FAQ

  • Stella Maris Wealth provides personalized financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, tax-aware wealth strategies, and legacy planning for individuals, families, retirees, and business owners.

    Our goal is to help clients make informed financial decisions, steward their resources wisely, and pursue their long-term financial objectives with confidence.

  • Our services may include:

    • Comprehensive Financial Planning
    • Retirement Planning
    • Risk Management
    • Investment Management
    • Portfolio Construction and Monitoring
    • Tax-Aware Investment Strategies
    • Roth Conversion Analysis
    • Estate and Legacy Planning (through a third-party vendor)
    • Risk Management and Insurance Analysis
    • Retirement Income Planning
    • Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan Consulting

    Recommendations are tailored to each client's unique goals, circumstances, and risk tolerance.

  • Yes.

    As a Registered Investment Adviser, Stella Maris Wealth Management acts as a fiduciary and is legally obligated to place clients' interests ahead of their own when providing investment advisory services.

  • Most clients pay an asset-based advisory fee that is calculated as a percentage of assets under management.Fees are outlined in each client's Investment Advisory Agreement and fully disclosed in our Form ADV Part 2A.In certain situations, Katrina Whitlinger may also receive commissions from insurance products such as fixed annuities or life insurance. Any such compensation is disclosed to clients before implementation.

  • We believe successful investing begins with a well-designed financial plan.

    Our investment approach emphasizes:

    • Long-term investing 
    • Diversification 
    • Tax efficiency 
    • Risk management 
    • Cost awareness
    • Goal-based portfolio construction 

    Portfolios may utilize individual stocks, ETFs, fixed income investments, cash equivalents, and other appropriate investments based on client objectives.

  • Yes.

    Clients may request portfolios that incorporate faith-based investment preferences and restrictions. Stella Maris Wealth Management can work with clients to align investment decisions with their personal values and beliefs where reasonably practical.

    Faith-based investing is available upon request and is not required for clients of the firm.

  • Stella Maris Wealth Management works with individuals and families who are committed to long-term financial planning and disciplined investing. Whether your goals include preparing for retirement, creating a sustainable retirement income strategy, preserving wealth for future generations, or implementing tax-efficient investment solutions, our focus is on helping you align your financial resources with your most important life goals. To provide the highest level of advice and stewardship, we generally prefer to work with clients on a comprehensive basis. This allows us to understand your complete financial picture and manage your portfolio in a coordinated manner, helping ensure your investments, cash reserves, retirement assets, and other financial resources are aligned with your objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

  • Client assets are held at an independent qualified custodian.

    Stella Maris Wealth Management currently utilizes Schwab Advisor Services™, a Charles Schwab platform serving independent investment advisers. Clients receive account statements directly from Schwab and retain full ownership of their assets at all times.

  • No.

    The firm does not take possession of client funds or securities. Client assets remain at the independent custodian, Charles Schwab.

    Per client written authorization, the firm may be authorized to deduct advisory fees directly from client accounts on a consistent periodic basis.

  • We believe communication is an important part of the planning process.

    Clients typically receive ongoing portfolio monitoring and periodic reviews. Meetings may occur annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or more frequently depending on client needs and circumstances.

    Clients are encouraged to contact us whenever significant life changes occur.

  • Yes.

    With client permission, we frequently collaborate with accountants, tax professionals, estate planning attorneys, and other trusted advisers to help ensure recommendations are coordinated and aligned with the client's overall financial plan.

  • Yes.

    Retirement income planning is a core component of our services and may include:

    • Social Security analysis 
    • Retirement cash flow planning 
    • Withdrawal strategies 
    • Tax-efficient distribution planning 
    • Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) planning 
    • Pension elections 
    • Annuity analysis when appropriate

  • We provide tax-aware financial planning and investment strategies.

    However, Stella Maris Wealth Management does not provide legal or accounting advice. Clients should consult qualified tax professionals regarding specific tax matters.

  • In certain cases, we may provide advice regarding employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k) accounts.

    The scope of services depends on the plan's rules and available investment options.

  • The process generally includes:

    1. Introductory Consultation 
    2. Discovery Meeting 
    3. Financial Plan Creation and Recommendations 
    4. Account Implementation
    5. Ongoing Advice and Monitoring 

    There is no obligation associated with an initial consultation.

  • Katrina D. Whitlinger is the Founder, Investment Manager, and Financial Planner of Stella Maris Wealth Management.

    She has more than 15 years of experience in financial services and corporate finance and holds the ChFC®, CEPA®, and AAMS™ professional designations.

    Katrina works closely with clients to help them navigate important financial decisions, prepare for retirement, and build a meaningful legacy for future generations.

  • Stella Maris Wealth Management, LLC

    17 E. Stone Ave
    Greenville, SC 29609

    Phone: (864) 807-6333

    Email: katrina@stellamariswealth.com

    Website: Stella Maris Wealth Management

Advisory services are offered through Stella Maris Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.