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Briggs Wealth Management, Inc.
FORM ADV PART 2A – DISCLOSURE BROCHURE
221 Addison Road
Unit 101
Glastonbury, CT
06033-4535
Ph: 860-633-8988
Fax: 860-657-4878
www.briggswealthmgmt.com
July 1, 2025
This disclosure brochure provides clients with information about the
qualifications and business practices of Briggs Wealth Management, Inc., an
independent investment advisory firm registered with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). It also describes the services
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. provides as well as background information
on those individuals who provide investment advisory services on behalf of
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. Please contact Mark V. Briggs, CFPâ,
President of Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. at 860-633-8988 if you have any
questions about the contents of this disclosure brochure.
The information in this disclosure brochure has not been approved or verified
by the SEC or by any state securities authority. Registration with the SEC
does not imply that Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. or any individual
providing
investment advisory services on behalf of Briggs Wealth
Management, Inc. possess a certain level of skill or training. Additional
information about Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. is available on the
Internet at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique
identifying number, known as a CRD number. The CRD number for Briggs
Wealth Management, Inc. is 125518.
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Item 2 – Material Changes
This item discusses specific material changes to the Briggs Wealth
Management, Inc. disclosure brochure.
Pursuant to current SEC Rules, Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. will ensure
that clients receive a summary of any materials changes to this and
subsequent brochures within 120 days of the close of the firm’s fiscal year
which occurs at the end of the calendar year. Briggs Wealth Management,
Inc. may further provide other ongoing disclosure information about material
changes as necessary. Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. will also provide
clients with a new brochure as necessary based on changes or new
information, at any time, without charge.
Since the date of its last annual amendment (February 19, 2024), Briggs
Wealth Management, Inc. has made the following material change to this
disclosure brochure:
Item 1 – Cover Page
As of June 19, 2025
221 Addison Road
Unit 101
Glastonbury, CT
06033-4535
Item 4 – Fees and Compensation
The fee range for tax preparation services is now $250 to $400 an hour and
the threshold for receiving these services without charge (subject to
exception) is now $20,000 in annual investment management fees.
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 4 - Advisory Business ......................................................................................................... 3
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation .............................................................................................. 7
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management .................................. 14
Item 7 - Types of Clients .......................................................................................................... 14
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................... 15
Item 9 - Disciplinary History ................................................................................................... 24
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................... 25
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................ 26
Item 13 - Review of Accounts ................................................................................................ 31
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation .......................................................... 32
Item 15 - Custody ..................................................................................................................... 32
Item 16 - Investment Discretion ............................................................................................ 33
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities .......................................................................................... 33
Item 18 - Financial Information ............................................................................................. 34
Item 19 - Additional Information .......................................................................................... 34
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
A. The Company
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. is a privately-held Connecticut corporation
that has been providing investment advisory services since 2000 and as an
SEC-registered investment adviser since 2006. Throughout this disclosure
brochure, Briggs Wealth Management, Inc. is referred to as the “Company”.
The principal owner of the Company is Mark V. Briggs, CPA, CFPâ, PFSâ.
B. Advisory Services
The Company provides the following investment advisory services:
Portfolio Management Services
The Company provides personalized portfolio management services which
consists of giving continuous advice to a client or making investments for a
client based on the individual needs of the client. Through personal
discussions, during which a client’s goals and objectives are established, the
Company assess the client’s risk profile and investment guidelines.
The Company will then create and manage a customized portfolio based on
the client’s risk profile and investment guidelines. The Company will allocate
the client's assets among various asset classes based on the client’s risk
tolerance. The Company’s management of the client’s account will be based
on the client’s investment objective (with an eye towards maximizing tax
efficiency).
The Company will create a portfolio principally comprised of mutual funds,
exchange traded funds (commonly known as “ETFs”), and/or debt and equity
securities in accordance with the investment objectives of the client. Each
portfolio will be designed with the goal of meeting each client's individual
needs. The mutual funds will be selected on the basis of any or all of the
following criteria: the fund's performance history; the industry sector in
which the fund invests; the track record of the fund's manager; the fund's
investment objectives; the fund's management style and philosophy; the
fund's tax efficiency; and the fund's management fee structure.
Portfolio management services will be provided on both a discretionary and
non-discretionary basis. For accounts managed on a discretionary basis, the
client gives the Company full authority to manage the client's assets in
accordance with what the Company deems to be in the client's best interest
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based on the client’s investment guidelines. Securities will always remain in
the name of the client.
Financial Planning Services
Financial planning is primarily an analytical process designed to organize
financial data, identify needs and opportunities and evaluate alternative
courses of action; it may include analysis of current net worth, income taxes,
cash flow and budgeting, investments and asset allocation, retirement
planning, employee benefit plan analysis, estate and gift tax planning,
education pre-funding and risk management focusing on life, health and
disability coverage.
In general, the Company gathers required information through personal
interviews. The Company will typically meet with the client to conduct an
evaluation of the client’s current financial status, future goals and attitudes
towards risk. Related documents supplied by the client are also reviewed.
The Company conducts a financial analysis and prepares a written plan that
describes the client’s current situation, identifies needs and opportunities and
makes suggestions designed to help the client achieve stated goals.
While financial analyses may include investment advice concerning mutual
funds and securities, it may also include investment advice with respect to
products that may or may not constitute “securities,” such as life insurance
and annuities. It also takes into consideration estate tax planning issues
that may not constitute “investment” advice.
The Company may recommend its own services and/or other professionals to
implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of
interest exists if the Company recommends its own services. The client is
under no obligation to act upon any of the recommendations made by the
Company under a financial planning engagement and/or engage the services
of any such recommended professional, including the Company or any of its
related persons. The client retains absolute discretion over all such
implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any of the Company’s
recommendations.
In performing its services, the Company 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. If requested by the client, the Company may suggest the
services of other professionals for implementation services, but the client is
under no obligation to engage the services of any suggested professional. In
addition, each client is advised that it remains their responsibility to
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promptly notify the Company if there is ever any change in their financial
situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or
revising the Company’s previous recommendations and/or services.
Consulting Services
Clients can also receive investment advice on a more limited basis. This may
include advice on only an isolated area(s) of concern such as estate planning,
retirement planning, reviewing a client's existing portfolio, or any other
specific topic. The Company also provides specific consultation and
administrative services regarding investment and financial concerns of the
client. Additionally, the Company provides advice on non-securities matters.
