Overview
Assets Under Management: $2.5 billion
High-Net-Worth Clients: 370
Average Client Assets: $8 million
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 370
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 98.99
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $8 million
Total Client Accounts: 2,367
Discretionary Accounts: 12
Non-Discretionary Accounts: 2,355
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 126752
Last Filing Date: 2024-03-25 00:00:00
Website: https://cardiffpark.com
Form ADV Documents
Additional Brochure: CARDIFF PARK ADVISORS ADV (2025-09-22)
View Document Text
Cardiff Park Advisors, LLC Form ADV Part 2A SEC File
Number
CRD Number 126752
801-66660
Cardiff Park Advisors, LLC
Firm Brochure
Part 2A & 2B of Form ADV
Cardiff Park Advisors, LLC
7161 Aviara Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Phone:
Fax:
Website:
Email:
(760) 635-7526
(760) 284-5550
http://cardiffpark.com
jgorlow@cardiffpark.com
June 30, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Cardiff Park Advisors, LLC (Cardiff Park). The information in this
brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) or by any state securities authority.
Cardiff Park is a registered investment advisor, which does not imply a
certain level of skill or training. Additional information about Cardiff Park is
available on the SEC website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The searchable IARD/CRD number for Cardiff Park is 126752. If you have
questions after reading this brochure, please contact us at (760) 635-7526.
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Item 2: Summary of Material Changes
This brochure, dated June 30, 2025, replaces our previous brochure dated
March 24, 2025. As of June 30, 2025, Cardiff Park Advisors managed
approximately $2.8 Billion in client assets on a non-discretionary basis.
Fixed Income Management Update
We have revised our regulatory disclosures to reclassify fixed income
portfolio management from discretionary to non-discretionary. This change
more accurately reflects how portfolios have long been managed in practice,
through a collaborative and customized approach. Cardiff Park remains
actively involved in developing strategy, selecting securities, and facilitating
execution, while clients retain final investment authority.
Retainer Range and Review Policy
Our pricing framework reflects the comprehensive nature of our advisory
work and the level of responsibility we assume on behalf of each client. For
new engagements, annual retainers typically range from $8,000 to $14,000.
These retainers are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted to reflect
changes in scope, complexity of planning work, and inflation.
Separately Billed Services
Certain advisory services fall outside the scope of our standard retainer.
Examples include estate settlement, financial restructuring, fixed income
ladder construction, restricted stock liquidation, and management of
concentrated equity positions. We are pleased to provide these additional
services, which are often time-intensive and require customized,
collaborative work across disciplines. We will review each client’s needs
individually, and when warranted, propose a separate fee arrangement.
Cash Management
At Cardiff Park, we coordinate cash management activity with clients to
ensure sufficient liquidity to meet near-term and recurring spending needs.
This includes monitoring cash positions across accounts, coordinating inflows
and outflows with tax sensitivity in mind, and putting idle balances to work
through sweep vehicles or higher-yielding money market options. Effective
cash management requires timely communication. We ask clients to alert us
to upcoming liquidity events so we can proactively position funds and ensure
cash availability when needed.
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Transition to Quarterly Client Reporting
Beginning in September 2025, Cardiff Park Advisors will transition from
monthly to quarterly reporting as our default client-reporting protocol. This
change is designed to reduce short-term performance noise and reinforce a
planning mindset that focuses on long-term investment goals.
The format and content of our reports will remain consistent with prior
practice, providing consolidated, reconciled data across accounts and clear
insight into portfolio positioning and strategy.
Clients who prefer monthly reporting may continue to receive it upon
request.
Advisory Fee Payment Preferences
Cardiff Park’s default payment method for new advisory relationships is
direct fee debiting from a linked custodial account. This ensures timely,
accurate processing and minimizes the administrative burden for clients.
