Does Edward Jones offer mortgage loans

Does Edward Jones offer mortgage loans? This question often arises for those embarking on the profound journey of homeownership, a dream woven into the fabric of personal achievement and stability. Understanding the landscape of financial services, particularly when it comes to securing a mortgage, is paramount. Edward Jones, a name synonymous with personalized financial guidance, plays a unique role in this pursuit, not as a direct lender, but as a steadfast partner in your broader financial aspirations.

Edward Jones has built its reputation on a foundation of trust and personalized attention, focusing on helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of investing and long-term financial planning. Their client profile typically includes those seeking dedicated guidance for retirement, education savings, and wealth accumulation. The firm’s core philosophy revolves around building deep, lasting relationships, understanding each client’s unique life goals, and crafting tailored strategies using a diverse array of investment products and planning tools.

This holistic approach ensures that every financial decision, including significant ones like purchasing a home, is aligned with your overarching vision for the future.

Understanding Edward Jones’s Financial Service Offerings

Edward Jones is a well-established financial services firm known for its personalized approach to wealth management and investment advice. They focus on building long-term relationships with clients, guiding them through various stages of their financial lives. Their core mission revolves around helping individuals achieve their financial goals through diligent planning and tailored investment strategies.The firm distinguishes itself by emphasizing a human-centric model, where financial advisors work closely with clients to understand their unique circumstances, aspirations, and risk tolerance.

This deep understanding forms the bedrock of their advisory services, ensuring that recommendations are not just generic but specifically designed to meet individual needs.

While Edward Jones primarily focuses on investment and retirement planning, their offerings may not directly include mortgage loans. Understanding different loan types, such as what is a soft second mortgage , can be crucial for homeowners. It is advisable to confirm directly with Edward Jones regarding any potential mortgage services they might facilitate or partner with.

Primary Financial Services Provided

Edward Jones offers a comprehensive suite of financial services designed to address the diverse needs of its clientele. These services are geared towards helping individuals plan for and achieve their financial objectives, from saving for retirement to managing wealth for future generations.The main services include:

Retirement planning, helping clients save effectively and plan for their post-work years.
Investment management, providing strategies and products to grow assets over time.
Estate planning, assisting in organizing and transferring assets to beneficiaries.
Insurance solutions, offering protection against financial risks.
Education savings, helping families plan and save for future educational expenses.
Tax-efficient investing, aiming to minimize tax liabilities on investment returns.

Typical Client Profile

Edward Jones primarily serves individual investors and families who are looking for a dedicated financial advisor to guide them. The firm often attracts clients who value a personal connection and prefer working with an advisor who understands their specific financial situation and life goals. This typically includes:

Individuals and couples planning for retirement or already in retirement.
Those seeking to grow their wealth through disciplined investing.
Families needing to plan for significant future expenses like education or major purchases.
Individuals who appreciate a hands-on, relationship-driven approach to financial advice.
Clients who may not have extensive financial expertise and desire professional guidance.

The firm’s model is less focused on high-net-worth individuals seeking complex institutional services and more on providing accessible, personalized advice to a broad spectrum of investors.

Core Philosophy and Client Relationships

The guiding philosophy at Edward Jones is deeply rooted in the belief that strong, trusting relationships are fundamental to successful financial planning. They operate on a principle of “people before profits,” prioritizing the client’s best interests above all else. This philosophy translates into:

A long-term perspective: Advisors focus on building enduring relationships, understanding that financial goals evolve over time.
Personalized advice: Strategies are never one-size-fits-all; they are crafted based on in-depth conversations and understanding of each client’s unique situation.
Accessibility: Advisors are encouraged to be readily available to their clients, fostering open communication and regular check-ins.
Education and empowerment: Clients are educated about their investments and financial plans, empowering them to make informed decisions.

This commitment to personalized service and relationship building is a cornerstone of the Edward Jones experience.

