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BELLARS HARRIS WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC
FORM ADV PART 2A
BROCHURE
Item 1 – Cover Page
4429 Bonney Rd, Suite 530
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-3881
757-704-4200
www.bellarsharriswealth.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Bellar Harris Wealth
Management, LLC. If you have any questions regarding the contents of this brochure, please do not hesitate
to contact our Chief Compliance Officer, Michelle McCarthy by telephone at 513-832-5447 or by email at
michelle.mccarthy@dinsmorecomplianceservices.com. 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.
Bellars Harris Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill
or training. Additional information about Bellars Harris Wealth Management is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
April 29, 2026
Item 2 – Material Changes
Form ADV Part 2A requires registered investment advisers to amend their brochure when information
becomes materially inaccurate. If there are any material changes to an adviser’s disclosure brochure since
the last annual update of the disclosure brochure, the adviser is required to notify you and provide you with
a description of the material changes.
The following are the material changes we have made since the previous annual update on March 10, 2026:
In April 2026, Item 4 was updated to remove language regarding the use of Pontera for access to held-
away assets.
Due to recent DOL Announcement, in April 2026, Item 4 was updated to remove language related to IRA
and Retirement Plan Clients regarding Title I.
Item 3 - Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3 - Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4 - Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 5
A. Description of the Advisory Firm .................................................................................................... 5
B. Types of Advisory Services ............................................................................................................. 5
C. Client-Tailored Advisory Services .................................................................................................. 6
D. Information Received From Clients ................................................................................................. 7
E. Assets Under Management .............................................................................................................. 7
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................... 7
A. Financial Planning and Investment Management Services .............................................................. 7
B. Payment of Fees ............................................................................................................................... 8
C. Clients Responsible for Fees Charged by Financial Institutions and External Money Managers ... 9
D. Prepayment of Fees .......................................................................................................................... 9
E. Outside Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products to Clients .......... 10
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ............................................................. 10
Item 7 - Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................ 10
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss .................................................... 10
A. Methods of Analysis and Risk of Loss .......................................................................................... 10
B. Material Risks Involved ................................................................................................................. 11
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................................. 16
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 16
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ................................................. 17
A. Description of Code of Ethics ........................................................................................................ 17
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 17
A. Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers ............................................................ 17
B. Trade Aggregation ......................................................................................................................... 19
Item 13 – Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 20
A. Periodic Reviews ........................................................................................................................... 20
B. Other Reviews and Triggering Factors .......................................................................................... 20
C. Regular Reports ............................................................................................................................. 20
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 20
Bellars Harris Wealth Management
Disclosure Brochure
A. Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Clients ............................ 20
B. Compensation to Non-Supervised Persons for Client Referrals .................................................... 20
Item 15 – Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 21
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 21
Item 18 – Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 21
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
A. Description of the Advisory Firm
Bellars Harris Wealth Management, LLC (“BHWM” or the “Firm”) is a corporation organized in the State
of Virginia. BHWM is an investment advisory firm registered with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). BHWM is owned by Timothy Bellars, Claudia Bellars and Brad Harris.
B. Types of Advisory Services
BHWM provides personalized financial planning and discretionary and non-discretionary investment
advisory services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, and entities, including, but not
limited to, trusts, estates, and qualified retirement plans.
Investment Management Services
BHWM offers investment management services on a discretionary basis and non-discretionary basis. All
investment advice provided is customized to each client’s investment objectives and financial needs. The
information provided by the client, together with any other information relating to the client’s overall
financial circumstances, will be used by BHWM to determine the appropriate portfolio asset allocation and
investment strategy for the client. BHWM provides investment management services to clients through a
wrap fee program (the “BHWM Wrap Fee Program”). See BHWM’s Form ADV Part 2A, Appendix 1 for
additional information regarding the BHWM Wrap Fee Program.
The securities utilized in BHWM Wrap Fee Program client accounts consist of equity securities, options on
equity securities, corporate bonds, REITS, registered mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs), state
and local municipality fixed income instruments (“municipal securities”), US government and agency
securities, variable annuities, private funds/alternative investments, closed end funds and structured notes,
if we determine such investments fit within a client’s objectives and are in the best interest of our clients.
BHWM may further recommend to clients that all or a portion of their BHWM Wrap Fee Program
investment portfolio be managed on a discretionary basis by one or more unaffiliated money managers or
investment platforms (“External Managers”). The client may be required to enter into a separate agreement
with the External Manager(s), which will set forth the terms and conditions of the client’s engagement of
the External Manager. BHWM generally renders services to the client relative to the discretionary selection
of External Managers. BHWM also assists in establishing the client’s investment objectives for the assets
managed by External Managers, monitors and reviews the account performance and defines any restrictions
on the account. The investment management fees charged by the designated External Managers are
exclusive of, and in addition to, the annual investment management services fee charged by BHWM. For
External Managers made available through the B/D Custodian RJA, custody and securities transactions
commissions are included within the BHWM Wrap Fee Program fee. If an External Manager is utilized
that engages in brokerage transactions and/or custody services with a broker-dealer/custodian other than
RJA, the fees charged by that broker-dealer/custodian will be exclusive of, and in addition to, the annual
BHWM Wrap Program fee.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
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BHWM offers personal financial planning services to set forth goals, objectives and implementation
strategies for the client over the long term. Depending upon individual client requirements, the financial
plan will include recommendations for retirement planning, educational planning, estate planning, cash flow
planning, tax planning and insurance needs and analysis. BHWM prepares and provides the financial
planning client with a written financial plan and the financial planning services of BHWM are completed
upon the delivery of the financial plan to the client.