While we encourage all clients to authorize this method, those currently
remitting payments by check, ACH transfer, or bill-pay services may
continue doing so.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Item 2: Summary of Material Changes ....................................................2
Fixed Income Management Update.......................................................2
Retainer Range and Review Policy........................................................2
Separately Billed Services ...................................................................2
Cash Management .............................................................................2
Transition to Quarterly Client Reporting ................................................3
Advisory Fee Payment Preferences.......................................................3
Item 3: Table of Contents......................................................................4
Item 4: Advisory Business .....................................................................7
Overview ..........................................................................................7
Principal Owner and Business Team .....................................................7
Wealth Management Services..............................................................8
Item 5: Our Fees..................................................................................8
General ............................................................................................8
Initial Evaluation................................................................................9
Annual Retainers ...............................................................................9
Onboarding Fees................................................................................9
Separately Billed Services ...................................................................9
Family Member Accounts .................................................................. 10
Billing of Advisory Fees..................................................................... 10
Cancellation and Termination ............................................................ 10
12B-1 Fees and Sales Commissions.................................................... 10
Third-Party Costs and Custodian Charges............................................ 10
Comparison to Other Firms ............................................................... 11
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees.......................................................... 11
Item 7: Types of Clients ...................................................................... 11
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Item 8: Investment Strategies, Methods of Analysis, and Risk of Loss....... 11
Investment Strategy ........................................................................ 11
Portfolio Design and Implementation .................................................. 12
Tax Efficiency and Rebalancing .......................................................... 12
Alternative Investments.................................................................... 13
Separately Managed Accounts ........................................................... 13
Risk Management ............................................................................ 13
Understanding the Risk of Loss .......................................................... 13
Summary........................................................................................ 14
Item 9: Disciplinary Information........................................................... 14
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ..................... 14
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Client Transactions and Personal Trading ........... 15
Code of Ethics ................................................................................. 15
Recommendations of Securities and Material Financial Interests ............ 15
Participation in Client Transactions..................................................... 15
Item 12: Brokerage Practices............................................................... 16
Designated Brokers .......................................................................... 16
Custodian Selection.......................................................................... 16
Directed Brokerage .......................................................................... 16
Soft Dollar Arrangements.................................................................. 16
Trade Aggregation and Allocation....................................................... 17
Monitoring and Oversight .................................................................. 17
Item 13 Retirement Plan Rollovers........................................................ 17
Item 14: Review of Accounts ............................................................... 18
Review of Accounts .......................................................................... 18
Regular Portfolio Reports .................................................................. 18
Rebalancing .................................................................................... 18
Tax Loss Harvesting ......................................................................... 19
Item 15: Custody ............................................................................... 19
Item 16: Investment Discretion ........................................................... 20
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities.......................................................... 20
Item 18: Financial Information............................................................. 20
Additional Information ...................................................................... 21
Business Continuity.......................................................................... 21
Information Security ........................................................................ 21
Client Privacy .................................................................................. 21
Brochure Supplement ......................................................................... 23
Item 2: Educational Background and Business Experience ....................... 23
Item 3: Disciplinary Information........................................................... 24
Item 4: Other Business Activities.......................................................... 24
Item 5: Additional Compensation ......................................................... 24
Item 6: Supervision ............................................................................ 24
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Overview
Cardiff Park Advisors is an SEC-registered investment advisor headquartered
in Southern California. We provide integrated wealth management services
to high net-worth individuals, families, trusts, and foundations across the
United States and internationally. Clients include both U.S. and non-U.S.
clients living or working abroad, who rely on Cardiff Park Advisors for U.S.-
based investment oversight and cross-border coordination. As of June 30,
2025, Cardiff Park Advisors manages approximately $2.8 billion in client
assets on a non-discretionary basis.
Our core services include financial planning and portfolio management.
These services are delivered through a structured, client-centered
framework that aligns planning and investment strategy with each client’s
goals and evolving needs.
Cardiff Park does not prepare tax returns or draft legal documents. However,
when warranted, we will work closely with other professionals serving our
clients, including trust & estate attorneys, CPAs, insurance brokers, and real
estate professionals.
Our role is to help integrate the work of these specialists into a unified
financial framework. We participate in planning conversations, review legal
and tax documents, and flag opportunities that may otherwise be
overlooked. By staying aligned with a client’s professional team, we aim to
bring clarity and cohesion to the decision-making process.
We also recognize the importance of professional boundaries. By respecting
each service provider’s domain while remaining strategically involved, we
reduce the risk of conflict and reinforce the value of coordinated, high-
quality expertise across disciplines. This structure helps ensure that our
clients receive advice that is technically sound and aligned with their long-
term financial goals.