Range of Investment Products and Financial Planning Tools, Does edward jones offer mortgage loans

Edward Jones provides access to a diverse array of investment products and sophisticated financial planning tools to support its clients’ goals. While they do not underwrite or issue their own proprietary products in the way some larger institutions might, they offer a wide selection from various reputable fund families and issuers.The investment products available typically include:

Mutual funds: A broad selection covering various asset classes, investment styles, and sectors.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Offering diversification and trading flexibility.
Stocks: Individual equities for clients seeking direct ownership.
Bonds: Fixed-income securities for income generation and portfolio diversification.
Annuities: For retirement income planning and protection.
Managed accounts: Professionally managed portfolios tailored to specific investment objectives.

In terms of financial planning tools, Edward Jones advisors utilize proprietary software and resources to:

Develop comprehensive financial plans: These plans often include retirement projections, cash flow analysis, and goal-setting.
Model different scenarios: Advisors can simulate the impact of various market conditions or life events on a client’s financial future.
Track progress: Tools are used to monitor investment performance and the progress towards financial goals.
Assess risk tolerance: Questionnaires and discussions help determine an appropriate investment risk level.

These tools, combined with the advisor’s expertise, aim to provide clients with a clear roadmap for their financial journey.

Exploring Mortgage Loan Availability at Edward Jones

So, you’re thinking about buying a place and wondering if Edward Jones can help with the mortgage side of things. It’s a super common question, especially when you’re already working with a financial advisor for your broader financial picture. Let’s dive into how Edward Jones handles mortgage inquiries and what they

do* offer that ties into homeownership.

Edward Jones, at its core, is a firm focused on investment management and financial planning for individuals and small businesses. They don’t directly originate or underwrite mortgage loans themselves. This means you won’t walk into an Edward Jones office and fill out a mortgage application in the same way you might at a dedicated mortgage lender. Their business model is built around helping clients grow and manage their wealth through investments, retirement planning, and other advisory services.

Edward Jones’s Approach to Mortgage Financing Inquiries

When a client expresses interest in mortgage financing, Edward Jones doesn’t leave them hanging. Instead, they leverage their network and focus on guiding clients toward appropriate solutions. Their advisors are trained to understand your financial goals, including homeownership, and can help you assess your readiness for such a significant financial undertaking.If a client inquires about mortgage financing, the process typically involves the following steps:

Needs Assessment: Your Edward Jones financial advisor will first discuss your homeownership goals, including your timeline, budget, and current financial situation. This helps them understand the scope of your needs.
Financial Readiness Evaluation: They will analyze your financial health to determine your capacity for a mortgage. This includes reviewing your income, savings, existing debts, and creditworthiness. The goal is to ensure you’re in a strong position to qualify for a loan and manage the associated payments.
Referral to Trusted Partners: Since Edward Jones doesn’t offer mortgages directly, your advisor will likely refer you to trusted third-party mortgage lenders or brokers. These are entities with whom Edward Jones may have established relationships or that they have vetted for their reliability and competitive offerings.
Guidance on Preparation: Your advisor can also provide guidance on how to best prepare for the mortgage application process, such as steps to improve your credit score or strategies for accumulating a larger down payment.

Partnerships and Referral Networks for Mortgage Services

Edward Jones understands the importance of a comprehensive approach to financial planning, and that includes major life events like purchasing a home. While they don’t originate loans, they actively utilize partnerships and referral networks to connect clients with mortgage services. These relationships are built on trust and a shared commitment to client success.Edward Jones may utilize the following for mortgage services:

Established Lender Relationships: The firm often has established relationships with various mortgage lenders. These are typically reputable institutions known for their strong customer service and competitive mortgage products. Your advisor can help you navigate these options.
Independent Mortgage Brokers: In some cases, Edward Jones might refer clients to independent mortgage brokers. These professionals work with multiple lenders to find the best loan options for their clients, offering a broad spectrum of choices.
Vetted Referral Lists: Advisors often maintain lists of preferred or vetted mortgage professionals. This ensures that the referrals provided are to individuals and companies that have a proven track record of excellent service and fair practices.

