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BRAEBURN WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC
CLIENT BROCHURE
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices
of Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the
contents of this brochure or the services of the Adviser, please contact us
by phone at (231) 720-0743.You are also welcome to send an email request
for information to the Adviser’s Managing Member and Chief Compliance Officer
at michael.poland@braeburnwealth.com
The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any other
regulatory authority. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or
training. Additional information about Braeburn Wealth Management is
available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The firm’s CRD number is: 158007
111 West Western Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 720-0743
www.braeburnwealth.com
michael.poland@braeburnwealth.com
Version Date
March 11, 2025
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES
This Form ADV Brochure represents an amendment to the Brochure dated
March 11, 2025, disclosure document prepared by Braeburn Wealth
Management, LLC (“Braeburn Wealth Management” or “Advisor”)
The material changes in this brochure from the last annual updating
amendment of Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC on 01/09/2024, are
described below. Material changes relate to Braeburn Wealth Management,
LLC’s policies, practices or conflicts of interests.
• Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC has updated its Phone Number.
(COVER PAGE)
We will ensure that you receive a summary of any material changes to this and
subsequent disclosure brochures within 120 days after our firm’s fiscal year ends.
Our firm’s fiscal year ends on December 31, so you will receive the summary of
material changes no later than April 30 each year. At that time we will also offer or
provide a copy of the most current disclosure brochure. We may also provide other
ongoing disclosure information about material changes as necessary.
We always look forward to hearing from our clients. Therefore, if you should
have any questions, please contact our office.
Thank you!
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ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 SERVICES AND CLIENT IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS .............................................. 10
D. WRAP FEE PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................. 11
E. AMOUNTS OF ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT ............................................................................. 11
ITEM 5: FEES, COMPENSATION AND TERMINATION OF SERVICES ....................................................... 12
A. FEE SCHEDULES............................................................................................................................. 12
B. PAYMENT OF FEES ........................................................................................................................ 14
C. CLIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIRD PARTY FEES ...................................................................... 15
D. PREPAYMENT OF FEES .................................................................................................................. 15
E. OTHER COMPENSATION FOR THE SALE OF SECURITIES OR OTHER INVESTMENT PRODUCTS TO
CLIENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 16
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT ............................................ 16
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS AND MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE .................................................................. 17
ITEM 8: METHOD OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS .................................... 17
A. METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES .............................................................. 17
B. MATERIAL RISKS INVOLVED .......................................................................................................... 22
C. RISKS OF SPECIFIC SECURITIES UTILIZED ....................................................................................... 24
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 26
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ................................................................................................. 27
ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ............................................................................................................... 27
A. REGISTRATION AS A BROKER/DEALER OR BROKER/DEALER REPRESENTATIVE............................. 27
B. REGISTRATION AS A FUTURES COMMISSION MERCHANT, COMMODITY POOL OPERATOR OR A
COMMODITY TRADING ADVISER ....................................................................................................... 27
C. RELATIONSHIPS MATERIAL TO THIS ADVISORY BUSINESS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
27
D. SELECTION OF OTHER ADVISORS OF MANAGERS AND HOW THIS ADVISER IS COMPENSATED FOR
THOSE SELECTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 28
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL
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TRADING ................................................................................................................................................ 28
A. CODE OF ETHICS ........................................................................................................................... 28
B. RECOMMENDATIONS INVOLVING MATERIAL FINANCIAL INTERESTS ........................................... 31
C. INVESTING PERSONAL MONIES IN THE SAME SECURITIES AS CLIENTS ......................................... 31
D. TRADING SECURITIES AT/AROUND THE SAME TIME AS CLIENTS’ ................................................. 31
SECURITIES ......................................................................................................................................... 31
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES ......................................................................................................... 32
A. FACTORS USED TO SELECT CUSTODIANS AND/OR BROKER/DEALERS .......................................... 32
B. AGGREGATION (BLOCK) TRADING FOR MULTIPLE CLIENT ACCOUNTS ......................................... 36
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS .......................................................................................................... 37
A. FREQUENCY AND NATURE OF PERIODIC REVIEWS AND WHO CONDUCTS THE REVIEWS ............ 37
B. REVIEWERS ................................................................................................................................... 37
C. FACTORS THAT MAY TRIGGER NON-PERIODIC REVIEWS OF CLIENT ACCOUNTS .......................... 38
D. CONTENT AND FREQUENCY OF REGULAR REPORTS PROVIDED TO CLIENTS ................................ 38
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION .................................................................. 38
A. ECONOMIC BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTIES FOR ADVICE RENDERED TO CLIENTS
(INCLUDES SALES AWARDS OR OTHER PRIZES) .................................................................................. 38
B. COMPENSATION TO NON-ADVISORY PERSONNEL FOR CLIENT REFERRALS .................................. 39
ITEM 15: CUSTODY ............................................................................................................................... 39
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION ..................................................................................................... 39
ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES (PROXY VOTING) ....................................................................... 40
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 40
A. BALANCE SHEET ............................................................................................................................ 40
B. FINANCIAL CONDITIONS REASONABLY LIKELY TO IMPAIR THE ADVISER’S ................................... 40
ABILITY TO MEET CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS TO CLIENTS ......................................................... 40
C. BANKRUPTCY PETITIONS IN PREVIOUS TEN YEARS …………………………………………………………………. 40
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ITEM 4: ADVISORY BUSINESS
A. DESCRIPTION OF THE ADVISORY FIRM.
Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC (“Braeburn Wealth Management”, “BWM” or
“Adviser”) is an independently owned fee-based Registered Investment Adviser.
The Adviser initially registered with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission in 2011 and transitioned its registration to the State of Michigan in 2012. In
August 2016 the firm reached the level of assets under management which allows the
firm to return to registration with the Unlisted States Securities and exchange
commission.
Michael Poland, CFA®, is the Adviser’s Managing Member, Chief Compliance Officer
and 100% owner of the Adviser. Michael Poland, CFA® has been in the financial and
investment business since 1989.
Braeburn Wealth Management’s headquarters are located in Norton Shores, Michigan.
The Adviser is not affiliated with any other entities.
B. TYPES OF ADVISORY SERVICES
As described in the preceding section, Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC, (“Braeburn
Wealth Management”, “BWM” or the “Adviser”), is a fee based independent Registered
Investment Adviser. The term “fee based” as it applies to this Adviser means the
Adviser and its Advisory Representatives will not accept commissions in connection
with securities recommendations. Braeburn Wealth Management is only compensated
for advisory services via a percentage of assets under management; hourly fees or
project-based fees depending upon the services requested and scope of the
engagement.
“Advisory Representatives” are those persons authorized by the firm to deliver financial
and investment advisory services on behalf of the Adviser. Advisory Representatives of
Braeburn Wealth Management are not registered representatives of any broker/dealer
firm. While not the primary focus of their business, Representatives of the Adviser are
separately engaged as independently licensed insurance and annuity representatives.
As disclosed in this Brochure, these independently licensed persons may accept normal
commissions paid by insurance companies when clients purchase products through
them. Clients are welcome but are never obligated to purchase products from Advisory
Representatives.
You will be provided under separate cover an ADV Part 2B Brochure (an Advisory
Representative’s “Biography”) for each Advisory Representative who will directly provide
investment or financial advice to you, or who may assist in the management of your
investment portfolio.
Braeburn Wealth Management is not a broker/dealer or custodial firm. Any transactions
in securities will be executed and held by an unaffiliated custodial firm of clients’
choosing.
Braeburn Wealth Management may offer a complimentary general consultation to
discuss the services available, to give a prospective client time to review services
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
desired, and to determine the possibility of a potential Client-Adviser relationship.
Services begin only after the client and Adviser formalize the relationship with a properly
executed Client Agreement.
After the formal engagement and depending upon the scope of the engagement, the
Adviser and client will share in a more intensive data gathering and discovery process in
an effort to determine the client’s stated needs, goals, intentions, time horizons, risk
tolerance and investment objectives, based upon information provided by the client and
the nature of services requested.
Braeburn Wealth Management offers Investment Management Services, Financial
Planning or Consultation Services, a Complimentary Newsletter and General
Education Workshops.
1. Investment Management Services focus solely on portfolio management. The
Adviser’s services are continuous in nature and thus are ongoing until terminated by
either party.
After the formal engagement, the Adviser and client will share in a data gathering and
discovery process in an effort to determine the client’s stated needs, goals, intentions,
time horizons, risk tolerance, and investment objectives, based upon information
provided by the client and the nature of services requested. The Adviser will request
input and information from the client which may include: Financial information including
past financial history, prior year income tax returns, present financial condition, and the
Client’s investment goals. These may include planning for short-term goals (such as
college funding) or for long-term goals (such as retirement planning) or other segments
of an investment plan that may be desired.
The information gathered for review and assessment may vary, depending upon the
individual needs and objectives of the client. Information presented by the client will be
deemed reliable and current and the Adviser is under no obligation to verify the data
provided. The Adviser may request the names and relationships of other Advisers (e.g.,
attorney, accountant, banker, etc.), family background and makeup, and anything else
which may affect the client economically, based upon what information is reported by
the client. The client may complete risk-tolerance and investment policy data or similar
documentation.
The Adviser will analyze the client’s information and thereafter will prepare
recommendations and advice for creation of a new investment plan or may suggest
updates to an existing portfolio along with strategies designed to help clients meet their
stated objectives. Based upon the collected information and with the client’s input, the
Adviser can prepare an investment policy statement or similar document.
Recommended investments may include short-term instruments (i.e. T-Bills), stocks,
bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) or other investment vehicles.
Investment Management fees are based upon assets under management as outlined
in the Client Agreement or Client Agreement’s Addendum.
Clients engaging investment advisory services are expected to play an active role. The
Adviser requires the client to participate in the formation of the investment plan, advice
and recommendations. Braeburn Wealth Management strongly encourages clients to
maintain contact with the Adviser and requests client reviews via meetings or
telephonically, not less than annually in order to review and update the investment
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policy/plan and address ongoing needs as may be applicable. Clients may call the
office at any time during normal business hours to discuss their portfolio with their
Advisory Representative or to ask questions. However, clients are obligated to
immediately inform the Adviser of any changes in their financial situation to provide the
Adviser an opportunity to review the client’s new data to help ensure the portfolio and
the investment strategies continue to be structured to help meet the client’s changing
needs and objectives.
