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Fee ComparisonFAQsContactClient Portal

FAQS

Do I have to live on Long Island to work with First Shelbourne?

No. While I am based on Long Island and primarily serve local families, I utilize a secure digital platform to work with clients nationwide. 

Where are my assets held, and how are they protected?

I have selected Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab") to serve as the independent third-party custodian for my clients' accounts. First Shelbourne is a fully independent Registered Investment Advisor; not employees of, or affiliated with, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., who serves solely as our third-party custodian.

What this means for you:

Institutional Security: While First Shelbourne manages your investment strategy and executes trades, I never take physical possession of your money or securities. Your assets are held in a brokerage account in your name at Schwab.

Direct Access & Transparency: You will receive monthly statements and tax documents directly from Schwab, and you will have 24/7 access to your account.


The "Schwab Asset Protection Guarantee": As one of the world’s largest financial institutions, Schwab provides robust protection for your account. They will cover 100% of any losses in your Schwab accounts due to unauthorized activity.*

Fiduciary Oversight: This structure allows me to focus on my role as your Fiduciary advisor, while Schwab provides the institutional-grade technology, reporting, and clearing services required to protect your capital.

*The Schwab Asset Protection Guarantee applies to unauthorized activity and is subject to Schwab’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit schwab.com/guarantee.

What fee does First Shelbourne charge for investment management?

My total annual fee for investment management is 0.50%. This fee is broken down into four quarterly payments of 0.125% each that gets deducted directly from the investment account. This ensures that you are only paying for the exact time your assets are under my management. I bill "in arrears," meaning you are only charged after the service for that quarter has been completed. Visit the Fee Comparison page for more detail. 

Industry average fee of 1.02% is based on the 2025 AdvisoryHQ and Kitces Research studies for a $1 million portfolio. First Shelbourne’s fee of 0.50% is a standard rate; actual fees may vary and are disclosed in my Form ADV Part 2A. Lower fees do not guarantee higher investment returns.

Do you purchase or sell high-fee products?

No. As a fee-only fiduciary, I do not sell insurance, annuities, or any products that pay commissions. I have eliminated all indirect incentives—such as product grids, revenue-sharing, or preferred lists. 

What is First Shelbourne's approach to investing?

I design personalized portfolios using a core-satellite strategy that prioritizes low cost index funds. My goal is to build a high-quality foundation for your wealth while maintaining the flexibility to capture specific market opportunities.

  • The core: I use stock and bond index ETFs to capture market returns efficiently. By utilizing both asset classes, I can adjust the mix to match your specific risk tolerance—whether you need aggressive growth or stable income.
  • Satellite positions: I complement your foundational holdings with sector-specific ETFs or individual securities. This allows me to customize your portfolio for unique opportunities that may present themselves throughout the year.

Does your firm avoid any specific investments?

Yes. To protect the integrity of your portfolio and keep internal costs low, I intentionally exclude several categories of complex or high-fee investments. My goal is to maintain a transparent, liquid, and easy-to-understand strategy for every client. I do not purchase:

  • Complex or Leveraged ETFs: This includes inverse, buffer, or VIX-linked funds which often carry high internal costs and structural risks.
  • Cryptocurrency: I do not manage Bitcoin or other digital assets, as they do not currently meet my criteria for institutional-grade stability.
  • Private Credit & Illiquid Markets: I prioritize daily liquidity, avoiding the "lock-up" periods found in private debt or private equity.
  • High-Cost Products: I avoid high-fee mutual funds and commodity ETFs that incur "roll costs" via futures contracts.

Note: My exclusion of these asset classes is based on my current investment philosophy and assessment of market risks. I review these exclusions annually to ensure they remain in the best interest of my clients. While I avoid these specific high-fee or complex products, all investing involves risk of loss.

Do you have a minimum investment requirement?

My standard minimum investment for new client is $250,000. 

Note: Household minimums are $250,000 but may be waived or reduced at my discretion for specific financial situations. Please contact me to discuss your unique needs.

I have a child with special needs. What specific qualities should I look for when hiring a financial advisor?

At First Shelbourne, it’s personal. As a father to a son with autism, I live this reality every day. I understand the "3:00 AM" worries about who will watch over the funds and advocate for your child’s quality of life when you are no longer there to do it yourself.

When planning for a child with special needs, you aren't just looking for an investment manager, you are looking for a long-term fiduciary steward. Because this planning often spans 50 to 70 years, you need an advisor who understands the intersection of private wealth and public benefits.

Is First Shelbourne licensed and insured?

Yes. First Shelbourne is registered in the State of New York. To ensure the highest level of security and professional accountability, I maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including:

  • Errors & Omissions (E&O): This professional liability insurance protects against errors or omissions in the investment advice I provide.
  • Cyber Liability Insurance: This policy covers the costs associated with data breaches, cyber-attacks, and identity theft recovery.

Can I contact you directly with questions?

Yes. You can visit the contact page and call or send a secure message.

Please note: For your protection, avoid sending sensitive information like account numbers via standard email. I utilize secure, encrypted communication channels for all confidential data. All business-related communications are archived in accordance with New York state regulatory requirements

© 2026 First Shelbourne LLC, All rights reserved.

First Shelbourne LLC is a registered investment advisor in New York. Financial advisor services are offered through First Shelbourne LLC, an investment advisory firm domiciled in the State of New York. The presence of this website on the Internet shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons of another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by our firm in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or under an applicable state exemption. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research, or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. 

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