Overview
Assets Under Management: $193 million
Headquarters: MCLEAN, VA
High-Net-Worth Clients: 66
Average Client Assets: $3 million
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $300,000 | 1.50% |
| $300,001 | $600,000 | 1.35% |
| $600,001 | $1,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $1,000,001 | $3,000,000 | 1.10% |
| $3,000,001 | and above | 0.75% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $13,550 | 1.36% |
| $5 million | $50,550 | 1.01% |
| $10 million | $88,050 | 0.88% |
| $50 million | $388,050 | 0.78% |
| $100 million | $763,050 | 0.76% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 66
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 83.87
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $3 million
Total Client Accounts: 452
Discretionary Accounts: 452
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 116291
Last Filing Date: 2025-02-10 00:00:00
Website: https://alphafinancialadvisors.com
Form ADV Documents
Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A (2025-08-07)
View Document Text
ADV Part 2 Brochure
Date: August 7, 2025
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC
8260 Greensboro Drive, Suite 125
McLean, VA 22102
703.442.7686 office / 703.442.7597 fax
www.alphafinancialadvisors.com
Eric D. Hess, CFP®, ChFC™
Certified Financial Planner®
Chartered Financial Consultant™
Managing Member / Chief Compliance Officer
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Alpha Financial
Advisors, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact Eric D. Hess,
President, at 703.442.7686. Additional information about Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC is also available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC 8260 Greensboro Drive Suite 125 McLean, VA 22102
703.442.7686 eric@alphafinancial advisors.com www.alphafinancialadvisors.com
Page 2 of 14
Item 2: Material Changes
The material changes in this brochure from the last annual updating amendment of Alpha
Financial Advisors, LLC on 02/10/2025 are described below. Material changes relate to Alpha
Financial Advisors, LLC's policies, practices or conflicts of interest.
• The firm has updated its assets under management (Item 4).
Item 3: Table of Contents
Page
Item 4: Advisory Business
3
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
4
Item 6: Performance Based Fees and Side by Side Management
4
Item 7: Types of Clients
4
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
5
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
6
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
7
Item. 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
7
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
8
Item 13: Review of Accounts
9
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
9
Item 15: Custody
10
Item 16: Investment Discretion
10
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
10
Item 18: Financial Information
11
Item 19: Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
11
Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement
Item 1: Cover Page
12
Page 3 of 14
Item 4: Advisory Business
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC was formed in December, 2000. The principal owner is Eric D. Hess, CFP®,
ChFC™.
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC (AFA) is an independent financial advisory firm that represents individuals and
offers ongoing life planning advice based on a client’s personal and unique goals. AFA is a holistic financial
advisory firm which means we offer all aspects of financial planning.
AFA differs from traditional stock brokerages in that our independence grants us the ability to provide our clients
with financial advice that is purely and simply in the client’s best interest. We do not receive any income from the
use of ‘recommended’ investment products, brokerage or mutual funds, or commission-based trades or product
sales. Our income is based on a percentage of assets under management which is the method preferred by the most
discerning clients and firms and the method endorsed by most consumer and advocate groups.
AFA provides continuous advice to a client regarding the investment of client funds based on the individual needs,
goals and attitude toward risk. Through personal discussions and completion of a detailed questionnaire in which
goals and objectives based on a client's particular circumstances are established, we develop a client's personal
investment policy and create and manage a portfolio based on that policy. During our data-gathering process, we
determine the client’s individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. As appropriate, we
also review and discuss a client's prior investment history, as well as family composition and background. Clients
can request a review at any time and/or annually. Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC’s clients are encouraged to call or
visit at any time to discuss any concerns or issues. Under certain circumstances clients may impose restrictions when
investing in specific securities or types of securities.
Services Offered
Financial Planning: AFA provides financial planning services. Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation
of a client’s current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset
values and withdrawal plans. Through the financial planning process, all questions, information and analysis are
considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the client. Clients receive a
written report which provides the client with a detailed financial plan designed to assist the client achieve his or her
financial goals and objectives.