Depending on the nature of services to be provided, Braeburn Wealth Management
generally develops and utilizes a personalized asset allocation profile that is consistent
with the client’s desired rate of return, time horizon and risk tolerance based upon the
client’s input. Braeburn Wealth Management can then design and implement portfolio
recommendations (with client authorization). Where an existing portfolio has been
designed by the client or another party, Braeburn Wealth Management can provide
recommendations for re-design, adjustments or re-balancing.
Unless otherwise directed by the client, Braeburn Wealth Management will generally
seek to allocate a client’s assets among various types of investments, taking into
consideration the strategic portfolio framework developed with the client. In each case,
the stated individual needs, goals and desires of clients are taken into consideration.
Braeburn Wealth Management primarily allocates its client’s investment management
assets, on a discretionary and/or non-discretionary basis among low cost mutual funds,
exchange traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, individual debt and equity securities,
bonds, and at times options, in accordance with the investment objectives of the client.
The Adviser may also provide advice about and/or recommend real estate investment
trusts (REITs),
The Adviser may also consider other types of investments or may remain available to
consult with clients on U.S. government securities, fixed-income securities or existing
holdings in variable products, commercial paper, warrants, and various other types of
investments held in a client’s portfolio at the beginning of the advisory relationship.
Once the portfolio has been implemented or transferred for services, Braeburn Wealth
Management can provide continuous monitoring, recommendations and investment
advice as outlined in the engagement for services. The ongoing Investment
Management Services are based upon the investment strategy or policy agreed upon
between Braeburn Wealth Management and the client. In providing ongoing Investment
Management Services, the Adviser will manage investor funds in accordance with an
investment plan or strategy as designated by the client and the Adviser will remain
available for ongoing advice and recommendations. The Adviser will monitor the
portfolio in accordance with the directives provided.
Certain clients may desire to place or keep certain assets within their account(s) that
are selected by the client and are not the subject of investment advice by the Adviser.
These are “self-directed” assets. In such cases, the Adviser has/will not pass on the
suitability of self-directed assets. Should the Advisor ever assist clients with self-
directed implementation it may do so only as a value-added service at the client’s
request. The Adviser will have no responsibility to manage any “self-directed” assets in
client accounts and the Adviser accepts no liability to those clients in connection with
any loss relating to “self-directed” assets.
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Services and investment recommendations in connection to assets invested in
corporate retirement plans are limited to those offered within the plan and via the plan’s
contracted service providers.
If services desired go outside the scope of Investment Management Services during the
engagement, the Adviser may be available to provide Consultation Services. In such
cases, the Adviser may request a new or amended Client Agreement and additional fees
may apply. The Adviser will not engage in additional services that will result in additional
fees without the client’s direction.
2. Financial Planning Services or Consultation Services. Braeburn Wealth
Management is available to provide advice through Financial Planning Services or
general Consultation Services. These services are offered at an hourly rate or via a
project fee.
Financial Planning Services may be comprehensive in nature or may focus on specific
components of overall planning needs. Services can focus on income, cash flow,
retirement preparation and planning, IRA reviews, education funding, estate planning,
risk management issues, non-securities investments, financial issues in connection with
marriage or divorce, and various other components of Financial Planning that may be
identified by the client.
Financial Planning Services generally utilize long-term strategies so that continuous
monitoring is not required. Services can be tailored and can focus on various
components of planning or services can be comprehensive in nature, as desired by the
client. However, when Financial Planning Services only focus on certain areas of client
interests, needs, or is otherwise limited, clients must understand that a client’s overall
financial and investment needs and objectives may not be considered as a result of
time and/or service restraints placed on the Advisor’s services.
The Adviser’s Consultation Services are available to address general or specific issues
of interest to the client. Advisory services are available for issues relating to securities
investments, asset allocation issues, investment research, business owner issues, and
various other issues of interest that may be identified by the client.
As with the Adviser’s Financial Planning Services, Consultation Services can be tailored
and can focus on various components or can be comprehensive in nature, as desired
by the client. However, when advisory services only focus on certain areas of client
interests, needs, or is otherwise limited, clients must understand that a client’s overall
financial and/or investment needs and objectives may not be considered as a result of
time and/or service restraints placed on the Adviser’s services.
Clients requiring assistance on issues relating to matters outside of financial or
investment advisory topics should consult their personal tax adviser, legal counsel, or
other professionals for expert opinions.
The Adviser’s Financial Planning and Consultation Services do not include any portfolio
monitoring, reviews, follow-ups, or other services unless specifically agreed to in writing.
The advice provided by the Adviser may include recommendations for updates and
reviews. It is the client’s responsibility to follow-up and secure additional services, at the
client’s discretion, under a new or amended agreement for any services desired
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
thereafter or at any time in the future.
Implementation of any advice or recommendations in connection with Financial
Planning Services and Consultation Services, in whole or in part, is entirely at the
client’s discretion via the service provider(s) of the client’s choice.
As is applicable with any of the Adviser’s services, when providing a review or advice in
connection with investments within retirement plans, the Adviser’s advice and
recommendations (if any) are based upon and limited to the investment offerings within
the plan and are limited to the service provider(s) selected by the plan providers.
3. General Newsletter Services. Braeburn Wealth Management offers a
complimentary general newsletter for prospective or current clients. The Adviser’s
newsletter may cover various topics pertaining to general financial, investment and
market issues.
The frequency of the newsletter may vary but will generally involve weekly or quarterly
issues. Clients and prospective clients are welcome to request to receive the Adviser’s
newsletter by contacting the Adviser or by directly responding to an offer from the
Adviser to receive the publications. Those receiving the newsletters are welcome to
request termination of this complimentary service at any time by contacting the Adviser
via phone, email or letter.
4. General Educational Workshops for Individuals and Corporations. Braeburn
Wealth Management may conduct complimentary general educational workshops for
individuals and corporations. The workshops can be designed to meet the unique
needs of participants and may include general presentations on Investment
Management, Financial Planning, various investment and insurance strategies,
education funding, estate and retirement options, business owner issues, and topics
associated with plan investments. Attendees are always welcome, but are never
obligated to engage Braeburn Wealth Management for individualized services.
5. Conflict of Interest – IRA Rollover Recommendations. When recommending
that a client rollover his or her account from current retirement plan to an IRA,
Braeburn Wealth Management and its investment adviser representatives have a
conflict of interest. Braeburn Wealth Management and its representatives can earn
investment advisory fees by recommending that a client rollover his or her account at
the retirement plan to an IRA; however, Braeburn Wealth Management and its
investment adviser representatives will not earn any investment advisory fee if client
does not rollover the funds in the retirement plan (unless a client retained Braeburn
Wealth Management to provide advice about my retirement plan account). Thus,
Braeburn Wealth Management and its investment adviser representatives have an
economic incentive to recommend a rollover of my retirement plan account, which is
a conflict of interest. Braeburn Wealth Management has taken steps to manage this
conflict of interest arising from rolling over funds from an ERISA covered retirement
plan to an IRA and a client has adopted an impartial conduct standard through its
code of ethics whereby Braeburn Wealth Management and its investment adviser
representatives will (i) provide investment advice to ERISA covered retirement plan
participant regarding a rollover of funds from the ERISA covered retirement plan in
accordance with the fiduciary status described below,
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(ii) not recommend investments which result in Braeburn Wealth Management
receiving unreasonable compensation related to the rollover of funds from the
ERISA covered retirement plan to an IRA, and (iii) fully disclose compensation
received by Braeburn Wealth Management and its supervised persons and any
material conflicts of interest related to Braeburn Wealth Management
recommending the rollover of funds from the ERISA covered retirement plan to an
IRA and refrain from making any materially misleading statements regarding such
rollover.
To the extent Braeburn Wealth Management provides investment advice to a
participant in a retirement plan under Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 as amended ("ERISA") regarding whether to maintain investments and/or
proceeds in an ERISA retirement plan, rollover such investment/proceeds from the
ERISA retirement plan to an individual retirement account (“Rollover IRA account”)
or make a distribution from the ERISA retirement plan, Braeburn Wealth
Management hereby acknowledges its fiduciary obligations with regard to its
investment advice about whether to maintain, rollover or distribute proceeds from
those ERISA retirement plans, and as such a fiduciary with respect to its
investment advice about whether to maintain, rollover or distribute proceeds from
those ERISA retirement plans, Braeburn Wealth Management and its
representatives shall act with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the
circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and
familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like
character and with like aims, based on the investment objectives, risk, tolerance,
financial circumstances, and a client’s needs, without regard to the financial or
other interests of Braeburn Wealth Management or its affiliates.
6. Written Acknowledgement of Fiduciary Status
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money
creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a special rule that
requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under
this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations
(give prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give
loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your
best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
C. CLIENT TAILORED SERVICES AND CLIENT IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS
Braeburn Wealth Management focuses on providing individualized services. The
Adviser can tailor services to focus only on certain portfolio components, depending
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
upon the client’s wishes and/or the nature of the engagement. However, where
client services or information are limited, clients must understand that
comprehensive financial and/or investment needs and objectives may not be fully
considered due to the client’s option to receive limited services, the lack of
information received, and/or client disclosure.
Clients may impose restrictions in investing in certain securities or types of securities
in accordance with their values or beliefs if agreed by the Adviser in writing (i.e., no
tobacco, alcohol, etc). Clients are welcome to set parameters in writing as to the
Adviser’s limited discretionary authority in connection with types of investments and
amounts purchased or sold.
Where clients retain authority to implement recommendations, they are welcome to do
so in whole or in part via the financial services provider(s) of their choice.
D. WRAP FEE PROGRAMS
Braeburn Wealth Management does not sponsor or manage a wrap fee program.
E. AMOUNTS OF ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
As of December 31, 2024, Braeburn Wealth Management managed $266,536,914.00
with $266,292,154.00 managed in 1189 discretionary accounts, and $244,760.00
managed in 6 non-discretionary accounts.
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ITEM 5: FEES, COMPENSATION AND
TERMINATION OF SERVICES
A. FEE SCHEDULES
Braeburn Wealth Management is only compensated for advisory services in the
following manner: A percentage of assets under management and hourly or project-
based fees (using the Adviser’s hourly rate as a guide for larger projects), which are
dependent upon the nature and scope of the engagement).