Relevant Financial Products for Homeownership Planning

While direct mortgage origination isn’t part of their service, Edward Jones offers a robust suite of financial products and planning tools that are crucial for homeownership planning. These products can help you save for a down payment, manage your finances effectively during the home-buying process, and build long-term wealth that supports your homeownership goals.Here are some key financial products Edward Jones offers that are relevant to homeownership planning:

Savings Accounts: These are fundamental for accumulating funds for a down payment, closing costs, and an emergency fund for unexpected home repairs. Edward Jones offers various savings options to help your money grow safely.
Money Market Accounts: Offering potentially higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts while maintaining liquidity, money market accounts are excellent for short-to-medium term savings goals like a down payment.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs): For funds you won’t need immediately, CDs can offer fixed, often higher, interest rates for a set term, providing predictable growth for your down payment savings.
Investment Accounts (Mutual Funds, ETFs, Stocks): For longer-term homeownership goals, investing can be a powerful tool. Your advisor can help you select diversified investment portfolios that aim for growth, which can significantly boost your down payment fund over time. It’s important to balance risk and return based on your timeline and comfort level.
Retirement Accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s): While primarily for retirement, understanding the rules and potential implications of accessing funds from these accounts for a home purchase (e.g., first-time homebuyer exceptions) is something your advisor can help you navigate.
Financial Planning Services: Beyond specific products, Edward Jones excels at holistic financial planning. This includes budgeting, debt management, and cash flow analysis, all of which are critical for successfully managing the financial commitment of homeownership.

Comparing Edward Jones’s Services to Mortgage Lenders

When considering a significant financial undertaking like securing a mortgage, understanding where you’re seeking advice and services is paramount. Edward Jones, while a well-established financial services firm, operates with a different core mission and structure compared to institutions solely focused on mortgage lending. This distinction influences the type of support and the breadth of options available to clients.Edward Jones primarily positions itself as a provider of investment advice and wealth management.

Their business model revolves around helping individuals and families plan for long-term financial goals, such as retirement, education savings, and legacy planning, through investment strategies. Dedicated mortgage lenders, on the other hand, are specialized institutions whose primary function is originating and servicing home loans. This fundamental difference in focus shapes their product offerings, expertise, and customer service approach.

Core Business Model Differences

The fundamental divergence in their business models dictates their operational priorities and client interactions. Edward Jones is built on fostering long-term client relationships centered on investment growth and financial planning. Their advisors are trained to understand a client’s overall financial picture and align investment strategies with life goals. Mortgage lenders, conversely, are transaction-oriented, focusing on the efficiency and accuracy of the mortgage application and approval process.

Their expertise lies in understanding various loan products, underwriting criteria, and interest rate fluctuations specific to the real estate market.

Service Focus: Edward Jones vs. Banks/Credit Unions

Edward Jones’s service focus is broad, encompassing investment portfolios, retirement planning, insurance, and estate considerations. While they may guide clients toward mortgage solutions, it’s typically through referrals or by facilitating connections with external lending partners, rather than originating the loan themselves. Banks and credit unions offering mortgages have a more direct service model. They possess in-house lending departments staffed by mortgage loan officers who are experts in their institution’s specific mortgage products, rates, and underwriting processes.

This direct approach can often lead to a more streamlined and integrated experience for clients seeking a mortgage directly from these institutions.

Mortgage Advice: Financial Advisor vs. Mortgage Specialist

Seeking mortgage advice from a financial advisor at Edward Jones offers a holistic financial perspective. The advisor can help you understand how a mortgage fits into your overall financial plan, considering its impact on your investments, cash flow, and long-term goals. However, their knowledge of specific mortgage products, rates, and the intricacies of the lending process might be less detailed than that of a dedicated mortgage specialist.

A mortgage specialist, typically found at a bank, credit union, or dedicated mortgage company, possesses deep expertise in the mortgage market. They can explain the nuances of different loan types, compare rates from various lenders, and guide you through the complex application and closing procedures. The advantage of a specialist is their focused knowledge, while the advantage of an advisor is their broader financial planning context.

“A mortgage is not just a loan; it’s a significant financial decision that impacts your entire financial landscape. Understanding its place within your broader wealth management strategy is crucial.”

Hypothetical Scenario: Edward Jones Client Securing a Mortgage

Consider Sarah, an existing Edward Jones client who has been working with her advisor, Mark, for several years to build her retirement portfolio. Sarah decides it’s time to purchase her first home. She discusses this goal with Mark. Mark, understanding Sarah’s overall financial situation, helps her assess her readiness for homeownership by reviewing her savings, income stability, and existing investments.

