What is a fiduciary financial advisor, and is Patten Financial Group one?

Yes — as fiduciaries through our affiliation with Redhawk Wealth Advisors, Inc. (an SEC-registered Investment Adviser), we are legally required to act in your best interest at all times. We put your interests above our own, avoid conflicts of interest, disclose any potential issues, and provide accurate, thorough advice.

How do you get paid, and are you fee-only?

We operate as a fee-based fiduciary firm with transparent compensation focused on your success. This structure helps minimize conflicts and aligns our interests with yours, so you always know how and what you're being charged.

I'm not happy with my current financial advisor or wirehouse. How do I know if it's time to switch?

Common signs include: you rarely hear from your advisor outside of account statements, you're not sure exactly what you're being charged or why, your portfolio hasn't been reviewed against your current goals in over a year, you've been passed between different advisors at the same firm, or you feel like a number rather than a relationship. If any of that sounds familiar, a complimentary second-opinion conversation can help you see where you stand — with no obligation to move anything.

What's the difference between a fiduciary advisor and a wirehouse broker?

A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. Many wirehouse brokers, by contrast, are held only to a 'suitability' standard, meaning a recommendation only has to be reasonable for your general situation — not necessarily the best available option — and may be influenced by commissions or proprietary products. As fiduciaries, we don't have that conflict: our recommendations are based on what's best for you, and our fees are transparent.

Do you work with high-net-worth individuals, executives, and business owners?

Yes. A significant part of our practice is dedicated to executives, business owners, and pre-retirees and retirees with more complex financial pictures — including concentrated stock positions, equity compensation, business succession and exit planning, tax strategy, and estate planning coordination alongside retirement income planning.

Is switching financial advisors complicated?

It's more straightforward than most people expect. In most cases, assets transfer directly between custodians without you needing to liquidate anything, and we handle the paperwork alongside you. We'll walk you through exactly what to expect before you decide to move forward.

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Who we serve

We specialize in the 10–15 years before and after retirement — the most financially critical season of your life.

The Planner
(Ages 50–60)
Still working and building wealth, but starting to think seriously about what's next. You want a clear roadmap — not guesswork — so you can retire on your terms.
Wealth Accumulation · Tax Strategy · Social Security Timing

The Decider
(Ages 58–65)
Retirement is 1–5 years away and the questions are getting real. Income, Medicare, estate prep — you need a plan that brings it all together before the clock runs out.
Retirement Income · Medicare Planning · Estate Prep

The Optimizer
(Ages 62–72)
You're retired or nearly there. Now it's about making your money work smarter — minimizing taxes, maximizing efficiency, and protecting what you've built.
RMD Strategy · Roth Conversions · Annuities

Business Owners
(Any Age)
Your business is your biggest asset — and your retirement plan. We help you build personal wealth alongside it and exit entirely on your own terms.
Succession Planning · Exit Strategy · Key Person Coverage

Not sure which describes you?

That's okay — most people are a blend.

Schedule A Complimentary 30-minute Conversation

Our Values

What Guides Every Relationship

Transparency

As a fiduciary, we're legally obligated to act in your best interest — so you get no hidden fees and no fine print to hunt for. You always know what you're paying, what you own, and why we recommend it.

Clarity

We look at your full financial picture — not just one account or one goal in isolation — and explain the plan in plain language, not jargon, so you understand how everything works together and the "why" behind every recommendation.

Communication

We build every relationship on an open line of communication — regular check-ins, quarterly reviews, and a standing invitation to reach out with questions any time, so you always know where things stand and never feel like just another account.

Our Process

The PFG Fiduciary Process

A clear, step-by-step path we walk with every client — from our first conversation to ongoing management of your plan.

Discovery Meeting

Meeting #1 · In Person, Virtual, or Phone

We start by listening. This first conversation is about understanding your goals, your investment personality, and how you feel about where you are today versus where you want to be.

Understanding Your Situation

Your Homework

You'll complete a Financial Factfinder Questionnaire, a Risk Tolerance Questionnaire, and an Estate Planning Questionnaire so we have a complete picture of your finances and priorities.

Advisor Analysis

Our Homework

Your advisor reviews and evaluates everything you've provided — questionnaires, statements, and account details — to prepare a tailored recommendation.

Proposal & Recommendation

Meeting #2

Your advisor builds a customized game plan and presents it to you in a second meeting, walking through the reasoning and answering your questions.

Implementation & Ongoing Care

Active Management · Risk Management · Quarterly Reviews

Once you approve the plan, we put it to work — then keep it on track with active management, risk management, and quarterly reviews.

This overview describes our general process. The number of meetings and specific steps may vary based on your individual needs.