Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about our services, approach, and how we work with clients.

• Are you a fiduciary?

  Yes, we are a fiduciary 100% of the time. This means everyone at Pine Harbor Advisors is bound to act in our clients’ best interests and never place our own interests or profit ahead of theirs. Fiduciary duty is about care, loyalty, and transparency — and it’s the foundation of our client relationships.

• What services do you provide, and what are the costs associated with these services?

  We primarily provide investment management, retirement planning, and employer retirement plan services. Pine Harbor Advisors is a fee-based firm, meaning we collect a clearly stated fee for our services. Fees are typically a percentage of assets under management and are reviewed with you in advance.

  • View Our Fee and Services Structure
• How often would I communicate or meet with my advisor?

  At a minimum, our advisory clients meet with us annually. Many choose to meet more often depending on life events, retirement planning, or personal preference. We’re also available year-round by phone or email.

• What makes our client experience unique?

  Since 2011, Pine Harbor Advisors has delivered highly personalized financial planning and investment management. Learn more about our process and what sets us apart.

  • Certified Financial Planners™ (CFPs®) on staff with advanced training and expertise.
  • AdviceWorks®, a secure planning portal that helps you stay organized, track progress, and collaborate with your advisor.
  • Independence, with no sales quotas or proprietary products — our recommendations are based solely on your goals.
  • Local, personal service — from your first call, you’ll see we are more than a website with a call center.
• How can I schedule a meeting with an advisor?

  Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation or call our office at (207) 761-4733. This introductory call reviews your current financial picture and helps us understand your goals.

• Who does Pine Harbor work with?

  We primarily serve:

  • Retirees
  • Pre-retirees
  • Employer retirement plans
  • Small business owners
  • Public sector employees

  Every situation is unique. Visit our Who We Help section for more details.

• Who are Cetera and Pershing?

  We’re affiliated with Cetera Advisors, one of the premier broker-dealers in the industry. They handle trade execution and provide compliance and support, while allowing us the independence to recommend solutions that best fit your needs — with no sales quotas or proprietary products.

  Pershing is our custodian. They safeguard client assets, provide online account access, and issue important documents such as 1099s.

  To learn more about Cetera Advisors and Pershing and how they support our clients, please visit our About Cetera Advisors page.

• What is AdviceWorks®?

  AdviceWorks® is our secure financial planning portal. It allows you to track progress toward your goals, organize documents, and collaborate with your advisor in real time.

• Can you assist with tax strategies or estate planning?

  Yes. While we are not CPAs or attorneys, we regularly help clients with tax-efficient strategies and estate planning considerations. When specialized advice is needed, we can connect you with trusted tax professionals and estate attorneys.

• What are your preferred methods of contact?

  We’re available by phone or email, which are the most secure and efficient ways to reach us. Please note we do not use text messaging for client communication.

• Where can I get my tax forms/1099?

  Tax forms are issued by your account custodian (such as Pershing) and can also be accessed in your AdviceWorks online portal or directly from your plan’s recordkeeper or investment company. They are also usually mailed to you. If you need help locating them, our team is happy to assist.

• Who should I contact for additional questions?

  Please refer to our Contact Us page to speak with a member of our servicing team or an advisor for any additional questions, or schedule an initial consultation. We’re here to help.