Clients are under no obligation to implement any of the recommendations provided in their written financial
plan. However, should a client decide to proceed with the implementation of the investment
recommendations then the client can either have BHWM implement those recommendations or utilize the
services of any investment adviser or broker-dealer of their choice.
BHWM cannot provide any guarantees or promises that a client’s financial goals and objectives will be
met.
BHWM offers estate planning coordination and consultation services as part of its comprehensive wealth
management and family office services. These services are non-legal and non-tax advisory in nature and
are provided solely to assist clients in understanding, organizing, and coordinating their existing estate
planning documents and objectives with their overall financial plan.
BHWM utilizes third-party technology platforms, to facilitate estate planning visualization, document
organization, beneficiary mapping, and collaboration with a client’s independently retained estate planning
attorneys and other professional advisors. BHWM does not prepare, draft, amend, or execute legal
documents, nor does it provide legal advice.
Investment Management Services to Retirement Plans
BHWM offers discretionary and non-discretionary advisory services to qualified plans, including 401k
plans. These services include, depending upon the needs of the plan client, recommending, or for
discretionary clients selecting, investment options for plans to offer to participants, ongoing monitoring of
a plan’s investment options, assisting plan fiduciaries in creating and/or updating the plan’s written
investment policy statements, working with plan service providers, and providing general investment
education to plan participants.
Note Regarding Tax or Legal Advice: In providing services, BHWM does not offer or otherwise provide
tax or legal advice. BHWM will, at a client’s direction and approval, work with a client’s existing tax or
legal professionals to assist in the provision of the services. Fees charged by any tax, legal or other third-
party professionals are the responsibility of the client. BHWM may refer professionals; however, there is
no compensation to BHWM for these referrals, and clients are under no obligation to use the referred service
providers.
C. Client-Tailored Advisory Services
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on the management of their accounts if BHWM determines, in
its sole discretion, that the conditions would not materially impact the performance of a management
strategy or prove overly burdensome for BHWM’s management efforts.
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D. Information Received From Clients
BHWM will not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or the information provided by clients. BHWM
is not obligated to verify any information received from a client or other professionals (e.g., attorney,
accountant) designated by a client, and BHWM is expressly authorized by the client to rely on such
information provided. Under all circumstances, clients are responsible for promptly notifying BHWM in
writing of any material changes to the client’s financial situation, investment objectives, time horizon, or
risk tolerance.
E. Assets Under Management
As of January 30, 2026, our firm had regulatory assets under management (“RAUM”) of $505,382,390 of
which $474,848,982 as managed on a discretionary basis and $30,533,408 was managed on a non-
discretionary basis.
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation
BHWM charges fees based on a percentage of assets under management as well as fixed fees, depending
on the particular types of services to be provided. The specific fees charged by BHWM for services provided
will be set forth in each client’s agreement.
A. Financial Planning and Investment Management Services
Fees for Investment Management Services
In providing investment management services pursuant to the BHWM Wrap Fee Program, BHWM charges
an annual investment management services fee that is agreed upon with each client and set forth in an
agreement executed by BHWM and the client. The BHWM Wrap Fee Program investment management
services fee shall be paid quarterly, in advance, based on the asset value of the client’s accounts as of the
last business day of the prior quarter. The BHWM Wrap Fee Program investment management fees for the
initial quarter shall be paid in arrears, on a pro rata basis, based on the value of the client’s accounts as of
the last business day of that initial quarter.
For purposes of BHWM Wrap Fee Program investment management services fee calculation, BHWM
utilizes third party sources, such as pricing services, custodians, fund administrators, and client-provided
sources. For purposes of fee calculation, the asset value of BHWM Wrap Fee Program client accounts
includes cash and cash equivalents, as well as margined securities. BHWM does not reduce BHWM Wrap
Fee Program investment management fees for margin borrowing, regardless of whether the assets are in
cash or other securities. BHWM has a financial incentive to recommend that clients borrow money for the
purchase of additional securities for the client’s BHWM Wrap Fee Program account managed by BHWM
or otherwise not liquidate some or all the assets BHWM manages. BHWM addresses this conflict of interest
through this disclosure and is working to ensure that any recommendation to a client regarding the use of
margin is suitable for the client.
The annual BHWM Wrap Fee Program investment management services fee ranges up to 1.50%.
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Advisory fees for held-away accounts are calculated based on the value of the assets under management in
such accounts, using the same fee schedule and billing frequency applicable to other managed assets, unless
otherwise disclosed.
Because certain employer-sponsored retirement plans do not permit direct deduction of advisory fees,
clients authorize BHWM to deduct the advisory fee attributable to held-away accounts from one or more
other accounts managed by BHWM, such as a taxable brokerage account or individual retirement account.