Principal Owner and Business Team
Cardiff Park Advisors was established in 2003 and has served clients
continuously for more than 23 years. The firm remains independently owned
and fully integrated, operating under a philosophy that ensures strategic
alignment, in-house execution, and personalized client service.
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John Gorlow is the founder, president, chief investment officer, and chief
compliance officer. He directs the firm’s investment strategy and wealth
management process and serves as the primary advisor for most client
relationships.
All core functions, including financial planning, portfolio construction, risk
oversight, and client reporting, are managed in-house under Mr. Gorlow’s
leadership. The Cardiff Park team supports each relationship with close
coordination, operational discipline, and attention to detail. Account
execution, recordkeeping, and administrative support are handled in direct
coordination with custodians such as Schwab and Fidelity to ensure security
and efficiency.
Wealth Management Services
We seek a comprehensive understanding of each client’s financial structure,
including liquid assets, retirement accounts, real estate holdings, private
investments, pension income, business cash flows, and human capital. This
foundational insight enables us to create customized portfolios to hedge
liabilities, meet essential spending needs, and fund longer-term goals. The
aim is to deliver higher-confidence outcomes, a more grounded investment
experience, and greater potential for long-term wealth creation.
Our investment strategies emphasize global diversification, long-term
discipline, and tax efficiency. We build portfolios using third-party mutual
funds and ETFs, including those offered by Dimensional Fund Advisors
(Dimensional), Avantis Investors, and select index-tracking funds from
Vanguard, Schwab, and Fidelity among others.
This work is supported by integrated cash flow modeling, investment
planning, and coordinated distribution strategies—all with the aim of
ensuring capital is aligned with timing, purpose, and risk. Allocations are
made with each of these factors in mind. We provide ongoing portfolio
oversight, disciplined rebalancing, tax-aware adjustments, and proactive
communication.
Item 5: Our Fees
General
Cardiff Park operates under a straightforward retainer model. We charge an
annual fee that reflects the level of work and responsibility involved in each
client relationship. This structure supports ongoing financial planning,
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portfolio oversight, and coordinated implementation across the client’s full
financial picture.
Initial Evaluation
We start with an initial evaluation to assess fit and share early insights into
the client’s financial picture. This typically includes one or two meetings and
a review of relevant materials. In some cases, we may request additional
information to support a more thoughtful analysis. To proceed beyond this
phase, clients are asked to enter a formal engagement.
Annual Retainers
Most new client engagements today fall within an annual retainer range of
$8,000 to $14,000. Fees are billed quarterly, in arrears, and are adjusted
based on the scope and complexity of each relationship. For larger or more
complex situations — including multi-generational families or business
entities — retainers may exceed this range and are customized to reflect the
level of services provided. These retainers are periodically reviewed and may
be adjusted to reflect changes in scope, complexity, or inflation. Any updates
are communicated prior to year-end and take effect at the start of the
following calendar year.
We recognize that many long-standing client relationships were established
under earlier pricing structures. These are periodically reviewed and
adjusted with care and transparency.
Onboarding Fees
To cover the up-front work required to initiate the relationship—linking
accounts, organizing financial data, configuring systems, and establishing
the structure and direction needed to move forward—we charge a one-time
onboarding fee. This fee typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,600 and is
discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Separately Billed Services
Some services involve a level of complexity or coordination that falls outside
the scope of the standard retainer. These services are priced separately.
They may include bond ladder construction, restricted stock liquidation
planning (e.g., in merger-related contexts), estate settlement
administration, and financial restructuring due to divorce or re-partnering.
Where appropriate, we offer a fixed quote in advance. In cases where hourly
billing is warranted, we apply a standard rate of $450, always with prior
discussion and agreement.
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Family Member Accounts
When clients request portfolio management for adult children or other family
members, we evaluate the scope of involvement and determine an
appropriate fee structure. In some cases, these accounts may be covered
under the primary retainer; in others, a separate engagement is warranted.
Each situation is assessed individually, with clear communication and
fairness.
Billing of Advisory Fees
Advisory fees accrue daily and are billed quarterly in arrears. The first billing
period for clients will be prorated. Invoices are sent electronically and may
also be mailed upon request. New clients are asked to authorize direct
debiting from a custodial account, which simplifies administration. Existing
clients are also encouraged to pay through direct debiting, but may continue
to pay by check, ACH, or bill-pay.
