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Client Brochure
205 East Orange Street, Suite 310
Lakeland, Florida 33801
(863) 688-1725
www.cpsinvest.com
Toll Free (877) 564-6277
March 20, 2026
Chas P. Smith & Associates, PA, CPA’s conducts its advisory business under the name CPS
Investment Advisors (hereinafter referred to as “CPS” or “Advisor”). This Brochure provides
information about the qualifications and business practices of CPS. If you have any questions about
the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (863) 688-1725. 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.
CPS is a registered investment adviser. The registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply
any level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an Investment Adviser provide
you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an Investment Adviser.
Item 2 – Material Changes
On July 28, 2010, the SEC published “Amendments to Form ADV” which amends the disclosure
document that we provide to clients as required by SEC Rules. This Brochure is prepared according
to the SEC’s requirements and rules.
This Item will discuss only specific material changes that are made to the Brochure and provide
clients with a summary of such changes. The following items have been updated since our last
annual updating amendment on 03/28/2025:
•
Item 4 has been updated regarding assets under management.
In the past we have offered or delivered information about our qualifications and business practices
to clients on at least an annual basis. Pursuant to SEC Rules, we will ensure that you receive a
summary of any materials changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close
of our business’ fiscal year. We may further provide other ongoing disclosure information about
material changes as necessary.
We will further provide you with a new Brochure as necessary based on changes or new
information, at any time, without charge.
Currently, our Brochure may be requested by contacting Leila Shaver, Chief Compliance Officer, at
(770) 462-2118 or compliance@myrialawyer.com.
Additional information about CPS is also available via the SEC’s web site www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
The SEC’s web site also provides information about any persons affiliated with CPS who are
registered, or are required to be registered, as investment adviser representatives of CPS.
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page
1
Item 2 – Material Changes ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 – Advisory Business ................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ........................................................................................................................ 7
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ...................................................... 9
Item 7 – Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .............................................. 9
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................... 11
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................................ 11
Item 11 – Code of Ethics ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .......................................................................................................................... 12
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ........................................................................................................................... 13
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ............................................................................... 13
Item 15 – Custody ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ..................................................................................................................... 14
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................... 14
Item 18 – Financial Information ....................................................................................................................... 15
Item 4 – Advisory Business
CPS has been in the advisory business since 1989. CPS had assets under management of approximately $2,888,320,155
as of December 2025. The principals of CPS are Peter C. Golotko, Michael A. Riskin, Nolen B. Bailey, Anthony M. Corrao,
Leigh Ann Davis, and Erica M. Lupercio.
ERISA Accounts: Advisor is deemed to be a fiduciary to advisory clients that are employee benefit plans or individual
retirement accounts (IRAs) pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), and
regulations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, respectively. As such, our firm is subject to specific duties and
obligations under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code that include, among other things, restrictions concerning
certain forms of compensation. To avoid engaging in prohibited transactions, Advisor may only charge fees for
investment advice about products for which our firm and/or our related persons do not receive any commissions or
12b-1 fees, or conversely, investment advice about products for which our firm and/or our related persons receive
commissions or 12b-1 fees, however, only when such fees are used to offset Advisor's advisory fees.
Direct
At the initial review of a client's portfolio, CPS may give advice on all investments owned by the client. CPS has
discretionary authority (with respect to the purchase and sale of securities) and provides ongoing supervisory services
for each account.
Investment Supervisory Services: CPS provides Investment Supervisory Services, defined as giving continuous advice
to a client or making investments for a client based on the individual needs of the client. Through personal discussions,
CPS determines the client's goals and objectives. CPS then develops a client's personal investment policy and creates
and manages a portfolio based on that policy. CPS provides this service to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, pension and profit-sharing plans, and corporations. CPS will manage advisory accounts on a
discretionary basis. Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the client.
CPS Investment Advisors 401(k) Services: CPS offers Investment supervisory services through its 401(k) Daily
Valuation program. This is a service CPS offers to companies. CPS hires a third-party administrator to perform
accounting and document preparation functions. CPS handles all the investment decisions. CPS does not provide
reports to the Participants.
401(k) Pilot Services: CPS offers Investment supervisory services through its 401(k) Pilot program. This is a limited-
service CPS Offers to participants in company 401(k) plans. CPS develops a client’s personal investment policy and
manages the investments in the 401(k) account through the Plan Administration website. CPS does not provide reports
to the Participants. Participants can view reports and activity online through the Plan Administration website.
