Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Andrew and Matthew Cilento (We) are both CFP® professionals, which means we are held to a fiduciary standard when providing financial planning advice. 

In plain terms, that means we are required to act in your best interest, not just recommend something that is suitable. 

We are an independent financial advisory team registered with Chelsea Advisory Services. We are not owned by a bank or an insurance company, and we do not have a "recommended list" or a corporate office telling us which products to utilize. 

That means we can look at the full range of options available and build a recommendation around what actually fits your needs.

We believe in being transparent about how we're paid. 

Depending on the services you use, we may charge an ongoing advisory fee, a flat fee for financial planning, or receive a commission if you purchase an insurance product through us. 

We'll always explain how we're compensated before you make any decisions. 

No. While many clients choose to work with us on an ongoing basis for comprehensive financial planning and investment management, that's not required. 

We're also happy to help with a specific need, such as a one-time financial plan, hourly financial consult, life insurance, disability insurance, an annuity, or another one-time request. 

It's a fair question. The answer is that commissions can create a potential conflict of interest, which is why we believe in being transparent about how we're compensated.

If you purchase a life insurance policy, disability insurance policy, or annuity through us, we may receive a commission from the insurance company. 

Our responsibility is to recommend solutions we believe are appropriate for your goals and circumstances, not simply the products that pay us. As CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, we take that responsibility seriously, and our business is built on long-term relationships and referrals, not one-time transactions.

We also believe clients deserve all options available. That's why we offer both fee-based planning and investment management, as well as insurance products when they're appropriate. Some clients need comprehensive financial planning. Others simply need the right insurance coverage. Our goal is to recommend what fits your situation, not force every client into the same model.

No. The financial plan is yours.

If we recommend something like life insurance, disability insurance, or an annuity as part of your plan, you are under no obligation to purchase it through us. You're welcome to take our recommendations and obtain the product from any company or advisor you choose.

Of course, we'd appreciate the opportunity to earn your business, but the decision is always yours.

No. While many of our clients are located in Staten Island, Brooklyn, New York City, and New Jersey, we also work with individuals and families across the United States.

Whether we meet in person or virtually, we provide the same comprehensive financial planning experience. Through secure video meetings, phone calls, and electronic document sharing, we can guide clients through every step of the planning process no matter where you live.

FJC Financial Group was built on family, and we believe trust is earned.

We look for problems to solve, not products to sell. Before we recommend anything, we ask ourselves one simple question: Would we recommend this to our own family? If the answer is no, we won't recommend it to you.