Cancellation and Termination
Our agreement may be terminated at any time with 30 days’ written notice.
We will continue servicing the account until the termination date and issue a
final prorated invoice. Any remaining obligations become the client’s
responsibility.
12B-1 Fees and Sales Commissions
Cardiff Park operates exclusively as a fee-only advisory firm. We do not
accept commissions, 12b-1 fees, revenue sharing, referral fees, or any form
of third-party compensation. Our compensation derives solely from the
clients we serve, ensuring that our advice is objective, transparent, and
aligned with their best interests.
Professional integrity and transparency are fundamental underpinnings of
our business. Clients can be confident that every recommendation we make
is guided solely by what’s best for them, rather than by outside incentives.
Third-Party Costs and Custodian Charges
Clients may incur third-party costs related to fund management or custodial
services. These include internal fund expenses, wire fees, and transaction
charges. We do not receive any portion of these costs. Our investment
approach aims to keep these costs low.
Clients transferring accounts may face termination fees from prior firms,
typically $0–$200. We encourage confirming these costs directly.
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Comparison to Other Firms
Cardiff Park operates solely as a fiduciary, charges a fixed retainer, and
provides services on a non-discretionary basis. We don’t promote proprietary
products or accept third-party compensation. Our recommendations are
rooted in academic research, implemented with low-cost, tax-efficient
strategies, and delivered with full transparency. Our process is clear and
client-focused. The result is a disciplined, cost-effective approach to wealth
management, aligned with our clients’ goals and free from conflicts of
interest.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees
Cardiff Park does not charge performance-based fees. Such fees are
generally calculated as a percentage of capital gains or appreciation in a
client’s account, and are common among hedge fund operators, private
equity underwriters, and their affiliated investment advisors or sales
professionals. Performance-based fees can create conflicts of interest when
an advisor's financial incentives do not align with the client’s best interests.
We believe a transparent, fixed-fee model avoids conflicts of interest and
promotes alignment with our clients. All clients are treated equally under our
fee schedule.
Item 7: Types of Clients
Our clients value clarity, discipline, and a long-term perspective. We advise
high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, trusts, estates,
retirement plans, charitable organizations, and private entities. Our clients
typically have portfolios of $3 million or more. Most are U.S. citizens, though
we also serve foreign nationals and expatriates, coordinating as needed with
international custodians and outside advisors.
Item 8: Investment Strategies, Methods of
Analysis, and Risk of Loss
Investment Strategy
At Cardiff Park, we believe capital markets work. Prices reflect available
information, and while short-term movements are unpredictable, disciplined
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investors are rewarded over time. Our strategy emphasizes diversification,
consistency, and patience—as opposed to speculation.
We avoid tactics like market timing and individual stock selection. Instead,
we focus on persistent drivers of long-term returns, including broad market
exposure and well-documented factors such as company size, relative value,
and profitability. This approach is grounded in academic research and honed
through decades of practical application.
Our objective is simple: to help clients build resilient, cost-effective portfolios
that can navigate uncertainty and deliver meaningful long-term outcomes.
Portfolio Design and Implementation
We build portfolios from the ground up, beginning with a strategic allocation
between equities and fixed income that reflects each client’s objectives, cash
flow needs, time horizon, and risk capacity. Our goal is to design resilient,
tax-aware portfolios that remain effective across changing market
conditions.
We start with broad market exposure through low-cost index tracking funds
from providers like Vanguard, Schwab, and Fidelity. These vehicles offer
efficient, diversified access to global capital markets. From there, we further
diversify across well-documented sources of expected return—company size,
relative price, and profitability—using structured strategies from Dimensional
Fund Advisors (Dimensional) and Avantis Investors. Each component plays a
distinct role in the portfolio, contributing to a cohesive, evidence-based
investment framework.
For fixed income, we combine bond funds and ETFs with individual securities
when appropriate. These may include U.S. Treasuries, municipal bonds,
agency notes, investment-grade corporate bonds, FDIC-insured CDs, and
inflation-protected instruments. Fixed income design is tailored to tax
considerations, liquidity needs, and the client’s preference for direct holdings
versus pooled exposure.