1. Advisory fees for Investment Management Services. Investment Management
fees are payable quarterly and in advance. Fees are computed at a percentage of
assets under management and based upon the portfolio’s fair market value, as
determined by the client’s custodian, as of the last trading day of the relevant calendar
quarter. A pro-rated fee is calculated for services initiated at any time other than at the
beginning of a calendar quarter. A pro-rated fee is also applied for additional funds
added to the portfolio at any time during a given quarter. In the absence of a custodial
market value for a managed asset, the advisory fee will be agreed upon between
Adviser and client and set forth in the Client Agreement.
Braeburn Wealth Management’s fees for discretionary Investment Management
Services are as follows:
For assets invested in Mutual Funds the Adviser’s annual fee is 1.15% annually.
For assets invested in Exchange Traded Funds the Adviser’s annual fee is 1.15%
annually.
Assets invested in Stocks are invoiced at the Adviser’s annual fee of 1.50% annually.
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Investment Management fees are determined and at the time of engagement and are
set forth in the Client Agreement. The Adviser’s Investment Management fees may be
modified at the time of an engagement based upon individual circumstances, the
complexity of services, additional resources required, and at the discretion of the
Adviser. The Adviser may offer to manage a portfolio for a single, fixed asset based
annual fee for certain client relationships (based upon asset size, scope of services, etc.,
at the Adviser’s discretion).
During the engagement, Investment Management fees may be modified in certain
circumstances due to significant changes in the scope of the engagement, nature and/or
complexity of services. The Adviser reserves the right to modify the management fee
with 30 days written notice such as when the scope of the engagement or complexity of
services has changed. Should the client decide not to accept the fee adjustment, the
client is welcome to terminate services at any time.
If Investment Management clients require additional consultation or financial planning
services which are outside the scope of the Adviser’s Investment Management
Services, the Adviser’s $200 hourly fee will apply. Braeburn Wealth Management will
not engage in services resulting in additional fees without the expressed authorization
of the client. In such cases, the Adviser’s consultation fee will be invoiced in arrears.
Invoices for hourly services are due upon receipt. Late fees are invoiced for payments
not received after10 days at a rate of 1.5% monthly.
Either party may terminate the agreement for Investment Management Services by
written notice to the other. In the event either party terminates the Adviser’s Investment
Management Services the Adviser shall calculate a pro-rated refund which will be
promptly refunded to the client. However, if termination occurs within five business
days of entering into an agreement for such services and the client has not received the
Adviser’s ADV Part 2 brochures at least 48 hours prior to engagement, no fees shall be
due or the client shall be entitled to a full refund of prepaid advisory fees.
2. Fees associated with Financial Planning and Consultation Services are
determined at the time of engagement. The Adviser fees are based upon the time and
effort required and/or the nature and complexity of services. Fees are computed at an
hourly rate of $200 or for larger projects the Adviser may propose a project-based fee.
In such cases, the project fee will be calculated using the Adviser’s hourly rate as a
guide.
Financial Planning and Consultation fees are generally due and payable upon delivery
of the services. However, for larger projects, a retainer (equal to ½ of the proposed
project fee) may be required at the time of engagement in order to schedule the
project. In such cases, the balance will be invoiced upon the delivery of services.
Clients may terminate services within 5 days of engagement with no fees due (or a full
refund of any pre-paid retainer will be promptly returned) if the Adviser’s Form ADV
Part 2 was not delivered at least 48 hours prior to engagement. Otherwise, Financial
Planning and Consultation Services may be terminated prior to the conclusion of
services upon receipt of written notice by either party however; the client agrees to
submit payment for time and effort incurred by the Adviser up until the effective date of
termination. In such cases, invoices are due within 10 days of receipt. Consultation
agreements otherwise terminate upon delivery and completion of services. As with
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other advisory services, late fees are invoiced for late payments at a rate of 1.5%
monthly.
Should the client’s condition change during the course of services such that new
advice, recommendations, re-evaluation or research are required, additional fees may
apply. The Adviser will not engage in additional services that result in new fees
without the client’s approval.
3. General Newsletter Services are complimentary.
4. General Educational Workshops for Individuals and Corporations are
complimentary.
B. PAYMENT OF FEES
1. Investment Management fees are payable quarterly in advance. Payment of
Investment Management fees may be made directly to the Adviser or through a debit
directly to the client’s account by the qualified custodian holding the client’s funds and
securities. The Adviser follows the following criteria when payment is made via a
qualified custodian as required by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission’s Investment Advisers Act of 1940:
1) The client provides written authorization permitting the fees to be paid directly from
the client’s account held by the independent qualified custodian and the authorization is
limited to withdrawing contractually agreed upon Investment Adviser fees; (2) The client
will directly receive regular (monthly or quarterly) reports from their selected qualified
custodian which reflect the Adviser’s fee deduction; (3) The frequency of fee withdrawal
shall be specified in the written authorization/agreement; (4) The custodian of the
account shall be advised in writing of the limitation on the Adviser’s access to the
account and; (5) The client shall be able to terminate the written billing authorization or
agreement at any time.
If the designated account(s) do not contain sufficient funds to pay advisory fees, the
client can leave standing orders to deduct fees via other accounts. In the absence of
alternate instructions, the Adviser will issue an invoice for advisory fees to the client
and payment is expected within 10 days of the invoice date or as may otherwise be
agreed in writing. As with other advisory services, late fees are invoiced for late
payments at a rate of 1.5% monthly.
Braeburn Wealth Management makes every effort to ensure it calculates its quarterly fee
properly. It is important to note that custodial firms do not verify advisory fees.
Therefore, clients should review their custodial statements carefully. If a client should
have any questions or concerns in connection with an advisory fee deduction or with the
account data reflected on their statements, they should promptly contact Braeburn
Wealth Management.
If at any time during the Adviser’s engagement, the client fails to directly receive the
regular statements produced by the custodian, it is important for the client to promptly
notify Braeburn Wealth Management and the custodial firm.
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2. Fees associated with the Financial Planning Services and Consultations are
invoiced directly. As disclosed under the fee section of this Brochure, Braeburn
Wealth Management may require a retainer equal to ½ the proposed project fee in
order to schedule services. In these cases the project balance is due upon the
delivery of services. Late fees are invoiced for late payments at a rate of 1.5%
monthly.
3. The Adviser’s General Newsletter Services are complimentary.
4. The Adviser’s General Educational Workshops for Individuals or Corporations
are complimentary.
C. CLIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIRD PARTY FEES
Clients are responsible for the payment of all third party fees associated with investing.
Clients may pay transaction and brokerage commission to their broker/dealer or other
service providers (“Financial Institution[s]) as well as any fees associated with their
particular accounts (e.g., account opening, maintenance, transfer, termination, wire
transfer, retirement plan, trust fees, and all such applicable third party fees, deferred
sales charges, oddlot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees,
and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions). All fees
paid to the Adviser for advisory services are separate from the fees and expenses
charged to shareholders of ETF’s or mutual fund shares offered by mutual fund
companies. If a mutual fund previously purchased by or selected by a client should
impose a sales charge, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge. Braeburn
Wealth Management does not receive any portion of these other investment-related
fees. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to the
Adviser’s fees. A complete explanation of the expenses charged by a mutual fund or
ETF is contained in the respective l fund prospectus. Clients are encouraged to read
each investment prospectus and securities offering document.
Portfolio additions may be in cash or securities provided that the Adviser reserves the
right to liquidate any transferred securities, or decline to accept particular securities into
a client’s account. The Adviser may consult with its clients about the options and
ramifications of transferring securities. However, clients are hereby advised that when
transferred securities are liquidated, they are subject to transaction fees, fees assessed
at the mutual fund level (i.e. contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax ramifications.
D. PREPAYMENT OF FEES
As discussed in the fee section of this Brochure, Braeburn Wealth Management collects
Investment Management fees quarterly and in advance of services.
As previously disclosed Braeburn Wealth Management normally invoices Financial
Planning and Consultation Services in arrears but may require a pre-paid retainer to
schedule larger projects.
As previously disclosed herein, clients who do not receive the Adviser’s Form ADV Part
2 at least 48 hours prior to an advisory engagement have the right to terminate the
Adviser’s services within 5 business days of signature without penalty (no fees due or
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
prepaid advisory fees will be promptly refunded).
Investment Management Services may otherwise be terminated upon receipt of
written notice by either party. If the termination occurs prior to the end of a billing period,
the Adviser will only charge for services provided up until the effective date of
termination.
Financial Planning and Consultation Services terminate upon the delivery of services
unless ongoing services are engaged pursuant to the Client Agreement. These services
may otherwise be immediately terminated prior to the conclusion of services upon
written notice from either party and the client will only be invoiced for time incurred by
the Adviser up until the effective date of termination or the prepaid but unearned fees will
be promptly refunded.
As previously disclosed, the Adviser’s General Newsletter Services and Workshops
for Individuals or Corporations are complimentary.
E. OTHER COMPENSATION FOR THE SALE OF SECURITIES OR OTHER
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS TO CLIENTS
Braeburn Wealth Management is a fee-based Registered Investment Adviser.
Neither the Adviser nor its Advisory Representatives accept any commissions or other
types of compensation, including asset-based sales charges or service fees associated
with the sale of mutual funds, for the recommendation of securities products. Braeburn
Wealth Management is only compensated through the payment of advisory fees paid by
clients.
While not the primary focus of their business, Representatives of the Adviser are
separately engaged as independently licensed insurance representatives. These
independently licensed persons accept normal commissions paid by insurance/annuity
companies when clients purchase insurance and/or annuity products through them.
Clients are never obligated to act on any insurance or annuity recommendations
provided by licensed Representatives or they are welcome to do so in whole or in part.
Additionally, clients are welcome to purchase products through any licensed agent,
agency or company of their choice.
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND
SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
Braeburn Wealth Management’s fees associated with services are not “performance
based” (based upon a share of capital gains or capital appreciation, or performance, for
any portion of funds under an advisory contract). The Adviser does not engage in side-
by-side management arrangements.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS
AND MINIMUM ACCOUNT SIZE
Braeburn Wealth Management is available to provide advisory services to individuals, high
net worth individuals, trusts, estates, pension and profit sharing plans, charitable
organizations, corporations and other business entities.
If an account is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, (“ERISA”), the Adviser acknowledges that Adviser is a fiduciary within the
meaning of the Act and the ERISA Client is a named fiduciary with respect to the control
or management of the assets in the Account. In each instance, the Client will agree to
obtain and maintain a bond satisfying the requirements of Section 412 of ERISA and to
include the Adviser and the Adviser’s principals, agents, and employees under those
insured under that bond and will deliver to the Adviser a copy of the governing plan
documents. If the Account assets for which the Adviser provides services represent only
a portion of the assets of an employee benefit plan, Client will remain responsible for
determining an appropriate overall diversification policy for the assets of such plan.