Generally, this is in connection with the rendering of estate planning,
retirement planning and insurance.
Consulting recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service
offered by a broker-dealer or insurance company. All recommendations are of
a generic nature.
Executor Services
The Company provides various executor services for settling estates. As an
executor, the Company may provide all or some of the following services:
1. Locate, collect and take responsibility for the estate’s assets until
they are distributed to the beneficiaries;
2. Obtain latest Will or Trust;
3. Obtain copy of death certificate;
4. Close out bank accounts and deposit money into an estate account;
5. Set up bank account for incoming funds to pay bills;
6. Obtain a Federal Tax ID # for estate account;
7. Hire a profession team made up of an attorney, accountant, realtor,
others as needed;
8. Establish the value of Estate assets and real estate as of the date of
death;
9. Maintain property until it can be sold or distributed;
10. Pay the decedent’s funeral expenses, debts and estate administration
expenses;
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11. Manage the estate, eliminate unnecessary costs such as
subscriptions, phone, internet fees, etc.;
12. Handles tax matters, including:
a. Prepares the decedent’s final income;
b. Pays the estate’s income and estate taxes;
c. Coordinates tax planning for the estate and the beneficiaries;
13. Distributes the remaining assets in accordance with the terms of the
will or trust;
14. Contact family members and beneficiaries;
15. Notify necessary organizations of the death such as creditors, banks,
government agencies;
16. Pay valid debts & taxes; and
17. Submit a detailed accounting to beneficiaries and/or the probate
court.
Tax Preparation Services
The Company also provides tax preparation and filing services as a separate
service to existing asset management or financial planning clients. The
Company will only provide tax preparation services as a stand-alone service
for clients referred to the Company or clients with an existing relationship
with a client of the Company (e.g., parents or children of an existing client).
Tax preparation services include the preparation of state and federal tax
returns and drafting standard year-end tax information letters, including
detailed gain/loss information for security sales and state tax information.
C. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
The Company offers a full range of investment advisory services which can be
tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. In order to provide
appropriately individualized services, the Company will work with the client
to obtain
information regarding the client’s financial circumstances,
investment objectives, overall financial condition, income and tax status,
personal and business assets, risk profile and other information regarding
the client’s financial and investment needs.
financial
The Company will periodically review with clients their
circumstances, investment objectives and risk profile. In order for the
Company to provide effective advisory services, it is critical that clients
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provide accurate and complete information to the Company and inform the
Company anytime such information needs to be updated or anytime there is
a change in their financial circumstances, investment objectives and/or risk
profile.
Generally, clients are permitted to impose reasonable restrictions on
investing in certain securities or types of securities in their advisory
that some restrictions may not be
accounts, provided, however,
accommodated when utilizing Exchange Traded Funds, mutual funds or with
respect to certain third-party products or services made available through the
Company. In addition, a restriction request may not be honored if it is
fundamentally inconsistent with the Company’s investment philosophy, runs
counter to the client’s stated investment objectives, or would prevent the
Company from properly servicing client accounts.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
The Company does not provide portfolio management services to a wrap fee
program(s). Under a wrap fee program, advisory services (which may include
portfolio management or advice concerning the selection of other investment
advisers) and transaction services (e.g., execution of trades) are provided for
one fee. This is different than traditional investment management programs
whereby services are provided for a fee, but transaction services are billed
separately on a per-transaction basis.
E. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, the total amount of client assets managed by the
Company is approximately $258,725,000. Of this amount, approximately $
54,350,000 are managed on a non-discretionary basis and $204,375,000 are
managed on a discretionary basis.
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation
A. Advisory Fees
Portfolio Management Services Fees
The annual fee for portfolio management services will be charged as a
percentage of assets under management. The table below shows the
maximum annual fee for portfolio management services. The actual fee
charged may be less than the maximum fee shown below depending upon the
size and complexity of the client's account:
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Asset Under Management
First $1 Million
Next $1 Million
Over $3 Million
Maximum Annual Fee (%)
1.25%
0.75%
0.50%
The Company’s annual portfolio management fee is prorated and paid
quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the assets on the last
business day of the previous quarter. If assets are deposited into or
withdrawn from an account after the inception of a quarter, the fee payable
with respect to such assets may be adjusted or prorated based on the number
of days remaining in the quarter. For the initial quarter of portfolio
management services, the initial fee shall be calculated on a pro rata basis.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services Fees
Financial planning and/or consulting services fees will be charged in one or
both of two ways:
1. As a fixed fee, typically ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the
nature and complexity of each client's circumstances.
2. On an hourly basis calculated on a charge of $250 per hour. The length of
time it will take to complete the advisory service will depend on the
nature and complexity of the individual client's personal circumstances.
An estimate for total hours will be determined at the start of the advisory
relationship.
Typically, fifty percent (50%) of the Financial Planning Services fee is due
upon inception of the advisory relationship, with the balance payable upon
completion of the financial planning service. Consulting services fees are
payable monthly in arrears or upon completion of the advisory service.
Typically, the financial plan will be presented to the client within 90 days of
the contract date, provided that all information needed to prepare the
financial plan has been promptly provided by the client.
Executor Services Fees
Fees for Executor Services are charged on an hourly rate and are based on
professional time and support. The Company’s Executor Services fees range
from $250 to $350 an hour for professional services and from $100 to $150 for
support. Fees are based on complexity of the estate and are paid monthly in
arrears.
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In reviewing a proposed executor fee, the court may ask the Company for a
task statement describing:
• size of the estate;
• responsibilities involved;
• character of the work required;
• special problems and difficulties met in doing the work;
• results achieved;
• knowledge, skill and judgment required;
• manner and promptness in which the matter was handled;
• time required; and/or
• other relevant and material circumstances.
Tax Preparation Services Fees
For clients that have at least $20,000.00 in annual investment management
fees, tax preparation services will be provided at no additional cost, provided,
however, that clients that have at least $20,000.00 in annual investment
management but have tax returns that are unusually complex may be
charged the tax preparation fee as set forth below. The Company may, at its
sole discretion, waive the $20,000.00 annual threshold. For those clients who
opt for tax preparation services but either do not meet the $20,000.00 annual
investment management fee threshold or have met the threshold but have
unusually complex returns or such services are not included in the scope of
the client’s existing financial planning services, the Company will charge a
fee ranging from $250 to $400 an hour.