He might advise her on how much she can comfortably afford for a monthly mortgage payment without jeopardizing her long-term financial goals.Mark would then typically facilitate Sarah’s introduction to trusted mortgage lending partners with whom Edward Jones has established relationships. He might provide Sarah with a list of recommended lenders or directly connect her with a loan officer. Sarah would then engage with the mortgage specialist from the chosen lender.

This specialist would guide her through the mortgage application process, explaining various loan options, interest rates, and closing costs. While Mark continues to monitor Sarah’s overall financial health, the mortgage specialist handles the specific details of the loan origination. This approach ensures Sarah receives expert advice in both her investment planning and her mortgage acquisition.

Client Inquiry and Information Gathering Process: Does Edward Jones Offer Mortgage Loans

When a client considers purchasing a home, their financial journey often begins with a conversation about their aspirations and the practical steps involved. For those working with an Edward Jones financial advisor, this initial discussion about home financing is a natural extension of their ongoing relationship. The advisor’s role is to understand the client’s overall financial health and how a significant purchase like a home fits into their long-term goals.The process of initiating a conversation about home financing with an Edward Jones advisor is typically organic, stemming from broader financial planning discussions.

Clients might bring up their interest in buying a home during regular review meetings, or an advisor might proactively inquire about life events and goals that could involve a significant financial undertaking. This open dialogue allows the advisor to integrate mortgage planning into the client’s comprehensive financial strategy.

Information Gathering for Home Buying Financial Picture

To effectively guide a client through the home buying process, an Edward Jones advisor needs a holistic view of their financial situation. This goes beyond just the immediate need for a mortgage; it encompasses how this new financial commitment will impact their existing investments, savings, and overall wealth-building objectives. Gathering this comprehensive information allows the advisor to provide tailored advice and identify potential challenges or opportunities.An Edward Jones advisor will typically gather a range of information to understand a client’s broader financial picture related to home buying.

This includes:

Current income and employment stability: Assessing the reliability of the client’s income stream is crucial for mortgage qualification.
Existing assets and liabilities: Understanding savings, investments, debts (like car loans or student loans), and credit card balances provides a clear picture of the client’s financial capacity.
Credit score and history: This is a primary factor lenders use to determine eligibility and interest rates.
Down payment savings: The amount saved for a down payment significantly influences loan options and monthly payments.
Monthly expenses and budget: A detailed understanding of current spending habits helps determine affordability for mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.
Long-term financial goals: Aligning homeownership with retirement plans, education savings, and other aspirations ensures the mortgage decision supports overall financial well-being.
Risk tolerance: Understanding how comfortable the client is with financial risk helps in recommending appropriate mortgage products and strategies.

Resources for Mortgage Option Information

While Edward Jones does not directly originate mortgage loans, their advisors are equipped to provide clients with valuable resources and guidance to navigate the mortgage market. The advisor’s expertise lies in connecting clients with the right information and potential avenues for obtaining a loan, ensuring they make informed decisions.An Edward Jones advisor might provide clients seeking information about mortgage options with the following resources:

Educational materials on mortgage basics: This can include explanations of different loan types (fixed-rate, adjustable-rate), terms, and associated costs.
Referrals to reputable mortgage lenders: Advisors can leverage their network to suggest trusted mortgage brokers or banks.
Guidance on pre-approval processes: Helping clients understand what to expect when seeking pre-approval for a mortgage.
Information on factors affecting mortgage rates: Explaining how credit scores, market conditions, and loan terms influence interest rates.
Tools for budgeting and affordability calculators: Providing clients with resources to estimate their potential monthly mortgage payments and overall housing costs.
Connections to real estate professionals: Recommending experienced real estate agents who can assist in the home search process.