Estate planning, coordination services and access to third-party technology platforms may be included as
part of BHWM’s advisory fee or family office service offering. Clients do not pay BHWM a separate fee
for use of the third party platforms unless otherwise disclosed in writing. BHWM does not receive referral
fees, revenue sharing, or other compensation from third-party technology platforms.
Fees for Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Clients that are receiving financial planning services only are charged a fixed fee ranging from $5,000.00
to $25,000.00, depending upon the complexity of a client’s plan and services provided. The fixed fee can
be charged in quarterly installments, or otherwise in full upon delivery of the completed financial plan.
Actual fees charged are clearly outlined in the financial planning agreement and clients receive invoices
reflecting the amount of the fee due and payable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, BHWM and the client may choose to negotiate an annual advisory fee that
varies from the ranges set forth above. Factors upon which a different annual advisory fee may be based
include, but are not limited to, the size and nature of the relationship, the services rendered, the nature and
complexity of the products and investments involved, time commitments, and travel requirements. The
BHWM Wrap Fee Program investment management services fee will apply to all of the client’s assets
under management, unless specifically excluded in the client agreement. Although BHWM believes that
its fees are competitive, clients should understand that lower fees for comparable services may be available
from other sources and firms.
The investment advisory agreement between BHWM and the client may be terminated at will by either
BHWM or the client upon written notice. BHWM does not impose termination fees when the client
terminates the investment advisory relationship, except when agreed upon in advance.
B. Payment of Fees
BHWM generally deducts its advisory fee from a client’s investment account(s) held at the custodian. Upon
engaging BHWM to manage such account(s), a client grants BHWM this limited authority through a written
instruction to the custodian of his/her account(s). The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the
calculation of the advisory fee; the custodian will not determine whether the fee is accurate or properly
calculated. A client may utilize the same procedure for financial planning or consulting fees if the client
has investment accounts held at a custodian.
Although clients generally are required to have their investment advisory fees deducted from their accounts,
in some cases, BHWM will directly bill a client for investment advisory fees if it determines that such
billing arrangement is appropriate given the circumstances.
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The custodian of the client’s accounts provides each client with a statement, at least quarterly, indicating
separate line items for all amounts disbursed from the client's account(s), including any fees paid directly
to BHWM.
Clients may make additions to, and withdrawals from, their account at any time, subject to BHWM’s right
to terminate an account. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that the Firm reserves the right to
liquidate transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities into a client’s account. Clients may
withdraw account assets at any time on notice to BHWM, subject to the usual and customary securities
settlement procedures. However, the Firm generally designs its portfolios as long-term investments and the
withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s investment objectives. BHWM may consult
with its clients about the options and implications of transferring securities. Clients are advised that when
transferred securities are liquidated, they may be subject to transaction fees, short-term redemption fees,
fees assessed at the mutual fund level (e.g. contingent deferred sales charges) and/or tax ramifications.
C. Clients Responsible for Fees Charged by Financial Institutions and External Money
Managers
The BHWM Wrap Fee Program fee covers BHWM’ advisory services, custody and commissions for
securities transactions effected through RJA. The number of transactions made in clients’ accounts, the
size of the accounts, and the securities used to construct a portfolio, as well as the commissions charged for
each transaction, determines the relative cost of the BHWM Wrap Fee Program versus paying for execution
on a per transaction basis and paying a separate fee for advisory services. Participants in the BHWM Wrap
Fee Program may pay a higher or lower aggregate fee than if the investment management and brokerage
services are purchased separately. BHWM does not charge its clients higher advisory fees based on their
trading activity, but clients should be aware that BHWM may have an incentive to limit its trading activities
in client accounts because BHWM is charged for executed trades. BHWM addresses this conflict of interest
through this disclosure and through its policies and procedures which work to ensure that accounts are
managed in accordance with clients’ goals and objectives without consideration of trading costs incurred
by BHWM. Transaction fees or “trade away” fees imposed for trades placed away from RJA, are not
covered by the BHWM Wrap Program Fee. Refer to BHWM’ Form ADV Part 2A, Appendix 1 for
additional information. In addition, for External Managers, clients should review each manager’s Form
ADV 2A disclosure brochure and any contract they sign with the External Manager (in a dual contract
relationship). The client is responsible for all such fees and expenses, as well as trading and custody costs
of a broker-dealer/custodian other than RJA if utilized by that External Manager. Please see Item 12 of this
brochure regarding brokerage practices.
D. Prepayment of Fees
As noted in Item 5(B) above, BHWM’s advisory fees generally are paid in advance. Upon the termination
of a client’s advisory relationship, BHWM will issue a refund equal to any unearned management fee for
the remainder of the quarter. The client may specify how he/she would like such refund issued (i.e., a check
sent directly to the client or a check sent to the client’s custodian for deposit into his/her account).
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E. Outside Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products to Clients
BHWM does not buy or sell securities and does not receive any compensation for securities transactions in
any client account, other than the investment advisory fees noted above. However, as further described in
Item 10, representatives of BHWM, in their individual capacities, are licensed as insurance
professionals. Such people earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products to clients.
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
BHWM does not charge performance-based fees or participate in side-by-side management. Performance-
based fees are fees that are based on a share of capital gains or capital appreciation of a client’s account.
Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing accounts that charge performance-based fees
while at the same time managing accounts that do not charge performance-based fees. BHWM’s fees are
calculated as described in Item 5 above.