•
•
Investment Management: We analyze investments and their effect on the client’s portfolio using the latest
technological advances in portfolio research, management and reporting to optimize portfolio performance. Top
ranked stock and bond managers are chosen from our institutional universe of over 10,000 funds. Our firm is free
from the restrictions and conflicts of interest which limit or potentially influence investments.
• Retirement Planning: AFA helps clients achieve retirement goals and understand complicated retirement and stock
option plans.
• Tax and Cash Flow Management: AFA assesses the client’s current financial health and identifies areas where
savings can be made. We help establish goals and how to stay on track to meet those goals. AFA analyzes the
client’s income tax, spending and planning for past, current and future years; then illustrates the impact of various
investments on the client's current income tax and future tax liability. Management of tax reporting is an important
part of AFA’s investment management.
•
Insurance Counseling: Clients are advised on what types of risks might be faced at different stages of life. We
review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term care, liability, home and
automobile.
• Estate Planning: As a partner in planning for the future, AFA assists clients in assessing and developing long-term
strategies, living trusts, wills, estate taxes, powers of attorney, asset protection plans, long term care, Medicaid and
elder law. AFA works with a client’s existing counsel to ensure financial goals compliment estate planning needs.
Page 4 of 14
Amount of Assets Under Management
As of June 2025, Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC held a total of $201,121,880 under management with
$201,121,880 in discretionary accounts and $0.00 in non-discretionary accounts.
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Fee Only: Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC is a fee-only advisory firm. Our annual fees for Investment
Supervisory Services are based upon a percentage of assets under management and generally range from 0.55%
to 1.50%. The annual investment management fee shall be billed at the end of each quarter, in arrears, and based
upon the market value of the assets on the last day of the quarter. All inflows and outflows from accounts will
be billed on a pro-rata basis at the end of the quarter. Accounts that begin or terminate for any reason within a
quarter will also be billed on a pro rata basis. Fees may be negotiated under certain circumstances.
Fee Schedule
Market Value
Less than $300,000
$300,000.01 — $600,000
$600,000.01 — $1,000,000
$1,000,000.01 — $3,000,000
Greater than $3,000,000
Annual Fee
1.50%
1.35%
1.25%
1.10%
0.75%
Financial planning and consulting service: To the extent specifically requested by a client, under certain
circumstances AFA may determine to provide financial planning and/or consulting services on a stand-alone fee
basis. AFA’s planning and consulting fees generally begin at $250 per hour, depending upon the level and scope
of the service required. This hourly fee may be negotiable and is payable in arrears.
Fees: Fees are automatically deducted from the assets in the client’s account. The standard fee structure applies
unless mitigating circumstances require customization.
General Information
Termination of the Advisory Relationship: A client agreement may be canceled at any time, by either party, for
any reason upon receipt of written notice. Please note that notice of termination must be in writing. Accounts that
terminate for any reason within a quarter will be billed on a pro rata basis.
Mutual Fund Fees: While AFA fees are based solely on a percentage of assets under management, clients may
incur additional expenses from the use of investment vehicles and custodial services necessary in portfolio
management. These fees and expenses are unaffiliated with AFA and are described in each fund’s prospectus.
Clients are advised to review both the fees charged by the funds and AFA fees to fully understand the total amount
to be paid by the client and to thereby evaluate the advisory services being provided.
Wrap Fees: AFA does not participate in wrap fee accounts.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC does not charge performance-based fees.
Item 7: Types of Clients
AFA clients are comprised of individuals (other than high net worth individuals), high net worth individuals and
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one pension and profit sharing plan. AFA generally requires a minimum $500,000.00 of investable assets to
become a client and receive our investment advisory services. AFA may waive or modify its investable asset
minimum based on certain criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets,
related accounts, etc.)
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
• Analysis: Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC utilizes the following methods of analysis in formulating investment
advice and/or managing client assets.
Fundamental Analysis – Attempts to measure the intrinsic value of a security by looking at economic and
financial factors to determine if a company is underpriced or overpriced. Fundamental analysis does not
attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a potential risk, as the price of a security can move up
or down with the overall market regardless of the economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the
security.
