effort to “beat the market,” many investors try to do exactly that. Our approach makes use of what is known about the financial markets; we employ tactical asset management to reduce market fluctuations as well as true diversification across multiple asset classes in an effort to earn a realistic return with as little risk as possible. We believe most investors prefer a sense of security over the excitement of the market. If our approach results in financially secure clients who don’t worry about their investments, then we have achieved our objective.
Do I have to sign a long-term commitment?
No. You may terminate our relationship at any time with 30 days’ written notice.
If I’m transferring an account from another firm to DCWM, do I need to sell everything first?
No. We usually transfer all assets just as they are held at the previous broker. The entire transfer process takes place between the operations departments of our clearing firm and the previous firm, thus expediting and simplifying things.
Do you hold my assets?
No, we do not accept direct custody of client assets. Client accounts are held at our outside clearing firms or other fiduciaries that are SIPC. You receive confirmation statements in addition to quarterly reports from them.
Will you talk to me before changing my investments?
The Client Agreement may grant us limited discretionary authority to manage your investments on your behalf; however, we will not change your investment strategy without talking it over with you first. What's more, we communicate with you frequently regarding the management of your portfolio.
What are the ways in which you communicate with clients?
That depends on the methods that work best for the individual client. We call clients periodically, meet with them in person, email back and forth, and use good old fashioned postal mail.
Is it difficult to gain access to my money later on?
Not at all. Depending on how much you need and how your account is invested, we may be able to get money wired to you the same day you request it. In some cases, it may take a few business days.
How often will we talk about my portfolio?
As often as needed. Your quarterly report will give you a great deal of information about your portfolio. In addition, we will call you periodically to touch base and make any recommendations we may have. We may also want to schedule an occasional in-person portfolio review as needed. And you may call us at any time to discuss any questions or changes.
What are the fees and how are they paid?
Like many registered investment advisory firms, we charge a fee based on the value of your portfolio. It is deducted directly from your account(s) or it can be paid individually. You receive a full accounting of the fee.