Item 7 - Types of Clients
BHWM offers investment advisory services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, and
entities, including, but not limited to, trusts, estates, and qualified retirement plans. BHWM does not
impose a minimum portfolio size or a minimum initial investment to open an account. However, BHWM
does reserve the right to accept or decline a potential client for any reason in its sole discretion.
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Risk of Loss
BHWM primarily employs fundamental analysis methods in developing investment strategies for its
clients. Research and analysis from BHWM is based on numerous sources, including third-party research
materials and publicly available materials, such as company annual reports, prospectuses, and press
releases.
BHWM generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its clients, as consistent with their financial
goals. At times, the Firm may also buy and sell positions that are short-term in nature, depending on the
goals of the client and/or the fundamentals of the security, sector or asset class.
Client portfolios with similar investment objectives and asset allocation goals may own different securities
and investments. The client’s portfolio size, tax sensitivity, desire for simplicity, income needs, long-term
wealth transfer objectives, time horizon and choice of custodian are all factors that influence BHWM’s
investment recommendations.
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss. A client can lose all or a substantial portion of his/her
investment. A client should be willing to bear such a loss. Some investments are intended only for
sophisticated investors and can involve a high degree of risk.
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B. Material Risks Involved
Investing in securities involves a significant risk of loss which clients should be prepared to bear. BHWM’s
investment recommendations are subject to various market, currency, economic, political and business
risks, and such investment decisions will not always be profitable. Clients should be aware that there may
be a loss or depreciation of the value of the client’s account. There can be no assurance that the client’s
investment objectives will be obtained and no inference to the contrary should be made.
Generally, the market value of equity stocks will fluctuate with market conditions, and small-stock prices
generally will fluctuate more than large-stock prices. The market value of fixed income securities will
generally fluctuate inversely with interest rates and other market conditions prior to maturity. Fixed income
securities are obligations of the issuer to make payments of principal and/or interest on future dates, and
include, among other securities: bonds, notes and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or by a non-U.S.
government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities; municipal securities; and mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities. These securities may pay fixed, variable, or floating rates of interest, and may
include zero coupon obligations and inflation-linked fixed income securities. The value of longer duration
fixed income securities will generally fluctuate more than shorter duration fixed income securities.
Investments in overseas markets also pose special risks, including currency fluctuation and political risks,
and it may be more volatile than that of a U.S. only investment. Such risks are generally intensified for
investments in emerging markets. In addition, there is no assurance that a mutual fund or ETF will achieve
its investment objective. Past performance of investments is no guarantee of future results.
Additional risks involved in the securities recommended by BHWM include, among others:
• Stock market risk, which is the chance that stock prices overall will decline. The market value of
equity securities will generally fluctuate with market conditions. Stock markets tend to move in
cycles, with periods of rising prices and periods of falling prices. Prices of equity securities tend to
fluctuate over the short term as a result of factors affecting the individual companies, industries or
the securities market as a whole. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed
income securities.
•
• Sector risk, which is the chance that significant problems will affect a particular sector, or that
returns from that sector will trail returns from the overall stock market. Daily fluctuations in specific
market sectors are often more extreme than fluctuations in the overall market.
Issuer risk, which is the risk that the value of a security will decline for reasons directly related to
the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage, and reduced demand for the
issuer's goods or services.
• Non-diversification risk, which is the risk of focusing investments in a small number of issuers,
industries or foreign currencies, including being more susceptible to risks associated with a single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified portfolio might be.
• Value investing risk, which is the risk that value stocks do not increase in price, not issue the
anticipated stock dividends, or decline in price, either because the market fails to recognize the
stock’s intrinsic value, or because the expected value was misgauged. If the market does not
recognize that the securities are undervalued, the prices of those securities might not appreciate as
anticipated. They also may decline in price even though in theory they are already undervalued.
Value stocks are typically less volatile than growth stocks but may lag behind growth stocks in an
up market.
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• Smaller company risk, which is the risk that the value of securities issued by a smaller company
will go up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably as compared to more widely held
securities. Investments in smaller companies are subject to greater levels of credit, market and
issuer risk.
• Foreign (non-U.S.) investment risk, which is the risk that investing in foreign securities result in
the portfolio experiencing more rapid and extreme changes in value than a portfolio that invests
exclusively in securities of U.S. companies. Risks associated with investing in foreign securities
include fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies that may affect the U.S. dollar value
of a security, the possibility of substantial price volatility as a result of political and economic
instability in the foreign country, less public information about issuers of securities, different
securities regulation, different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and less
liquidity than in the U.S. markets.
• US government securities risk, is the risk relating to securities backed by the credit of the
government as a whole or only by the issuing agency. US Treasury bonds, notes and bills and some
agency securities, such as those issued by the Federal Housing Administration and Ginnie Mae, are
backed by the full faith and credit of the US government as payment of principal and interest and
are the highest quality government securities. Other securities issued by US government agencies
or instrumentalities, such as securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks and Freddie Mac,
are supported only by the credit of the agency that issued them, and not by the US government.