Technical Analysis – Analyzes past market movements and applies that analysis to the present in an attempt
to recognize recurring patterns. Technical analysis does not consider underlying financial conditions which
present a risk that a company may underperform. Further, past performance is not indicative of future
performance.
Quantitative Analysis - Utilizes mathematical models in an attempt to obtain more accurate measurements of a
company’s quantifiable data, such as the value of a share price or earnings per share, and predict changes to that
data. A risk in using quantitative analysis is that the models used may be based on assumptions that prove to be
incorrect.
Qualitative Analysis - Subjectively evaluates non-quantifiable factors such as quality of management, labor
relations, and strength of research and development factors not readily subject to measurement, and predicts
changes to share price based on that data. A risk is using qualitative analysis is that our subjective judgment may
prove incorrect.
Charting - Charts of market and security activity are reviewed in an attempt to identify when the market is
moving up or down and to predict how long the trend may last and when that trend might reverse.
Cyclical Analysis - Movements of a particular stock are measured against the overall market in an attempt to
predict the price movement of the security.
Asset Allocation - Attempts to identify an appropriate ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash suitable to the
client’s investment goals and risk tolerance. A risk of asset allocation is that the client may not participate in
sharp increases in a particular security, industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of securities, fixed
income, and cash will change over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no longer
be appropriate for the client’s goals.
Risks for all forms of analysis: Our securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the companies
whose funds we purchase and sell, the rating agencies that review these funds, and other publicly-available
sources of information about these funds, are providing accurate and unbiased data. While we are alert to
indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that our analysis may be compromised by inaccurate
or misleading information.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Our investment approach
constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors may face the following investment risks:
Interest-rate Risk - Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate. For example, when
interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive, causing their market values to decline.
Market Risk - The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to tangible and intangible
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events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external factors independent of a security’s particular
underlying circumstances. For example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
Inflation Risk - When any type of inflation is present, a dollar next year will not buy as much as a dollar today,
because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
Currency Risk - Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar against the currency
of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as exchange rate risk.
Reinvestment Risk - This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to be reinvested at a
potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily relates to fixed income securities.
Business Risk - These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular company within an industry.
For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can
generate a profit. They carry a higher risk of profitability than an electric company, which generates its income
from a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic environment is like.
Liquidity Risk - Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Generally, assets are more
liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid,
while real estate properties are not.
Financial Risk - Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk of profitability,
because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good times and bad. During periods of financial
stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Given the inherent risks associated with investing, all clients are made aware of the volatile nature of
investing through in-depth counseling and educational materials. Each client is advised investing in securities
involves a risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Investment Strategies:
Modern Portfolio Theory - Attempts to maximize portfolio expected return for a given amount of portfolio
risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a given level of expected return, by carefully choosing the proportions
of various assets. As with any investment strategy policy, there are risks involved. Markets do not always
behave as expected and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Long-term purchases - Securities are purchased with the idea of holding them in the client's account for a year
or longer. Typically this strategy is employed when we believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or
we want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current projection for this class. AFA
also employs a trading methodology that strives to minimize transaction fees and taxes which can affect
investment performance. A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length of
time, we may not take advantage of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. Moreover, if our
predictions are incorrect, a security may decline sharply in value before we make the decision to sell.
AFA does not utilize a frequent trading strategy; AFA does employ a trading methodology that strives to
minimize transaction fees and taxes which can affect investment performance. In general, AFA’s methods of
analysis and investment strategies do not present any significant or unusual risks. AFA primarily utilizes mutual
funds led by well-established teams with proven track records. As with any investment, however, past
performance is no guarantee of future results. AFA does not utilize alternative investment strategies that
assume abnormal or unusual risk.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC has no disciplinary actions against it nor has it ever been involved in a
disciplinary action of any type.
Page 7 of 14
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC has no affiliation with other entities.
