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Item 1:
Cover Sheet
FORM ADV PART 2A
INFORMATIONAL BROCHURE
272 Ruth Road
Harleysville, Pennsylvania 19438
267-500-1080
October 24, 2025
Wellfull is a marketing name for Bernardo Wealth Planning, LLC. This brochure provides information
about the qualifications and business practices of Wellfull. If you have any questions about the contents
of this brochure, please contact us at 267-500-1080. 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. Our registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about Wellfull (CRD# 288705) is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2:
Statement of Material Changes
Wellfull is required to inform clients of any material changes to the Form ADV in this Item 2. There are no
material changes to report at this time.
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Item 3:
Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Sheet ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Statement of Material Changes ....................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4: Advisory Business .......................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................................. 5
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees ................................................................................................................ 8
Item 7: Types of Clients .............................................................................................................................. 8
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ...................................................... 9
Item 9: Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................................. 14
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................... 14
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ............... 16
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................................... 17
Item 13: Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 19
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................... 19
Item 15: Custody ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16: Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................... 20
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................ 20
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................... 21
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INFORMATIONAL BROCHURE
WELLFULL
Item 4:
Advisory Business
Bernardo Wealth Planning, LLC conducts business under the name Wellfull and has been in business
since June 2017. However, the principal Nicholas Bernardo has worked under the trade name
Bernardo Wealth Planning through another firm.
Wellfull’s focus is on creating, maintaining, and implementing a meaningful financial plan for each of
its clients, who may be families, individuals, trusts, retirement plans, or other organizations.
Financial Planning
Many of our engagements include financial planning. It is the cornerstone of Wellfull’s approach to
aiding clients in meeting their financial and life goals. The process begins with an introductory
meeting where a Wellfull professional explains how Wellfull performs its services, what is expected
of Wellfull, and what will be needed from the client. If the client elects to work with Wellfull, a
subsequent meeting will be scheduled where the client shares their current situation and life goals are
explored. This typically includes discussing financial objectives, identifying financial issues, cash
flow management, tax planning, investment review and advice, education funding planning, retirement
planning, insurance needs review and advice, and estate planning. Clients will be requested to provide
documents including personal information, income, expenses, taxable and retirement investments,
insurance, tax, and other necessary information. After this meeting, Wellfull will analyze the
information and prepare a written plan for client review. This plan will be presented to the client.
Clients who receive planning services will enter into a financial planning agreement with Wellfull. If
a client chooses to engage Wellfull to implement the financial plan, a separate agreement for asset
management services will be entered into between the client and Wellfull. Clients are under no
obligation to engage Wellfull for implementation of their financial plan.
Asset Management
When we perform asset management services, we will do so on a discretionary basis. In most cases,
Wellfull will have a financial plan to guide these decisions to ensure they are within the client’s
investment objectives. If a financial plan is not in place, we will gather client investment objectives
and information through a risk assessment questionnaire and/or client dialogue. Clients may at any
time place restrictions on the types of investments we may use on their behalf, or the allocations to
each security type. Clients can also always make deposits or withdrawals in their accounts at any time.
When services are performed on a discretionary basis, Wellfull will not seek specific approval for each
change to a client account. Because we take discretion when managing accounts, clients engaging us
will be asked to execute a Limited Power of Attorney (granting us discretionary authority over the
client accounts) as well as an agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both the client and Wellfull.
If you request, Wellfull may recommend the services of other professionals for implementation
purposes. You are under no obligation to engage the services of any such recommended professional.
You retain absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and are free to accept or reject
any recommendation from Wellfull. If you engage any professional recommended by Wellfull, and a
dispute arises thereafter relative to such engagement, you agree to seek recourse exclusively from and
against the engaged professional.
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Pooled Accounts
Wellfull also offers its clients the ability to invest in pooled investment vehicles, B Capital Fund I,
LLC (“B Capital Fund I”), B Capital Fund II, LLC (“B Capital Fund II”), B Capital Core Real Estate
Fund, LP (“B Capital Core Real Estate Fund”), B Capital FinTech Growth Fund (“B Capital FinTech
Growth Fund”), and B Capital Watermark 2022 (“B Capital Watermark 2022”), B Capital Watermark
2023, LP (AI) (“B Capital Watermark 2023 AI”), B Capital Watermark 2023 QP, LP (“B Capital
Watermark 2023 QP”), and B Capital Make Plays Media Fund, LP (“B Capital Make Plays Media
Fund”)(collectively “B Capital Funds”). Affiliates of Wellfull serve as the Manager of B Capital
Funds. The investment program of B Capital Funds involves the investment of assets, both directly
and indirectly through third-party managers in various asset classes including venture capital, private
equity, and real estate. Clients may be invited to invest in the private placement on a non-discretionary
basis, and only if the respective investment is appropriate for the client. The manager charges a
management fee to the private placement. The management of assets in B Capital Funds is managed
per the fund’s offering documents. Clients invested in B Capital Funds should consult that vehicle’s
offering documents.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services
The fiduciaries of self-directed retirement plans (which can include 401(k) plans) are required to,
among other things, determine a selection of investments from which the plan’s participants choose
for their personal allocation in their individual participant account. Wellfull may assist plan sponsors
in meeting this obligation through a consultative relationship including the selection of the plan
investment options per the plan’s objectives, as well as the ongoing monitoring of those options to
assist the plan sponsor in determining when changes to these options are needed. This advice is
rendered on a non-discretionary basis, meaning the plan sponsor is free to accept or reject Wellfull’s
recommendations. In addition, if requested by the plan sponsor, Wellfull may assist with the review
of the plan’s respective service providers.
Tax Services
An affiliated entity to Wellfull, B Tax Advisory, LLC, provides accounting and tax services to
individuals and entities. Client of Wellfull are under no obligation to utilize the services of B Tax
Advisory, LLC. Please refer to Item 10 of this disclosure brochure for further information.
