What is your investment philosophy?
In short, we believe that most financial markets are adequately efficient to render most active investment strategies to be an inefficient use of resources. Nonetheless, we also believe there is sufficient empirical evidence to support the ability of investors to actively manage their exposure to the risk of extreme declines in the value of their investments over the long term by utilizing a thorough and systematic approach to managing their asset allocation, taking into account prevailing valuations and economic conditions relative to specific, quantifiable objectives.
We have a broad mandate in our investment approach and look for attractive investment returns wherever they can be found. We use a global approach in selecting opportunities and employ both passive and active investments.
We have a broad mandate in our investment approach and look for attractive investment returns wherever they can be found. We use a global approach in selecting opportunities and employ both passive and active investments.
Do I have to sell all of my current investments to work with you?
No! This is a key differentiator of our firm. We only implement recommendations after considering the risk, prospective returns and taxation of your current AND prospective investment holdings. Our objective is to manage your exposure to risk and avoid unnecessary taxes – not to force you into a predetermined model or investment strategy.
Many, if not most, firms will ask you to sell out of all of your current investments in order to access one of their proprietary products or investment strategies or to generate new fee revenue for their firm.
Many, if not most, firms will ask you to sell out of all of your current investments in order to access one of their proprietary products or investment strategies or to generate new fee revenue for their firm.
How is your firm different from others in the wealth management industry?
Our objective is to be as candid and upfront as possible about our work, how we do it and how we are compensated for it and we will answer any questions about our services in order to help prospective clients decide whether we are a good fit, compared to other options.
With that, there are three things we believe make us different from most advisory firms in the industry today:
PLAN. DOCUMENT. TRACK.
First, we do not treat “financial planning” as an ancillary add-on to our portfolio management services or as a “sweetener” to induce clients to transfer their funds to our management. Rather, rigorous planning is the cornerstone of our investment process and what enables us to customize the client experience from within a unified framework used to make our recommendations regarding investments, risk management, savings, and distributions.
Second, we document our assumptions and the rationale we utilize in formulating our recommendations. By documenting our rationale, we open it up to discussion with our clients in order to ensure every facet of our wealth management strategy conforms to their needs, personal values and primary objectives.
Finally, we diligently track our clients’ progress towards their goals. Most firms offer a periodic “portfolio review” and offer to update client financial plans (if there is one) every three to five years. In contrast, we systematically compare our clients’ progress to the assumptions that were used in developing their plan in the first place. Doing so allows us to identify opportunities or potential setbacks early, before they occur, rather than reacting to what most others dismiss as “unexpected”.
With that, there are three things we believe make us different from most advisory firms in the industry today:
PLAN. DOCUMENT. TRACK.
First, we do not treat “financial planning” as an ancillary add-on to our portfolio management services or as a “sweetener” to induce clients to transfer their funds to our management. Rather, rigorous planning is the cornerstone of our investment process and what enables us to customize the client experience from within a unified framework used to make our recommendations regarding investments, risk management, savings, and distributions.
Second, we document our assumptions and the rationale we utilize in formulating our recommendations. By documenting our rationale, we open it up to discussion with our clients in order to ensure every facet of our wealth management strategy conforms to their needs, personal values and primary objectives.
Finally, we diligently track our clients’ progress towards their goals. Most firms offer a periodic “portfolio review” and offer to update client financial plans (if there is one) every three to five years. In contrast, we systematically compare our clients’ progress to the assumptions that were used in developing their plan in the first place. Doing so allows us to identify opportunities or potential setbacks early, before they occur, rather than reacting to what most others dismiss as “unexpected”.
May your wealth management services be retained separate from managing our investments or while only managing some of our accounts?
Yes. However, our fees for wealth management services are identical whether or not your accounts are managed directly by us, either on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, or simply monitored and reviewed with ultimate investment decisions and transactional authority retained by you or an outside third party. In all cases, we require monitoring access to your accounts for analytical, performance, and other reporting purposes, regardless of which party is responsible for managing your investments.
What other fees or costs are involved in managing our finances?
Costs for non-advisory related services, such as brokerage commissions, third party management fees, investment product expense ratios, etc. are paid separately and are not shared with or directed toward Onyx Wealth Management LLC, its owners or employees.
In certain instances, proprietary research and data services may be made available to Onyx Wealth Management LLC as part of the brokerage, custodial or investment management services rendered to clients of the firm. Such benefits are commonly referred to as “soft dollars” and could present a conflict of interest between the client and our firm.