Item. 11: Code of Ethics
• AFA has adopted a Code of Ethics which sets forth high ethical standards of business conduct that we require of our
employees, including compliance with applicable federal securities laws. AFA and its personnel owe a duty of
loyalty, fairness and good faith towards our clients, and have an obligation to adhere not only to the specific
provisions of the Code of Ethics but to the general principles that guide the Code. AFA requires delivery and
acknowledgement of the Code of Ethics by each supervised person of our firm.
AFA has established policies requiring the reporting of Code of Ethics violations to our Chief Compliance Officer.
AFA abides by all applicable laws and regulations governing its practices and has also adopted in their entirety the
Codes Ethics as detailed by the CFP®, ChFC™ and NAPFA organizations.
Principal and Chief Compliance Officer Eric D. Hess’, CFP®, ChFC™ professional designations and memberships
demonstrate he is dedicated to the highest level of ethics. A CFP® professional abides by a strict code of conduct,
known as CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which sets forth ethical responsibilities to
clients. CFP® Board also conducts a background check. Through the Code of Ethics, CFP® practitioners agree to
act fairly and diligently when providing financial planning advice and services, and to put the client’s interests first.
CFP® practitioners are required to provide clients with their sources of income and conflicts of interest in writing.
The ChFC™ designation has been a mark of excellence for financial planners for almost thirty years. Chartered
Financial Consultants abide by a strict Code of Ethics.
As a member of NAPFA, Eric D. Hess demonstrates his dedication to highest standards of ethics and
commitment to providing advice to clients on a fee-only basis.
The CFP® Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Principle 1 – Integrity: Provide professional services with integrity.
Integrity demands honesty and candor which must not be subordinated to personal gain and advantage.
Certificants are placed in positions of trust by clients and the ultimate source of that trust is the certificant’s
personal integrity. Allowance can be made for innocent error and legitimate differences of opinion, but integrity
cannot co-exist with deceit or subordination of one’s principles.
Principle 2 – Objectivity: Provide professional services objectively.
Objectivity requires intellectual honesty and impartiality. Regardless of the particular service rendered or the
capacity in which a certificant functions, certificants should protect the integrity of their work, maintain
objectivity and avoid subordination of their judgment.
Principle 3 – Competence: Maintain the knowledge and skill necessary to provide professional services
competently.
Competence means attaining and maintaining an adequate level of knowledge and skill, and application of that
knowledge and skill in providing services to clients. Competence also includes the wisdom to recognize the
limitations of that knowledge and when consultation with other professionals is appropriate or referral to other
professionals necessary. Certificants make a continuing commitment to learning and professional improvement.
Principle 4 – Fairness: Be fair and reasonable in all professional relationships. Disclose conflicts of interest.
Fairness requires impartiality, intellectual honesty and disclosure of material conflicts of interest. It involves a
subordination of one’s own feelings, prejudices and desires so as to achieve a proper balance of conflicting
interests. Fairness is treating others in the same fashion that you would want to be treated.
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Principle 5 – Confidentiality: Protect the confidentiality of all client information.
Confidentiality means ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorized to have access. A
relationship of trust and confidence with the client can only be built upon the understanding that the client’s
information will remain confidential.
Principle 6 – Professionalism: Act in a manner that demonstrates exemplary professional conduct.
Professionalism requires behaving with dignity and courtesy to clients, fellow professionals, and others in
business-related activities. Certificants cooperate with fellow certificants to enhance and maintain the
profession’s public image and improve the quality of services.
Principle 7 – Diligence: Provide professional services diligently.
Diligence is the provision of services in a reasonably prompt and thorough manner, including the proper
planning for, and supervision of, the rendering of professional services.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
AFA may buy or sell securities that are also recommended to clients. However, due to the fundamental size and
nature of the mutual funds in which AFA recommends, the potential for material conflict of interest is extremely
minimal. Regardless, these situations may represent actual or potential conflicts of interest to our clients, we
have established policies and procedures to ensure our firm complies with its regulatory obligations and provides
our clients and potential clients with full and fair disclosure of such conflicts of interest:
• AFA reviews quarterly securities transactions reports as well as initial and annual securities holdings reports
submitted by the firm’s access persons. AFA’s policies and procedures also provides for oversight,
enforcement and recordkeeping provisions. They are designed to assure personal securities transactions,
activities and interests of our employees will not interfere with making decisions in the best interest of
advisory clients. No AFA Principal or employee may put his or her own interest above the interest of an
advisory client.