Tax Efficiency and Rebalancing
Tax awareness is integral to our investment approach. We coordinate
portfolios across taxable and tax-deferred accounts, strategically placing
assets to improve after-tax returns and support efficient rebalancing. Our
rebalancing process is disciplined, opportunistic, and cost-conscious,
designed to manage drift, harvest losses, and preserve long-term tax
advantages without unnecessary churn.
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Alternative Investments
We may incorporate alternative investments to further diversify client
portfolios. These include publicly traded real estate investment trusts
(REITs), gold, precious metals, commodity-linked ETFs, and crypto-oriented
strategies. We view these assets as complementary—uncorrelated to
traditional stocks and bonds—and potentially valuable in specific portfolio
contexts. Recommendations in this space are made with care and intention,
based on alignment with the client’s long-term objectives and overall asset
allocation.
Separately Managed Accounts
In some cases, clients may wish to engage an unaffiliated investment
manager to oversee a portion of their portfolio. When this occurs, Cardiff
Park facilitates communication to ensure that the manager’s style, discipline,
and cost structure align with the client’s goals. While we cannot be
responsible for performance of unaffiliated accounts, we will monitor
performance and progress to ensure that the strategy complements the
investment framework that we manage for our clients.
Risk Management
Our portfolios are designed to manage uncertainty, not to eliminate it. Our
first layer of diversification spans core sectors: equities, fixed income, cash,
and alternatives. Within each sector, we diversify across geographic
categories, incorporating asset classes with distinct characteristics and roles.
This structure allows us to align capital with intended purpose, liquidity
needs, and time horizon. We select high-quality holdings and seek tax-
efficient implementation. Where appropriate, we incorporate public market
alternatives that can serve as ballast or offer differentiated return potential.
Through this layered construction and ongoing oversight, we help clients
remain invested through periods of volatility while maintaining confidence in
the integrity of the strategy.
Understanding the Risk of Loss
All investments involve risk, including the potential for loss. Periods of
volatility are inevitable. We help clients anticipate and plan for these events
so they can remain focused and invested when it matters most.
While historical evidence supports the outperformance of value stocks, small
caps, and emerging markets over long periods, each may underperform for
years at a time. Bonds can also decline in value during rising interest rate
environments or under credit stress.
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Beyond traditional market risks, clients must also contend with broader
systemic forces that may include economic disruption, inflation, political
instability, climate-related events, and cyber threats. No strategy is immune
to these realities. But by staying grounded in what works—diversification,
tax efficiency, and long-term discipline—we help clients navigate uncertainty
with confidence.
Summary
Our investment strategy is deliberate, disciplined, and research-driven.
Rather than chasing short-term outcomes, our portfolios are built to serve
each client’s short-term needs and long-term goals. With deep attention to
risk, tax planning, and long-term alignment, we help clients stay focused on
building wealth over the course of a lifetime.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Cardiff Park Advisors has no legal or disciplinary events to disclose. Neither
the firm nor any members of its management team have ever been subject
to regulatory, civil, or criminal proceedings. We maintain a clean record and
operate with the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and
professional conduct.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities
and Affiliations
Cardiff Park Advisors is fully independent and operates free of outside
affiliations or brokerage entanglements. Neither the firm nor any members
of our management team are engaged in business activities outside their
roles at Cardiff Park. We are not affiliated with any broker-dealer, and no
employee is a registered representative or has a pending application to
become one. This independence ensures that our advice remains objective,
free of conflicts-of-interest, and solely in service of our clients’ best
interests.
At a client’s direction, we may assist in selecting an unaffiliated investment
manager to oversee a portion of their portfolio. In these cases, we maintain
oversight, monitoring performance and alignment with the client’s goals to
ensure consistency with the overall strategy.
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Item 11: Code of Ethics, Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
At Cardiff Park, our Code of Ethics governs every aspect of our conduct. It
reflects our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and our
fiduciary responsibility to put clients’ interests first at all times. In
compliance with SEC Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, all covered persons are required to observe federal securities laws and
uphold the principles that define ethical advisory practice.
We are committed to acting in our clients’ best interests with unwavering
integrity, maintaining objectivity and independence in every
recommendation, and continually advancing our knowledge in portfolio
theory, asset allocation, and comprehensive financial planning. Our Code is
available to any client or prospective client upon request.