B. Payment Method
Unless otherwise agreed to, the Company’s portfolio management agreement
and/or the separate agreement the client enters into with the account
custodian will authorize the Company, through the account custodian, to
debit the client’s account for the amount of the Company’s fee and to directly
remit that portfolio management fee to the Company. Details of the portfolio
management fee charged are more fully described in the advisory agreement
entered into with each client.
In order for the Company’s advisory fees to be directly debited from a client’s
account, the client must provide written authorization permitting the
Company to bill the custodian. In addition, the account must be held by a
qualified custodian and the qualified custodian must agree to send to the
client an account statement on at least a quarterly basis. The account
statement must indicate all amounts disbursed from the account including
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the amount of advisory fees paid directly to the Company. Clients are
informed that it is their responsibility to verify the accuracy of the fee
calculation and that the account custodian will not determine whether the fee
is properly calculated.
C. Additional Fees and Expenses
Mutual Fund Fees and Exchange Traded Funds
All fees paid to the Company for investment advisory services are separate
and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and
Exchange Traded Funds to their shareholders. These fees and expenses are
described in each fund's prospectus. These fees will generally include a
management fee, other fund expenses, and a possible distribution fee. If the
fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay a deferred sales charge. A
client could invest in a fund directly, without the services of the Company. In
that case, the client would not receive the services provided by the Company
which are designed, among other things, to assist the client in determining
which funds are most appropriate to each client's financial condition and
objectives. To the extent that client assets are invested in money market
funds or cash positions, the fees for monitoring those assets are in addition to
the fees included in the internal expenses of those funds paid to their own
investment managers, which are fully disclosed in each fund’s prospectus.
Accordingly, the client should review both the fees charged by the funds and
the fees charged by the Company to fully understand the total amount of fees
to be paid by the client and to thereby evaluate the advisory services being
provided.
Trading and Other Costs
All fees paid to the Company for investment advisory services are separate
and distinct from transaction fees charged by broker-dealers associated with
the purchase and sale of mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds, fixed-
income and equity securities and options. In addition, fees do not include the
services of any co-fiduciaries, accountants, broker-dealers or attorneys.
Please see the section entitled “Brokerage Practices” on page 17 of this
disclosure brochure for additional information on brokerage and other
transaction costs.
Professional Fees
Fees do not include the services of any co-fiduciaries, accountants, broker
dealers or attorneys. Accordingly, the fees of any additional professionals
engaged by a client, will be billed directly by such professional(s).
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D. Termination and Refunds
A client agreement may be canceled by either party, for any reason upon
receipt of 30 days written notice. Upon termination of any account, any
prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded, and any earned, unpaid
fees will be due and payable. The Company will refund fees by sending the
client a check. The client has the right to terminate an agreement without
penalty within five (5) business days after entering into the agreement.
E. Important Additional Information
Fees Only
The Company is compensated solely by fees paid by its clients and does not
accept commissions or compensation from any other source (i.e., mutual
funds, insurance products or any other investment product).
Fees Negotiable
The Company retains the right to modify fees, including minimum account
sizes, in its sole and absolute discretion, on a client-by-client basis based
upon certain criteria (i.e., anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated
future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related
accounts, account composition, pre-existing client, account retention, pro bono
activities, etc.). The Company may combine related household accounts for
fee calculation and minimum annual fee purposes.
Fee Offset
If a financial planning and/or consulting services client engages the Company
for additional investment advisory services, the Company may offset all or a
portion of its fees for those services based upon the amount paid for the
financial planning and/or consulting services.
Prior Fee Schedules
The fees (including any minimum fees) charged to portfolio management
clients whose assets have been managed by the Company prior to 2007 may
differ from the fees charged to new advisory clients of the Company.
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F. IRA Rollover Considerations
As part of our investment advisory services to you, we may recommend that
you withdraw the assets from your employer's retirement plan and roll the
assets over to an individual retirement account ("IRA") that we will manage
on your behalf. If you elect to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our
management, we will charge you an asset based fee as set forth in the
agreement you executed with our firm. This practice presents a conflict of
interest because persons providing investment advice on our behalf have an
incentive to recommend a rollover to you for the purpose of generating fee
based compensation rather than solely based on your needs. You are under
no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover. Moreover,
if you do complete the rollover, you are under no obligation to have the assets
in an IRA managed by our firm.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in
their company plan. Also, current employees can sometimes move assets out
of their company plan before they retire or change jobs. In determining
whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to the extent the following
options are available, you should consider the costs and benefits of each.
An employee will typically have four options:
1. Leaving the funds in your employer's (former employer's) plan.
2. Moving the funds to a new employer's retirement plan.
3. Cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan.
4. Rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account.
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages and before making a
change we encourage you to speak with your CPA and/or tax attorney.
If you are considering rolling over your retirement funds to an IRA for us to
manage here are a few points to consider before you do so:
1. Determine whether the investment options in your employer's
retirement plan address your needs or whether you might want to
consider other types of investments.
a) Employer retirement plans generally have a more limited
investment menu than IRAs.
b) Employer retirement plans may have unique investment options
not available to the public such as employer securities, or
previously closed funds.
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2. Your current plan may have lower fees than our fees.
a) If you are interested in investing only in mutual funds, you should
understand the cost structure of the share classes available in
your employer's retirement plan and how the costs of those share
classes compare with those available in an IRA.
b) You should understand the various products and services you
might take advantage of at an IRA provider and the potential
costs of those products and services.
3. Our strategy may have higher risk than the option(s) provided to you
in your plan.
4. Your current plan may also offer financial advice.
5. If you keep your assets titled in a 401k or retirement account, you
could potentially delay your required minimum distribution beyond
age 70.5.
6. Your 401k may offer more liability protection than a rollover IRA; each
state may vary. Generally, federal law protects assets in qualified
plans from creditors. Since 2005, IRA assets have been generally
protected from creditors in bankruptcies. However, there can be some
exceptions to the general rules so you should consult with an attorney
if you are concerned about protecting your retirement plan assets from
creditors.
7. You may be able to take out a loan on your 401k, but not from an IRA.
8. IRA assets can be accessed any time; however, distributions are
subject to ordinary income tax and may also be subject to a 10% early
distribution penalty unless they qualify for an exception such as
disability, higher education expenses or the purchase of a home.
