Medical Division
The Back Story
When Allison McCarty enrolled at the University of Maryland, she was considering two completely different career paths: financial or medicine. Ironically enough, she decided to enter the university as a pre-med major, where she lasted a whole two weeks before applying to the Robert H. Smith School of Business to study finance! Upon receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, Allison joined the team at Financial Advantage Associates (FAA) in 2007 and founded the Medical Division of FAA in 2009.
Perry Lazerus joined FAA in June of 2011 and partnered with Allison to help support the Medical Division that November. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Maryland, Perry did not expect to have a career as a Financial Advisor. That being said, he’s found his undergraduate training helpful in the process of educating his clients on how to work towards financial success, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Allison & Perry are registered representatives and investment advisor representatives of Securian Financial Services, Inc.,
Market Involvement
Allison & Perry have given numerous educational presentations to hospitals, residency programs, dental schools and veterinary schools throughout Maryland, DC and Virginia. These seminars cover topics such as the Fundamentals of Financial Planning, Debt Management for Doctors, Principals of Investing and Retirement Income Strategies.
Our Clients
Allison & Perry are passionate about helping medical professionals, both in training and in practice, plan for and overcome the challenges unique to their profession. Many of their clients are concerned with:
- Excessive student and personal debt in the beginning of their careers
- Balancing Debt Repayment with Wealth Accumulation
- Limitations on the time available to devote to financial matters
- Building wealth
- Establishing or joining a professional practice
- Protecting income and families
- Higher potential for professional and personal liability to personal and business assets
- Complex tax planning issues and higher than average tax liability*
Our Process
Allison & Perry offer a complimentary, no cost or obligation, consultation to all prospective clients. This consultation gives both the client and the advisor(s) the opportunity to get to know each other better and determine if it makes sense to move forward working together. During the meeting the advisor(s) will review the different relationship options available for working with clients. Whether it’s simply a product you’d like help securing (i.e. life, disability or long-term care insurance or fee-based asset management) or a service you’re seeking (i.e. financial planning) the team of professionals at FAA is committed to providing genuine advice and exceptional service.
Working with Residents/Dental Students/Veterinary Students
Generally, we meet with those in training to start building a relationship and offer financial assistance to help manage cash flows and create a debt repayment plan. Additionally, for those who are ready to move forward in securing disability insurance and/or setting up retirement strategies – we’ll assist with those services and be compensated accordingly.
Working with Those Finishing Training or Already in Practice
For those who’ve just signed their first big contract, as well as those who have been practicing for years – we generally suggest initiating the relationship by completing a product-neutral financial plan (for a fee) to review every aspect of your financial situation. The financial planning process is a series of meetings that covers the following topics:
- Current Financial Position & Cash Flows
- Debt Repayment Planning
- Insurance Coverage
- Investment Analysis
- Retirement Planning
- Tax Planning*
- Estate Planning
The financial plan outlines where you’re headed based on your current habits, as well as an action plan for improving your financial position moving forward. Additionally, you’ll receive one year’s access to financial planning tool, eMoney, to help track your assets, expenses, and net worth going forward.
Completing the financial plan is a great first step, but it doesn’t hold much weight until the recommendations have been implemented.** As your financial advisors, Allison & Perry will follow up with you to ensure the necessary steps are taken to help achieve the goals you have outlined for yourself. Additionally, we’ll be available to meet with you throughout the year to review your progress financially, and address the changes (personally and/or professionally) that may affect your financial situation and priorities going forward.
*This should not be considered as specific tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax or legal professional regarding your individual situation.
**Separate from the financial plan and our role as financial planner, we may recommend the purchase of specific investment or insurance products or accounts. These product recommendations are not part of the financial plan and you are under no obligation to follow them.