Braeburn Wealth Management requires a minimum relationship size of $100,000 for
clients retaining Investment Management Services. The Adviser may accept portfolios
not meeting the minimum, where special circumstances exist, for certain pre-existing
relationships, where the client is likely to meet the minimum within a reasonable time
period, for family members of the Adviser’s staff, and at the sole discretion of the
Adviser.
Financial Planning Services and Consultation Services are available for those clients
not meeting the minimum relationship size who do not desire intensive Investment
Management Services. There are no minimum fee or asset requirements for these
services.
The Adviser reserves the right to decline to provide investment advisory services to any
person or firm in its sole discretion and for any reason.
ITEM 8: METHOD OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS
A. METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Braeburn Wealth Management understands that each client presents a unique set of
goals, values, interests, objectives, time horizons and challenges. The Adviser seeks
to provide individualized attention to each type of investor who may engage the
Adviser for services.
Based upon information provided by the client, the Adviser attempts to evaluate an
investor’s risk tolerance, time horizon, goals and objectives through an interview and
data-gathering process in an effort to determine an investment plan or strategy to best fit
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
the investor’s profile.
Client participation and the client’s delivery of accurate and complete information are
critical to the Adviser’s processes. In performing its services, the Adviser shall not be
required to verify any information received from the client or from the client’s other
professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) and is expressly authorized to rely on
such information.
The Adviser may recommend the services of itself, its Advisory Representatives in their
individual capacities as investment managers and independently licensed
insurance/annuity representatives, and other professionals to implement its
recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest exists if the Adviser
recommends its own services or those of affiliated entities.
Any professional referrals the Adviser may provide upon request (i.e., accounting
professionals, legal professionals, etc.) are solely a professional courtesy and the
Adviser receives no direct or indirect compensation as a result of referrals.
Clients are under no obligation to act upon any of the recommendations made by the
Adviser under a financial planning and/or consultation engagement and/or engage the
services of any such recommended professional, including the Adviser itself. In such
cases, clients retain absolute discretion over all implementation decisions and are free to
accept or reject any of the Adviser’s recommendations.
In providing individualized Investment Management Services to its clients, the Adviser
Is available to provide advisory services for portfolios ranging from capital preservation
to aggressive, each designed to meet the varying needs of and within the direction set
forth by the investors. The Adviser selects the portfolio best suited to the client’s
individual stated needs and goals after clients have defined their objectives, risk
tolerance and time horizons, and the selection is approved by the client.
During Braeburn Wealth Management’s engagement to providing ongoing Investment
Management Services, clients are advised to promptly notify the Adviser if there are
ever any changes or prospective changes in their financial situation or investment
objectives or if clients wish to impose any reasonable restrictions upon the Adviser’s
management services. Where the investment strategies are changed or where
restrictions are applied, these changes will be documented in writing as they are agreed
upon between both parties.
The Adviser may utilize one or more of the following methods of analysis described in
this section. Braeburn Wealth Management’s overall goal in devising strategies is not
an effort to time the market. The Adviser takes the position that no single strategy can
be relied upon in an effort to outperform the market. Research, investment
information, and certain proprietary analyses are drawn upon in an effort to provide
clients with personalized and innovative advisory services. Managed investment
portfolios are regularly monitored and updated are suggested or implemented when
deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
1. Fundamental Analysis involves the analysis of financial statements, the general
financial health of companies, and/or the analysis of management or competitive
advantages. Fundamental analysis is about using actual data to evaluate a security's
value. Although most analysts use fundamental analysis to value stocks, this method of
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
valuation can be used for just about any type of security.
For example, an investor can perform fundamental analysis on a bond's value by looking
at economic factors, such as interest rates and the overall state of the economy, and
information about the bond issuer, such as potential changes in credit ratings. For
assessing stocks, this method normally uses revenues, earnings, future growth, return
on equity, profit margins and other data to help determine a company's underlying value
and potential for future growth. In terms of stocks, fundamental analysis focuses on the
financial statements of the company being evaluated.
Very broadly described, this type of analysis involves a method of evaluating a security
that entails an attempt to measure its intrinsic value by examining related economic,
financial and other qualitative and quantitative factors. Fundamental analysts attempt to
study everything that can affect the security's value, including macroeconomic factors
(like the overall economy and industry conditions) and company-specific factors (like
disclosed financial condition and management).
The end goal of performing fundamental analysis is to help produce a value that an
investor can compare with the security's current price, with the aim of attempting to
determine what sort of position to take with that security (underpriced = buy, overpriced
= sell or short). This method of security analysis is often considered to be the opposite
of technical analysis.
Fundamental analysis is performed on historical and present data, but with the goal of
making financial forecasts. There are several possible objectives:
• to help conduct a company stock valuation and predict it’s probable price evolution,
• to help make a projection on its business performance,
• to evaluate its management and internal business decisions,
• to calculate its credit risk.
2. Technical Analysis is a method of evaluating securities by analyzing the statistics
generated by market activity, such as past prices and volume. Generally speaking,
technical analysts do not attempt to measure a security's intrinsic value, but instead use
charts and other tools to better understand the supply and demand characteristics for a
given security at a specific time to suggest future activity. The field of technical analysis
is based on three four assumptions:
1. The market discounts everything.
2. Price moves in trends.
3. History tends to repeat itself.
4. Supply and demand dictates the price movement of securities.
This type of analysis can be broadly described as a method of evaluating securities by
analyzing statistics generated by market activity, such as past prices and volume.
Technical analysts do not attempt to measure a security's intrinsic value, but instead use
charts and other tools to identify patterns that can suggest future activity. It is a discipline
for forecasting the direction of prices through the study of past market data, primarily
price and volume. Technical analysts lean towards the belief that the historical
performance of stocks and markets are likely indications of future performance.
3. Cyclical Analysis is a method that generally looks at cycles that can impact that
market, depending upon the type of securities. This analysis method takes into
consideration that there are cyclical and noncyclical securities.
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Cyclical stocks are stocks that follow the general economic environment. The automotive
industry is a prime example of a cyclical sector. Cyclical stocks may do well in times of
economic prosperity and generally suffer greater during times of economic recession or
hardship. Conversely, health care stocks are an excellent example of non- cyclical
stocks as there will always be a need for health care, regardless of the economic
situation. These stocks typically have consistent profits, rather than spikes.
Historically, the difference between cyclical and noncyclical stocks has been cash flow.
The cash flow of cyclical stocks is affected by the movement of the economy in general.
A major category of cyclical stocks is retail consumer products. When the market
swings up, cyclical stocks may make big upward swings and when it swings down, they
may move way down. Their movement is widely followed as indicators of the overall
health of the economy. However, some cyclical companies attempt to alleviate the
impact of cyclical changes by diversifying their product line, expanding to overseas
markets and segmenting a cyclical division out to its own stock symbol. Additionally,
technology has minimized the impact of many cyclical organizations.
Noncyclical stocks are less affected by a downturn in the economy. Referred to as
"defensive industries," they are the types of goods that are purchased regardless of the
economy. These may include food, insurance and drug companies. Analysts attempt
to use their knowledge about the cyclical nature of certain industries to predict revenues,
interpret earnings reports and make judgments about the overall financial health of a
company.
Generally speaking, the stock prices of cyclical companies tend to increase when
analysts predict positive news about the future of the economy. If investors feel the
market is moving up, cyclical stocks may offer growth opportunities. If they feel the
market is moving down, noncyclical stocks may provide stability.
4. Braeburn Wealth Management may utilize Quantitative Analysis to easily
combine and quantify various characteristics of a large number of investments in order
to determine which of the group require further analysis. Qualitative analysis is also
utilized in an effort to weigh the unique situation of an individual investment and the
overall market/economy in general.
5. Other. Braeburn Wealth Management’s proprietary portfolio strategies are described
below. However, Braeburn Wealth Management’s overall investment strategies and
ongoing management services may be based upon a number of concepts and are
determined by the type of investor. Advisory services are customized for each individual
client.
Braeburn Growth and Value: This is the Adviser’s monitored stock portfolio that
consists of 21 selected stocks or less. The stocks are selected from 3 quantitative
screens. Each of the three screens has a different objective. One screen seeks growth
and relative strength. A second screen has similar objectives but with a market cap limit
and a valuation limit. The third screen is looking for solid dividend paying value
stocks. The screens are run and changes made to the portfolio in early January of each
year. The portfolio generally has about 90% turnover. Though the Adviser may
recommend the purchase and sale of securities throughout the year, this is purposely
kept to an absolute minimum.
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Braeburn Black: The Braeburn Black Strategy is a speculative strategy that seeks
opportunities in smaller, more thinly traded stocks. These stocks are identified based
upon a number of factors consisting of direction of company earnings, price momentum,
valuation and certain earnings return criteria. Nearly all securities identified in this
process carry a greater deal of risk and volatility than larger blue chip issues.
Braeburn Income Portfolio: This is a portfolio consisting of utility stocks, MLP stocks,
common stocks and REITs. The portfolio is constructed based upon dividend yield and
growth of dividends. The objective of the portfolio is to provide an increasing income
level and appreciation over time.
Unlike the first two portfolio analyses, this screen is not re-run after the first of each year.
The screens are run frequently based on these strategies therefore holdings are subject
to change throughout the year.
Braeburn ETF Portfolio: This is a diversified equity portfolio consisting of ETFs with an
eye on growth. The Adviser employs several technical tools that can provide signals
relative to the risk level in the market. Based on these signals, at times the Adviser may
recommend a transition to significant cash levels or even all cash. The Adviser may
overweight sectors and/or segments of the market (market cap, international areas, etc.)
It is not uncommon for the Adviser to mix the Braeburn Income Portfolio and the
The Braeburn ETF portfolio within a client’s account.
The Adviser can also construct portfolios from no-load, open-ended mutual funds.
Bond funds and alternative asset funds may also be employed.
The Adviser takes the position that a thirty year bond rally has ended and generally
makes limited use of bonds and CD’s. While clients may continue to hold a number of
these securities (purchased years earlier), the Adviser is not currently recommending
additional/new purchases. This position may change with market conditions. Should
this position be modified, the Adviser’s Form ADV 2 Brochure will be amended to address
the Adviser’s then-current strategies.