Securities issued by the Federal Farm Credit System, the Federal Land Banks and Fannie Mae are
supported by the agency’s right to borrow money from the US Treasury under certain
circumstances but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the US government. No assurance
can be given that the US government would provide financial support to its agencies and
instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.
• Municipal securities risk, is the risk related to securities issued by or on behalf of states, territories,
possessions and local governments and their agencies and other instrumentalities. Municipal
securities may be secured by the issuer’s general obligations or by the revenue associated with a
specific capital project. Both “general obligation” municipal bonds and “revenue” bonds are subject
to interest rate, credit and market risk, and uncertainties related to the tax status of a municipal bond
or the rights of investors invested in these securities. The ability of an issuer to make payments
could be affected by litigation, legislation or other political events or the bankruptcy of the issuer.
In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, a client account investing in the issuer’s securities
could experience delays in collecting principal and interest, and the client account may not, in all
circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. In addition,
imbalances in supply and demand in the municipal market may result in a deterioration of liquidity
and lack of price transparency in the market. At certain times, this may affect pricing, execution,
and transaction costs associated with a particular trade. The value of certain municipal securities,
in particular obligation debt, may also be adversely affected by rising health care costs, increasing
unfunded pension liabilities, changes in accounting standards, and by the phasing out of federal
programs providing financial support. Municipal securities may be less liquid than taxable bonds
and there may be less publicly available information on the financial condition of municipal
securities issuers than for issuers of other securities, and the investment performance of a client
account investing in municipal securities may therefore be more dependent on the analytical
abilities of BHWM than if the client account held other types of investments such as stocks or
taxable bonds. The secondary market for municipal securities also tends to be less well-developed
or liquid than many other securities markets, a by-product of lower capital commitments to the
asset class by the dealer community, which may adversely affect a client account’s ability to sell
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•
municipal securities it holds at attractive prices or value municipal securities. Lower rated
municipal bonds are subject to greater credit and market risk than higher quality municipal bonds.
Interest rate risk, which is the chance that prices of fixed income securities decline because of rising
interest rates. Similarly, the income from fixed income securities may decline because of falling
interest rates.
• Credit risk, which is the chance that an issuer of a fixed income security will fail to pay interest
and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such
payments will cause the price of that fixed income security to decline.
• Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) risk, which is the risk of an investment in an ETF, including the
possible loss of principal. ETFs typically trade on a securities exchange and the prices of their
shares fluctuate throughout the day based on supply and demand, which may not correlate to their
net asset values. Although ETF shares will be listed on an exchange, there can be no guarantee that
an active trading market will develop or continue. Owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of
owning the underlying securities it is designed to track. ETFs are also subject to secondary market
trading risks. In addition, an ETF may not replicate exactly the performance of the index it seeks
to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the temporary
unavailability of certain securities in the secondary market, or discrepancies between the ETF and
the index with respect to weighting of securities or number of securities held.
• Management risk, which is the risk that the investment techniques and risk analyses applied by
BHWM may not produce the desired results and that legislative, regulatory, or tax developments,
affect the investment techniques available to BHWM. There is no guarantee that a client’s
investment objectives will be achieved.
•
• Real Estate risk, which is the risk that an investor’s investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts
(“REITs”) or real estate-linked derivative instruments will subject the investor to risks similar to
those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or
condemnation, and changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest
rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. An
investment in REITs or real estate-linked derivative instruments subject the investor to
management and tax risks.
Investment Companies (“Mutual Funds”) risk, when an investor invests in mutual funds, the
investor will bear additional expenses based on his/her pro rata share of the mutual fund’s operating
expenses, including the management fees. The risk of owning a mutual fund generally reflects the
risks of owning the underlying investments the mutual fund holds.
• Options risk, is not suitable for everyone and options are complex securities. Option trading can
be speculative in nature and carry substantial risk of loss. It is generally recommended that you
invest only in options with risk capital. An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but
not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specific price on or before a certain date
(i.e., the expiration date). The two types of options are calls and puts. A call gives the holder the
right to buy an asset at a certain price within a specific period of time. Calls are similar to having a
long position on a stock. Buyers of calls hope that the stock will increase substantially before the
option expires. A put gives the holder the right to sell an asset at a certain price within a specific
period of time. Puts are very similar to having a short position on a stock. Buyers of puts hope that
the price of the stock will fall before the option expires. Selling options is more complicated and
can be even riskier. Option trading risks are closely related to stock risks, as stock options are a
derivative of stocks.
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• Commodity risk, generally commodity prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in
market and economic conditions or political circumstances (especially of key energy-producing
and consuming countries), the impact of weather on demand, levels of domestic production and
imported commodities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation
(agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control), international politics, policies of
OPEC, taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems and the
emotions of the marketplace. The risk of loss in trading commodities can be substantial.
• Cybersecurity risk, which is the risk related to unauthorized access to the systems and networks of
BHWM and its service providers. The computer systems, networks and devices used by BHWM
and service providers to us and our clients to carry out routine business operations employ a variety
of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures,
computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security
breaches. Despite the various protections utilized, systems, networks or devices potentially can be
breached. A client could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices; infection
from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow
or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality.
