ABOUT OUR FIRM

Frequently Asked Questions About Rockport Wealth Advisors

Helping individuals and families in Cleveland, Youngstown, and beyond build clarity, confidence, and long-term financial direction.

About Rockport Wealth Advisors

Rockport Wealth Advisors (“Rockport”) is an independent fiduciary, fee-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) providing comprehensive wealth management services including financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, tax strategy and coordination, and estate planning guidance.

We serve individuals, families, retirees, and business owners with a focus on long-term relationships and disciplined goals-based decision-making.

Rockport has offices in:

  • Cleveland (Fairview Park), Ohio
  • Youngstown, Ohio

However, we work with clients across the country.

Yes, Rockport operates as a fiduciary, meaning we are legally and ethically required to always act in our clients’ best interests.

Rockport is a fee-based advisory firm. Our compensation is typically based on assets under management and/or financial planning engagements, depending on the client relationship.

Rockport was founded in 2012 by Adam Stalnaker and Joe Kovach with the goal of building a client-first, independent advisory firm focused on planning-driven wealth management.

About Our Services

Rockport provides comprehensive wealth management services, including:

• Cash flow and distribution planning
• Financial planning
• Investment management
• Retirement income planning
• Tax-efficient investment strategies (in coordination with CPAs)
• Estate and legacy planning coordination
• Risk management and insurance planning

No, investment management is just one part of our offering. Rockport’s core approach is comprehensive financial planning that integrates with retirement planning, tax strategy coordination, and estate planning to help clients achieve long-term goals.

Yes, retirement planning is one of Rockport’s core areas of focus. We help clients:

  • Adjust portfolios for retirement income stability
  • Determine retirement income needs
  • Build sustainable withdrawal strategies
  • Plan for Social Security timing
  • Evaluate pension and benefit options
  • Manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Rockport does not prepare taxes, but we work closely with your CPA to help coordinate tax-efficient financial strategies, including:

  • Capital gains management
  • Tax-aware investment allocation
  • Roth conversion analysis
  • Withdrawal strategy planning

We do not draft legal documents, but we work alongside estate planning attorneys to help ensure your financial plan aligns with your legacy goals, including trusts, beneficiary designations, and asset transfer strategies.

About Our Philosophy

Rockport focuses on a planning-first approach that integrates investments with real-life financial decisions. Rather than merely focusing on returns, we emphasize:

  • Coordination across tax, investment, and estate strategies
  • Long-term financial clarity
  • Fiduciary, client-first advice

Yes, market volatility is a normal part of investing. Rockport helps clients stay aligned with their long-term plan, make informed adjustments when needed, and avoid emotional decision-making during periods of uncertainty.

Yes, financial planning is not a one-time event. Rockport provides ongoing planning updates as clients move through different stages of life, including career changes, family transitions, inheritance, and retirement.

About Our Investment Approach

Portfolios are designed based on each client’s goals, risk-tolerance, time horizon, income needs, and overall financial plan. We focus on disciplined, long-term investment rather than short-term market timing.

Portfolios are actively monitored and reviewed regularly. In addition, we review client plans during scheduled meetings and during significant life or market changes.

Rockport uses Charles Schwab as its primary custodian. Schwab provides secure custody of client assets along with industry-leading technology, reporting, and trading capabilities.

Working with Rockport

Rockport works with:

  • Professionals with growing investment portfolios
  • Pre-retirees and retirees
  • Individuals and families
  • Business owners preparing for transition or exit
  • Professionals with growing investment portfolios

Our clients typically value planning, communication, and a long-term advisory relationship.

Client minimums vary depending on the type of engagement and complexity of planning needs. In general, Rockport works with clients who have at least $250,000 of investable assets.

The first meeting is an introductory conversation to understand your current situation, financial goals, and priorities. We also explain our planning process and determine whether there is a good mutual fit for working together.

If available, helpful items include:

  • A list of financial goals and/or concerns
  • Recent investment and retirement account statements
  • Tax returns
  • Insurance policies
  • Estate planning documents

Education & Resources

“The Rockport Way” is a book authored by Rockport’s CEO, Adam Stalnaker, that outlines the firm’s philosophy on financial planning, investing, and building a life driven financial strategy. It is designed to help readers understand how to approach wealth with purpose and structure. You can find more information on the book here: https://rockportwealth.com/therockportway/

Yes, Rockport hosts a weekly radio show “The Truth in Investing”. You can access the show live on Mondays at 6 PM ET on 570 WKBN, Youngstown, OH , or find the episodes on iHeart.