403(b) Services: CPS offers Investment supervisory services through its 403(b) program. This is a limited-service CPS
Offers to participants in public 403(b) plans. CPS develops a client’s personal investment policy and manages the
investments in the 403(b) account through the employees account on the ASPire Financial Services website. CPS does
not provide reports to the Participants. Participants can view reports and activity online through the ASPire Financial
Services website.
Personal Financial Counseling: CPS also provides advice in the form of a Financial Plan. Clients purchasing this
service will receive a written financial plan, providing the client with a detailed financial plan designed to assist in
achieving their stated financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address the following areas of concern:
PERSONAL: Family records, budgeting, personal liabilities, estate information and financial goals.
TAX & CASH FLOW: Income tax and spending analysis and planning for past, current and future years. CPS will
discuss the impact of various investments on a client's current income tax and future tax liability.
DEATH & DISABILITY: Cash needs at death, income needs of surviving dependents, estate planning and
disability income analysis.
RETIREMENT: Analysis of current strategies and investment plans to help the client achieve his or her
retirement goals.
INVESTMENTS: Analysis of investment alternatives and their effect on a client's portfolio.
insurance agent, and/or
investment advisor.
CPS gathers the required information through in-depth personal interviews. The information gathered includes a
client's current financial status, future goals and attitudes towards risk. Related documents supplied by the client are
carefully reviewed, including a questionnaire completed by the client, and a written report is prepared. Should the client
choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, CPS suggests the client work closely with his/her
Implementation of financial planning
attorney, accountant,
recommendations is entirely at the client's discretion.
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, or any other specific topic. CPS also provides specific
consultation and administrative services regarding investment and financial concerns of the client. Additionally, CPS
provides advice on non-securities matters. Generally, this is in connection with the rendering of estate planning,
insurance, and/or annuity advice. 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.
CPS holds seminars to help educate people on how to achieve financial independence by teaching them the
fundamentals of investing and presenting different scenarios to show the effects of saving and spending money more
wisely. These seminars teach direct instruments and mutual fund investing. In both situations, we discuss costs and
fees associated with each as well as risk and turnover. There is no cost for the seminars. Investment advice is not
tailored to the attendees.
CPS offers advice on various real estate investments including syndicated partnerships. CPS’ advice relates to the
evaluation of these securities.
A direct client agreement may be canceled by the client at any time 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.
Cash Management Services: CPS provides Cash Management Services. This is a limited-service CPS offers to individuals,
corporations, and business owners. CPS handles all the investment and reinvestment of assets in the client’s account(s) in
securities and cash or cash equivalents. The account(s) managed by the cash management services offering are listed within the
addendum to the client’s personal investment policy statement. Client agrees to notify Advisor promptly of any significant change
in the information provided by the client or any other significant change in client’s financial circumstances or investment
objectives that might affect the way client’s account(s) should be invested. The client also agrees to provide Advisor with such
additional information as Advisor may request from time to time to assist in advising client. Advisor’s authority under this
agreement will remain in effect until changed or terminated by client in writing.
CPAlliance™
CPS has discretionary authority (with respect to the purchase and sale of securities) and provides ongoing supervisory
services for each account. The Certified Public Accounting/Registered Investment Advisory firm (member)
participating with CPS is responsible for educating the client with respect to the types of investments available, assisting
each client in determining the amount of risk versus return in various investment vehicles, and assisting each client in
making an asset allocation between those various investments. It is the responsibility of the participating members to
monitor the performance of the account, as it relates to meeting the objectives of the client and the asset allocation. The
members will meet with the client to continually assess the client's risk tolerance and change the asset allocation as
necessary. The participating member has the discretion to terminate the client's contract with CPS without the client's
consent. CPS and the participating members have separate contracts with the client.
CPAlliance™ Investment Supervisory Services: CPS offers investment supervisory services through its alliance
program to members. This program is called CPAlliance™ (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”). These members
that participate in CPS' Program are not affiliated with CPS by common control or ownership. Please refer to
CPAlliance™ member's Form ADV for the additional services that they provide.
CPAlliance™ 401(k) Services: CPS offers investment supervisory services through its CPAlliance™ program to
members for the 401(k) Daily Valuation service. These members that participate in CPS' program are not affiliated with
CPS by common control or ownership. This is a service CPS offers to companies. CPS hires a third-party administrator
to perform accounting and document preparation functions. CPS handles all of the investment decisions. Please refer
to CPAlliance™ member's Form ADV for the additional services that they provide. CPS does not provide reports to the
Participants.
CPAlliance™ 401(k) Pilot Services: CPS offers investment supervisory services through its CPAlliance™ program to
members. These members that participate in CPS' program are not affiliated with CPS by common control or ownership.