Cybersecurity breaches cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in
financial losses to a client; impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers
to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties,
reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or other compliance costs; as
well as the inadvertent release of confidential information. Similar adverse consequences could
result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issues of securities in which a client invests;
governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators,
banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions; and other parties. In addition, substantial
costs may be incurred by those entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.
• Alternative Investments / Private Funds risk, investing in alternative investments is speculative,
not suitable for all clients, and intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who are willing
to bear the high economic risks of the investment, which can include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
loss of all or a substantial portion of the investment due to leveraging, short-selling or other
speculative investment practices;
lack of liquidity in that there may be no secondary market for the investment and none
expected to develop;
volatility of returns;
restrictions on transferring interests in the investment;
potential lack of diversification and resulting higher risk due to concentration of trading
authority when a single adviser is utilized;
absence of information regarding valuations and pricing;
delays in tax reporting;
less regulation and higher fees than mutual funds;
risks associated with the operations, personnel, and processes of the manager of the funds
investing in alternative investments.
• Closed-End Funds risk, Closed-end funds typically use a high degree of leverage. They may be
diversified or non-diversified. Risks associated with closed-end fund investments include liquidity
risk, credit risk, volatility and the risk of magnified losses resulting from the use of leverage.
Additionally, closed-end funds may trade below their net asset value.
Structured Notes risk -
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• Complexity. Structured notes are complex financial instruments. Clients should
understand the reference asset(s) or index(es) and determine how the note’s payoff
structure incorporates such reference asset(s) or index(es) in calculating the note’s
performance. This payoff calculation may include leverage multiplied on the performance
of the reference asset or index, protection from losses should the reference asset or index
produce negative returns, and fees. Structured notes may have complicated payoff
structures that can make it difficult for clients to accurately assess their value, risk and
potential for growth through the term of the structured note. Determining the performance
of each note can be complex and this calculation can vary significantly from note to note
depending on the structure. Notes can be structured in a wide variety of ways. Payoff
structures can be leveraged, inverse, or inverse-leveraged, which may result in larger
returns or losses. Clients should carefully read the prospectus for a structured note to fully
understand how the payoff on a note will be calculated and discuss these issues with
BHWM.
•
• Market risk. Some structured notes provide for the repayment of principal at maturity,
which is often referred to as “principal protection.” This principal protection is subject to
the credit risk of the issuing financial institution. Many structured notes do not offer this
feature. For structured notes that do not offer principal protection, the performance of the
linked asset or index may cause clients to lose some, or all, of their principal. Depending
on the nature of the linked asset or index, the market risk of the structured note may include
changes in equity or commodity prices, changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates,
and/or market volatility.
Issuance price and note value. The price of a structured note at issuance will likely be
higher than the fair value of the structured note on the date of issuance. Issuers now
generally disclose an estimated value of the structured note on the cover page of the
offering prospectus, allowing investors to gauge the difference between the issuer’s
estimated value of the note and the issuance price. The estimated value of the notes is
likely lower than the issuance price of the note to investors because issuers include the
costs for selling, structuring and/or hedging the exposure on the note in the initial price of
their notes. After issuance, structured notes may not be re-sold on a daily basis and thus
may be difficult to value given their complexity.
• Liquidity. The ability to trade or sell structured notes in a secondary market is often very
limited, as structured notes (other than exchange-traded notes known as ETNs) are not
listed for trading on securities exchanges. As a result, the only potential buyer for a
structured note may be the issuing financial institution’s broker-dealer affiliate or the
broker-dealer distributor of the structured note. In addition, issuers often specifically
disclaim their intention to repurchase or make markets in the notes they issue. Clients
should, therefore, be prepared to hold a structured note to its maturity date, or risk selling
the note at a discount to its value at the time of sale.
• Credit risk. Structured notes are unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, meaning that the
issuer is obligated to make payments on the notes as promised. These promises, including
any principal protection, are only as good as the financial health of the structured note
issuer. If the structured note issuer defaults on these obligations, investors may lose some,
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or all, of the principal amount they invested in the structured notes as well as any other
payments that may be due on the structured notes.
There also are risks surrounding various insurance products that are recommended to BHWM clients from
time to time. Such risks include but are not limited to loss of premiums. Prior to purchasing any insurance
product, clients should carefully read the policy and applicable disclosure documents.
Clients are advised that they should only commit assets for management that can be invested for the long
term, that volatility from investing can occur, and that all investing is subject to risk. BHWM does not
guarantee the future performance of a client’s portfolio, as investing in securities involves the risk of loss
that clients should be prepared to bear.
Past performance of a security or a fund is not necessarily indicative of future performance or risk of loss.
Use of External Managers
BHWM may select certain External Managers to manage a portion of its clients’ assets. In these situations,
the success of such recommendations relies to a great extent on the External Managers’ ability to
successfully implement their investment strategies. In addition, BHWM generally may not have the ability
to supervise the External Managers on a day-to-day basis.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary
events that would be material to a client’s evaluation of the adviser and the integrity of the adviser’s
management. BHWM has no information applicable to this Item.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Insurance Agent Activities
As mentioned above in Item 5, advisory persons of BHWM are licensed as insurance professionals. Such
persons earn commission-based compensation for selling insurance products to clients. Insurance
commissions earned by advisory persons who are insurance professionals are separated from and in addition
to BHWM’s advisory fee. This practice presents a conflict of interest as an advisory person who is an
insurance professional has an incentive to recommend insurance products for the purpose of generating
commissions rather than solely based on client needs. BHWM addresses this conflict through disclosure
and strives to make recommendations which are in the best interests of its clients. Clients are under no
obligation to purchase insurance products through any person affiliated with BHWM. BHWM clients
should understand that lower fees and/or commissions for comparable services may be available from other
insurance providers.