Due to the fact that the Adviser seeks to customize portfolio recommendations and
takes into consideration various risk levels for its individual clients and/or client households,
the Adviser may occasionally recommend annuities.
Braeburn Wealth Management also takes the position that risk reduction is a key
element to long-term investment success therefore Braeburn Wealth Management
generally implements plans by using strategic diversified asset allocation. Strategic
Asset Allocation is a lifetime investment approach, wherein selected asset classes and
the weightings of these asset classes focus on the overall investment objective and
risk tolerance of the client. As previously noted, the Adviser customizes its services
and advice and recommendations will always depend upon the unique needs and
objectives of as stated by the client.
Recommendations for or purchases of investments will be based on publicly available
reports and analysis. In the case of mutual funds, recommendations will be based on
reports and analysis of performance and managers, and certain computerized models
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
for asset allocation and investment timing. Tactical asset allocation (market timing and
track record investment) is generally discouraged.
Portfolio holdings or recommendations are generally judged by (managers’ or
investments’) experience, track record and performance of like-kind investments. The
Adviser will actively manage each portfolio. Investors should generally expect to remain
fully invested within the ranges of their selected investment plan at all times unless
restated by the client. However, at times the Adviser will not find attractively priced
investments and may hold cash until it deems appropriate. The Adviser generally looks
to the long-term when developing advice and recommendations but advice and
recommendations are based upon information and directives provided by the client.
It is important that the client promptly notifies the Adviser of any change in the client’s
financial condition so the Adviser has the opportunity to assess any possible changes
needed in the advice, recommendations or investment strategies. Changing conditions
in the client’s financial life or significant changes in market conditions may warrant a
collaborative effort with the client to modify their strategic investment framework, which
consequently may also trigger changes to investment holdings within the portfolio.
Braeburn Wealth Management attempts to be conscious and sensitive to tax-related
investment considerations. However, Braeburn Wealth Management is not a tax
professional. Clients are encouraged to seek the guidance of their tax professional in an
effort to understand how their investments (proposed or implemented) will effect their
overall tax situation.
Portfolio additions may be in cash or securities provided that the Adviser reserves the
right to liquidate any transferred securities, or decline to accept particular securities into
the client’s account. The Adviser may consult with its clients about the options and
ramifications of transferring securities. However, clients are hereby advised that when
transferred securities are liquidated, they may be subject to transaction fees, fees
assessed at the mutual fund level (e.g., contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax
ramifications.
It is important to understand that investing in securities involves a risk of loss that a
client should be prepared to bear.
B. MATERIAL RISKS INVOLVED
As outlined in the preceding section, no single strategy can be relied upon to outperform
the market. Additionally, as outlined below, Braeburn Wealth Management’s goal in its
analysis is not to time the market.
Braeburn Wealth Management takes the general position that investors with diverse
portfolios have a better chance of making a profit because it is difficult to accurately
predict all variables that affect marketable securities.
Braeburn Wealth Management may utilize long-term trading; short-term trading; short
sales; margin transactions; options writing strategies (including covered options,
uncovered options or spreading strategies).
Braeburn Wealth Management seeks to utilize investment strategies that are designed
to capture equity, fixed income and cash. Frequent trading, when done, can affect
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investment performance, particularly through increased brokerage and other transaction
costs and taxes. Short sales, margin transactions and options writing generally hold
greater risk and clients should be aware that there is a chance of material risk of loss
using any of those strategies.
The Adviser focuses its attention on risk within its assessment of an investment. The
Adviser also takes into consideration how strongly an investment is correlated with the
market but also considers it in connection with the client’s portfolio.
The Adviser also carefully considers the level of risk appropriate for each individual client
based upon information provided by the client.
Various risks may be encountered: The data reviewed and considered by the Adviser is
generally deemed to be reliable but the Adviser cannot guarantee the accuracy.
Additionally, in securities analyses, data is sometimes subjective and open to individual
interpretation.
Some data, such as may be obtained through Technical Analysis (as an example) may
only attempt to forecast investment performance over the short-term. Therefore, in terms
of various analysis methods, limitations exist.
Certain data provided by companies, such as balance sheet data may be variable and
may play a role in determining the value and performance of an investment.
While the Adviser may consider long-term strategies, which are based on an assumption
that financial market values will increase over time, this may not always be the case.
Additionally, there may exist a risk of value decline within in a segment of the market in
which a client is invested or within a particular investment itself. Investors must also
consider that with any long-term investment strategy, it may create a situation
whereby one or more other investment opportunities cannot be utilized because assets
are invested elsewhere (within a long-term investment).
As outlined in Item A in this section, clients may make additions to and withdrawals from
the account at any time, subject to the Adviser’s right to terminate an account. Clients
may withdraw account assets on notice to the Adviser, subject to the usual and
customary securities settlement procedures. However, the Adviser generally designs its
client portfolios as long-term investments and assets withdrawals may impair the
achievement of a client’s investment objectives.
Additions to a managed portfolio may be made in cash, cash equivalents and securities
provided that the Adviser reserves the right to liquidate any transferred securities, or
decline to accept particular securities into a client’s account. Please reference the
disclosure in Item A of this section in connection with possible fees and tax implications
associated with liquidated securities.
In the event a client wishes to maintain a substantial cash reserve account, the Adviser
generally recommends that clients establish a separate non-managed account such as
a money market account. This account is not monitored by the Adviser but may be
periodically reviewed with the client. These unmanaged accounts are excluded when
calculating the Adviser’s investment management fee and are excluded from the
managed asset data the Adviser may include in any reports it may prepare.
Additionally, the Adviser may recommend that clients maintain a certain level of cash in
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
managed accounts to facilitate advisory fee deductions (when applicable with the
client’s authorization) and to provide liquidity for the client’s cash flow needs or as may
be needed for planned purchases. These recommendations are made to help prevent
situations where the Adviser has to sell a security at an inappropriate time in order to
cover the fees due. This event may slightly reduce your portfolio’s returns when
portfolio returns are greater than the interest rate associated with cash balances.
Clients may choose to make self-directed securities transactions, which are investments
that are not reviewed and/or not recommended by the Adviser. In such cases, the
Adviser has not passed on the suitability of said investments and while the Adviser may
assist with client-directed implementation as a value-added service at the client’s
specific request, the Adviser will not manage these types of investments unless agreed
in writing.
It is important to understand that investing in securities involves a risk of loss that a
client should be prepared to bear.
C. RISKS OF SPECIFIC SECURITIES UTILIZED
Braeburn Wealth Management generally seeks investment strategies that do not involve
significant risk or unusual risk beyond that of the general domestic and / or international
equity and bond markets.
In connection with stock investments the following risks exist:
Financial Risk - The risk that the companies you are invested in may perform poorly
affecting the value of your investment.
Market Risk - The risk that the stock market will decline, decreasing the value of your
investment.
Inflation Risk - The risk that prices will increase in the economy and deteriorate a stock’s
real return.
Political, Governmental and Regulatory Risk - The risk that the value of your
investment may be negatively affected by new regulations, changes in leadership,
political unrest, etc.
Certain securities recommended, such as U.S. small cap and mid cap stock mutual
funds, and micro-cap mutual funds, possess higher levels of volatility (as individual
asset classes within a portfolio). When utilized as part of an overall strategic asset
allocation, the Adviser takes the position that over the long-term, the potential return will
be greater than the additional risk that may be applicable over the short-term.
Since a mutual fund may hold bonds and/or stocks, investments may face risks
associated with these types of investments. Additionally these investments may involve:
Manager Risk - the risk that an actively managed fund’s investment adviser will fail to
execute the fund’s stated investment strategy.
Market Risk - the risk that the stock market will decline thereby decreasing the value of
the securities held by the mutual fund.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
Inflation Risk – the risk associated with price increases in the economy which may
decrease a mutual fund’s actual return.
Industry Risk - the risk that a group of stocks within a single industry will decline in price
due to adverse developments within that industry. This event would decrease the value
of mutual funds that have a significant portion of assets invested within that particular
industry.
Bond risks - There are certain risks involved in investing in all types of bonds and these
include but are not limited to: Interest rate risk; reinvestment risk; inflation risk; mark
risk, selection risk, timing risk, and price risk. Additional risks for some government
agency, corporate and municipal bonds may include: Legislative risk (a change in the
tax code could affect the value of taxable or tax-exempt interest income); Call risk (some
corporate, municipal and agency bonds have a “call provision” entitling their issuers to
redeem them at a specified price on a date prior to maturity. Declining interest rates
may accelerate the redemption of a callable bond, causing an investor’s principal to be
returned sooner than expected. In that scenario, investors have to reinvest the principal
at the lower interest rates. If the bond is called at or close to par value, as is usually the
case, investors who paid a premium for their bond also risk a loss of principal. In reality,
prices of callable bonds are unlikely to move much above the call price if lower interest
rates make the bond likely to be called. Additionally, there may be a liquidity risk
involved if investors may have difficulty finding a buyer when they want to sell and may
be forced to sell at a significant discount to market value. Liquidity risk is greater for
thinly traded securities such as lower-rated bonds, bonds that were part of a small issue,
bonds that have recently had their credit rating downgraded or bonds sold by an
infrequent issuer. Bonds are generally the most liquid during the period right after
issuance when the typical bond has the highest trading volume. Additional risks for
corporate and municipal bonds may include: Credit risk; default risk; event risk and
duration risk.
While all investments involve some level of risk, including capital and purchasing power
loss, the Adviser seeks to emphasize diversification in an effort to help minimize and
manage it.
The Adviser seeks to diversify investments not only within asset classes and sectors, but
in terms of investment philosophies and strategies as well. It is widely acknowledged
that each of the Adviser’s investment analysis methods (fundamental, technical, etc.)
have various weaknesses and risks associated with them. It is also widely
acknowledged that there are risks associated with various asset classes or sectors in
general. However, by focusing on diversification of assets, multi-faceted investment
models, and educated strategies, the Adviser seeks to help reduce risk in a manner that
still produces profits over the long term and to select investment strategies that are
within the realm of its expertise.
From time to time, Braeburn Wealth Management may seek temporary defensive
positions that are inconsistent with a portfolio’s stated investment strategy. This would
be undertaken in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other
conditions. This action may impact the portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment
objective.
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Certain investments selected within a client’s portfolio may have a limited market for
resale and therefore, when a redemption request is made, there may be difficulty in
liquidating certain positions held in order to honor the request. If the Adviser sells all or
a portion of a position to fill the client’s request, this can negatively impact the value of
those securities.