Assets Under Management
As of March 14, 2025, Wellfull has $755,902,348 in discretionary assets under management.
Item 5:
Fees and Compensation
A.
Fees Charged
All investment management clients will be required to execute an Investment Management Agreement
that will describe the type of management services to be provided and the fees, among other items.
Clients are advised that they may pay fees that are higher or lower than fees they may pay another
advisor for the same services. Clients are under no obligation at any time to engage or to continue to
engage, Wellfull for investment services.
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Financial Planning
Separate fees may be charged for financial planning. In general, though, financial planning services,
including the amount of time required and the complexity of the relationship will be factors in
determining the client’s asset management fee.
Asset Management
Generally, fees vary from 0.00% to 2.00% per annum of the market value of a client’s assets managed
by Wellfull. Fees are negotiable, and the fee range stated is a guide. The fee chosen within that range
is determined in part by the nature of the account, including the size of the account, the complexity of
asset structures, the nature of the ongoing financial planning work needed for that client, the
complexity of the portfolio, and other factors that would be dependent upon the specific client.
In very limited circumstances, a fixed annual fee may be determined for asset management and/or
ongoing financial planning services. The amount of these fixed fees must be negotiable and not
predetermined, as these engagements would tend to be for large, complex family wealth structures.
On occasion, Wellfull may allow a smaller related account to be managed with other household
accounts on a pro bono basis. However, such accounts are still subject to a minimum fee of between
$45 and $60 per year. This minimum fee is intended to cover Wellfull’s cost of maintaining each
account’s information with its client account management software.
American Funds
Wellfull has an agreement to establish investment advisory accounts directly through American Funds
in their F2 advisory share class funds. The fees are not billed by Wellfull. American Funds calculates
the fees and pays Wellfull. The fees are established by Wellfull and can range from 0% to 1%.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services
For plan sponsors, fees for consulting on retirement plan options vary from 0.10% to 1.00% per annum
of the market value of the plan’s assets under the direction of Wellfull. These are the only fees, either
direct or indirect, that Wellfull reasonably expects to receive from the plan. Fees are negotiable and
will be determined by the scope and nature of the services provided the size of the account, the
complexity of the plan document, and other factors.
For asset management clients with 401(k) or 403(b) plans, fees for choosing and monitoring plan
options will vary depending on the available options in the plan, the client’s needs, and the frequency
of desired monitoring. Retirement Plan Consulting fees are negotiable and are dependent on the nature
of the engagement at the sole discretion of Wellfull.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
Fees charged to pooled investment vehicles are as described in the vehicle’s respective private
placement memorandum. The fund’s Manager, in conjunction with Wellfull, may modify or waive the
fee arrangement for a given investor. Please see the fund’s private placement memorandum for specific
details.
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B.
Fee Payment
Fees will be debited directly from each client’s account. The advisory fee is paid quarterly in advance,
and the value used for the fee calculation is the last business day of the previous quarter. This means
that if your annual fee is 1.00%, we will take the previous quarter’s ending value, multiply the value
by 1.00%, and then divide by 4 to calculate our fee. To the extent there is cash in your account, it will
be included in the value to calculate fees only if the cash is part of an investment strategy. Each
quarter, once the calculation is made, we will instruct your account custodian to deduct the fee from
your account and remit it to Wellfull. While almost all our clients choose to have their fees debited
from their accounts, we will invoice clients upon request.
Clients whose fees are directly debited will provide written authorization to debit advisory fees from
their accounts held by a qualified custodian chosen by the client. Each month, the client will receive
a statement from their account custodian showing all transactions in their account, including the fee.
Wellfull’s general policy is not to adjust a client’s fee for deposits and withdrawals made during a
billing quarter, however, Wellfull reserves the right in its sole discretion to adjust a client’s fee for
large capital flows in the interest of both parties.
American Funds
For clients whose accounts are held directly at American Funds, fees will be debited directly from each
client’s account by the American Funds Service Company. The fee is paid quarterly, in arrears, at the
end of the last business day of February, May, August, and November. The fee shall be calculated by
multiplying the average daily net asset value of client assets during the quarter by the client’s annual
fee rate, then dividing by the number of days in the year and multiplying that number by days in that
quarter.
Annuities
For clients who own annuity contracts, Wellfull calculates the fee due and requests the fee amount be
deducted from the annuity contract to be paid to Wellfull directly from the insurance company that
holds the annuity contract.
C.
Other Fees
There are a number of other fees that can be associated with holding and investing in securities, such
as transaction fees for the purchase or sale of a mutual fund or Exchange Traded Fund, or commissions
for the purchase or sale of stock. Expenses of a fund will not be included in management fees, as they
are deducted from the value of the shares by the mutual fund manager. When selecting mutual funds
that have multiple share classes for recommendation to clients, Wellfull will take into account the
internal fees and expenses associated with each share class, and it is Wellfull’s policy to choose the
most cost-effective share class available given the circumstances. For a complete discussion of
expenses related to each mutual fund, you should read a copy of the prospectus issued by that fund.
Wellfull can provide or direct you to a copy of the prospectus for any fund that we recommend to you.
Clients who invest in a pooled investment vehicle managed by Wellfull or its affiliates will incur
transaction charges as well as costs specific to the operation of the fund, including accounting, legal,
and audit costs. For specific detail about fees and expenses, the client should refer to the fund’s private
placement memorandum.
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Please make sure to read Item 12 of this informational brochure, where we discuss broker-dealer and
custodial issues.
D.
Pro-rata Fees
If you become a client during a billing period, you will pay a management fee for the number of days
left in that billing period. If you terminate our relationship during a billing period, you will be
responsible for the payment of management fees for the portion of the billing period during which you
were a client. Once your notice of termination is received, we will assess pro-rated fees for the number
of days between the end of the prior billing period and the date of termination to be paid in whatever
way you direct (check, wire). Wellfull will cease to perform services, including processing trades and
distributions, upon termination. Assets not transferred from terminated accounts within 30 (thirty)
days of termination may be “de-linked”, meaning they will no longer be visible to Wellfull and will
become a retail account with the custodian.