Recommendation of External Managers
BHWM may recommend that clients use External Managers based on clients’ needs and suitability.
BHWM does not receive separate compensation, directly or indirectly, from such External Managers for
recommending that clients use their services. BHWM does not have any other business relationships with
the recommended External Managers.
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Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
A. Description of Code of Ethics
BHWM has a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) which requires BHWM’s employees (“supervised persons”) to
comply with their legal obligations and fulfill the fiduciary duties owed to the Firm’s clients. Among other
things, the Code of Ethics sets forth policies and procedures related to conflicts of interest, outside business
activities, gifts and entertainment, compliance with insider trading laws and policies and procedures
governing personal securities trading by supervised persons.
Personal securities transactions of supervised persons present potential conflicts of interest with the price
obtained in client securities transactions or the investment opportunity available to clients. The Code
addresses these potential conflicts by prohibiting securities trades that would breach a fiduciary duty to a
client and requiring, with certain exceptions, supervised persons to report their personal securities holdings
and transactions to BHWM for review by the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Code also requires
supervised persons to obtain pre-approval of certain investments, including initial public offerings and
limited offerings.
BHWM will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers
Raymond James and Associates, Inc., (“RJA”), member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, is a “qualified
custodian” as that term is described in Rule 206(4)-2 of the Advisers Act. BHWM participates in the RJA
Ambassador Program custodial platform. BHWM will recommend that BHWM Wrap Fee Program clients
establish brokerage accounts with RJA to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to effect trades for their
accounts.
In recommending RJA, BHWM will consider a number of judgmental factors, including, without
limitation: 1) clearance and settlement capabilities; 2) quality of confirmations and account statements;
3) the ability of the BD/Custodian to settle the trade promptly and accurately; 4) the financial standing,
reputation and integrity of the BD/Custodian; 5) the BD/Custodian’s access to markets, research
capabilities, market knowledge, and any “value added” characteristics; 6) BHWM’s past experience with
the BD/Custodian; and 7) BHWM’s past experience with similar trades. Recognizing the value of these
factors, clients may pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have
charged for effecting the same transaction.
In exchange for using the services of RJA, BHWM may receive, without cost, computer software and
related systems support that allows BHWM to monitor and service its clients’ accounts maintained with
RJA. RJA also makes available to the Firm products and services that benefit the Firm but may not directly
benefit the client or the client’s account. These products and services assist BHWM in managing and
administering client accounts. They include investment research, both RJA’s own and that of third parties.
BHWM may use this research to service all or some substantial number of client accounts, including
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accounts not maintained at RJA. In addition to investment research, RJA also makes available software and
other technology that:
• provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements);
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts;
facilitate payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts; and
assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting.
•
• provide pricing and other market data;
•
•
RJA also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise.
These services include:
educational conferences and events;
technology and business consulting;
access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance providers.
•
•
• publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
•
RJA may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors to
provide the services to the Firm. RJA may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or pay
all or a part of a third party’s fees. RJA may also provide the Firm with other benefits such as occasional
business entertainment of Firm personnel.
The benefits received by BHWM through its participation in the RJA custodial platform do not depend on
the amount of brokerage transactions directed to RJA. In addition, there is no corresponding commitment
made by BHWM to RJA to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual
funds, securities or other investment products as a result of participation in the program. While as a
fiduciary, we endeavor to act in our clients’ best interests, our recommendation that clients maintain their
assets in accounts at RJA will be based in part on the benefit to BHWM of the availability of some of the
foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage
services provided by RJA. The receipt of these benefits creates a potential conflict of interest and may
indirectly influence BHWM’s choice of RJA for custody and brokerage services.
BHWM will periodically review its arrangements with the BD/Custodians and other broker-dealers against
other possible arrangements in the marketplace as it strives to achieve best execution on behalf of its clients.
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, but not limited to, the following:
•
a broker-dealer’s trading expertise, including its ability to complete trades, execute and
settle difficult trades, obtain liquidity to minimize market impact and accommodate
unusual market conditions, maintain anonymity, and account for its trade errors and correct
them in a satisfactory manner;
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•
•
•
•
a broker-dealer’s infrastructure, including order-entry systems, adequate lines of
communication, timely order execution reports, an efficient and accurate clearance and
settlement process, and capacity to accommodate unusual trading volume;
a broker-dealer’s ability to minimize total trading costs while maintaining its financial
health, such as whether a broker-dealer can maintain and commit adequate capital when
necessary to complete trades, respond during volatile market periods, and minimize the
number of incomplete trades;
a broker-dealer’s ability to provide research and execution services, including advice as to
the value or advisability of investing in or selling securities, analyses and reports
concerning such matters as companies, industries, economic trends and political factors, or
services incidental to executing securities trades, including clearance, settlement and
custody; and
a broker-dealer’s ability to provide services to accommodate special transaction needs,
such as the broker-dealer’s ability to execute and account for client-directed arrangements
and soft dollar arrangements, participate in underwriting syndicates, and obtain initial
public offering shares.
