FAQ


At Solera, we always encourage comments and questions concerning a relationship with us. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers that may help explain who we are and what we do. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us.

Who is Solera?

Solera is an investment management firm based in Roseville, CA. The Solera team is known for their deep care for clients that translates to timely communication, unique and effective planning & management, and for doing the right thing. Solera Asset Managers are known for being fiercely independent, applying true diversification, and actively managing to help grow portfolios while attempting to avoid losses.

Where did the name Solera come from?

Solera is a process for aging liquids such as wine, beer, vinegar, and brandy, by fractional blending in such a way that the finished product is a mixture of ages, with the average age gradually increasing as the process continues over many years. Solera literally means “on the ground” in Spanish, and it refers to the lower level of the set of barrels or other containers used in the process; the liquid is transferred from barrel to barrel, top to bottom, the oldest mixtures being in the barrel right “on the ground”. The investment strategies we employ for clients require a meticulous blending of diverse products and strategies to create a refined “mixture” that helps grow wealth while helping to protect against catastrophic investment losses.

Solera is the blending of our founder, Daryl Seaton’s two big passions in life, investment management and wine.

What do you do?

Solera Asset Managers provide clients with an alternate to traditional portfolio management. As a full service financial advisory firm we provide a fresh perspective to asset management. This approach helps clients protect against catastrophic loss and potentially still grow their portfolio by utilizing a diversified strategy of risk allocation. Solera employs a multitude of strategies, products, and services to help achieve each client objective.

What tools do you use to invest with?

We do not have any preconceived ideas about what a client should own when we first meet them. We do not believe that you only have one choice when it comes to asset management, therefore one is not stuck with traditional assets and strategies to achieve their goals. We believe in true diversification and therefore we often use untraditional assets and traditional assets in untraditional ways. If you can think of an asset we have probably used it to help a client.

What are the biggest things that people should pay attention to in portfolio management?

Taxes, cost of investing, and true diversification are the three things that affect the most what you will have net spendable in retirement. Additionally, you should always understand how an advisor is paid & what motives are behind any recommendation. Finally, and probably the most important is that you should understand the character of the individual you choose to work with.

Why do clients opt for professional wealth management?

Clients decide they need a professional investment manager for one of three reasons: They lack the time to manage their finances. They don’t have the experience and talent to effectively handle this part of their lives. And/or their temperaments aren’t conducive to the disciplined attention required.

Why do individuals and businesses choose Solera?

They’re looking for an investment management experience that is both comfortable and productive, both meaningful and accountable with someone they can trust.

What are your values?

We have seven core values that guide our dealings with clients, partners and each other, every day: Character, relationship, service, stewardship, accessibility, authenticity, and resource.

What does the process look like?

Every interaction is unique since everyone is different. However, we generally use the following process. During our first meeting, we get acquainted, and generally, individuals are asking us who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We discuss what you are looking for and we decide if there is an initial match and if we should continue a conversation. In our second meeting, we are asking you questions about yourself and collecting the necessary and pertinent documents. In a third meeting, we make draft recommendations. We take as much time and as many meetings as is necessary to answer questions and refine recommendations. Finally, we implement the strategies agreed upon.

What do I bring to our first meeting?

Just bring yourself and your questions. No paperwork is required.

Do you charge for an initial consultation?

We do not charge for the initial consultation. We are just interested in getting to know you to discover if we are a match for you and your needs.

The market has been wild & crazy, how does that affect what you do?

We are always vigilant with client accounts and our strategies are built for markets like these. We attempt to grow your portfolio despite the market condition while simultaneously attempting to minimize losses.

What can I do to safeguard my money and the integrity of my account?

There are three important things you should make inspect. 1) never let an advisor or individual be the custodian for your investments. Use well-known, national custodians. 2) Never agree to work with anyone who prints their own statements and 3) Never write a check to an individual or local firm.

How do you assure the safety of my account?

Solera is serious about maintaining your account’s safety and your privacy. We’ve implemented technology and best practices, including a secure client portal; password-protected documents; encrypted computers; and the oversight of Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Pershing’s security systems, to help assure your ongoing protection.