Recommendations of Securities and Material Financial Interests
Cardiff Park does not engage in principal trades, cross trading, or agency
cross transactions. In the rare event that an exception is considered,
advance approval by the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer is required to
preserve full transparency and protect client interests.
Participation in Client Transactions
Employees of Cardiff Park may invest in securities also recommended to
clients. While this may create the appearance of a conflict, we have
instituted strict controls to ensure that client interests always take priority.
Employees and their immediate families are prohibited from transacting in
any security that is being actively bought or sold for a client account. If
Cardiff Park is recommending or executing a trade for a client, no employee
may trade in that security until the client’s transaction has been completed
or the recommendation is withdrawn.
We maintain comprehensive oversight and reporting procedures to monitor
employee transactions. Exceptions are limited to specific cases—such as
trades in accounts over which the employee has no control, trades in highly
liquid securities where individual activity has no market impact, and
transactions involving U.S. government obligations, CDs, high-quality short-
term debt, or registered open-end mutual funds.
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All exceptions must be documented, reviewed, and justified to ensure
alignment with our ethical standards and our clients’ best interests.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Designated Brokers
At Cardiff Park, we place a premium on clarity, consistency, and
institutional-grade service. To support this, we typically recommend that
client accounts be held at Charles Schwab or Fidelity Investments—two of
the most trusted and capable custodians in the industry. These firms offer
secure custody, low-cost execution, robust infrastructure, and reliable
support for portfolio management, trade execution, and reporting.
We are not affiliated with Schwab or Fidelity and receive no compensation,
soft-dollar arrangements, or revenue-sharing of any kind. Our
recommendation is based solely on the strength of their platforms and their
ability to support a professional, streamlined experience for clients and
advisors alike.
Custodian Selection
While clients may request to use another custodian, we strongly encourage
them to work with Schwab or Fidelity to ensure operational continuity,
simplified oversight, and full integration with our advisory systems. Their
scale, independence, and institutional capabilities allow us to focus on
delivering consistent, high-quality service.
Directed Brokerage
We do not permit directed brokerage arrangements. All trades are placed
through the client’s designated custodian, which ensures fair pricing,
consolidated oversight, and efficient coordination across accounts. This
structure helps eliminate conflicts of interest and promotes the best
execution of every transaction.
Soft Dollar Arrangements
At Cardiff Park, we do not participate in soft dollar arrangements. We do not
accept research, technology, or operational support in exchange for trading
volume or custodial relationships. These arrangements—common in parts of
the investment industry—create potential conflicts of interest, obscure the
true cost of services, and compromise the objectivity clients deserve.
While custodians and fund providers may broadly offer access to research
tools, technology platforms, or educational content, we maintain strict
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policies to ensure these non-monetary benefits are not tied to any product
recommendation or business commitment. Our independence is deliberate
and uncompromising. We are aligned solely with our clients, and every
decision we make reflects that commitment.
Trade Aggregation and Allocation
When appropriate, we aggregate trades across accounts to secure pricing
efficiency and operational consistency. All trades are allocated fairly and
without preference. We do not receive additional compensation from block
trading or allocations. Our approach is systematic, transparent, and
governed by firm policy.
Monitoring and Oversight
We routinely monitor the quality of trade execution to ensure that our clients
receive competitive pricing, timely settlement, and institutional execution
standards. Schwab and Fidelity are held to the same expectations:
performance, reliability, and service.
Item 13 Retirement Plan Rollovers
When leaving an employer, clients generally have several options for
managing assets in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. These may
include leaving the assets in the former employer’s plan (if permitted),
rolling them into a new employer’s plan (if available), transferring them to
an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or cashing out the account. Each
option involves trade-offs related to fees, investment flexibility, tax
treatment, and access to funds. In some cases, a combination of options
may be appropriate.
If Cardiff Park recommends rolling over assets into an account under our
management, that recommendation may result in new or increased
compensation to the firm. This creates a potential conflict of interest.
We do not receive commissions or third-party compensation and do not act
as a product distributor. We encourage clients to carefully evaluate all
available options and, where appropriate, consult with outside professionals
before proceeding with a rollover decision. Our goal is to provide objective
guidance and ensure that clients receive advice aligned with their best
interests.