E.
Compensation for the Sale of Securities.
Wellfull does not receive commission based on the client’s purchase of any financial product. No
commissions in any form are accepted.
Item 6:
Performance-Based Fees
Pooled Investment Vehicles
Certain series of B Capital Funds, the pooled investment vehicles managed by affiliates of Wellfull,
may charge performance-based fees to investors according to the terms as described in their respective
Subscription Agreements and Private Placement Memorandums. Investors in any series of funds that
are charged performance-based fees must meet the “qualified client” standard (as such term is defined
by the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended).
The receipt of performance-based fees may create an incentive to make more speculative investments
than it would otherwise make in the absence of performance-based compensation. To minimize
adverse consequences that might result from this risk, Wellfull and its affiliates manage B Capital
Funds per the investment strategies it has developed for the fund. Furthermore, Wellfull discloses to
investors the risks associated with the payment of a performance fee, as well as the risks inherent in
the investment strategies of a fund, in the offering documents for such fund. For a more detailed
discussion of the terms of the performance-based fee, investors should consult their fund’s governing
documents.
Asset Management
Wellfull does not charge performance-based fees to asset management clients.
Item 7:
Types of Clients
Clients advised may include individuals, families, trusts, charitable organizations and foundations,
pensions, and corporations. Wellfull requires each client to place at least $250,000 with the firm. This
minimum may be waived at the discretion of Wellfull.
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Investors in B Capital Funds are required to meet, at a minimum, the “accredited investor” standard
(as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), but may be required to
meet additional standards as outlined in the fund’s governing documents.
Item 8:
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
It is important for you to know and remember that all investments carry risks. Investing in securities
involves the risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Each client’s portfolio will be invested according to that client’s investment objectives, which are
ascertained through the financial planning process or with a risk assessment questionnaire and/or client
dialogue. The goal of asset management is to take the financial plan and implement it while
continually updating it as circumstances change. Because the plan is based on information supplied
by you, it is very important that you accurately and completely communicate to us the information we
need. Also, your circumstances and needs may change as your engagement with us progresses. It is
very important that you continually update us with any changes so that if the updates require changes
to your plan, we can make those changes. Otherwise, your plan or risk assessment may no longer be
accurate.
Once we ascertain your objectives for each account, we will develop a set of asset allocation
guidelines, found in one of our investment models. Client portfolios may be invested in one strategy
or a combination of strategies. For some clients where the investment models may not be appropriate
based on tax considerations or other unique needs, a different strategy or model may be created based
on that client’s unique investment considerations. The strategies are developed utilizing outside
research and investment ideas, combined with Wellfull’s views on both individual securities and the
markets and economy as a whole. All client accounts in each strategy are managed on a pari passu
basis. In other words, all accounts managed within each strategy are managed in a like manner, side
by side with one another, and not individually considered. Accordingly, while a client may request
limitations on Wellfull’s discretionary authority, some requested limitations may not be possible to
achieve within the given strategy. In this case, the client and the firm will mutually agree to either
terminate the engagement, accept the asset allocations in the strategy, or have the client’s assets placed
in another strategy.
The asset allocation strategy in which the client’s assets are placed may change from time to time,
dependent upon the client’s investment objectives and financial circumstances.
There are no limits to the types of securities that may be placed in a strategy, or that Wellfull may
evaluate for a client or inclusion in a strategy. However, investment types most typically include
mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Most mutual funds offer different share classes with various fee structures, including share classes
with a sales load, sales charges, or 12B-1 fees. 12B-1 fees are deducted from the mutual funds’ assets
on an ongoing basis and are paid to broker-dealers and registered representatives whose clients own
those shares to cover fund distribution and shareholder services. This receipt of fees presents a
potential conflict of interest, as Wellfull has the incentive to recommend more expensive share classes
to clients based on the compensation received, rather than based on the client’s needs. However, it is
Wellfull’s policy that when specific funds offer more than one share class, Wellfull will select the
most cost-effective share class available given the circumstances.
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As assets are transitioned from a client’s prior advisers to Wellfull, there may be securities and other
investments that do not fit within the asset allocation strategy selected for the client. Accordingly,
these investments will need to be sold to reposition the portfolio into the asset allocation strategy
selected by Wellfull. However, this transition process may take some time to accomplish. Some
investments may not be unwound for a lengthy period for a variety of reasons that may include
unwarranted low share prices, restrictions on trading, contractual restrictions on liquidity, or market-
related liquidity concerns. If a client transitions mutual fund shares to Wellfull that are not the lowest-
cost share class, and Wellfull is not recommending disposing of the security altogether, Wellfull will
attempt to convert such mutual fund share classes into the lowest-cost share classes the client is eligible
for, considering any adverse tax consequences associated with such conversion. In some cases, there
may be securities or investments that are never able to be sold. In the event an investment in a client
account is unable to be unwound for a period, Wellfull will monitor the investment as part of its
services to the client. Wellfull may suggest that a given investment be moved to a separate account.
In constructing each strategy, Wellfull utilizes a number of methods of analysis. These include:
Charting: This method involves using and comparing various charts to predict long and short-term
performance or market trends. The risk involved in solely using this method is that only past
performance data is considered without using other methods to crosscheck data. Using charting analysis
without other methods of analysis would be assuming that past performance will be indicative of future
performance. This may not be the case.
Fundamental: Fundamental analysis concentrates on factors that determine a company’s value
and expected future earnings. This strategy would normally encourage equity purchases in stocks that
are undervalued or priced below their perceived value. The risk assumed is that the market will fail to
reach expectations of perceived value.