Client Questions for Mortgage Planning and Loan Avenues

When engaging with an Edward Jones financial advisor about home financing, clients will naturally have a variety of questions. These inquiries reflect their desire to understand their options, the process, and how this major financial decision aligns with their overall financial strategy.A client might ask an Edward Jones advisor the following questions regarding mortgage planning and potential avenues for obtaining a loan:

Given my current financial situation, what is a realistic home price range for me to consider?
How does saving for a down payment impact my overall investment strategy, and what are the pros and cons of using certain investment accounts for this purpose?
What are the key factors lenders consider when approving a mortgage, and how can I best prepare my financial profile?
Can you recommend some reputable mortgage lenders or brokers you have worked with in the past?
What are the typical closing costs associated with a mortgage, and how should I budget for them?
How will taking on a mortgage payment affect my ability to meet my other long-term financial goals, such as retirement or college savings?
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval, and which should I pursue first?
Are there any specific types of mortgage loans that might be more beneficial for my financial circumstances?
How can I ensure I’m getting a competitive interest rate on my mortgage?
What role does my credit score play in obtaining a mortgage, and how can I improve it if necessary?

Structuring Information for Mortgage Planning

When navigating the complex waters of homeownership, particularly securing a mortgage, a structured approach to information is absolutely key. This involves not just understanding the numbers but also how they fit into your broader financial picture. Edward Jones, through its financial advisors, aims to help clients organize this information effectively, making the mortgage planning process less daunting and more strategic.The goal is to transform a potentially overwhelming task into a series of manageable steps, ensuring clients are well-informed and confident in their decisions.

This structured approach allows for better forecasting, risk assessment, and ultimately, a more successful home-buying experience.

Key Considerations for Mortgage Planning and Potential Costs

Planning for a mortgage requires a thorough understanding of various financial aspects that directly influence your eligibility and the overall cost of borrowing. These considerations range from your personal financial standing to the specific details of the mortgage product itself. Organizing this information in a clear, tabular format helps visualize these critical elements and their potential impact.

Consideration	Description	Potential Impact on Mortgage	Estimated Cost/Range
Credit Score	A numerical representation of your creditworthiness, based on your credit history.	Higher scores generally lead to lower interest rates and better loan terms, increasing approval chances. Lower scores can result in higher rates, stricter terms, or denial.	N/A (Score itself), but directly impacts interest rate percentage.
Down Payment	The initial sum of money paid towards the purchase price of a home.	A larger down payment reduces the loan amount needed, potentially lowering monthly payments and avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). It can also improve loan approval odds.	Typically 3.5% to 20% of the home’s purchase price.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)	The percentage of your gross monthly income that goes towards paying your monthly debt obligations.	Lenders use DTI to assess your ability to manage monthly payments. A lower DTI is generally preferred, indicating less financial strain.	Lenders often prefer DTI below 43%, with lower being better.
Income Stability and Verification	Proof of consistent and sufficient income to support mortgage payments.	Lenders require verifiable income to ensure you can afford the loan. Irregular or insufficient income can lead to denial.	N/A (Requires documentation like pay stubs, tax returns).
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)	The ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the property.	A lower LTV (meaning a larger down payment) is generally seen as less risky by lenders, potentially leading to better terms.	Expressed as a percentage. 80% LTV or lower often avoids PMI.
Mortgage Interest Rate	The annual rate charged by the lender on the loan principal.	This is a primary driver of your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan over its lifetime. Even a small difference can amount to thousands of dollars.	Varies daily based on market conditions and borrower’s credit profile.
Mortgage Term	The length of time over which the mortgage is repaid.	Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid overall. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments but more interest paid over time.	Common terms are 15 or 30 years.
Property Taxes	Annual taxes levied by local governments on real estate.	These are typically included in your monthly mortgage payment (escrow). They can fluctuate annually.	Varies significantly by location and property value.
Homeowners Insurance	Insurance protecting your home against damage and liability.	Mandatory for mortgages and usually included in your monthly escrow payment. Premiums can vary.	Varies based on coverage, location, and property value.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)	Insurance required by lenders when the down payment is less than 20%.	Adds to your monthly mortgage payment until your LTV reaches a certain threshold.	Typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount annually, paid monthly.

Client’s Mortgage Preparation Journey with Financial Advisor Guidance

Embarking on the path to homeownership can feel like a significant undertaking, especially when it comes to securing the right mortgage. For many, the process is made smoother and more informed through the guidance of a financial advisor. This narrative illustrates a typical client journey, highlighting how professional advice can demystify the complexities and empower individuals to make sound decisions.