9. If you own company stock in your plan, you may be able to liquidate
those shares at a lower capital gains tax rate.
10. Your plan may allow you to hire us as the manager and keep the assets
titled in the plan name.
It is important that you understand the differences between these types of
accounts and to decide whether a rollover is best for you.
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Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
The Company does not accept performance-based fees or engage in side-by-
side management of client accounts. Performance-based fees are fees that are
based on a share of capital gains or capital appreciation of a client’s account.
Side-by-side management refers to the practice of managing accounts that
are charged performance-based fees while at the same time managing
accounts that are not charged performance-based fees. The Company’s fees
are calculated as described above in Item 5 - Fees and Compensation - and
are not charged on the basis of a share of the capital gains upon, or capital
appreciation of, the funds in a client’s account.
Item 7 - Types of Clients
The Company provides investment advisory services to individuals (including
high net worth individuals), pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates,
corporations and other types of business entities.
Engaging the Services of the Company
All clients wishing to engage the Company for investment advisory services
must first complete the applicable investment advisory agreement as well as
any other document or questionnaire provided by the Company. The
Company may only implement its investment management recommendations
after the client has arranged for and furnished the Company with all
information and authorizations regarding accounts with the appropriate
broker-dealer/custodian.
investment advisory agreement describes
the
The
services and
responsibilities of the Company to the client. It also outlines the Company’s
fee in detail. Upon completion of the investment advisory agreement, the
Company will be considered engaged by the client. In addition, clients must
complete certain broker-dealer/custodial documentation. Neither
the
Company nor the client may assign the investment advisory agreement
without the consent of the other party. Transactions that do not result in a
change of actual control or management of the Company are not to be
considered an assignment.
A copy of the Company’s privacy policy notice and this written disclosure
statement are provided to each client prior to or contemporaneously with the
execution of the investment advisory agreement. Any client who has not
received a copy of the Company’s written disclosure statement at least forty
eight (48) hours prior to executing the investment advisory agreement shall
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have five (5) business days subsequent to executing the agreement to
terminate the Company’s services without penalty.
The Company’s clients are advised to promptly notify the Company if there
are ever any changes in their financial situation or investment objectives or if
they wish to impose any reasonable restrictions upon the Company’s
management services.
Conditions for Managing Accounts
Portfolio Management Services
The Company requires new clients have a minimum account size of
$1,000,000 for portfolio management services, although the Company retains
the right to reduce or waive this minimum account size. Accounts of less than
$1,000,000 may be set up when the client and the Company anticipate the
client will add additional funds to the accounts bringing the total to
$1,000,000 within a reasonable time. Other exceptions will apply to
employees of the Company and their relatives, or relatives of existing clients.
Economic hardship circumstances may also be taken into consideration.
The Company also requires a minimum quarterly fee of $2,500 (which equals
$10,000 on an annual basis) for portfolio management services. The Company
retains the right to reduce or waive the minimum annual fee. In the event a
client only pays the minimum quarterly fee of $2,500 for four consecutive
quarters, the minimum quarterly fee can be increased at the discretion of the
Company by five percent (5%) per year.
Financial Planning Services
There is no minimum account size requirement for financial planning
services clients. The Company does require a minimum financial planning fee
of $3,000. However, clients retaining the Company for portfolio management
services may have this fee offset by their portfolio management fee. There is
no minimum consulting fee.
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
The Company both analyzes securities and evaluates the client's investments
to ascertain that the fundamental features synchronize with the client's
objectives. Commercially available services concerning investments, as well
as taxation, numerous financial newspapers and periodicals are all used for
securities evaluation. Outside consultants may also be employed to provide
additional expertise in unique situations. The Company's advice is long term
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oriented. After ascertaining that the client's short term cash flow needs are
met, investment strategies are designed to help the client achieve his/her
goals for future financial security.
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis
The security analysis method employed by the Company is fundamental
analysis.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating securities by attempting to
measure the intrinsic value of a stock. Fundamental analysts study the
overall economy and industry conditions, the financial condition of a
company, details regarding the company’s product line, and the experience
and expertise of the company’s management. The resulting data is used to
measure the true value of the company’s stock compared to the current
market value.
Investment Strategies
The Company will use all or some of the following strategies in managing
client accounts, provided that such strategies are appropriate to the needs of
the client and consistent with the client’s investment objectives, risk
tolerance and time horizons, among other considerations:
Long-Term Purchases
Securities are purchased with the expectation that the value of those
securities will grow over a relatively long period of time, generally greater
than one year.
Short-Term Purchases
Securities are purchased with the expectation that they will be sold within a
relatively short period of time, generally less than one year, to take
advantage of the securities’ short-term price fluctuations.
Option Writing
An investment strategy utilizing option writing involves selling (writing) an
option. An option is the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a
particular security at a specified price before the expiration date of the
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option. When an investor sells (writes) an option, he or she must deliver to
the buyer a specified number of shares if the buyer exercises the option. The
seller pays the buyer a premium (the market price of the option at a
particular time) in exchange for writing the option.
Types of Investments
Investment advice may be offered on any investments held by a client at the
start of the advisory relationship. Recommendations for new investments
may include domestic and foreign equity securities, exchange-traded funds
(ETFs), corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit,
municipal and United States government securities, mutual funds, variable
annuities, options and real estate investment trusts (REITS).
Sources of Information
In conducting security analysis, the Company may utilize the following
sources of information: financial newspapers and magazines, research
materials prepared by others, annual reports, prospectuses, filings with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and company press releases.
Investing Involves Risk
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that each client should be
prepared to bear. The value of a client’s investment may be affected by one or
more of the following risks, any of which could cause a client’s portfolio
return, the price of the portfolio’s shares or the portfolio’s yield to fluctuate:
• Market Risk. The value of portfolio assets will fluctuate as the stock or
bond market fluctuates. The value of investments may decline,
sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic
changes or other events that affect large portions of the market.
• Management Risk. A client’s portfolio is subject to management risk
because it is actively managed by the Company’s investment
professionals. The Company will apply its investment techniques and
risk analysis in making investment decisions for a client’s portfolio,
but there is no guarantee that these techniques and the Company’s
judgment will produce the intended results.
•
Interest Rate Risk. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of a
portfolio’s investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates
rise, the value of investments in fixed-income securities tend to fall
and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from
new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-
income securities with longer maturities or durations.