Technical: The technical approach attempts to predict a future stock price or direction based on
market trends. The assumption is that the market follows discernible patterns and if these patterns
can be identified then a prediction can be made. The risk is that markets do not always follow patterns
and relying solely on this method may not work long term.
Cyclical: This method assumes that the markets react in cyclical patterns which, once identified,
can be leveraged to provide performance. The risks with this strategy are two-fold: 1) the markets
do not always repeat cyclical patterns and 2) If too many investors begin to implement this strategy,
it changes the very cycles they are trying to take advantage of.
The above methods of analysis are not necessarily employed in every strategy or for every client and
are more likely to be employed in conjunction with one another than by purely adhering to one method
in a given account or strategy.
Third-Party Managers
In some circumstances, Wellfull can utilize other managers to assist in the management of client assets.
These managers are selected by Wellfull after a process whereby Wellfull evaluates each manager’s
investment performance, operations, and offerings to determine if the manager would be a fit for
Wellfull clients. This process continues on an ongoing basis, throughout the time the client works
with the third-party manager. It is important to remember that any fees paid to these managers are
separate from, and in addition to, fees paid to Wellfull.
Pooled Investment Vehicles
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Each pooled investment vehicle will be managed according to the stated investment program in the
respective Fund’s private placement memorandum. Individual investors in a fund will not receive
individual asset management within the fund. For details regarding the investment program, the client
should refer to their Fund’s private placement memorandum.
Risk of Loss
There are always risks to investing. Clients should be aware that all investments carry various
types of risk including the potential loss of principal that clients should be prepared to bear. It is
impossible to name all possible types of risks. Among the risks are the following:
• Political Risks. Most investments have a global component, even domestic stocks. Political
events anywhere in the world may have unforeseen consequences for markets around the world.
• General Market Risks. Markets can, as a whole, go up or down on various news releases or for
no understandable reason at all. This sometimes means that the price of specific securities could go
up or down without real reason and may take some time to recover any lost value. Adding additional
securities does not help to minimize this risk since all securities may be affected by market fluctuations.
• Currency Risk. When investing in another country using another currency, the changes in the
value of the currency can change the value of your security value in your portfolio.
• Regulatory Risk. Changes in laws and regulations from any government can change the value
of a given company and its accompanying securities. Certain industries are more susceptible to
government regulation. Changes in zoning, tax structure, or laws impact the return on these
investments.
• Tax Risks Related to Short-Term Trading: Clients should note that Wellfull may engage in
short-term trading transactions. These transactions may result in short-term gains or losses for federal
and state tax purposes, which may be taxed at a higher rate than long-term strategies. Wellfull
endeavors to invest client assets in a tax-efficient manner, but all clients are advised to consult with
their tax professionals regarding the transactions in client accounts.
• Purchasing Power Risk. Purchasing power risk is the risk that your investment’s value will
decline as the price of goods rises (inflation). The investment’s value itself does not decline, but its
relative value does, which is the same thing. Inflation can happen for a variety of complex reasons,
including a growing economy and a rising money supply.
• Business Risk. This can be thought of as certainty or uncertainty of income. Management comes
under business risk. Cyclical companies (like automobile companies) have more business risk because
of the less steady income stream. On the other hand, fast food chains tend to have steadier income
streams and therefore, less business risk.
• Financial Risk. The amount of debt or leverage determines the financial risk of a company.
• Default Risk. This risk pertains to the ability of a company to service its debt. Ratings provided
by several rating services help to identify those companies with more risk. Obligations of the U.S.
government are said to be free of default risk.
• Margin Risk. “Margin” is a tool used to maximize returns on a given investment by using
securities in a client account as collateral for a loan from the custodian to the client. The proceeds of
that loan are then used to buy more securities. Margin carries a higher degree of risk than investing
without margin.
• Risks specific to private placements, sub-advisors, and other managers. If we invest some of
your assets with another advisor, including a private placement, there are additional risks. These
include risks that the other manager is not as qualified as we believe them to be, that the investments
they use are not as liquid as we would normally use in your portfolio, or that their risk management
guidelines are more liberal than we would normally employ.
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• Risk specific to private placements. If all or a portion of a client’s assets are invested in a private
placement, there are additional risks. These include risks that the investment strategy of the private
placement may not be as specific to your needs as a separately managed account (because the assets
are pooled with other investors). Investors in a private placement may not have access to the same
liquidity as in a separately managed account. Risk management guidelines may also be more liberal
than we would normally employ. Valuation of the underlying assets may be less frequent and much
more subjective. For a more complete discussion of risks associated with a private placement, clients
interested in having assets invested in a private placement should refer to the fund’s private placement
memorandum.
• Liquidity Risk. Some investments, including private placements, may carry liquid investments,
but only regarding the ability of sale, not a sale for full value. Clients should be aware that some
investments may not be able to be sold on demand. Others may be able to be sold but only subject to
a discount which may be considerable.
•
Information Risk. All investment professionals rely on research to make conclusions about
investment options. This research is always a mix of both internal (proprietary) and external (provided
by third parties) data and analyses. Even an adviser who says they rely solely on proprietary research
must still collect data from third parties. This data, or outside research is chosen for its perceived
reliability, but there is no guarantee that the data or research will be completely accurate. Failure in
data accuracy or research will translate to a compromised ability by the adviser to reach satisfactory
investment conclusions.
• Small Companies. Some investment opportunities in the marketplace involve smaller issuers.
These companies may be starting up or are historically small. While these companies sometimes have
the potential for outsized returns, they also have the potential for losses because the reasons the
company is small are also risks to the company’s future. For example, a company’s management may
lack experience, or the company’s capital for growth may be restricted. These small companies also
tend to trade less frequently than larger companies, which can add to the risks associated with their
securities because the ability to sell them at an appropriate price may be limited as compared to the
markets as a whole. Not only do these companies have investment risk, but if a client is invested in
such small companies and requests immediate or short-term liquidity, these securities may require a
significant discount to value to be sold in a shorter time frame.