This is a limited service CPS offers to participants in company 401(k) plans. CPS develops a client’s personal investment
policy and manages the 401(k) account through the Plan Administration website. CPS does not provide reports to the
participants. Participants can view reports and activity online through the Plan Administration website. Please refer
to CPAlliance™ member's Form ADV for the additional services that they provide.
A CPAlliance™ client agreement may be canceled by the client or the participating member at any time 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.
CPAlliance™ Separately Managed Account Program (CPAlliance™ SMA)
CPS offers discretionary and non-discretionary management services to members of the CPAlliance™ program. This
program is called CPAlliance™ SMA.
Accounts and sub-accounts in the CPAlliance™ SMA program managed by CPS on a discretionary basis will be managed
as described under “CPAlliance Investment Supervisory Services.”
CPS offers separate account billing and reporting services for non-managed accounts and sub-accounts in the
CPAlliance™ SMA program. Accounts in the “billing and reporting services” option are not regulatory assets under
management for CPS Investment Advisors. It is the responsibility of the participating members to monitor the
performance of the account, as it relates to the objectives of the client and the asset allocation. The members will meet
with the client to continually assess the client’s risk tolerance and change the asset allocation as necessary. The
participating member has the discretionary authority to terminate the member’s contract with CPS without the client’s
consent. The participating members have discretionary authority with respect to the purchase and sale of securities.
The participating member has discretionary authority to engage other money managers. The participating member has
discretionary authority to allocate funds to separately managed accounts and sub-accounts managed by CPS on a
discretionary basis.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
All fees are subject to negotiation. All investment fees are calculated based on assets under management and are not
charged based on a share of capital gains upon or capital appreciation of the funds or any portion of the funds of an
advisory client. Fees for financial planning and consulting will be charged either on an hourly basis or on a fixed-fee
basis. CPS may waive the financial planning and consulting fee for those clients who select CPS Investment Advisors for
money management services.
The specific way fees are charged by CPS is established in a client’s written agreement with CPS. CPS will generally bill
its fees in advance on a quarterly basis. Fees and quarter-end account values are rounded to the nearest dollar. Clients
may also elect to be billed directly for fees or to authorize CPS to directly debit fees from client accounts. Management
fees shall not be prorated for each capital contribution and withdrawal made during the applicable calendar quarter.
Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter will be charged a prorated fee. Upon termination of any
account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded, and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable.
The client has the right to terminate an agreement without penalty within five business days after entering into the
agreement.
CPS fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses which shall be
incurred by the client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third party
investment fees such as those charged by managers, custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer
taxes, wire transfer/electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in the fund’s
prospectus. Such charges, fees, and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to CPS’ fee, and CPS shall not receive
any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Clients will be invoiced in advance, at the beginning of each calendar quarter, based upon the month-end values (market
value or fair market value in the absence of market value, plus any margin balance) of the client's account during the
previous quarter. The value of the portfolio is determined on the nearest valuation date preceding the end of the
quarter, which valuation date is defined as the last day of the month.
Management of the account and the fee commence upon the signing of the agreement, unless otherwise agreed upon. If
the agreement commences other than at the beginning of a quarter, a pro rata charge will be made for the initial period
the portfolio is under the Advisor's management prior to the beginning of a quarter on the amount agreed upon.
Management fees do not include wire fees, margin interest, overnight or registered postage charges, mutual fund sales
charges, IRA custodial fees or transaction charges. These fees are charged to the client directly by the mutual fund or
custodian when incurred.
Item 12 further describes the factors that CPS considers in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for client
transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions).
All fees paid to CPS for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by
mutual 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 an initial or deferred sales charge. A client could invest in a mutual fund directly, without the
services of CPS. In that case, the client would not receive the services provided by CPS which are designed, among other
things, to assist the client in determining which mutual fund or funds are most appropriate to each client's financial
condition and objectives. Accordingly, the client should review both the fees charged by the funds and the fees charged
by CPS to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client and to thereby evaluate the advisory services
being provided.