From time to the Adviser may recommend investments in fixed annuities. Fixed
annuities guarantee an interest rate for a period of time, generally one to ten years, and
some contracts offer guaranteed minimum rates of return for the life of the contract.
Fixed annuities are not subject to fluctuation in value as are variable annuities. Both
principal and interest earned are backed by the financial strength of the issuing
insurance company. Therefore, the financial strength of the company, based upon
information publicly available, must be taken into consideration. When a client invests in
a fixed annuity, their funds are placed in the general account of the insurance company.
The funds are then “locked up” for a period of time, thus liquidity issues must be
considered. When setting the rate of return credited to the annuity contract, the
company considers prevailing market rates and also the costs of issuing and maintaining
the annuity contracts. In addition to the surrender charges as disclosed in the annuity
disclosure documents, some contracts may charge an annual maintenance fee.
Braeburn Wealth Management welcomes any discussions from clients in connection
with these and other risks as well as any questions or concerns in connection with
managed assets.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in securities involves
A risk of loss that all clients should be prepared to bear.
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
There are no legal or disciplinary events associated with the Adviser’s business that
would impact a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of Braeburn Wealth
Management or the integrity of its management.
The Adviser has not been the subject of any criminal or civil actions; administrative
proceedings before the SEC or any other federal, state of foreign regulatory authority.
Braeburn Wealth Management has not been involved in any self-regulatory organization
proceedings.
Information pertaining to the officer(s) and advisory representative(s) of Braeburn Wealth
Management are contained on ADV Part 2B which is attached to this section.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY
ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
A. REGISTRATION AS A BROKER/DEALER OR BROKER/DEALER
REPRESENTATIVE
Neither Braeburn Wealth Management nor its representatives are registered as a
broker/dealer or as Representatives of a broker/dealer.
B. REGISTRATION AS A FUTURES COMMISSION MERCHANT, COMMODITY
POOL OPERATOR OR A COMMODITY TRADING ADVISER
Neither Braeburn Wealth Management nor its representatives are registered as a FCM,
CPO or a CTA.
C. RELATIONSHIPS MATERIAL TO THIS ADVISORY BUSINESS AND CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST
Neither Braeburn Wealth Management nor its representatives have any material
relationships to this advisory business that would present a possible conflict of interest
other than the fact the Adviser’s Advisory Representatives may also be independently
licensed insurance representatives as discussed in this section.
Braeburn Wealth Management does not maintain registration relations with any of the
following:
➢ broker-dealer, municipal securities dealer, or government securities dealer or broker
➢ investment company or other pooled investment vehicle (including a mutual fund,
closed-end investment company, unit investment trust, private investment company
or “hedge fund,” and offshore fund)
➢ other investment adviser or financial planner
➢ futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or commodity trading
adviser
➢ banking or thrift institution
➢ lawyer or law firm
➢ insurance company or agency
➢ pension consultant
➢ real estate broker or dealer
➢ sponsor or syndicator of limited partnerships.
Braeburn Wealth Management does not operate and does not have a material
relationship with a hedge fund or other type of private pooled investment vehicle.
As previously disclosed in this Brochure and in his ADV Part 2B, Michael Poland,
CFA® is separately engaged as a licensed insurance representative. The time spent
on this activity may vary throughout the year but may account for up to 2% of his time.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
Clients of the advisory firm are welcome, but are never under any obligation to
purchase any products that may be recommended. Clients are welcome to utilize any
insurance representative, agency and company or to implement any insurance or
annuity recommendations in whole or in part, entirely at their discretion.
D. SELECTION OF OTHER ADVISORS OF MANAGERS AND HOW THIS ADVISER
IS COMPENSATED FOR THOSE SELECTIONS
Braeburn Wealth Management manages its client’s assets independently. The Adviser
does not recommend the services of other investment managers in conjunction with its
services.
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION
OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS
AND PERSONAL TRADING
A. CODE OF ETHICS
Braeburn Wealth Management takes the issue of regulatory compliance seriously and is
committed to maintain compliance with federal and applicable state securities laws.
Additionally, Braeburn Wealth Management has a position of public trust and it is our
goal to maintain that trust; provide excellent service, good investment performance; and
advice that is suitable.
Braeburn Wealth Management places great value on ethical conduct. Therefore, the
ultimate goal of our internal policies is to challenge our staff to live up not only to the
letter of the law, but also to the ideals set forth by the Adviser.
Clients may be familiar with the roles fiduciaries play in various legal situations and in
certain industries. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Braeburn Wealth Management
is a fiduciary to each and every client. As fiduciaries, Investment Advisors owe their
clients several specific duties and these fiduciary duties include:
❖ Providing advice that is suitable;
❖ Providing full disclosure of material facts and potential conflicts of interest
(such that the client has complete and honest disclosure in order to make
an informed decision about services of the Adviser and about investment
recommendations);
❖ The utmost and exclusive loyalty and good faith;
❖ Best execution of transactions under the available circumstances;
❖ The Adviser’s reasonable care to avoid ever misleading clients;
❖ Only acting in the best interests of clients.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
It is Braeburn Wealth Management’s policy to protect the interests of each of the
Adviser’s clients and to place the clients’ interests first and foremost in each and every
situation. Braeburn Wealth Management will abide by honest and ethical business
practices to include, but not limited to:
❖ The Adviser will not induce trading in a client’s account that is
excessive in size or frequency in view of the financial resources and
character of the account.
❖ The Adviser will make investment decisions with reasonable grounds
to believe that the decisions are suitable for the client on the basis of
information furnished by the customer and we will document
suitability.
❖ The Adviser and Advisory Representatives will not borrow money
from clients.
❖ The Adviser will not recommend the purchase of a security without the
reasonable belief that the security is registered, or the security or
transaction is exempt from registration in states where we provide
investment advice and based upon information the Adviser receives.
❖ The Adviser will not recommend that the client place an order to
purchase or sell a security through a broker/dealer or agent, or
engage the services of a broker/dealer that is not licensed, based
upon information available to the Adviser.
❖ All staff will report personal securities transactions to Michael Poland,
the Chief Compliance Officer as required by the SEC. Reportable
trades include all securities transactions with the following exceptions:
• Transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan;
• Securities held in accounts over which the access person has no
direct or indirect influence or control;
• Transactions and holdings in direct obligations of the US
Government;
• Money market instruments — bankers' acceptances, bank
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements
and other high quality short-term debt instruments;
• Shares of money market funds;
• Mutual fund transactions/holdings since the Adviser does not have a
material relationship with a fund company;
• Transactions in units of a unit investment trust if the unit investment
trust is invested exclusively in unaffiliated mutual funds.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
The Adviser emphasizes the unrestricted right of clients to decline to implement any
advice rendered, in whole or part. Where the Adviser is granted discretionary authority
of the client’s accounts, clients are welcome to set investment parameters and/or
limitations in writing and such direction is followed until such time the client’s instructions
are amended in writing.
All applicable securities rules and regulations will be strictly enforced. Braeburn Wealth
Management will not permit and has instituted controls against insider trading.
Advisory Representatives and administrative personnel who do not follow the Adviser’s
Code of Ethics and its internal policies and procedures manual, or who in any way
violate securities rules and regulations, or who fail to report known or suspected
violations will be disciplined or terminated, depending upon the severity of the action or
inaction. Such persons could also face action by the SEC and/or state securities
regulators.
Clients are welcome to request a copy of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics by contacting
the Adviser’s office.
Privacy Policy: In addition to the Code of Ethics, Braeburn Wealth Management has
adopted policies and procedures in connection with the protection of privacy as
required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-P
(the “Privacy Rule”). The Adviser’s policies and procedures prohibit the misuse of non-
public personal information the Adviser may obtain from prospective clients, current
clients and former clients. The Adviser’s internal privacy policies also address
protection of confidential information.
Prospective clients are welcome to request a copy of the Adviser’s privacy policy
information. Clients will normally receive a copy of this data prior to or at the time they
execute an agreement to receive advisory services. Existing clients can expect to
receive information about the Adviser’s privacy policy data no less than annually.
Gift Policy: Braeburn Wealth Management has also established a gift policy. The
Adviser and its staff may give or receive gifts of nominal value ($100 or less) under the
supervision of the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer. Promotional gifts (the Adviser’s)
would not fall under the $100 gift limit but are carefully monitored by the Chief
Compliance Officer. No gifts are permitted in connection with the achievement of a
sales target. Gifts will not relate to any particular transactions or investments made by
our clients.
Business Continuity: In conjunction with the Adviser’s commitment to provide
ongoing services as part of contractual duties associated with certain of its services
(such as Investment Management), the Adviser has adopted a business continuity
plan. The plan provides detailed steps to mitigate and recover from the loss of office
space, communications, services or key people.
Braeburn Wealth Management’s business continuity plan covers natural disasters such as
snow storms, hurricanes (which may impact our service providers but not a Michigan-based
office), tornados, fire, and flooding. The Plan covers other environmental and man-made
issues such as loss of electrical power, loss of water, fire, bomb threat, nuclear emergency,
chemical event, biological event, widespread illness, communication outages, Internet
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
outage, aircraft or other travel issues, and other accidents.
Where electronic files are utilized, they are backed up daily in duplicate and one copy
is archived offsite.
Alternate work locations have been identified to support ongoing operations in the
event any office is unavailable. It is the Adviser’s intention to ensure it contacts all
clients within 48-72 hours of a disaster that involves moving the Adviser’s office to an
alternate location. However, due to the streamlined operations of the Adviser,
residential offices will generally be the easiest form of transition and provide for ease
of forwarding telephonic and electronic communications.
Additionally, the Plan covers identified procedures in the event of serious disability or
death of key personnel members.
B. RECOMMENDATIONS INVOLVING MATERIAL FINANCIAL INTERESTS
Braeburn Wealth Management does not recommend that clients buy or sell any security
in which any of Braeburn Wealth Management’s related persons have a material
financial interest.
C. INVESTING PERSONAL MONIES IN THE SAME SECURITIES AS CLIENTS
The Adviser has established written policies and procedures for staff persons who may
invest personal monies. Braeburn Wealth Management and/or individuals associated
with Braeburn Wealth Management may have similar investment goals and objectives
and as a result may buy or sell securities for their personal accounts that may be
identical to or different from those recommended to clients. Thus, at times the interests
of the Adviser’s or staff members’ accounts may coincide with the interests of clients’
accounts. However, at no time will the Adviser or any related person receive an added
benefit or advantage over clients with respect to these transactions nor will the Adviser
nor its associated persons will not place itself in a position to have added benefit as a
result of advice given to clients.