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• Credit Risk. An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the
counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or
unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to
otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default
causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security. The degree of
risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There
is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may
be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of
the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings
tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to
meet its payment obligations.
• Allocation Risk. The allocation of investments among different asset
classes may have a significant effect on portfolio value when one of
these asset classes is performing more poorly than the others. As
investments will be periodically reallocated, there will be transaction
costs which may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk
that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired
results and, as a result, a client’s portfolio may incur significant losses.
• Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk. A portfolio’s investments in securities of non-
U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. There
securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid
due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
• Emerging Markets Risk. Securities of companies in emerging markets
may be more volatile than those of companies in developed markets.
By definition, markets, economies and government institutions are
generally less developed in emerging market countries. Investment in
securities of companies in emerging markets may entail special risks
relating to the potential for social instability and the risks of
expropriation, nationalization or confiscation. Investors may also face
the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment or the repatriation
of capital and a lack of hedging instruments.
• Currency Risk. Fluctuations
in currency exchange rates may
negatively affect the value of a portfolio’s investments or reduce its
returns.
• Derivatives Risk. Certain strategies involve the use of derivatives to
create market exposure. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price
and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate
losses for a client’s portfolio and may be subject to counterparty risk to
a greater degree than more traditional investments. Because of their
complex nature, some derivatives may not perform as intended. As a
result, a portfolio may not realize the anticipated benefits from a
derivative it holds or it may realize losses. Derivative transactions may
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create investment leverage, which may increase a portfolio’s volatility
and may require the portfolio to liquidate portfolio securities when it
may not be advantageous to do so.
Investments
investments
in
• Capitalization Risk. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization
large-
in
companies may be more volatile than
capitalization
small-capitalization
companies.
companies may have additional risks because these companies have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
• Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are
difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Company from
selling out of such illiquid securities at an advantageous price.
Derivatives and securities involving substantial market and credit risk
also tend to involve greater liquidity risk.
•
Issuer Specific Risk. The value of an equity security or debt obligation
may decline in response to developments affecting the specific issuer of
the security or obligation, even if the overall industry or economy is
unaffected. These developments may comprise a variety of factors,
including, but not limited to, management issues or other corporate
disruption, political factors adversely affecting governmental issuers, a
decline in revenues or profitability, an increase in costs, or an adverse
effect on the issuer’s competitive position.
• Concentrated Portfolios Risk. Certain investment strategies focus on
particular asset classes, countries, regions, industries, sectors or types
of investments. Concentrated portfolios are an aggressive and highly
volatile approach to trading and investing. Concentrated portfolios
hold fewer different stocks than a diversified portfolio and are much
more likely to experience sudden dramatic prices swings. In addition,
the rise or drop in price of any given holding is likely to have a larger
impact on portfolio performance than a more broadly diversified
portfolio.
• Legal or Legislative Risk. Legislative changes or court rulings may
impact the value of investments or the securities’ claim on the issuer’s
assets and finances.
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B. Risks Associated with Investment Strategies and Methods of
Analysis
Risks Associated with Investment Strategies
Long-Term Purchases
Using a long-term purchase strategy generally assumes the financial markets
will go up in the long-term which may not be the case. There is also the risk
that the segment of the market that you are invested in or your particular
investments will decrease in value even if the overall financial markets
advance. Purchasing investments long-term may create an opportunity cost
(e.g., “locking-up” assets that may be better utilized in the short-term in
other investments).
Short-Term Purchases
Using a short-term purchase strategy generally assumes that the
performance of the financial markets can be accurately predicted over the
short-term. The risk associated with a short-term purchase strategy is that
there are many factors that may affect market performance in the short-term
including interest rate fluctuations, cyclical earnings, etc. Such factors may
have a smaller impact over the longer-term. In addition, short-term trading
may incur a disproportionately higher amount of transaction costs compared
to long-term trading.
Risk Associated with Methods of Analysis
The analysis of securities requires subjective assessments and decision-
making by experienced investment professionals, however, there is always
the risk of an error in judgment.
The Company’s securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the
companies whose securities the firm purchases and sells, the rating agencies
that review these securities, and other publicly-available sources of
information about these securities, are providing accurate and unbiased data.
While the Company is alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is
always the risk that the firm’s analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or
misleading information.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis, when used in isolation, has a number of risks:
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•
fundamental analysis may not result
in
Information obtained may be incorrect and the analysis may not
provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a
stock’s value. If securities prices adjust rapidly to new information,
favorable
utilizing
performance.
• The data used may be out of date.
•
•
It ignores the influence of random events such as oil spills, product
defects being exposed, acts of God and so on.
It assumes that there is no monopolistic power over markets.
• The market may fail to reach expectations of perceived value.
C. Risks Associated with Specific Securities Utilized
Common Stocks
The major risks associated with investing in common stocks relate to the
issuer’s capitalization, quality of the issuer’s management, quality and cost of
the issuer’s services, the issuer’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the
manufacturing or service delivery process, management of litigation risk and
the issuer’s ability to create shareholder value (e.g., increase the value of the
company’s stock price).
Fixed-Income Securities
Different forms of fixed-income instruments, such as bonds, money market
funds, and certificates of deposit may be affected by various forms of risk,
including:
•
Interest Rate Risk. The risk that the value of the fixed-income holding
will decrease because of an increase in interest rates.
• Liquidity Risk. The inability to readily buy or sell an investment for a
price close to the true underlying value of the asset due to a lack of
buyers or sellers. While certain types of fixed-income securities are
generally liquid (e.g., corporate bonds), there are risks which may occur
such as when an issue trading in any given period does not readily
support buys and sells at an efficient price. Conversely, when trading
volume is high, there is also the risk of not being able to purchase a
particular issue at the desired price.
• Credit Risk. The potential risk that an issuer would be unable to pay
scheduled interest or repay principal at maturity, sometimes referred
to as “default risk.” Credit risk may also occur when an issuer’s ability
to make payments of principal and interest when due is interrupted.
This may result in a negative impact on all forms of debt instruments.
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• Reinvestment Risk. With declining interest rates, investors may have
to reinvest income or principal at a lower rate.
• Duration Risk. Duration is a measure of a bond’s volatility, expressed
in years to be repaid by its internal cash flow (interest payments).
Bonds with longer durations carry more risk and have higher price
volatility than bonds with shorter durations.
