When it comes to things that are built to last, the factory line is the last place you’d look. Bespoke clothing, tools, furniture – all are hand made to withstand the test of time.
Why would it be any different for that which absolutely must endure intact: your money?
That’s the theory at work in Trustco Bank’s Financial Services Department. Because no two people are alike, why would their savings plans be?
“Our ultimate goal is to help our clients receive comprehensive wealth management,” said Patrick LaPorta, administrative vice president at Trustco. “Nothing is a canned approach.”
That starts with the client relationship. Trustco is unique in that every account is assigned to two people – one to handle investments and the other to handle the administration of the account. That way, the account holder is always covered by at least one person with intimate knowledge of the account when they need a meeting.
Yes, a meeting. Trustco’s managers endeavor to meet face-to-face with clients whenever practical. And even if you’re away, you’ll never be stuck punching numbers at an automated menu.
“What we’re really proud of is the level of service we have with each one of our customers,” LaPorta said. “You’re not going to get a call center dealing with anyone who picks up the phone.”
With 100 years of experience under its belt, Trustco’s Financial Services Department can handle just about anything, including estate settlement, trust administration and individual money management. They’ll be able to manage the plans of a client with a well-honed vision for his or her finances, as well as help the novice investor decide on risk tolerance and a timeline for retirement. And when tax time rolls around, Trustco is willing to work with accountants and attorneys to make sure every “t” is crossed.
In recent turbulent times, Trustco has been working to ensure that its clients’ investments are not only secure, but smart. Trustco is focusing on short-term maturity bonds, and when it comes to mutual funds there is a rigorous screening process to ensure they are not only solid earners, but free of front-end and back-end fees.
“The bank is totally independent of all of these fund companies, and we like it that way,” LaPorta added.
While investing in stocks, buying bonds or starting a trust used to be the domain of the super-rich, times have changed. LaPorta emphasized no one should consider themselves unqualified to start investing their money right away.
“We have individuals who are high net worth individuals. But then we have a lot of individuals who are just everyday people … who are out there working and trying to save and invest,” he said. “It’s never too soon or too late to start investing, and it’s never too small to start investing.”
Learn more about Trustco Bank’s Financial Services Department at trustcobank.com. Contact Pat LaPorta at 518-381-3644 to meet with them for a free review at any one of Trustco’s branches.