• No Principal or employee of AFA may buy or sell securities for their personal portfolio(s) where their
decision is a result of information received as a result of his or her employment unless the information is
also available to the investing public.
•
It is the expressed policy of AFA that no person employed by us may purchase or sell any security prior to a
transaction(s) being implemented for an advisory account. This prevents such employees from benefiting
from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts.
• AFA maintains a list of all reportable securities holdings for our firm and anyone associated with this
advisory practice that has access to advisory recommendations ("access person"). These holdings are
reviewed on a regular basis by our firm's Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee.
• AFA has established procedures for the maintenance of all required books and records.
• Our Principal and employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and State regulations
governing registered investment advisory practices.
• Any individual who violates any of the above restrictions may be subject to termination.
AFA does not have a material financial interest in any security.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
AFA has an arrangement with Schwab Institutional through which Schwab Institutional provides our firm with their
"platform" services. The platform services include, among others, brokerage, custodial, administrative support,
Page 9 of 14
record keeping and related services that are intended to support intermediaries like AFA in conducting business and
in serving the best interests of our clients but that may also benefit us. AFA clients enter a formal agreement which
sets forth the terms and conditions in which AFA will manage their accounts utilizing Schwab Institutional’s
custodial services. In directing brokerage as such, it is possible the client may not obtain the lowest possible
commission rates for client transactions. Not all advisors require clients to direct brokerage.
Factors that AFA considered in utilizing Schwab Institutional for custodial services include its financial strength,
reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. The transaction fees paid by AFA's clients
comply with AFA’s duty to obtain best execution. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the
lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into
consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s services, including execution capability, commission rates, and
responsiveness.
Schwab Institutional charges brokerage commissions and transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions
(i.e., transactions fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds, commissions are charged for individual equity
and debt securities transactions). Schwab Institutional enables AFA to obtain many no-load mutual funds without
transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges. Schwab Institutional’s commission rates
are generally considered discounted from customary retail commission rates. However, the commissions and
transaction fees charged by Schwab Institutional may be higher or lower than those charged by other custodians and
broker-dealers. As part of the arrangement, Schwab Institutional also makes available to our firm, at no additional
charge to us, certain research and brokerage services, including research services obtained by Schwab Institutional
directly from independent research companies, as selected by AFA (within specified parameters). These research
and brokerage services presently include services such as analyst research from Argus, Standard & Poors, Schwab,
Credit Suisse, Ned Davis and Reuters are used by AFA to manage accounts for which we have investment
discretion.
AFA does not receive any soft dollar benefits as a result of its association with Schwab Institutional.
AFA does not receive referrals from a broker-dealer or third party.
Aggregation of trades: As a matter of policy and practice, AFA does not generally aggregate trades and, therefore,
we implement client transactions separately for each account. Consequently, certain client trades may be executed
before others, at a different price and/or commission rate. AFA typically does not have the opportunity to block
trades as the majority of client investments are in mutual funds and ETFs. When possible, however, we may utilize
the aggregation of trades to benefit client accounts when the aggregate position or purchase enables access to a share
class with a lower operating expense ratio or when block execution enables better execution.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Funds are continually monitored; client account reviews are performed monthly and quarterly. Accounts are
reviewed in the context of each client’s stated objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered
by material changes in variables such as the client’s individual circumstances, market, political or economic
factors.
We meet clients on a regular basis, annually or on request, to review financial plans and discuss any concerns,
issues or changed circumstances. Clients may request a review at any time. Clients receive a written quarterly
report prepared by AFA which includes market and portfolio commentaries on the quarter’s performance as well
as a portfolio summary. AFA also periodically sends letters to inform, educate and stay in touch with clients.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC does not receive any economic benefit or compensation from any referral or any
other advisory service. Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC does not receive any compensation for client referrals.