Direct
Investment Supervisory Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
Assets under management
Annual fees%
1.500%
The portion of assets between $0-$3,000,000
The portion of assets between $3,000,001-$5,000,000 1.000%
0.750%
The portion over $5 million
CPS Investment Advisors 401(k) Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
Assets under management
The portion of assets up to $1,000,000,000
The portion of assets over $1,000,000,000
Annual fees%
1.000%
Negotiable
401(k) Pilot Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
Assets under management
Annual fees%
1.500%
The portion of assets between $0-$3,000,000
The portion of assets between $3,000,001-$5,000,000 1.000%
0.750%
The portion of assets over $5 million
403(b) Pilot Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
Assets under management
The portion of assets up to $99,000,000
The portion of assets over $99,000,000
Annual fees%
1.500%
Negotiable
Cash Management Services:
The annual fee for cash management services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management, according
to the schedule below:
Annual fees%
0.500%
Assets under management
The portion of assets up to $99,000,000
The portion of assets over $99,000,000
Negotiable
Consulting Fees:
Consulting fees will be charged as a fixed fee, typically starting at $500 but increasing depending on the nature and
complexity of each client's circumstances and upon mutual agreement with the client. 50% of this fee may be due upon
the inception of the advisory relationship, with the balance due upon completion of the consulting service.
CPAlliance™
CPAlliance™ Investment Supervisory Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
CPA Firm
Assets under management
The portion of assets between $0-$3,000,000
0.750%
The portion of assets between $3,000,001-$5,000,000 0.500%
0.375%
The portion over $5 million
CPS
0.750%
0.500%
0.375%
Total
1.500%
1.000%
0.750%
CPAlliance™ 401(k) Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
Assets under management
The portion of assets up to $1,000,000,000
The portion of assets over $1,000,000,000
CPA Firm
0.500%
0.500%
CPS
0.500%
Negotiable
Total
1.000%
Negotiable
CPAlliance™ 401(k) Pilot Services:
The annual fee for investment supervisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under management,
according to the schedule below:
CPA Firm
Assets under management
The portion of assets between $0-$3,000,000
0.750%
The portion of assets between $3,000,001-$5,000,000 0.500%
0.375%
The portion over $5 million
CPS
0.750%
0.500%
0.375%
Total
1.500%
1.000%
0.750%
CPAlliance™ Separately Managed Account Program (CPAlliance™ SMA) Services:
The annual fee for billing and reporting services for non-managed accounts in the CPAlliance™ SMA program will be
0.25%. Fees for discretionary investment supervisory services for accounts in the CPAlliance™ SMA program will be
charged as described under “CPAlliance Investment Supervisory Services.”
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
CPS does not charge any performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of
the assets of a client) or side-by-side management.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
CPS provides portfolio management services to high net worth individuals, individuals, corporations, corporate
pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable institutions, foundations, endowments, municipalities, and other
U.S. institutions.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
CPS utilizes several different sources for its research and investment process, including but not limited to financial
publications and news, Value Line, Morningstar, annual reports, online research services, and financial newsletters.
None of these services or products are obtained by CPS on a soft dollar basis.
Our investment philosophy at CPS is to stick to our value-driven premise that buying securities when they are
undervalued is associated with a high probability of achieving above average returns in the future, and of course, buying
securities when they are overvalued will result in a high probability of achieving lower than expected returns. Our
philosophy is based around fundamental analysis and the premise that companies trading in a range lower than their
historical average will likely achieve a higher probability of above average returns. When appropriate to the needs of
the client, CPS may recommend the use of short-term trading strategies (buying and selling securities within 30 days),
margin strategies, or option writing. Because these investment strategies involve certain additional degrees of risk,
they will only be recommended when consistent with the client's stated tolerance for risk.
Our investment strategy is to identify companies which are dominate players in their respective industries and which have
strong balance sheets, dependable earnings, a history of increasing dividends, and significant overseas exposure. These
companies have competitive advantages over their competitors, allowing them to withstand market volatility. We buy
with a margin of safety and monitor until such a time the company is overvalued, at which time it may be sold, and the
proceeds reinvested in another undervalued company. We understand the importance of diversification, therefore,
properly diversifying all client accounts can likely lead to better performance over time. In areas where market research
is limited, we may elect to incorporate mutual funds, index funds, or exchange-traded funds to adequately diversify the
client account. Our view is long-term, and our clients understand this position. Short-term movements in the market
is sometimes in response to non-factual information, either positive or negative, so having a long-term approach rids
the account of short-term fluctuations. This process takes time, effort and experience. It requires the use of good
judgement and expertise in qualitative and quantitative processes, making it as much of an art as it is a science.