In certain instances, proprietary research and data services may be made available to Onyx Wealth Management LLC as part of the brokerage, custodial or investment management services rendered to clients of the firm. Such benefits are commonly referred to as “soft dollars” and could present a conflict of interest between the client and our firm.
Do you provide a free initial consultation?
Yes. We believe it is imperative that we discuss your prospective service needs with you in advance in order for us to have an opportunity to get to know each other and determine if our we are a good fit to work together. If so, we will provide you with a written proposal for services before becoming a client of our firm. If you choose not to engage our services, or if we feel we may not be the best fit for your particular needs, we will be happy to introduce you to an advisor we believe may be better able to assist you.
What is the profile of a "typical" client of your firm?
We have worked hard to leverage our technology and expertise to make our services accessible to a variety of clients across the wealth spectrum. We specialize in working with individuals, families and organizations under a unified framework which allows us to customize the client experience much more than what they are typically used to. In general, however, we have primarily worked with: Physicians, Business Owners, Senior Executives, Retirees and Young Professionals.
Having the opportunity to meet with you in person, or to speak with you via voice or video conference is the first step in establishing a mutually beneficial and, we hope, long-term relationship.
Having the opportunity to meet with you in person, or to speak with you via voice or video conference is the first step in establishing a mutually beneficial and, we hope, long-term relationship.
Do you provide any additional services besides wealth management and investment management?
Yes. From time to time we provide consulting services to individuals and family office clients seeking assistance with a specific project. Otherwise, though our Wealth Management services encompass a wide range of planning and analytical activities, we continue to work with outside specialists of your choosing for services such as tax preparation, legal advice, banking and trust services and accounting services. When appropriate, we are more than happy to introduce you to specialists with whom we have built meaningful relationships in the course of building our business. We do not share in any fees with anyone we may refer you to. Our only incentive is to ensure we connect you with the resources necessary to implement your plan.
How will you work with my current advisors (Attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals)?
We will work with your current advisors in any capacity you see fit. Our goal is to build a strong relationship with your advisors in order to complement and enhance both their and our work. In all cases, our job is to work together to provide context and the benefit of their expertise. As your advisor, we will be in a position to anticipate issues and opportunities that can be referred to your tax advisor, attorney, insurance specialist or other service providers for prompt consideration and resolution.
How can I view my investment performance and holdings?
You may view your accounts and performance at any time via our secure client portal. You will also be able to view your holdings daily through our third-party custodian’s website.
Where will my assets be held? What financial institution(s) do you represent?
Onyx Wealth Management LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor and completely independent. Our primary custodian, who holds your assets, is Charles Schwab & Co. However, if necessary, we will work with other custodians such as Fidelity Investments, TD Ameritrade, and others, when possible.
What are your credentials?
David Metzger holds a BS in Finance and International Business and an MBA from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. He holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designations. Though he is no longer affiliated with any insurance companies, he continues to maintain his insurance related designations including the CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter), ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant) and CASL® (Chartered Advisor in Senior Living).
What experience do you have?
David began his career with one of the largest and most well-respected life insurance companies in the United States in 2001. He then spent seven years working at a fee-only wealth management firm in Memphis before moving to Chicago with his wife, where he held a number of positions specializing in stock research, financial planning and family office services before starting Onyx Wealth Management LLC in 2017.
The breadth of his responsibilities has enabled him to gain meaningful experience in nearly every facet of the wealth management industry. As a result, he holds specialized certifications in financial planning, investment research and analysis and insurance.
The breadth of his responsibilities has enabled him to gain meaningful experience in nearly every facet of the wealth management industry. As a result, he holds specialized certifications in financial planning, investment research and analysis and insurance.
Have you ever been publicly disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions in your professional career?
No. There have been no disciplinary actions taken against David Metzger or Onyx Wealth Management LLC for any unlawful or unethical activities.
Why should we choose you as our advisor?
You deserve not only someone you can trust to put your interests ahead of all others, but someone who will do so with empathy and respect - for where you have been, where you are currently, what it will take to reach your goals and what keeps you up at night. We will work to not only guide you toward your goals but to protect you from risks and obstacles along the way.
How do we begin working together?
Our professional relationship is established with the execution of our client service agreement. We then gather all data necessary to begin the financial planning and/or portfolio management process. We will then review our initial observations with you and, after gaining approval from you, will transition the management of your financial affairs in accordance with your specific needs and expectations. We will dedicate as much time as necessary to develop and implement your plan as your situation requires while respecting your privacy and availability.