BHWM’s clients may utilize qualified custodians other than RJA for certain accounts and assets,
particularly where clients have a previous relationship with such qualified custodians.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
BHWM does not select or recommend BD/Custodians based solely on whether or not it may receive client
referrals from a BD/Custodian or third party.
Client Directed Brokerage
Generally, for BHWM Wrap Fee Program clients the Firm does not accept instructions to custody a client
account at a specific broker-dealer other than RJA and/or direct some or all of his/her brokerage transactions
to a specific broker-dealer other than RJA. In such instances a client would be disadvantaged because the
BHWM Wrap Fee Program fee does cover the cost of trades executed away from RJA.
Trade Errors
BHWM’s goal is to execute trades seamlessly and in the best interests of the client. In the event a trade
error occurs, BHWM endeavors to identify the error in a timely manner, correct the error so that the client’s
account is in the position it would have been had the error not occurred, and, after evaluating the error,
assess what action(s) might be necessary to prevent a recurrence of similar errors in the future. Trade errors
generally are corrected through the use of a “trade error” account or similar account at RJA. BHWM works
directly with RJA to take corrective action. In all cases, BHWM will take the appropriate measures to return
the client’s account to its intended position.
B. Trade Aggregation
To the extent that the Firm determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of securities,
including securities in which the Firm’s supervised persons may invest, the Firm will generally do so in a
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fair equitable manner in accordance with applicable rules promulgated under the Advisers Act and guidance
provided by the staff of the SEC and consistent with policies and procedures established by the Firm.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
A. Periodic Reviews
While BHWM Wrap Fee Program accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis, BHWM’s investment
adviser representatives seek to have at least one annual meeting with each client to conduct a formal review
of the client’s accounts. Accounts are reviewed for consistency with the investment strategy and other
parameters set forth for the account and to determine if any adjustments need to be made. For financial
planning only clients, services are completed upon delivery of the financial plan to the client. Therefore,
for such clients BHWM does not provide any ongoing reviews of the clients’ financial plan.
B. Other Reviews and Triggering Factors
In addition to the periodic reviews described above, reviews may be triggered by changes in an account
holder’s personal, tax or financial status. Other events that may trigger a review of an account are material
changes in market conditions as well as macroeconomic and company- specific events. Clients are
encouraged to notify BHWM of any changes in his/her personal financial situation that might affect his/her
investment needs, objectives, or time horizon.
C. Regular Reports
Written brokerage statements are generated no less than quarterly and are sent directly from the qualified
custodian. These reports list the account positions, activity in the account over the covered period, and other
related information. Clients are also sent confirmations following each brokerage account transaction unless
confirmations have been waived.
BHWM may also determine to provide account statements and other reporting to clients on a periodic basis.
Clients are urged to carefully review all custodial account statements and compare them to any statements
and reports provided by BHWM. BHWM statements and reports may vary from custodial statements based
on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Clients
BHWM does not receive benefits from third parties for providing investment advice to clients.
B. Compensation to Non-Supervised Persons for Client Referrals
BHWM does not enter into agreements with individuals or organizations for the referral of clients.
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Item 15 – Custody
All clients must utilize a “qualified custodian” as detailed in Item 12. Clients are required to engage the
custodian to retain their funds and securities and direct BHWM to utilize the custodian for the client’s
securities transactions. BHWM’s agreement with clients and/or the clients’ separate agreements with the
B/D Custodian may authorize BHWM through such BD/Custodian to debit the clients’ accounts for the
amount of BHWM’s fee and to directly remit that fee to BHWM in accordance with applicable custody
rules.
The BD/Custodian recommended by BHWM has agreed to send a statement to the client, at least quarterly,
indicating all amounts disbursed from the account including the amount of management fees paid directly
to BHWM. BHWM encourages clients to review the official statements provided by the custodian, and to
compare such statements with any reports or other statements received from BHWM. For more information
about custodians and brokerage practices, see “Item 12 - Brokerage Practices.”
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Clients have the option of providing BHWM with investment discretion on their behalf, pursuant to a grant
of a limited power of attorney contained in BHWM’s client agreement. By granting BHWM investment
discretion, a client authorizes BHWM to direct securities transactions and determine which securities are
bought and sold, the total amount to be bought and sold, and the costs at which the transactions will be
effected. Clients may impose reasonable limitations in the form of specific constraints on any of these
areas of discretion with the consent and written acknowledgement of BHWM if BHWM determines, in its
sole discretion, that the conditions would not materially impact the performance of a management strategy
or prove overly burdensome for BHWM. See also Item 4(C), Client-Tailored Advisory Services.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
BHWM does not accept the authority to and does not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Clients retain the
responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for all and any securities maintained in client portfolios.
Item 18 – Financial Information
BHWM is not required to disclose any financial information pursuant to this item due to the
following:
a) BHWM does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months
or more in advance of rendering services;
b) BHWM is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability
to meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain client
accounts; and
c) BHWM has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
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