Municipal Bonds
In addition to the risks set forth under “Fixed-Income Securities” above,
municipal bonds are susceptible to events in the municipality that issued the
bond or the security posted for the bond. These events may include economic
or political policy changes, changes in law, tax base erosion, state
constitutional limits on tax increases, budget deficits or other financial
difficulties and changes in the credit rating assigned to municipal issues.
Exchange Traded Funds
ETFs are subject to risks similar to those of stocks. Investment returns will
fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that when shares are sold
they may be worth more or less than their original cost. ETF shares are
bought and sold at market price (not Net Asset Value) and are not
individually redeemed from the fund. There is also the risk that a manager
may deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the ETF
which could make the holdings less suitable for a client’s portfolio. ETFs may
also carry additional expenses based on their share of operating expenses and
certain brokerage fees, which may result in the potential duplication of
certain fees. In addition, while many ETFs are known for their potential tax
efficiency and higher “qualified dividend income” (QDI) percentages, there
are assets classes within these ETFs or holding periods that may not benefit.
Shorter holding periods, as well as commodities and currencies that may be
part of an ETF’s portfolio, may be considered “non-qualified” under certain
tax code provisions.
Equity Funds
The major risks associated with investing in equity mutual funds is similar to
the risks associated with investing directly in equity securities, including
market risk, which is the risk that investment returns will fluctuate and are
subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed or
sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Other risks include
the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability
to create fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the
amount of individual company diversification, the type and amount of
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industry diversification and the type and amount of sector diversification
within specific industries. In addition, there is the risk that a manager may
deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the mutual fund
which could make the holdings less suitable for a client’s portfolio. Also,
mutual funds tend to be tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay
capital gains taxes on fund investments while not having yet sold their
shares in the fund. Mutual funds may also carry additional expenses based
on their share of operating expenses and certain brokerage fees, which may
result in the potential duplication of certain fees.
Fixed-Income Funds
In addition to the risks associated with investing in equity mutual funds,
fixed-income mutual funds also the same risks as set forth under “Fixed-
Income Securities” listed above.
Indexed Funds
Indexed Funds have the potential to be affected by “tracking error risk”
which means a deviation from a stated benchmark index. Since the core of a
portfolio may attempt to closely replicate a benchmark, the source of the
tracking error (deviation) may come from a “sample index” that may not
closely align the benchmark. In addition, while many index mutual funds are
known for their potential tax efficiency and higher “qualified dividend
income” (QDI) percentages, there are assets classes within these funds or
holding periods that may not benefit. Shorter holding periods, as well as
commodities and currencies that may be part of a fund’s portfolio, may be
considered “non-qualified” under certain tax code provisions.
Options
There are numerous risks associated with transactions in options on
securities or securities indexes. A decision as to whether, when and how to
use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-
conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected events. In the case of index options, the client incurs
basis risk between the performance of the underlying portfolio and the
performance of the underlying index. For example, the underlying portfolio
may decline in value while the underlying index may increase in value,
resulting in a loss on the call option while the underlying portfolio declines as
well.
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Real Estate Related Securities
Investing in real estate related securities includes, among others, the
following risks: possible declines in the value of real estate; risks related to
general and local economic conditions, including increases in the rate of
inflation, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding,
extending vacancies of properties, increases in competition, property taxes
and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, costs resulting from clean up
of, and liability to third-parties for damages resulting from, environmental
problems, casualty and condemnation losses, uninsured damages from floods,
earthquakes or other natural disasters, limitations on and variations in rents
and changes in interest rates. Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts
(“REITs”) involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated
with investing in real estate in general. REITs are dependent upon the skills
of management, are not diversified and are subject to cash flow dependency,
default by borrowers and self-liquidation.
Note that there may be other circumstances not described here that
could adversely affect a client’s investment and prevent their
portfolio from reaching its objective.
D. Cash Management
Cash in client accounts is typically held in a Schwab money market fund
although when deemed advisable, a portion of the client’s cash balance may
be held in a short-term bond fund. Because the Company considers the
management of cash balances as an integral part of its investment
management strategy, the Company includes any such cash balances when
calculating it asset-based fees. To the extent that client assets are invested in
money market funds or cash positions, the fees for monitoring those assets
are in addition to the fees included in the internal expenses of those funds
paid to their own investment managers, which are fully disclosed in each
fund’s prospectus.
Item 9 - Disciplinary History
The Company is required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are
material to a client’s or a prospective client’s evaluation of the firm’s advisory
business or the integrity of the Company’s management. Neither the
Company nor its management personnel have ever been disciplined by a
regulatory agency.
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Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer Registration and Registered Representatives
The Company is not registered, nor does it have an application pending to
register, as a broker-dealer. No management person is registered, nor does
any management person have an application pending to register, as a
registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Futures and Commodity Registration
The Company is not registered, nor does it have an application pending to
register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator or a
commodity trading advisor. No management person is registered, nor does
any management person have an application pending to register, as an
associated person of a futures commission merchant, commodity pool
operator or a commodity trading advisor.
C. Financial Industry Affiliations
The Company is a state licensed CPA firm. The Company is compensated
separately for its tax/accounting services.
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics to prevent violations of federal
securities laws. The Code of Ethics is predicated on the principle that the
Company and its employees owe a fiduciary duty to its clients. Accordingly,
the Company expects all employees to act with honesty, integrity and
professionalism and to adhere to federal securities laws. The Company and
its employees are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics. At all times, the
Company and its employees must (i) place client interests ahead of the
Company’s; (ii) engage in personal investing that is in full compliance with
the Company’s Code of Ethics; and (iii) avoid taking advantage of their
position. Clients and prospective clients may request a copy of the
Company’s Code of Ethics by contacting Mark Briggs, President of the
Company, at 860-633-8988.
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Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Individuals associated with the Company may buy, sell, or hold in their
personal accounts the same securities that they recommend to clients.
At times, the Company or its related persons may purchase securities that it
deems appropriate only for its or their own account. Based on the experience
of the Company or its related persons holding the securities and on further
research and due diligence, the Company may at a later time purchase such
securities for client accounts at prices which might be higher or lower than
those originally paid.
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
A. Broker Selection
The Company will generally recommend that clients utilize the brokerage
and clearing services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a FINRA-registered
broker-dealer, for investment management accounts.
