Frequently Asked Questions - Cardiff Park Advisors
Frequently Asked Questions
What services are included in your quarterly fee?
Cardiff Park is a full-service investment advisory firm specializing in financial planning and portfolio management. We follow passive, evidence-based investment strategies rather than active investing.
Our work begins with designing a portfolio that reflects your overall financial situation, investment horizon, and risk capacity. Once your plan is in place, we reposition your assets as needed, implement the agreed-upon strategy, and oversee portfolio rebalancing as market opportunities arise.
Included in our core services are:
• Comprehensive initial financial planning
• Risk tolerance assessment
• Portfolio design and implementation
• Support for managing concentrated stock positions
• Tax-loss harvesting strategies
• Monthly reporting and administrative support
• Ongoing supervision and investment advice
We provide monthly performance reports and are available throughout the year to answer questions and adjust strategies as needed.
Do you have an account minimum?
Yes. Cardiff Park has an account minimum of $3 million.
How are you compensated?
We are compensated exclusively through fixed annual retainer fees paid directly by our clients. Fees are billed quarterly, in arrears.
We do not receive commissions, referral payments, or incentives from fund companies, brokers, or custodians. This ensures that our advice remains objective and free of conflicts of interest.
At a client’s request, additional non-portfolio services may be offered for a separately negotiated fee.
What are your fees?
Our fees are not based on assets under management. Instead, they reflect the actual time and expertise required to serve each client relationship.
Most new client engagements today fall within an annual retainer range of $8,000 to $14,000. Fees are billed quarterly, in arrears, and are adjusted based on the scope and complexity of each relationship. For larger or more complex situations — including multi-generational families or business entities — retainers may exceed this range and are customized to reflect the level of services provided.
For details, please visit the Client Services section of our website.
How do you collect fees?
Unless a client specifically requests fee-debiting, Cardiff Park does not automatically deduct advisory fees from client accounts. Instead, we invoice quarterly, and clients can pay electronically or by check.
Can you help with my IRA, 401(k), or annuities?
Yes. We will incorporate your IRA, 401(k), and other retirement accounts into your overall investment strategy.
For annuities, we provide guidance and access to no-load annuity providers, such as Vanguard and Jefferson, to ensure cost-effective solutions.
Do you offer private banking services or lines of credit?
Yes. We assist clients in evaluating private banking options and have negotiated competitive lines of credit to support liquidity and financing needs.
Do your services include estate planning, insurance, or tax planning?
We believe it’s important to focus on our core expertise — financial planning and investment management — while collaborating with trusted independent professionals for specialized needs.
• Estate planning should be handled by qualified attorneys.
• Tax planning is best addressed with experienced CPAs.
• Insurance matters are best handled through independent, no-load insurance providers.
• Real estate transactions should be managed by licensed brokers or attorneys.
This separation ensures that advice remains objective and free from conflicts of interest.
Does Cardiff Park accept trading discretion?
Yes. We place trades for clients under a limited power of attorney agreement.
Once a plan is agreed upon, we execute trades systematically with client approval. We do not place trades without your knowledge and consent.
Do you accept custody of client funds or securities?
No. Cardiff Park does not take custody of client funds or securities.
Assets are held by third-party custodians such as Schwab, Fidelity, or Vanguard, which carry SIPC protection and additional private insurance.
How do you decide when to rebalance?
We continuously monitor client portfolios, including stock-to-bond ratios and individual equity allocations.
Rebalancing is recommended when asset classes diverge meaningfully from their target allocations. For more details, see the Managing Your Portfolio section of our website.
When and how do you report to clients?
We provide quarterly reports that include portfolio performance, asset allocation analysis, and a summary of unrealized gains and losses.
Reports are accessible through our secure, password-protected client portal.
What other reports will I receive?
In addition to Cardiff Park’s monthly reports, custodians such as Schwab or Fidelity provide monthly statements, tax-lot accounting, and 24/7 online access to account information.
We encourage clients to compare Cardiff Park’s reports with custodian reports for full transparency.
Who is your ideal client?
Our ideal client understands and values the principles of passive and index investing and is committed to a disciplined, long-term approach.
We are happy to recommend reading materials and educational resources, including information available at Dimensional Fund Advisors.
What experience does Cardiff Park bring to my investments?
John Gorlow, Principal of Cardiff Park Advisors, has more than 35 years of experience in financial services.
John’s background includes:
• Managing investment advisory engagements for Ernst & Young in San Francisco
• 14 years with leading Wall Street firms, including Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, and Oppenheimer
• An MBA from Fordham University and a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University
• Former CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation earned through the Wharton School of Business
• Membership in the CFA® Institute and the Financial Planning Association
This experience brings both institutional knowledge and personal client service to every relationship.
Why should I choose Cardiff Park?
Our investment philosophy is rooted in research, not speculation. We offer personalized service, clear communication, and ethical guidance designed to help you achieve lasting success.
Our fixed-fee model ensures alignment with your interests, and our client relationships are built on trust, transparency, and results.
Is your investment model personalized or pre-defined?
We create customized strategies for every client. Portfolios are tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, tax considerations, liquidity needs, and time horizon.
We do not offer pre-packaged investment solutions.
How do you deliver competitive value at a low cost?
As an independent firm, we keep costs low by running a lean, efficient operation. We invest in technology, research, and processes that directly benefit our clients — not in marketing frills or unnecessary overhead.
How do I get started?
Many of our clients are referred by existing clients who value our services.
The process begins with an introductory conversation to discuss your needs and goals. If you decide to move forward, we will agree on a fee structure, review your current financial situation, and create a customized portfolio design.
From there, we manage the account-opening and transfer process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Learn More About Us
Cardiff Park Advisors is based in Carlsbad, California, about 25 miles north of San Diego, with an additional office in San Marcos. We work with clients across the United States and internationally.
When you’re ready to take the next step, we offer a complimentary consultation. Please complete the Connect Form below — in the footer — and we’ll follow up to schedule a conversation.
To learn more, visit
www.cardiffpark.com,
review our Form ADV Brochure on the SEC’s website (ADV Part 2A),
email us at jgorlow@cardiffpark.com,
or call 760-635-7526.