• Concentration Risk. While Wellfull selects individual securities, including mutual funds, for
client portfolios based on an individualized assessment of each security, this evaluation comes without
an overlay of general economic or sector-specific issue analysis. This means that a client’s equity
portfolio may be concentrated in a specific sector, geography, or sub-sector (among other types of
potential concentrations), so that if an unexpected event occurs that affects that specific sector or
geography, for example, the client’s equity portfolio may be affected negatively, including significant
losses.
• Transition Risk. As assets are transitioned from a client’s prior advisers to Wellfull there may
be securities and other investments that do not fit within the asset allocation strategy selected for the
client. Accordingly, these investments will need to be sold to reposition the portfolio into the asset
allocation strategy selected by Wellfull. However, this transition process may take some time to
accomplish. Some investments may not be unwound for a lengthy period for a variety of reasons that
may include unwarranted low share prices, restrictions on trading, contractual restrictions on liquidity,
or market-related liquidity concerns. In some cases, there may be securities or investments that are
never able to be sold. The inability to transition a client's holdings into recommendations of Wellfull
may adversely affect the client's account values, as Wellfull’s recommendations may not be able to be
fully implemented.
• Restriction Risk. Clients may at all times place reasonable restrictions on the management of
their accounts. However, placing these restrictions may make managing the accounts more difficult,
thus lowering the potential for returns.
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• Risks Related to Investment Term & Liquidity. Securities do not follow a straight line up in
value. All securities will have periods when the current price of the security is not an accurate measure
of its value. If you require us to liquidate your portfolio during one of these periods, you will not
realize as much value as you would have had the investment had the opportunity to regain its value.
Further, some investments are made with the intention of the investment appreciating over an extended
period. Liquidating these investments before their intended time horizon may result in losses.
• Options: The use of options transactions as an investment strategy involves a high level of inherent
risk. Although the intent of many of the options-related transactions implemented by Wellfull is to
hedge against principal risk, certain of the options-related strategies (i.e., straddles, short positions,
etc.), may in and of themselves, produce principal volatility and/or risk. Thus, a client must be willing
to accept this enhanced volatility and principal risks associated with such strategies. Considering these
enhanced risks, clients may direct Wellfull, in writing, not to employ any or all such strategies for
his/her/their/its accounts.
• REITs: In limited circumstances, Wellfull may recommend that portions of client portfolios be
allocated to real estate investment trusts, otherwise known as “REITs”. A REIT is an entity, typically
a trust or corporation that accepts investments from a number of investors, pools the money, and then
uses that money to invest in real estate through either actual property purchases or mortgage loans.
While there are some benefits to owning REITs, which include potential tax benefits, income, and the
relatively low barrier to investing in real estate as compared to directly investing in real estate, REITs
also have some increased risks as compared to more traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and
mutual funds. First, real estate investing can be highly volatile. Second, the specific REIT chosen
may have a focus such as commercial real estate or real estate in each location. Such investment focus
can be beneficial if the properties are successful but lose significant principal if the properties are not
successful. REITs may also employ significant leverage to purchase more investments with fewer
investment dollars, which can enhance returns but also enhances the risk of loss. The success of a
REIT is highly dependent upon the manager of the REIT. Clients should ensure they understand the
role of the REIT in their portfolio.
• MLPs: Wellfull may recommend that portions of client portfolios be allocated to master limited
partnerships, otherwise known as “MLPs”. An MLP is a publicly traded entity that is designed to
provide tax benefits for the investor. To preserve these benefits, the MLP must derive most, if not all,
of its income from real estate, natural resources, and commodities. While MLPs may add
diversification and tax-favored treatment to a client’s portfolio, they also carry significant risks beyond
more traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. One such risk is management
risk-the success of the MLP is dependent upon the manager’s experience and judgment in selecting
investments for the MLP. Another risk is the governance structure, which means the rules under which
the entity is run. The investors are the limited partners of the MLP, with an affiliate of the manager
typically the general partner. This means the manager has all of the control in running the entity, as
opposed to an equity investment where shareholders vote on such matters as board composition. There
is also a significant amount of risk with the underlying real estate, resources, or commodities
investments. Clients should ask Wellfull any questions regarding the role of MLPs in their portfolio.
•
International Investing: Investing outside of the United States, especially in emerging markets,
can have special or enhanced risks. The most obvious is political risk (changes in local politics can
have a vast impact on the markets in that country as well as regulations affecting given issuers) and
currency risk (changes in exchange rates between the dollar and the local denominations can materially
affect the value of the security even if the underlying fundamentals and market price are stagnant).
There are other risks, including enhanced liquidity risk, meaning that while domestic equities and
mutual funds are generally easily liquidated (though there may be a risk of loss due to the timing of
the sale), equities in other jurisdictions may be subject to the circumstances of lower overall market
volume and fewer companies on an emerging exchange. In addition, there may be less information
and less transparency in a foreign market or from a foreign company. Foreign markets impose different
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rules than domestic markets, which may not be to an investor's advantage. Also, companies in foreign
jurisdictions are generally able to avail themselves of local laws and venues, meaning that legal
remedies for U.S. investors may not be as easily obtained as in the U.S.
• BDCs (Business Development Companies): Business Development Companies (BDCs) are a
specific subset of investment companies that receive preferential tax treatment provided they meet
certain investment restrictions and other regulatory requirements. Because BDCs are managed by
third parties and are frequently chosen for the perceived strength of their managers, the investment
thesis, and tax treatment, the risks associated with a BDC investment generally follow directly from
the manager, in that the manager ultimately controls the investments, and can adversely impact the tax
treatment of the vehicle. Additional risks exist and may be specific to the BDC. Accordingly,
investors should carefully review the BDC’s prospectus and any addendums thereto.