Best Execution
Best execution has been defined by the SEC as the “execution of securities
transactions for clients in such a manner that the client’s total cost or
proceeds in each transaction is the most favorable under the circumstances.”
The best execution responsibility applies to the circumstances of each
particular transaction and an investment adviser must consider the full
range and quality of a broker-dealer’s services, including, among other
things, execution capability, commission rates, the value of any research,
financial responsibility and responsiveness.
In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible
cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution,
taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s services,
including among others, the value of research provided, execution capability,
commission rates, and responsiveness. Consistent with the foregoing, while
the Company will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the
lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
If the client requests the Company to arrange for the execution of securities
brokerage transactions for the client’s account, the Company shall direct such
transactions through broker-dealers that the Company reasonably believes
will provide best execution. The Company shall periodically and
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systematically review its policies and procedures regarding recommending
broker-dealers to its client in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
Broker Analysis
The Company evaluates a wide range of criteria in seeking the most
favorable price and market for the execution of transactions. These include
the broker-dealer’s trading costs, efficiency of execution and error resolution,
financial strength and stability, capability, positioning and distribution
capabilities, information in regard to the availability of securities, trading
patterns, statistical or factual information, opinion pertaining to trading and
prior performance in serving the Company.
investment management-related services
Also in consideration is such broker-dealers’ provision or payment of the costs
(the
of research and other
provisional payment of such costs by brokers are referred to as payment
made by “soft dollars”, as further discussed in the “Research/Soft Dollars
Benefits” section immediately below).
Accordingly, if the Company
determines in good faith that the amount of trading costs charged by a
broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and
research or investment management-related services provided by such
broker, the client may pay trading costs to such broker in an amount greater
than the amount another broker might charge.
The Company’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for continuously
monitoring and evaluation the performance and execution capabilities of
brokers that transact orders for our client accounts to ensure consistent
quality executions. In addition, the Company periodically reviews its
transaction costs in light of current market circumstances and other relevant
information.
Research/Soft Dollar Benefits
The Company uses Charles Schwab & Co.'s (“Schwab”), Schwab Institutional
(Schwab Institutional) service. There is no direct link between the Company’s
use of Schwab Institutional and the investment advice it gives to its clients,
although the Company receives economic benefits through its participation in
the program that are typically not available to Schwab retail investors.
As a user Schwab Institutional, Schwab makes available to the Company
other products and services that benefit the Company, but may not benefit its
clients’ accounts. Some of these other products and services assist the
Company in managing and administering clients’ accounts, including:
• Receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate
statements;
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• Access to a trading desk serving Schwab Institutional participants
exclusively;
• Access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate
securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares to
client accounts;
• Ability to have investment advisory fees deducted directly from client
account;
• Access, for a fee, to an electronic communication network for client
order entry and account information;
• Receipt of compliance publications; and
• Access to mutual funds which generally require significantly higher
minimum initial investments or are generally available only to
institutional investors.
Schwab Institutional also makes available to the Company other services
intended to help the Company manage and further develop its business
enterprise. These services may
include consulting, publications and
conferences on practice management, information technology, business
succession, regulatory compliance and marketing. In addition, Schwab
Institutional may make available, arrange and/or pay for these types of
services rendered to the Company by independent third parties.
Additional benefits received because of the Company’s use of Schwab
Institutional may depend upon the number of transactions directed to, or
amount of assets custodied by, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. The Company is
required to maintain a minimum level of client assets with Schwab
Institutional to avoid a quarterly service fee. While as a fiduciary the
Company endeavors to act in its clients’ best interests, the Company’s
recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts at Schwab
may be based in part on the benefit to the Company of the availability of
some of the foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature cost
or quality of custody and brokerage provided by Schwab which may create a
conflict of interest.
Directed Brokerage
Company Directed Brokerage
The Company does not have the discretionary authority to determine the
broker-dealer to be used. As stated above, clients in need of brokerage will
have Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Institutional Services Group (“Schwab”)
recommended to them. While there is no direct linkage between the
investment advice given and usage of Schwab, economic benefits are received
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which would not be received if the Company did not give investment advice to
clients (please see additional disclosures in the “Research/Soft Dollars
Benefits” section directly above). The Company does not participate in any
transaction fees or commissions paid to the broker dealer or custodian and
does not receive any fees or commissions for the opening or maintenance of
client accounts at recommended brokers.
Not all investment advisers require their clients to direct brokerage. The
Company is required to disclose that by directing brokerage, the Company
may not be able to achieve most favorable execution of client transactions and
this practice may cost clients more money.
Client Directed Brokerage
Certain clients may direct the Company to use particular brokers for
executing transactions in their accounts. With regard to client directed
brokerage, the Company is required to disclose that the Company may be
unable to negotiate commissions, block or batch orders or otherwise achieve
the benefits described above, including best execution. Directed brokerage
commission rates may be higher than the rates the Company might pay for
transactions in non-directed accounts. Therefore, directing brokerage may
cost clients more money. The Company reserves the right to decline
acceptance of any client account that directs the use of a broker dealer if the
Company believes that the broker dealer would adversely affect the
Company’s fiduciary duty to the client and/or ability to effectively service the
client portfolio.
As a general rule, the Company encourages each client to compare the
possible costs or disadvantages of directed brokerage against the value of
custodial or other services provided by the broker to the client in exchange for
the directed brokerage designation.
B. Trade Aggregation/Allocation
Portfolio Management
Transactions for each client generally will be made independently, unless the
Company decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at
approximately the same time. The Company may (but is not obligated to)
combine or “batch” such orders to:
• Obtain best execution;
• Negotiate more favorable commission rates; or
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• Allocate equitably among the Company’s clients, differences in prices
and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been
obtained had such orders been placed independently.
Under this procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price and
allocated among the Company’s clients pro rata. In the event that the
Company determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the
particular circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other
relevant factors, which may include:
• 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;
• 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;
• If an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot
participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to other
accounts (this may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets
after an order is placed);
• With respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts
low in cash;
• In cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution would
result in a de minimis allocation in one or more accounts, the Company
may exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the transactions may
be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or
• 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.
Financial Planning and Consulting
The Company's financial planning and consulting practice, due to the nature
of its business and client needs, does not include blocking trades, negotiating
commissions with broker dealers or obtaining volume discounts, nor
necessarily obtaining the best price.