D. TRADING SECURITIES AT/AROUND THE SAME TIME AS CLIENTS’
SECURITIES
The Adviser has established written policies and procedures for staff persons who may
invest personal monies. Braeburn Wealth Management its Advisory Representatives
acknowledge the Adviser’s fiduciary responsibility to place the investment needs of
clients ahead of the Adviser and its staff. The interests of clients are held in the highest
regard. At no time will the Adviser or any related person receive an added benefit or
advantage over clients with respect to these transactions. The Adviser and its
associated persons will not place itself in a position to have added benefit as a result of
advice given to clients.
The staff of Adviser shall not buy or sell securities for their personal portfolio(s) where
their decision is substantially derived, in whole or in part, by reason of his or her
employment unless the information is also available to the investing public on
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
reasonable inquiry.
The Adviser has established internal reporting and trading policies for its access
persons. Michael Poland, the Chief Compliance Officer of Braeburn Wealth
Management, is responsible for the monitoring of personal trading conducted by staff.
When the Adviser is purchasing or considering for purchase any security on behalf of a
client, no Advisory Representative or staff person (“Access Person”) of the Adviser may
effect a transaction in that security prior to the completion of the purchase or until a
decision has been made not to purchase such security. Similarly, when the Adviser is
selling or considering the sale of any security on behalf of a client, no Access Person
may effect a transaction in that security prior to the completion of the sale or until a
decision has been made not to sell such security. These requirements are not applicable
to: (i) direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) money market
instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including
repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by mutual funds or money market funds; and
(iv) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more
mutual funds.
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES
A. FACTORS USED TO SELECT CUSTODIANS AND/OR BROKER/DEALERS
Financial Planning and Consultation clients are welcome to utilize a brokerage firm of
their choice to implement any desired transactions at their discretion.
Braeburn Wealth Management recommends the services of Fidelity Institutional Wealth
Services and its affiliates (collectively referred to as “Fidelity”) and participates in the
custodial firm’s independent adviser service programs. The recommendations are
based on the level of investor services, adviser services, discount rates, product
offerings, execution services available.
Braeburn Wealth Management is independently owned and operated. The Adviser
and its Advisory Representatives are not employees, contractors, Registered or
Advisory Representatives of Fidelity or any other brokerage or custodial firm.
The Adviser and its Representatives do not receive any commissions or other types of
monetary compensation from brokerage firms in connection with recommending
brokerage or custodial services.
Fidelity provides the Adviser and its clients with access to institutional trading and
custody services that are typically not available to retail investors. Not all independent
Advisers recommend that clients utilize a particular broker/dealer or custodial firm.
Braeburn Wealth Management recognizes its duty to obtain best price and execution for
its clients under the circumstances available.
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Braeburn Wealth Management’s decision to utilize Fidelity is based upon the customer
service provided to investors and the services available to the Adviser. While it is
possible that clients may pay higher commission or transaction fees through the
preferred service providers, Braeburn Wealth Management has determined that the
companies currently offer the best overall value to the Adviser and its clients for the
brokerage and technology provided. Braeburn Wealth Management periodically reviews
other alternatives that are available to the Adviser market. However, Braeburn Wealth
Management believes that excellent customer service and trade execution is superior to
most non-service oriented, deep-discount and internet based brokers that may otherwise
be available to the public. Additionally, Fidelity feature broad lines of products and
services that are available to many types of investors, regardless of the amount of
investable assets. The Adviser also considers the following criteria:
❖ Quality of overall execution services provided;
❖ Promptness of execution;
❖ Creditworthiness, financial condition, and business reputation of the broker-dealer;
❖ Research (if any) provided;
❖ Promptness and accuracy of reports on execution;
❖ Ability and willingness to correct errors;
❖ Promptness and accuracy of confirmation statements;
❖ Ability to access various market centers;
❖ The broker-dealer's facilities and technology;
❖ The market where the security trades;
❖ Any expertise in executing trades for the particular type of security;
❖ Commission charged;
❖ Reliability of the broker-dealer;
❖ Ability to use ECNs to gain liquidity, price improvement, lower commission and
anonymity;
❖ Reputation of the broker-dealer;
❖ Execution and operational capabilities of the broker-dealer.
The Adviser may also utilize the service provider’s prime broker program for individual
securities trades which allows Braeburn Wealth Management to place trades through
other brokers/dealers. At times, the service providers may effect clients’ over-the-
counter securities transactions on an agency basis. These service providers may
execute transactions based upon a number of factors. These include: Size of order,
trading characteristics of the security, favorable execution prices, access to reliable data,
availability of efficient transaction processing and possible price reductions.
In filling these orders, the service providers may transact with a market-making broker-
dealer (“market maker”) on the other side of the trade. A market maker may mark-
up/down the price of a security for which it makes a market, which is a cost that will be
incurred by the client, in addition to any agency commissions assessed by the service
providers. In certain cases, a security may be purchased through another service
provider and in such cases, the security purchased is then transferred to the client
account at the client’s selected custodian, and a “trade away” delivery fee is assessed to
the client account.
Normally, best price and execution is obtained for over-the-counter securities
transactions by executing directly with the market maker on a principal basis. Clients
may incur transaction costs, in addition to any commissions charged by the service
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
providers, when trades in over-the-counter securities are effected on their behalf through
that broker on an agency basis. Therefore, this may limit or eliminate the Adviser’s
ability to obtain best price and execution in each case.
Fidelity does not charge the Adviser’s clients separately for custody services. Fidelity is
compensated by account holders through commissions and other transaction-related or
asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through them or that settle into
accounts (i.e., transactions fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds,
commissions are charged for individual equity and debt securities transactions).
Fidelity can provide the Adviser with access to many no-load mutual funds without
transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges.
Although we have negotiated fees with this custodian, clients may pay higher transaction
fees than might otherwise be available through other discount brokers. However, the
Adviser believes the services and benefits offered more than offset any potentially higher
fees.
The Adviser is under no obligation to recommend any particular custodian to its clients.
The Adviser does not believe that the services and benefits it receives from Fidelity
materially affect the Adviser’s recommendations to its clients. However, in the interest of
full disclosure, the Adviser is required to make clients aware that there is a potential
conflict of interest associated with recommending Fidelity. This is due to the fact that we
may have incentive to recommend a custodian based on our interest in receiving these
benefits, rather than on your interest in receiving the most favorable execution price
(“best execution”). To monitor this conflict, the Chief Compliance Officer of Braeburn
Wealth Management periodically monitors execution and services. In conducting a
review, the Chief Compliance Officers analyzes its existing custodial relationship in light
of the Adviser’s duty to obtain best execution for you. Part of this review process
includes rating the custodian on each of the items listed herein as well as discussing
other issues or concerns that have occurred during throughout the year and comparing
that data with other service providers that are available.
Trade error policy: The Adviser requires its personnel to carefully implement
investment decisions. Nevertheless, if a trade error occurs, it is the Adviser’s policy to
correct the error as soon as possible and in such a manner that the affected client is not
disadvantaged and bears no loss. The Adviser utilizes a trade-error account at Fidelity
as needed, to process trade error reimbursements.
If an investment gain results from the correcting trade, the gain will remain in your
account unless the same error involved other client account(s) that should have received
the gain, it is not permissible for you to retain the gain, or we confer with you and decide
to forego the gain (e.g., due to tax reasons).
If a loss occurs greater than $100, the Adviser will pay for the loss. Fidelity will generally
maintain the loss or gain (if such gain is not retained in your account) if it is under $100
to minimize and offset its administrative time and expense. Generally, if related trade
errors result in both gains and losses in your account, they may be netted.
Trading Away from the Custodian: Clients may incur transaction costs in addition to
any commissions charged by the broker-dealer when securities traded over-the-counter
are effected on their behalf through the broker-dealer on an agency basis. Broker
custody of client assets may limit or eliminate the Adviser’s ability to obtain best price
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
and execution of transactions in over-the counter securities.
1. RESEARCH AND OTHER SOFT DOLLAR BENEFITS
Braeburn Wealth Management receives no research, product or service other than
execution from a broker/dealer or third-party in connection with client securities
transactions. The Adviser does not receive any “soft dollar” benefits.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to
certain broker/dealers (such as Fidelity) in return for investment research products
and/or services which assist the Adviser in its investment decision-making process.
Such research generally will be used to service all of the Adviser’s clients, but
brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research that is not
used in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products
and/or services as well as the allocation of the benefit of such investment research
products and/or services poses a conflict of interest.
The Adviser may receive from its custodial firm, without cost to the Adviser, computer
software and related systems support, which allow the Adviser to better monitor client
accounts maintained at its preferred custodial firms. The Adviser may receive the
software and related support without cost because the Adviser renders Investment
Management Services to clients that maintain assets at these preferred custodial firms.
The software and related systems support may benefit the Adviser, but not its clients
directly. In fulfilling its duties to its clients, the Adviser endeavors at all times to put the
interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware however, that the Adviser’s receipt
of economic benefits from a broker-dealer creates a conflict of interest since these
benefits may influence the Adviser’s choice of broker/dealer over another broker-dealer
that does not furnish similar software, systems support, or services.
Additionally, the Adviser may receive the following benefits from custodial firms through
it’s Fidelity’s institutional program for independent advisers: Receipt of duplicate client
confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; access to a trading desk that
exclusively services its institutional program participants; access to block trading which
provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate
shares to client accounts; and access to an electronic communication network for client
order entry and account information.
2. BROKERAGE FOR CLIENT REFERRALS
Braeburn Wealth Management receives no referrals from a broker/dealer or third party in
exchange for using that broker/dealer or third party.
3. CLIENTS DIRECTING WHICH BROKER/DEALER/CUSTODIAN TO USE
Financial Planning and Consultation clients are welcome to utilize any service provider
they may choose and are welcome to implement any advice or recommendations in
whole or in part.
A client may direct Braeburn Wealth Management, in writing, to use a particular broker-
dealer to execute some or all transactions for the client. In that case, the client will
negotiate terms and arrangements for the account with that broker-dealer, and the
Adviser will not seek better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
able to “batch” client transactions for execution through other broker/dealers with orders
for other accounts managed by the Adviser (as described below). As a result, the client
may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive
less favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the
case. If the Adviser agrees to the arrangement, Braeburn Wealth Management will
continue to use the client’s preferred service provider until the client directs otherwise in
writing. Subject to its duty of best execution, the Adviser may decline a client’s request to
direct brokerage if, in the Adviser’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage
arrangements would result in additional operational difficulties.