• Strategy Limitation Risk. By investing through the use of strategies, each client’s portfolio may
be managed in such a way that a specific security or risk mitigation strategy that may be appropriate
for them may not be appropriate for the strategy in general, which may indirectly lead to performance
drag. Likewise, the use of strategies may allow clients to have a clearer understanding of the structure
of their portfolios.
• Excess Cash Balance Risk. Client accounts may have cash balances in excess of $250,000, which
is the insurance limit of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. For cash balances more than that
amount, there is an enhanced risk that operation-related counterparty risk related to the account
custodian could cause losses in the account. We mitigate this risk by carrying cash balances in
amounts either subject to protection or as limited as you, the client, direct. You may elect to participate
in a “cash sweep” program through your account custodian which automatically moves excess cash
from your investment account into a cash account and then invests that cash into cash-based
investments, such as money market funds. We do not receive compensation of any kind for facilitating
your participation in such cash sweep accounts.
Item 9:
Disciplinary Information
There are no disciplinary items to report.
Item 10:
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-dealer
Neither the principal of Wellfull, nor any related persons are registered, or have an application pending to
register, as a broker dealer or as an associated person of the foregoing entities
B. Futures Commission Merchant/Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither the principal of Wellfull, nor any related persons are registered or have an application
pending to register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, commodity
trading advisor, or an associated person of the foregoing entities.
C. Relationship with Related Persons
Certain professionals of Wellfull are separately licensed as independent insurance agents. As such,
these professionals may conduct insurance product transactions for Wellfull clients, in their
capacity as licensed insurance agents, and will receive customary commissions for these
transactions in addition to any compensation received in their capacity as an employee of Wellfull.
Commissions from the sale of insurance products will not be used to offset or as a credit against
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advisory fees. These professionals, therefore, have the incentive to recommend insurance products
based on the compensation to be received, rather than on a client’s needs. The receipt of additional
fees for insurance commissions is therefore a conflict of interest, and clients should be aware of
this conflict when considering whether to engage Wellfull or utilize these professionals to
implement any insurance recommendations. Wellfull attempts to mitigate this conflict of interest
by disclosing the conflict to clients, and informing the clients that they are always free to purchase
insurance products through other agents that are not affiliated with Wellfull, or to determine not
to purchase the insurance product at all. Wellfull also attempts to mitigate the conflict of interest
by requiring employees to acknowledge in the firm’s Code of Ethics, their fiduciary duty to the
clients of Wellfull, which requires that employees put the interests of clients ahead of their own.
Pooled Investment Vehicle
The offering of a pooled investment vehicle by an affiliate of Wellfull presents a conflict of interest
because it creates an incentive for employees of Wellfull to allocate time and resources to the B
Capital Funds where those resources may be provided to oversee other investment
recommendations made by Wellfull. Wellfull attempts to mitigate this conflict by adhering to the
investment program guidelines of each client and following the Firm’s Compliance Manual which
is designed to assist employees in following applicable laws.
The managers of B Capital Funds are affiliated with Wellfull by common ownership. However,
the managers do not have its own employees, as employees of Wellfull provide all such investment
advisory services to the B Capital Funds, and separate accounts.
Wellfull
Wellfull produces podcasts and videos on financial education. Wellfull is also an app developed
to assist individuals with saving goals, spending trends, and budgeting. Individuals are able to
link spending accounts in the app, such as bank accounts and credit cards, through a third-party
vendor and create a savings plan to reach identified goals. Clients of Wellfull will be solicited to
use the Wellfull app. Wellfull creates a conflict of interest due to common ownership by
individuals at Wellfull. Certain professionals at Wellfull may receive financial compensation
through Wellfull. Wellfull attempts to mitigate this conflict by disclosing it to clients.
Shared Space
Wellfull has its principal place of business in a building owned by INS Ventures. INS Ventures
is owned by Nick Bernardo and is a real estate holding company. OnBord, also owned by Nick
Bernardo, will lease space in the same building as Wellfull. Both OnBord and Wellfull will lease
the space from INS Ventures. Because all the entities are under common control, Nick Bernardo
will receive a financial benefit which is a conflict that Wellfull mitigates by disclosing it to the
public.
Tax Services
Michele Hewitt is a Certified Public Accountant who provides accounting and tax services under
the affiliated entity of B Tax Advisory, LLC. Ms. Hewitt and Nicholas Bernardo share in the
ownership of B Tax Advisory, and receive compensation from these activities. Compensation from
these services will not be used as a credit against or to offset advisory fees. Therefore, Nicholas
Bernardo has an incentive to recommend that clients utilize B Tax Advisory for accounting and
tax preparation services based on the compensation to be received, rather than on a client’s needs.
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The receipt of additional fees for accounting and tax preparation services is therefore a conflict of
interest, and clients should be aware of this conflict when considering whether to engage B Tax
Advisory, LLC. Wellfull attempts to mitigate this conflict of interest by disclosing the conflict to
clients, and informing the clients that they are always free to engage other companies or
professionals that are not affiliated with Wellfull. Wellfull also attempts to mitigate the conflict
of interest by requiring employees to acknowledge in the firm’s Code of Ethics, their individual
fiduciary duty to the clients of Wellfull, which requires that employees put the interests of clients
ahead of their own.
D. Recommendations of other Advisers
Wellfull occasionally recommends other advisers, but in no event will Wellfull receive any
compensation, directly or indirectly from those advisors. For more information regarding
Wellfull’s use of third-party managers, please see the response to Item 8 for a full discussion.
Item 11:
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
A.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is available upon request. Our Code of Ethics includes
discussions of our fiduciary duty to clients, political contributions, gifts, entertainment, and trading
guidelines.
Wellfull utilizes the artificial intelligence platforms for the purpose of assisting in creating marketing
materials or general communications. Wellfull will at no time provide any client information to any
artificial intelligence platform. In addition, Wellfull will always evaluate the results of any artificial
intelligence use, and will not unilaterally accept the output from artificial intelligence platforms for
the purpose of determining investment advice.
