Client Benefits

Our Specialty is providing independent, comprehensive financial planning services to individuals in need of investment guidance and portfolio consulting over the age 50—generally 10-20 years from retirement, or already retired.

Our Mission is to provide our clients with sound investment advice so that they may obtain their goal of a secure and successful retirement and achieve a level of financial independence that lasts the rest of their lives.  Financial planning is not a one-time event—it is a continuous, life-long process. 

Our Commitment is to provide you with independent, sound advice over the long haul based on your individual finances, short-term and long-term goals, and plans for retirement.  It's a higher standard of financial planning, one that makes Birks Financial Advisors your trusted advocate.  We listen to what’s important to you and customize your plan to meet your individual needs and goals. 

Our Investment Philosophy is based on the principles of asset allocation, tax management, portfolio diversification, long-term performance, and controlling fees and costs.

Our Typical New Client Profile

  • Wants a trusting, long-term relationship with an experienced, competent, and objective advisor.
  • Is eager to commit to a plan for a secure and successful retirement.
  • Has a minimum of $400,000 to invest. (most existing clients have $500,000 - $2 million).
  • Understands the importance of on-going communication and maintaining a partnership in planning.

What You Can Expect

Objective Advice—Birks Financial Advisors, LLC is an Independent, fee-based financial and retirement planning firm. We work for you, our client, not a company that markets products.  Our complete focus is on what is best for you!

Expertise—Jim Birks, President of Birks Financial Advisors, LLC, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a  Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM. Jim has over 20 years experience in Northern Virginia helping individuals and families develop investment strategies to reach their goal for a successful and fulfilling retirement.  He maintains a solid, loyal base of clients who have continued confidence and trust in his integrity and advice.

Accessibility—When you work with our firm on an open-retainer basis, not only will you have regularly scheduled financial reviews, but you the added benefit of scheduling a consultation whenever an unexpected financial concern or new opportunity arises—at no additional cost!

Value-Based Pricing—We are not the least expensive financial advisor you will find, but we are committed to providing value that exceeds the fee.  If we do not believe that you will realize savings that add up to considerably more than your fee, you will not be accepted as a client.

Our Pledge to be a Great Advisor:

  • Commitments made to you are fulfilled in a timely manner and to your specifications.
  • You will receive regular feedback regarding your financial progress and the status of your plan.
  • You can expect proactive contact from us  to keep you informed and ahead of important financial deadlines.
  • Our advice is honest and objective—we won’t necessarily tell you what you want to hear, we will tell you what you need to hear.  Your best interests are our number one consideration.
  • Excellent follow-through on questions, concerns and requests by our staff—high quality customer service.
  • Our advice has value to you beyond the investment strategy.  It includes helping you make smart choices about your money in all areas that impact your security and financial well being.
  • You have the peace of mind knowing that we're “on top of” your finances.
  • You know we're there for you and keeping you on course.

Your Pledge to be a Great Client:

  • You are coachable and financially responsible. 
  • You want to manage your money intelligently, proactively--not reactively.
  • You are receptive to working with a financial advisor because your time is valuable and you appreciate the benefits of professional business relationships.
  • You are busy working on a successful career, running a business, or enjoying the rewards of a successful retirement.
  • You recognize the importance of working with someone who is trustworthy, competent, and knowledgeable to help you with your financial choices.
  • You view the process of creating a financial strategy for retirement as exciting and important.
  • You expect excellent value for your money because you follow the advice you pay for and implement the plans to get you where you want to go.
  • You are courteous, respectful, straightforward and sincere.
  • You believe in the value of an ongoing, long-term professional partnership.