“When Sarah first approached me, she had a dream of owning her own home but felt overwhelmed by the financial jargon and the sheer number of variables involved in getting a mortgage. We started by taking a comprehensive look at her current financial situation – her income, expenses, savings, and debts. This allowed us to establish a realistic budget for a home purchase and identify areas where she could optimize her finances for a mortgage application. We then delved into understanding her credit report, explaining how her credit score impacts her borrowing power and what steps she could take to improve it. This proactive approach not only boosted her confidence but also positioned her favorably with lenders. We discussed various mortgage options, from fixed-rate to adjustable-rate loans, and how each would affect her long-term financial goals. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and providing clear, actionable advice, Sarah was able to secure a mortgage that fit her needs and budget, ultimately making her homeownership dream a reality.”

Organizing Projected Savings for a Down Payment

A substantial down payment is often a cornerstone of a successful mortgage application and can significantly reduce the overall cost of homeownership. Effectively organizing projected savings is crucial for meeting this goal. This involves setting clear targets, establishing a savings plan, and tracking progress regularly.To visualize this, consider a client aiming for a 20% down payment on a $300,000 home.

This requires $60,000. If they currently have $10,000 saved and plan to save $1,000 per month, the projected timeline can be mapped out. A financial advisor can help create a dedicated savings account, perhaps a high-yield savings account or a short-term investment vehicle, to maximize growth while maintaining liquidity. Regular reviews of this savings plan ensure the client stays on track and can make adjustments as needed, perhaps by increasing monthly contributions or exploring additional income streams.

Importance of Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Mortgage Eligibility

Your credit score is a critical determinant in your ability to secure a mortgage and the terms you’ll receive. It acts as a shorthand for lenders to assess your credit risk. A higher credit score signals to lenders that you are a responsible borrower who has a history of managing debt effectively, making you a less risky prospect.Lenders use your credit score to:

Determine your eligibility for a mortgage. Some loan programs have minimum credit score requirements.
Set your interest rate. A higher score typically qualifies you for lower interest rates, saving you substantial amounts of money over the life of the loan.
Influence the loan terms and conditions. This can include the types of loan products available to you and any associated fees.

For example, a borrower with a credit score of 760 might qualify for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.5%, while a borrower with a score of 660 on the same loan might face an interest rate of 7.5% or higher, significantly increasing their monthly payments and total interest paid. Understanding your credit report, identifying any inaccuracies, and working to improve your score before applying for a mortgage are therefore paramount steps in the home-buying process.

Conclusion

In essence, while Edward Jones may not be your direct source for a mortgage loan, their role as a financial navigator is invaluable. They empower you with the knowledge and financial discipline needed to approach mortgage lenders with confidence, ensuring your homeownership dreams are built on a solid financial foundation. By understanding your complete financial picture, Edward Jones helps you prepare for this significant milestone, making the path to your new home clearer and more achievable.

FAQ

Can Edward Jones help me prepare for a mortgage?

Absolutely. Edward Jones advisors excel at helping you strengthen your overall financial health, which is crucial for mortgage approval. They can guide you in saving for a down payment, managing debt, and understanding how your credit score impacts loan eligibility, all vital steps before approaching a lender.

Will Edward Jones refer me to mortgage lenders?

While Edward Jones doesn’t directly offer mortgages, their advisors may have established relationships with various lending institutions. They can often provide referrals or guide you on how to find reputable mortgage lenders who can meet your specific needs.

What if I already have a mortgage and want to discuss refinancing with Edward Jones?

Edward Jones’s focus is on comprehensive financial planning. While they don’t handle mortgage refinancing directly, they can help you evaluate if refinancing aligns with your broader financial goals, such as debt reduction or cash flow management, and advise on how to approach lenders for such services.

How does Edward Jones’s investment advice relate to home buying?

Edward Jones’s investment services are instrumental in helping you build wealth for significant life events like purchasing a home. They can help you set up investment accounts specifically for saving a down payment, potentially growing your funds over time to make homeownership more attainable.

What information will an Edward Jones advisor need to discuss home financing?

An advisor will want to understand your complete financial picture. This includes your income, expenses, savings, existing debts, investment portfolio, and your timeline for buying a home. This holistic view allows them to provide the most relevant guidance for your homeownership journey.