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Item 15: Custody
AFA accounts are held by the largest qualified custodial provider, Schwab Institutional.
The qualified custodial provider, Schwab Institutional, issues account statements directly to the client. AFA does
not send an additional monthly account statement but quarterly reports are prepared by AFA and sent to each
client. Clients are encouraged to review and compare account statements / reports and to contact us with any
questions.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
AFA has discretionary authority over investment assets in order to better enable management of the portfolio. Our
discretionary authority includes the ability to do the following without contacting the client:
•
•
•
•
determine the security to buy or sell; and/or
determine the amount of the security to buy or sell; and/or
determine the time to buy or sell; and
determine the broker/dealer who is utilized.
Clients give us discretionary authority when they sign a discretionary agreement with our firm, and may limit this
authority by giving us written instructions. Clients may also change/amend such limitations by providing us with
written instructions.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
The following information summarizes AFA’s Policy and Procedures regarding how AFA votes proxies.
AFA’s Policies and Procedures do not apply to those situations where the client has retained voting discretion. In
those situations, the custodian will ensure that proxies are delivered directly to the client for voting. AFA will
provide voting advice only when specifically requested.
Primary Objective: In general, proxies will be voted in a manner designed to maximize the value of client
investments. Generally, it is AFA’s policy to vote in accordance with management’s recommendations on most
issues since the capability of management is one of the criteria used by AFA in selecting investments. Proxy
proposals that change the existing status of a company will be reviewed to evaluate the desirability of the
change, and to determine the benefits to the company and its shareholders, but AFA’s primary objective is
always to protect and enhance the economic interests of its clients.
Exceptions: When AFA believes management is acting on its own behalf, instead of on behalf of the well-being
of the company and its shareholders, or when AFA believes that management is acting in a manner that is
adverse to the rights of the company’s shareholders, AFA will take steps to represent the interests of its clients
and, as a result, may elect to vote against management’s recommendations.
AFA generally favors cumulative voting for directors. In situations where AFA is extremely displeased with
management’s performance, it may withhold votes or vote against management’s slate of directors and other
management proposals as a means of communicating its dissatisfaction. This occasion could develop if AFA
believes that management has displayed a consistent inability or lack of interest in moving the company toward
achieving its potential. AFA typically votes against significant compensation increases or compensation not tied
to company performance in instances where it believes the company is under performing and/or management has
not added value to the company.
Other Factors AFA Considers: AFA recognizes that the activity or inactivity of a company with respect to
matters of social, political or environmental concern may have an effect upon the economic success of the
company and the value of its securities. Therefore, AFA typically supports management’s position on matters of
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social, political or environmental concern, except where it believes that a different position would be in the
economic interest of company shareholders.
Conflicts: In evaluating a proxy proposal, AFA’s Principal or any person designated by him/her (the
“Designated Voter”) is responsible for considering whether there are any circumstances that may give rise to a
conflict of interest on the part of AFA in connection with voting client proxies either because of a business
relationship between AFA and the company or otherwise. If the Designated Voter believes that a potential
conflict of interest exists, he or she must vote in a manner which favors the client’s interest and should, if
necessary, consult with AFA’s legal counsel. If necessary, the vote should be referred to the client, or another
fiduciary of the client.
Records: Appropriate records shall be prepared and maintained relating to receipt of proxies and how and when
voted. Clients may obtain a copy of such records with respect to their securities by requesting such in writing
from AFA. Clients may also request a copy of AFA's proxy voting policies and procedures by contacting AFA.
Item 18: Financial Information
AFA does not solicit advance payment in any amount for any service. There is no financial condition that is
reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet contractual commitments to clients. AFA has not been the subject
of a bankruptcy proceeding.
Item 19: Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
Managing Director – Eric D. Hess, CFP®, ChFC™
Eric D. Hess was born in 1968. He was conferred degrees in Business Management and Economics from Eckerd
College, St. Petersburg, Florida in 1991.
In 1992, Eric Hess founded Hess Financial Services, Ltd. as an independent registered investment advisor. After
growing the business and assembling an exceptional team of experienced financial professionals, the firm was
renamed Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC in December 2000.