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Item 14: Review of Accounts
Review of Accounts
One of our primary objectives is to ensure that each client’s portfolio
remains firmly aligned with their long-term goals and investment strategy.
To that end, we provide detailed portfolio reporting and maintain open lines
of communication for ongoing review, clarification, and course-correction as
needed.
Regular Portfolio Reports
Cardiff Park provides continuous oversight of client accounts and delivers
detailed portfolio reports through our secure client portal. Beginning in
September 2025, these reports will be issued quarterly, aligning with our
long-term investment philosophy and reducing the distraction of short-term
performance noise. Clients will receive their final monthly report in August
2025, with the first quarterly report (covering July through September)
delivered in early October.
While quarterly reporting is the default, clients who prefer monthly updates
may continue to receive them upon request.
Rebalancing
Rebalancing is a core component of portfolio discipline. This is the process of
realigning asset exposures to remain consistent with target allocations,
which in turn helps manage risk and maintain intended portfolio
characteristics. But rebalancing must be applied thoughtfully. It it’s too
frequent, it may create friction from trading costs and taxes; if too
infrequent it may allow “drift” that dilutes portfolio intent.
We monitor portfolios for deviations from strategic targets, whether across
high-level equity/fixed income splits or more granular asset class weights.
Rebalancing is typically triggered when these exposures exceed predefined
thresholds, with sensitivity to each client’s tax position, transaction costs,
and liquidity needs.
Where possible, we add to existing holdings rather than initiate new
positions—unless otherwise dictated by tax considerations, wash-sale
constraints, fund closures, or strategic fund changes. Market movements
and cash flows may also create efficient opportunities to restore balance.
Rebalancing decisions are implemented with care and clarity. All
recommendations are reviewed with the client and approved before
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execution. We do not apply a one-size-fits-all rule; our process is
responsive, efficient, and aligned with each client’s investment philosophy.
Tax Loss Harvesting
We monitor taxable portfolios for opportunities to harvest losses as part of a
broader effort to improve after-tax outcomes. When requested, we evaluate
potential trades, identify suitable replacement holdings, and coordinate with
clients to ensure alignment with their goals. This service is performed upon
client request.
Item 15: Custody
Cardiff Park does not accept custody of client assets, except in limited cases
where clients have provided explicit written instructions to transfer,
withdraw, or otherwise move cash or securities to another firm or third
party.
Cardiff Park does not deduct advisory fees from client accounts without the
client’s explicit, written consent. While we generally request authorization to
debit fees directly for efficiency, this is never assumed or automatic. Every
fee arrangement is fully disclosed, clearly documented, and implemented
only after the client’s express approval.
All account statements, trade confirmations, and tax documents are issued
directly by the custodian—typically Schwab or Fidelity—who maintains
custody of the assets. To ensure accuracy and transparency, we strongly
encourage clients to review their custodial statements and compare them to
the reports provided by Cardiff Park.
If clients identify any unauthorized activity—including unrecognized trades or
transfers—they should immediately contact John Gorlow, Chief Compliance
Officer, at 1-800-332-2238, and also notify the custodian holding their
assets. Cardiff Park has never had an instance of theft or misappropriation of
client funds.
For assistance with custodial matters or account-related issues, clients are
welcome to contact us directly. We can facilitate prompt coordination with
the appropriate team at the custodian to resolve any concerns.
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Item 16: Investment Discretion
Cardiff Park manages all client accounts on a non-discretionary basis. Every
relationship begins with client authorization—granted through a limited
power of attorney (LPOA)—which empowers us to act efficiently on the
client’s behalf. There are no exceptions; we would not be able to do our job
without this authority. That said, authority never replaces accountability.
Clients remain in control and are always able to see exactly where they
stand.
With the LPOA agreement in place, we take over day-to-day execution of a
client’s detailed plan, which includes implementing investment strategies,
managing fixed income ladders, rebalancing portfolios, and deploying
capital. All actions are firmly rooted in the investment framework built in
partnership with the client, such as defining credit quality, maturity targets,
tax preferences, and overall objectives.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
We believe clients should retain full authority over decisions related to the
securities they own, including the right to vote on corporate matters. For
this reason, Cardiff Park does not vote proxies on behalf of clients.
