How your assets are held and protected
When you work with Vineyard Wealth Group, your assets are not held by us. Your accounts are held at Charles Schwab, an independent custodian. This structure provides an important layer of protection and transparency.
You maintain full visibility and control of your accounts at all times, with secure access directly through Schwab. You can view your balances, transactions, and statements independently, whenever you choose.
Clear separation of roles
Vineyard Wealth Group serves as your investment advisor. We provide guidance, manage your portfolio, and coordinate your financial plan across investments, taxes, and long-term strategy.
Charles Schwab serves as the custodian. They hold your assets, process transactions, and provide account reporting and security.
This separation of roles is intentional. It helps ensure independent oversight, transparency, and an added layer of protection for your assets.
Multiple layers of protection
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Schwab Security Guarantee
Schwab provides a Security Guarantee that helps protect against unauthorized account activity. If your account is accessed without your permission and you have taken reasonable precautions, Schwab works with you to make things right.
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SIPC protection
Accounts held at Schwab are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which covers up to $500,000 per client, including up to $250,000 for cash, in the event of broker-dealer failure.
Schwab also carries additional excess SIPC coverage through Lloyd’s of London, providing further protection beyond standard SIPC limits.
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FDIC coverage for cash
When cash is held in bank sweep programs or certain banking-based products, it may be eligible for FDIC insurance through participating banks, subject to applicable limits and program structure.
This provides an additional layer of protection for cash held outside of investment accounts.
What this means for you
You are not handing your assets over to an advisor.
Your accounts are held in your name at a well-established, highly regulated custodian. You receive statements directly from Schwab, maintain full access to your accounts, and can independently verify everything at any time.
Our role is to guide and manage your financial strategy. We help you make informed decisions, implement those decisions, and keep everything coordinated across your financial life. Schwab’s role is to hold and safeguard your assets.
This model is standard across independent advisory firms and is designed to provide a high level of transparency, accountability, and client protection.
As a fee-only advisor and fiduciary at all times, Vineyard Wealth Group is obligated to act in your best interest. At the same time, Schwab operates as a regulated custodian responsible for holding and protecting client assets.
Together, this structure ensures that advice, custody, and oversight remain properly separated.
Ready to simplify your financial life?
Start with a conversation. We’ll talk through your situation, answer your questions, and see if working together makes sense