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C. Trade Errors
Trade errors are promptly reported to the custodian and will be rectified by
the custodian with no adverse financial effect on the client. In the event that
a trade error results in a gain for a client, the client will be permitted to
retain any such gain in their account.
Item 13 - Review of Accounts
Portfolio Management Services
Reviews
While the underlying securities within Portfolio Management Services
accounts are continuously monitored, these accounts are reviewed no less
frequently than quarterly. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each
client's stated investment objectives and guidelines, ensuring that the
structure of the portfolio is coordinated with these objectives. In addition,
investment returns will be measured against the appropriate benchmarks in
each asset class. More frequent reviews may be triggered by material changes
in variables such as the client's individual circumstances, or the market,
political or economic environment.
Reports
Clients will receive statements from the custodian at least quarterly.
Additionally, monthly statements will be generated as a result of investment
activity by the client's custodian. Confirmation statements will be issued for
all trading activity. Monthly and/or quarterly statements will include
portfolio holdings, dates and amounts of transactions, cost basis and current
and prior statement values.
In addition, reports issued by the custodian, the Company creates its own
quarterly client reports that are either mailed directly to the client or posted
on the Company’s web site.
Financial Planning
Reviews
These client accounts will be reviewed as contracted for at the inception of
the advisory relationship.
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Reports
Financial Planning clients will receive a completed financial plan. Additional
reports will not typically be provided unless otherwise contracted for at the
inception of the advisory relationship.
Consulting Services
Reviews
These client accounts will be reviewed as contracted for at the inception of
the advisory relationship.
Reports
Due to the nature of this service, the Company will not typically provide
reports unless contracted for at the inception of the advisory relationship.
All client accounts are reviewed by the President of the Company in
conjunction with the Para-Planner.
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits
The Company does not receive any economic benefits (e.g., sales incentives,
prizes) from non-clients for providing investment advice.
B. Client Referrals
The Company does not use solicitors to refer clients to the Company.
Item 15 - Custody
Custody of client assets will be maintained with the independent custodian
selected by the client. The Company will not have physical custody of any
assets in the client’s account except as permitted for payment of advisory fees.
Clients will be solely responsible for paying all fees or charges of the
custodian. Clients will authorize the Company to give the custodian
instructions for the purchase, sale, conversion, redemption, exchange or
retention of any security, cash or cash equivalent or other investment for the
client’s account.
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to compare
the account statement provided by
Clients will receive directly from the custodian at least quarterly a statement
showing all transactions occurring in the client’s account during the period
covered by the account statement, and the funds, securities and other
property in the client’s account at the end of the period. Clients are urged to
carefully review the account statement sent by the broker-dealer/custodian
and
the broker-
dealer/custodian with any statements provided by the Company.
Item 16 - Investment Discretion
For those client accounts over which the Company has discretion, the
Company requests that it be provided with written authority (e.g., limited
power of attorney contained in the Company’s investment management
agreement) to determine the types and amounts of securities that are bought
or sold. Any limitations on this discretionary authority shall be included in
this written authority statement. Clients may change or amend these
limitations as required. All such amendments shall be submitted in writing.
The Company generally has discretionary authority to make the following
determinations without obtaining the consent of the client before the
transactions are effected: (1) which securities are bought and sold for the
account and (2) the total amount of securities to be bought and sold. The
Company’s authority in making investment related decisions may be limited
by account guidelines, investment objectives and trading restrictions, as
agreed between the Company and the client.
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
The act of managing assets of clients may include the voting of proxies
related to such managed assets. Where the power to vote in person or by
proxy has been delegated, directly or indirectly, to the investment adviser,
the investment adviser has the fiduciary responsibility for (a) voting in a
manner that is in the best interests of the client and (b) properly dealing with
potential conflicts of interest arising from proxy proposals being voted upon.
Accordingly, the Company has instituted proxy voting policies and procedures
that are designed to (i) ensure that proxies are voting in an appropriate
manner and (ii) complement the Company’s investment policies and
procedures regarding its general responsibility to monitor the performance
and/or corporate events of companies which are issuers of securities held in
managed accounts.
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
34
The Company’s general policy is to vote proxy proposals, amendments,
consents or resolutions relating to client securities (collectively, “proxies”), in
a manner that serves the best interests of the client as the Company
determines in its sole discretion, taking into account the following factors: (i)
the impact on the value of the securities; (ii) the costs and benefits associated
with the proposal; and (iii) the customary industry and business practices.
Clients may request a copy of the Company’s Proxy Voting Policies by
contacting Mark Briggs, President of the Company, at 860-633-8988.
Class Action Settlements
The Company, if requested by the client, will assist with class action claims.
Clients will receive the paperwork for such claims directly from their account
custodians. Each client should verify with their custodian or other account
administrator whether such claims are being made on the client’s behalf by
the custodian or if the client is expected to file such claims directly.
Item 18 - Financial Information
A. Prepayment of Fees
Because the Company does not require or accept prepayment of more than
$500 in fees six months or more in advance, the Company is not required
include a balance sheet with this disclosure brochure.
B. Financial Condition
The Company does not have any adverse financial conditions to disclose.
C. Bankruptcy
The Company has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
Item 19 - Additional Information
Privacy Notice
The Company views protecting its clients' private information as a top
priority and has instituted policies and procedures to ensure that client
information is private and secure. The Company does not disclose any
nonpublic personal information about its clients or former clients to any
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
35
nonaffiliated third parties, except as permitted or required by law. In the
course of servicing a client's account, the Company may share some
information with its service providers, such as transfer agents, custodians,
broker-dealers, accountants, and lawyers, etc. The Company restricts
internal access to nonpublic personal information about the client to those
persons who need access to that information in order to provide services to
the client and to perform administrative functions for the Company. As
emphasized above, it has always been and will always be the Company's
policy never to sell information about current or former clients or their
accounts to anyone. It is also the Company's policy not to share information
unless required to process a transaction, at the request of a client, or as
required by law. For the full text of the Company’s Privacy Policy, please
contact Mark Briggs, President of the Company, at 860-633-8988.
Requests for Additional Information
Clients may contact Mark Briggs, President of the Company, at 860-633-8988
to request additional information or submit a complaint. Written complaints
should be sent to Briggs Wealth Management, Inc., 221 Addison Road, Unit
101, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Briggs Wealth Management, Inc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025