Eric Hess’ ongoing studies have earned him the professional designations of Certified Financial Planner ® and
Chartered Financial Consultant™.
These designations identify individuals who have completed the mandatory examination, education, experience
and ethics requirements mandated by the CFP® and ChFC™ Boards.
He is also a member of the distinguished National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).
NAPFA is the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors – highly trained
professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
Neither AFA nor any management persons have any relationships or arrangements with any issuer of securities.
AFA is not involved in any other business and does not receive compensation from performance-based fees.
Neither the Firm nor any management persons have been involved in any activities resulting in a disciplinary
disclosure at any time.
Page 12 of 14
ADV Part 2B
Investment Advisor Supplement
Date: February 7, 2025
Supervised Persons:
Eric D. Hess, CFP®, ChFC™
This brochure supplement provides information about the Firm’s Supervised Persons that supplements Alpha
Financial Advisors, LLC’s brochure. Please contact Eric D. Hess, President if you have any questions about the
contents of this supplement at 703-442-7686.
Additional information about Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Alpha Financial
Advisors, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact Eric D. Hess,
President, at 703.442.7686. Additional information about Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC is also available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Alpha Financial Advisors 8260 Greensboro Drive Suite 125 McLean, VA 22102
703.442.7686 eric@alphafinancial advisors.com www.alphafinancialadvisors.com
Page 13 of 14
President and Chief Compliance Officer: Eric D. Hess
Educational Background and Business Experience
Eric D. Hess, CFP®, ChFC™ Year of Birth: 1968
Education
BS – Business Management and Economics, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL.
Business
President, 1992 - 2000, Hess Financial Services, Ltd.
President, 2000 - present, Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC.
Professional Certifications
Eric D. Hess maintains the following professional designations:
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
Issued by: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Prerequisites/Experience Required: Candidate must meet the following requirements:
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university, and
•
3 years of full-time personal financial planning experience.
Educational Requirements: Candidate must complete a CFP®-board registered program.
Examination Type: CFP® Certification Examination
Continuing Education/Experience Requirements: 30 hours every 2 years
ChFC™ - Chartered Financial Consultant
Issued by: The American College.
To receive the ChFC™ designation, the applicant must successfully complete all courses in his/her selected
program, meet experience requirements and ethics standards, and agree to comply with the American College
Code of Ethics and Procedures.
Prerequisites/Experience Required: Candidate must meet the following requirements:
• A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university, and
•
3 years of full-time personal financial planning experience.
Educational Requirements: Candidate must complete a ChFC™-board registered program.
Continuing Education/Experience Requirements: 30 hours every 2 years
Page 14 of 14
Other Business Activities
2015 – Norma Severns Leadership Award
Eric D. Hess, CFP®, ChFC™ was presented the 2015 Norma Severns Leadership Award by the Financial Planning
Association of the National Capital Area (FPANCA). The Norma Severns Leadership Award is presented annually
to an individual who displays extraordinary efforts to advocate for ethical and objective financial planning and to
advance the FPANCA’s mission to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.
2012 – Chairman of the Board, National Capital Area Financial Planning Association (FPANCA)
2011 – President, National Capital Area Financial Planning Association (FPANCA)
Mr. Hess is a member of the distinguished National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).
NAPFA is the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors – highly trained
professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
Additional Compensation
Eric D. Hess does not receive any economic benefit outside of regular salaries or bonuses related to management of
client accounts, advisory services, client referrals or new accounts.
Supervision
Eric D. Hess, President and Chief Compliance Officer, is responsible for his own supervision and supervises all
employees of Alpha Financial Advisors, LLC. Eric D. Hess manages these persons by holding regular staff,
investment and other ad hoc meetings. In addition, Eric D. Hess regularly reviews client reports, emails, and trading,
as well as employees’ personal securities transaction and holdings reports. Eric D. Hess may be reached at
703-442-7686.
Disciplinary Information
Eric D. Hess has never been involved in any activities resulting in a disciplinary disclosure. Eric D. Hess has never
been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.