Transition FAQs

Our name reflects our Kansas City roots, a city known for its beautiful fountains. Beyond that local connection, Fountain represents continuity, growth, and the importance of caring for what you've built while planning for future generations.

We wanted to build a firm around personal relationships, thoughtful financial planning, and investment guidance that reflects each client's life and priorities.

Yes. As an independent Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), Fountain has a fiduciary duty to act in its clients' best interests. This means putting your interests first, providing objective guidance, and being transparent about fees and potential conflicts of interest.

Scott also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification, which reinforces his commitment to professional and ethical standards.

You would establish a new advisory relationship with Fountain, including a new custodian, account platform, and contact information. Before making any decisions, you would have the opportunity to review our services, fees, and account requirements.

Scott's personal approach to financial planning, investment management, and client service would remain consistent. While the firm and technology would be different, Scott's commitment to your financial goals and priorities would not.

Yes. If you choose to work with Fountain, Scott would remain your primary financial advisor and continue to lead your financial planning and investment strategy.

Matt is Scott's business partner and serves as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations. A licensed CPA, Matt brings experience in accounting, business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and financial operations. His initial focus is on managing and developing the business, allowing Scott to remain focused on client relationships.

You can reach us at 913-638-2613 (Scott) and 913-638-2615 (Matt). Our office locations can be found on our website at www.fountainpw.com

A custodian is a financial institution responsible for holding and safeguarding investment assets, maintaining records, and processing transactions.

Like other independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms, Fountain uses a custodian to hold client assets separately from the advisory firm.

Scott would continue providing your financial planning and investment management, while the custodian provides account statements and access to your investments.

Fountain has selected Altruist Financial LLC to hold client assets and provide account administration, digital account opening, and online access.

We selected Altruist for its modern technology, streamlined account opening, convenient digital access, and account administration capabilities.

Altruist Financial LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. SIPC protection generally covers missing cash and securities at a failed SIPC-member brokerage firm up to $500,000 per customer, including up to $250,000 for cash, subject to applicable rules and limitations. SIPC does not protect against market losses or guarantee investment returns.

Vanguard has announced an agreement to acquire Altruist, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Until the transaction closes, they remain separate companies. Following closing, Altruist is expected to continue operating as a standalone business under Vanguard’s ownership.

No. Fountain would serve as your investment adviser, while Altruist would hold your assets. Vanguard's announced acquisition would not change your advisory relationship with Fountain.

Yes. If you choose to work with Scott at Fountain, your accounts would be transferred to Altruist.

We will review your existing investments with Altruist to determine which holdings can transfer without being sold. If any holdings cannot transfer, we will discuss your options, including potential costs and tax consequences, before you decide how to proceed.

Our team would guide you through the process. No accounts would move without your authorization.

There is typically no cost to transfer your account to Fountain, though your current institution may charge an outgoing transfer or account closure fee. Our team can help you confirm whether any fees apply before you begin the process.

Yes. If you choose to work with Fountain, you would have access to Altruist's online client portal and mobile app, with guidance from our team on getting started.

We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and discuss what working together could look like, including our approach, services, and fees. There is no obligation to make a change simply because you requested information.

No. Choosing a financial advisor is a personal decision, and we encourage you to take the time you need to evaluate your options. Requesting information does not commit you to opening accounts or transferring assets.