B.
Because affiliates of Wellfull the managers of B Capital Funds, representatives of Wellfull
have the incentive to recommend an investment in B Capital Funds. This incentive creates a material
conflict of interest, as Wellfull could recommend that clients place assets in B Capital Funds, and an
officer or affiliate of Wellfull receives management fees or benefits from the investment. To mitigate
this conflict, Wellfull only recommends pooled investment vehicles to clients on a non-discretionary
basis; discloses this conflict to clients before placing an investment with Wellfull or the affiliate; and
reminds all employees of their fiduciary responsibilities to clients. Additionally, all investors must
meet the applicable qualifications and requirements outlined in the investments offered through the
affiliate.
C.
On occasion, an employee of Wellfull may purchase for his or her account securities which
are also recommended for clients. Our Code of Ethics details rules for employees regarding personal
trading and avoiding conflicts of interest related to trading in one’s account. To avoid placing a trade
before a client (in the case of a purchase) or after a client (in the case of a sale), all employee trades
are reviewed by the Compliance Officer. All employee trades must either take place in the same block
as a client trade or sufficiently apart in time from the client trade so the employee receives no added
benefit. Employee statements are reviewed to confirm compliance with the trading procedures.
D.
On occasion, an employee of Wellfull may purchase for his or her account securities which
are also recommended for clients at the same time the clients purchase the securities. Our Code of
Ethics details rules for employees regarding personal trading and avoiding conflicts of interest related
to trading in one’s account. To avoid placing a trade before a client (in the case of a purchase) or after
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a client (in the case of a sale), all employee trades are reviewed by the Compliance Officer. All
employee trades must either take place in the same block as a client trade or sufficiently apart in time
from the client trade, so the employee receives no added benefit. Employee statements are reviewed
to confirm compliance with the trading procedures.
Item 12:
Brokerage Practices
A.
Recommendation of Broker-Dealer
Wellfull does not maintain custody of client assets; though Wellfull may be deemed to have custody
if a client grants Wellfull authority to debit fees directly from their account (see Item 15 below). Assets
will be held with a qualified custodian, which is typically a bank or broker-dealer. Wellfull
recommends that investment accounts be held in custody by Schwab Advisor Services (“Schwab”),
which is a qualified custodian. Wellfull is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with
Schwab. Schwab will hold your assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when Wellfull
instructs them to, which Wellfull does per its agreement with you. While Wellfull recommends that
you use Schwab as a custodian/broker, you will decide whether to do so and will open your account
with Schwab by entering into an account agreement directly with them. Wellfull does not open the
account for you, although Wellfull may assist you in doing so. Even though your account is maintained
at Schwab, we may use other brokers to execute trades for your account as described below (see “Your
brokerage and custody costs”).
How we select brokers/custodians
We seek to recommend a custodian/broker that will hold your assets and execute transactions on terms
that are, overall, most advantageous when compared with other available providers and their services.
We consider a wide range of factors, including both quantitative (Ex: costs) and qualitative (execution,
reputation, service) factors. We do not consider whether Schwab or any other broker-dealer/custodian,
refers clients to Wellfull as part of our evaluation of these broker-dealers.
Your brokerage and custody costs
For our clients’ accounts that Schwab maintains, Schwab generally does not charge you separately for
custody services but is compensated by charging you commissions or other fees on trades that it
executes or that settle into your Schwab account. In addition to commissions, Schwab charges you a
flat dollar amount as a “prime broker” or “trade away” fee for each trade that we have executed by a
different broker-dealer but where the securities bought or the funds from the securities sold are
deposited (settled) into your Schwab account. These fees are in addition to the commissions or other
compensation you pay the executing broker-dealer. Because of this, to minimize your trading costs,
we have Schwab execute most trades for your account. We have determined that having Schwab
execute most trades is consistent with our duty to seek “best execution” of your trades. Best execution
means the most favorable terms for a transaction based on all relevant factors, including those listed
above (see “How we select brokers/custodians”).
Products and services available to us from Schwab
Schwab Advisor Services™ (formerly called Schwab Institutional®) is Schwab’s business serving
independent investment advisory firms like Wellfull. They provide Wellfull and our clients with access
to its institutional brokerage services (trading, custody, reporting, and related services), many of which
are not typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support
services. Some of those services help Wellfull manage or administer our clients’ accounts, while others
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help Wellfull manage and grow our business. Schwab’s support services are generally available on an
unsolicited basis (we don’t have to request them) and at no charge to Wellfull. Following is a more
detailed description of Schwab’s support services:
Services that benefit you
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment products,
execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment products available
through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that would require a
significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. Schwab’s services described in this
paragraph generally benefit you and your account.
Services that may not directly benefit you.
Schwab also makes available to us other products and services that benefit us but may not directly
benefit you or your account. These products and services assist us in managing and administering our
clients’ accounts. They include investment research, both Schwab’s own and that of third parties. We
may use this research to service all or a substantial number of our client’s accounts, including accounts
not maintained at Schwab. In addition to investment research, Schwab 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
• Provide pricing and other market data
• Facilitate payment of our fees from our clients’ accounts
• Assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping, and client reporting
Services that generally benefit only us.
Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage and further develop our business
enterprise. These services include:
• Educational conferences and events
• Consulting on technology, compliance, legal, and business needs
• Publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
• Access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, and insurance providers
• Assistance related to the transition of client assets from prior firms
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors
to provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or
pay all or a part of a third party’s fees. Schwab may also provide us with other benefits, such as
occasional business entertainment for our personnel.
Our interest in Schwab’s services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do not have to produce or
purchase them. We don’t have to pay for Schwab’s services. These services are not contingent upon
us committing any specific amount of business to Schwab in trading commissions or assets in custody.