B. AGGREGATION (BLOCK) TRADING FOR MULTIPLE CLIENT ACCOUNTS
Transactions for each client generally will be effected independently, unless the Adviser
decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the
same time. The Adviser may (but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to
obtain best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates, or to allocate
equitably among the Adviser’s clients, differences in prices and commissions or other
transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently. Due to the individualized nature of services, however, large orders of
securities are not always consistent with the nature of the Adviser’s services.
Aggregation is undertaken in firms processing large orders of securities in order to
realize more effective trade execution and the cost efficiencies that come from executing
larger order sizes. In each case, the Adviser strives to allocate investment opportunities
or trades among its clients in a manner that is fair and equitable and based upon the
client investment objectives.
Normally, under this procedure, when allocations are undertaken, transactions will
generally be averaged as to price and allocated according to the Adviser’s standard
allocation procedure. This procedure considers the circumstances of each trade and
always strives for fairness and cost-effectiveness to the client. In most cases when the
Adviser executes only a partial fill of a targeted buy order, allocations will prioritize
complete fills for clients with the most available cash as a percentage of portfolio assets.
Likewise, when the Adviser executes only a partial fill of a targeted sell order, allocations
will prioritize complete fills for clients with the least available cash as a percent of
portfolio assets. To the extent that the Adviser determines to aggregate client orders for
the purchase or sale of securities, including securities in which the Adviser’s Advisory
Representatives may invest, the Adviser shall normally do so in accordance with
applicable rules promulgated under the SEC’s Investment Advisers Act and no-action
guidance provided by the staff of the SEC. An allocation statement will be prepared and
any special circumstances or conditions will be outlined in connection with each event.
Certain issues may impact the Adviser’s allocation under the particular circumstances
and in such cases, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which
may include: (i) when only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be
allocated to the account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to an account
that is out of line with respect to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios,
with similar mandates; (ii) allocations may be given to one account when one account
has limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other
securities which are expected to produce similar investment results and can be
purchased by other accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an investment guideline limit
and cannot participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to other accounts (this
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed); (iv)
in cases where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may be
allocated to one or more accounts on a random basis.
The Adviser receives no additional benefit as a result of the proposed aggregation.
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
A. FREQUENCY AND NATURE OF PERIODIC REVIEWS AND WHO CONDUCTS
THE REVIEWS
Investment Management Services are ongoing in nature and thus continue until
terminated by either party. Investment Management Services involve continuous
review and advice regarding the Client’s investment portfolio. The Adviser will conduct
frequent internal reviews (no less than quarterly) of the Client’s portfolio. Internal
portfolio review processes depend upon the underlying assets of the portfolio,
individual circumstances, market conditions and the Client’s stated directions as
agreed to in the Client Agreement.
The Adviser requests that Client reviews (in person, electronically or telephonically)
occur at least annually. However, Braeburn Wealth Management encourages frequent
communications with the Adviser in order to continually review ongoing investment
strategies. Clients are encouraged to call the office any time during business hours.
Clients are obligated to immediately notify the Adviser of any change or prospective
change in their financial condition in order to provide the Adviser with the opportunity
to review the situation in the event a change in goals or investment strategies may be
recommended.
Braeburn Wealth Management also offers Financial Planning Services. These
services are offered on an hourly or project basis and terminate upon delivery of the
Plan/advice unless otherwise outlined in the Agreement. Financial Planning advice
may include the recommendation of annual reviews and updates to existing strategy or
written plan and it would be the Client’s responsibility to update his/her own goals or
secure additional services of the Adviser under a new or amended Agreement.
Advice provided during Consultations may include recommendations for reviews or
other follow-up services. Consultation Services are provided on an hourly or project
basis and thus terminate upon the delivery of services. It would be the Client’s
responsibility to update his or her financial goals or investment strategies on his/her
own or secure additional services from the Adviser under a new or amended
Agreement.
B. REVIEWERS
All decisions, account reviews, and primary client contacts are conducted by Advisory
Representatives under the direction of Michael Poland, CFA®, the Managing Member
and Chief Compliance Officer of Braeburn Wealth Management.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
C. FACTORS THAT MAY TRIGGER NON-PERIODIC REVIEWS OF CLIENT
ACCOUNTS
The Adviser continuously reviews underlying investments that may be recommended to
clients.
Internal client portfolio reviews will occur no less than quarterly. The timing of these
internal reviews may also be guided by the underlying assets of the portfolio, individual
circumstances as reasonably known by the Adviser, market conditions and the request
of the client.
Reviews may also be triggered by material market, economic or political events. The
Adviser’s reviews may also be triggered by reported changes or prospective changes in
the client’s financial situation, which may include but are not limited to: Termination of
employment, physical relocation, inheritance, retirement and other life changes.
D. CONTENT AND FREQUENCY OF REGULAR REPORTS PROVIDED TO
CLIENTS
Clients can expect to receive confirmation statements from all transactions and a
monthly/quarterly statement, directly from their custodial firm. The custodian’s
quarterly reports detail account value, net change, portfolio holdings, and all account
activity. The Advisor may prepare additional portfolio data or post meeting
communications at the Advisor’s discretion.
Investment Management clients may, at their option, access portfolio reports via the
internet through the custodian’s website.
The Adviser may occasionally prepare other reports, post-meeting communications or
other documents, at the Adviser’s discretion.
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER
COMPENSATION
A. ECONOMIC BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTIES FOR ADVICE
RENDERED TO CLIENTS (INCLUDES SALES AWARDS OR OTHER PRIZES)
Braeburn Wealth Management does not receive any economic benefit, directly or
indirectly from any third party in connection with investment advice rendered to Braeburn
Wealth Management’s clients.
As previously disclosed, Advisory Representatives may be separately engaged as
licensed insurance/annuity representatives. Licensed personnel do not participate in the
receipt of sales awards, contests or other similar activities. A minimal amount of time
(up to 2% during the year) is devoted to this outside business activity.
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
Custodial firms and investment-related entities may provide Advisory Representatives
with the opportunity to attend training events or educational conferences. These entities
may cover all or a portion of the cost of the event, travel, meals and lodging expenses
for attendees. Payment/reimbursement of these expenses is not contingent upon the
sale of any specific securities. Advisory Representatives may have an incentive to
recommend the firms that offer these opportunities over those that do not. Rarely, it is
possible that a custodial firm may also cover some of the costs associated with meetings
or workshops we may hold for our staff, clients or prospective clients. This may provide
the Adviser with an incentive to place business with that custodian. These types of
considerations are monitored and must be approved by the Adviser’s Chief Compliance
Officer.
B. COMPENSATION TO NON-ADVISORY PERSONNEL FOR CLIENT REFERRALS
The Adviser does not directly or indirectly compensate any person who is not part of
Braeburn Wealth Management’s advisory personnel.
ITEM 15: CUSTODY
Braeburn Wealth Management does not take custody of client funds or securities at any
time. Custody of clients’ accounts is maintained at and execution services are provided
by Fidelity or the client’s selected custodial firm. In all cases, clients have a direct and
beneficial interest in their securities (individual ownership), rather than an undivided
interest in a pool of securities.
The Adviser may have limited access to custodial accounts in order to implement trades
and to deduct investment advisory fees but only with the appropriate client authorization.
Clients can expect to receive regular and customary account statements directly from
their custodian(s) and clients should carefully review these statements. If clients find
that statements are not being received or if they find any discrepancies in statement
information, they must promptly communication this information to Braeburn Wealth
Management and their custodial firm.
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Clients engaging the Adviser for Investment Management Services have the ability to
leave standing instructions with the Adviser to refrain from investing in particular
industries, invest in limited amounts of securities and to re-balance portfolios (also
termed as “limited discretion”).
With the client’s authorization as provided in the custodial account forms and the
Adviser’s Client Agreement, Braeburn Wealth Management will maintain limited
discretionary trading authority to execute securities transactions in the investor’s
portfolio within investor’s designated investment objectives, to include the securities to
be bought and sold, and the amount of securities to be bought and sold. Braeburn
Wealth Management will never have full power of attorney nor will the Adviser ever
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC
have authority to withdraw funds or to take custody of investor funds or securities other
than the ability to deduct advisory fees via investor’s qualified custodian and only with
client authorization.
Discretion does not apply to the withdrawal or transfer of client account funds. These
activities will require the client’s written signature each time.
The Adviser may also agree to render non-discretionary Investment Management
Services to its clients relative to: (1) previously purchased variable life/annuity products
they may own, and/or (2) their individual accounts held through employer-sponsored
retirement plans. In so doing, the Adviser either directs or recommends the allocation
of client assets among the various mutual fund subdivisions that comprise the variable
life/annuity product or the retirement plan. The client assets shall be maintained at
either the specific insurance company that issued the variable life/annuity product
which is owned by the client, or at the custodian designated by the sponsor of the
client’s retirement plan. As previously disclosed, investments and service providers
relative to Plan offerings are limited to only those available through the respective
Plans and are determined by the Plan Sponsor(s).
ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
(PROXY VOTING)
Clients retain the authority to vote proxies. The Adviser requires that investors ensure
that proxy ballots are mailed directly to each investor or an authorized third party.
Normally, the custodial account forms allow clients to provide directions on proxies.
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. BALANCE SHEET
Braeburn Wealth Management does not require nor solicit prepayment of more than
$1200 in fees per client, six months or more in advance of services. The Adviser does
not maintain custody of client funds or securities. Custodial and execution services are
provided by the client’s selected service provider. The Adviser is therefore not required
to include a balance sheet with this Brochure.
B. FINANCIAL CONDITIONS REASONABLY LIKELY TO IMPAIR THE ADVISER’S
ABILITY TO MEET CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS TO CLIENTS
Neither Braeburn Wealth Management nor its owners have any financial conditions that
are likely to reasonably impair the Adviser’s ability to meet contractual commitments to
clients.
C. BANKRUPTCY PETITIONS IN PREVIOUS TEN YEARS
Braeburn Wealth Management has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition in the
last ten years. The Adviser’s officers have not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
4811-8875-4753, v. 3-8875-4753, v. 2
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Braeburn Wealth Management, LLC