All proxy materials and related solicitations are delivered directly to clients
by their custodian or the issuing transfer agent. Clients are solely
responsible for reviewing and responding to these materials.
While we do not assume voting authority, we are always available to discuss
proxy-related issues or help clients interpret materials. We welcome the
opportunity to support clients in making informed decisions, particularly
when those decisions may have implications for their broader investment
strategy.
Item 18: Financial Information
Cardiff Park may accept limited discretion over client accounts, as outlined in
Item 16 of this brochure. In accordance with regulatory requirements, we
are obligated to disclose any financial condition that could impair our ability
to meet our fiduciary or contractual obligations to clients. We are pleased to
confirm that no such condition exists.
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A balance sheet is not included with this brochure, as Cardiff Park does not
maintain custody of client funds or securities, and we do not require or
solicit prepayment of advisory fees. All fees are billed in arrears, consistent
with our commitment to transparency and accountability.
Additional Information
At Cardiff Park, we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard client
assets, maintain uninterrupted service, and protect client privacy. The
following supplemental information outlines key protocols that support these
commitments.
Business Continuity
We have a formal business continuity plan in place to ensure ongoing
operations in the event of a natural disaster, cyberattack, or other
disruption. The plan includes redundant systems, offsite data storage, and a
designated alternate work location. If our primary office becomes
inaccessible, we are committed to re-establishing contact with clients within
five business days and resuming normal operations with minimal
interruption.
Information Security
Cardiff Park employs rigorous security measures to protect against
unauthorized access, data loss, or cyber breaches. To date, we have not
experienced any compromise of client data. Our systems are protected by
multiple layers of defense, including encryption, intrusion detection, and
restricted access protocols. Nonetheless, we recognize that no system is
immune to cyber risk. In the event of a breach, we will act swiftly to contain
the threat, notify affected parties, and restore functionality.
We also encourage clients to take full advantage of security features offered
by custodial platforms, including two-factor authentication and password
management tools.
Client Privacy
Cardiff Park collects nonpublic personal and financial information necessary
to design, manage, and monitor client portfolios. We do not disclose this
information to unaffiliated third parties unless required by law. Access is
restricted to employees directly involved in providing service. We maintain
physical, digital, and procedural safeguards to ensure compliance with
federal privacy regulations and industry best practices.
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END PART 2A FORM ADV
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801-66660
John Gorlow
Brochure Supplement
2B of Form ADV
Cardiff Park Advisors, LLC
7161 Aviara Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Phone: (760) 635-7526
Fax: (760) 284-5550
Website: http://cardiffpark.com
Email: jgorlow@cardiffpark.com
June 30, 2025
This Brochure Supplement provides information about John Gorlow that
supplements the Cardiff Park Advisors, LLC (“Cardiff Park”) brochure (Part
2A of Form ADV). If you did not receive a copy of the Part 2A brochure or if
you have any questions about the contents of this supplement, please
contact us using the information provided below.
Additional information about John Gorlow is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
Item 2: Educational Background and Business
Experience
John Gorlow, age 66, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff
Park Advisors, LLC. He established Cardiff Park in 2003, drawing on more
than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. The firm was
registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2006.
Prior to establishing Cardiff Park, John served as an investment advisor at
Ernst & Young in San Francisco, managing advisory engagements for private
clients. Earlier, he spent 14 years with leading Wall Street firms—including
Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, and Oppenheimer—delivering personal
investment management services to private client groups.
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John holds an MBA from Fordham University and a Bachelor’s degree from
Penn State University. He earned the Certified Investment Management
Analyst® (CIMA®) designation through the Wharton School of the University
of Pennsylvania. He is a member of both the CFA® Institute and the
Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
None
Item 4: Other Business Activities
None
Item 5: Additional Compensation
None
Item 6: Supervision
As CEO, John Gorlow provides supervisory oversight for all aspects of Cardiff
Park’s operations, including investment management, client service,
reporting, and compliance. While he is ultimately responsible for all firm
activities, our internal processes and workflows are designed to ensure high
standards, independent review, and regulatory compliance.
For supervisory questions or concerns, please contact us at the phone
number or email listed on the cover page of the Part 2A Brochure.
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END PART 2B FORM ADV
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