We may have the incentive to recommend that you maintain your account with Schwab, based on our
interest in receiving Schwab’s services that benefit our business rather than based on your interest in
receiving the best value in custody services and the most favorable execution of your transactions.
This is a potential conflict of interest. We believe, however, that our selection of Schwab as custodian
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and broker is in the best interests of our clients. Our selection is primarily supported by the scope,
quality, and price of Schwab’s services (see “How we select brokers/ custodians”) and not Schwab’s
services that benefit only us.
We do not consider whether Schwab or any other broker-dealer/custodian, refers clients to Wellfull
as part of our evaluation of these broker-dealers.
B.
Aggregating Trades
Commission costs per client may be lower on a particular trade if all clients whose accounts the trade
is to be made are executed at the same time. This is called aggregating trades. Instead of placing a
number of trades for the same security for each account, we will, when appropriate, execute trades for
all accounts and then allocate the trades to each account after execution. If an aggregate trade is not
fully executed, the securities will be allocated to client accounts on a pro-rata basis, except where
doing so would create an unintended adverse consequence (For example, ¼ of a share, or a position in
the account of less than 1%.)
Item 13:
Review of Accounts
Accounts and corresponding financial plans are managed on an ongoing basis. Formal reviews with
the client by the client’s investment advisor representative are generally conducted annually given the
expectations and availability of the client. However, it is expected that market conditions, changes in
a particular client’s account or changes to a client’s circumstances will trigger a review of accounts.
Item 14:
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefit Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Client.
Please refer to Item 12, where we discuss the recommendation of Broker-Dealers.
Additionally, Wellfull periodically holds client appreciation events that may be partially sponsored by
a third-party mutual fund provider. Wellfull may from time to time receive compensation from the
mutual fund companies that are available to our customers. These payments are made in connection
with programs that support our marketing, education, and client service efforts. Wellfull does not
receive any part of these payments rather they are made to sponsor or reimburse expenses for these
events.
B. Compensation to Non-Advisory Personnel for Client Referrals.
Wellfull pays referral fees to independent persons or firms ("Promoters") for introducing clients to
Wellfull. Whenever Wellfull pays a referral fee, Wellfull requires the Promoter to provide the
prospective client with a copy of this document (our Firm Brochure) and a separate disclosure
statement that includes the following information:
• The Promoter’s name and relationship with our firm.
• The fact that the Promoter is being paid a referral fee.
• The amount of the fee.
• Whether the fee paid to us by the client will be increased above our normal fees in order to
compensate the Promoter.
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Clients referred to Wellfull by Promoters are not charged increased advisory fees; the referral fee is
paid out Wellfull’s customary advisory fee. Wellfull’s policy prohibits our related persons from
accepting any form of compensation, including cash, sales awards or other prizes, from a non-client in
conjunction with the advisory services we provide to our clients.
Item 15:
Custody
There are multiple avenues through which Wellfull has custody of client funds; by directly debiting
its fees from client accounts pursuant to applicable agreements granting such right, potentially by
permitting clients to issue standing letters of authorization (“SLOAs”); and by virtue of an affiliated
entity acting as Manager on behalf of a pooled investment vehicle. SLOAs permit a client to issue one
document that directs Wellfull to make distributions out of the client’s account(s).
Clients whose fees are directly debited will provide written authorization to debit advisory fees from
their accounts held by a qualified custodian chosen by the client. Each quarter, clients will receive a
statement from their account custodian showing all transactions in their account, including the fee.
We encourage clients to carefully review the statements and confirmations sent to them by their
custodian and to compare the information on your quarterly report prepared by Wellfull against the
information in the statements provided directly by their account custodian. Please alert us of any
discrepancies.
In addition to the account custodian’s custody procedures, clients issuing SLOAs will be requested to
confirm, in writing, that the accounts to which funds are distributed are parties unrelated to Wellfull.
Any private placement managed by Wellfull or an affiliate will be independently audited at least
annually by a PCAOB-registered accounting firm. Investors will receive statements from an
independent administrator, which should be carefully reviewed against information received about the
fund from Wellfull or an affiliate.
Item 16:
Investment Discretion
When Wellfull is engaged to provide asset management services on a discretionary basis, we will
monitor your accounts to ensure that they are meeting your asset allocation requirements. If any
changes are needed to your investments, we will make the changes. These changes may involve selling
a security or group of investments and buying others or keeping the proceeds in cash. You may at any
time place restrictions on the types of investments we may use on your behalf, or the allocations to
each security type. You may receive at your request written or electronic confirmations from your
account custodian after any changes are made to your account. You will also receive monthly
statements from your account custodian. Clients engaging us on a discretionary basis will be asked to
execute a Limited Power of Attorney (granting us the discretionary authority over the client accounts)
as well as an Investment Management Agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both the client
and Wellfull.
Item 17:
Voting Client Securities
Copies of our Proxy Voting Policies are available upon request.
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From time to time, shareholders of stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or other securities
may be permitted to vote on various types of corporate actions. Examples of these actions include
mergers, tender offers, or board elections. Clients are required to vote for proxies related to their
investments or to choose not to vote for their proxies. Wellfull will not accept the authority to vote
for client securities. Clients will receive their proxies directly from the custodian for the client account.
Wellfull may give clients advice on how to vote proxies.
Wellfull, or its affiliates, will vote proxies on behalf of any pooled investment vehicle it manages.
Investors in a pooled vehicle will not be able to direct the vote on any particular solicitation.
Item 18:
Financial Information
Wellfull does not require the prepayment of fees more than six (6) months or more in advance and
therefore has not provided a balance sheet with this brochure.
There are no material financial circumstances or conditions that would reasonably be expected to
impair our ability to meet our contractual obligations to our clients.
Neither Wellfull nor any person related to Wellfull has been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any
time in the past ten years.
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