Investing in securities involves the risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. CPS does not guarantee the
future performance of the account or any specific level of performance, the success of any investment decision or strategy
that CPS may use, or the success of Advisor’s overall management of the account. Client understands that investment
decisions made for client’s account by CPS are subject to various market, currency, economic, political, and business
risks, and that those investment decisions will not always be profitable. CPS will manage only the securities, cash and
other investments held in the client’s account and in making investment decisions for the account, CPS will not consider
any other securities, cash or other investments owned by client. Except as may otherwise be provided by law, CPS will
not be liable to Client for: (i) any loss that client may incur by reason of any investment decision made or other action
taken or omitted in good faith by CPS with that degree of care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances
that a prudent person acting in a fiduciary capacity would use; (ii) any loss arising from CPS’ adherence to client’s
instructions; or (iii) any act or failure to act by the custodian, any broker or dealer to which CPS directs transactions for
the account, or by any other third party. This limitation on liability is valid, however, only to the extent it does not
violate federal and state securities laws. Federal and state securities laws impose liabilities under certain circumstances
on people who nonetheless act in good faith, and therefore do not constitute a waiver or limitation of any right client
has under such laws.
Option writing: Although rarely, CPS may use options as an investment strategy. An option is a contract that gives the
buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset (such as a share of stock) at a specific price on or before a
certain date. An option, just like a stock or bond, is a security. An option is also a derivative because it derives its value
from an underlying asset.
The two types of options are calls and puts: A call gives CPS the right to buy an asset at a certain price within a specific
period. CPS will buy a call if it’s been determined that the stock will increase substantially before the option expires. A
put gives CPS, the holder, the right to sell an asset at a certain price within a specific period. CPS will buy a put if CPS
has determined that the price of the stock will fall before the option expires.
CPS may use options to speculate on the possibility of a sharp price swing. CPS may also use options to “hedge” a
purchase of the underlying security; in other words, CPS may use an option purchase to limit the potential upside and
downside of a security CPS has purchased for your portfolio.
CPS may use “covered calls,” in which CPS sells an option on a security you own. In this strategy, you receive a fee for
making the option available, and the person purchasing the option has the right to buy the security from you at an
agreed-upon price. A risk of covered calls is that the option buyer does not have to exercise the option, so that if CPS
wanted to sell the stock prior to the end of the option agreement, CPS must buy the option back from the option buyer,
for a possible loss.
CPS may also use “spreading” strategies, including a “straddle,” in which CPS purchases two or more option contracts
(for example, a call option that you buy and a call option that you sell) for the same underlying security. This effectively
puts the client on both sides of the market, but with the ability to vary price, time, and other factors. A risk of spreading
strategies is that the ability to fully profit from a price swing is limited.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary events that
would be material to your evaluation of CPS or the integrity of CPS’ management. CPS does not have any disclosable legal
or disciplinary events, and thus, has no information to report to this item.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
CPS is affiliated with a Certified Public Accounting firm, CPS Group CPA’s, PA, which is actively involved in personal
financial counseling and traditional income tax and accounting services. The owners of CPS hold a 100% ownership
interest in CPS Group CPA's, PA.
CPAlliance™ Insurance Services, Inc. is an Independent Insurance Agency that sells Life, Health & Disability insurance
for a commission. The owners of CPS hold a 100% ownership interest in CPAlliance™ Insurance Services, Inc.
CPS is the owner of CPS Tax Lien Income Fund I LLC (formally CPAlliance™ Financial Services, an inactive business
entity). The owners of CPS hold a 100% ownership interest in CPS Tax Lien Income Fund I LLC.
CPAlliance™ Training Seminars is a two-day training seminar for CPA firms offered by CPS to learn how to add money
management to their financial planning services. The cost of the training is $2,500. This is a deposit which will be
returned to the CPA firm upon reaching $10 million in assets under management.
CPS also holds an annual Roundtable conference for its CPAlliance™ members. Conference sponsors have included
Fidelity Investments, iShares/Blackrock, ASPire Financial Services, Matthews Benefit Group, and other third parties.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
CPS has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) expressing the firm’s commitment to ethical conduct for all supervised
persons of the firm and describing its high standard of business conduct and fiduciary duty to its clients. The Code
includes provisions relating to the confidentiality of client information, prohibitions on insider trading, and rumor
mongering, restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts and the reporting of certain gifts/business entertainment,
and personal securities trading procedures. All supervised persons at CPS must acknowledge the terms of the Code
annually, as well as subsequent to any material amendments made to the Code.
The Code is designed to ensure that the personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of the employees of
CPS will not interfere with making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients, while, at the same time, allowing
employees to invest for their own accounts.
In addition, the Code requires pre-clearance of many transactions and restricts trading in close proximity to client
trading activity. Nonetheless, because the Code in some circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same
securities as clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held
by an employee. Employee trading is continually monitored under the Code, and to reasonably prevent conflicts of
interest between CPS and its clients.
CPS or its associated persons may buy or sell securities for their personal accounts identical or different than those
recommended to clients. It is the expressed policy of CPS that no person employed by CPS shall prefer his or her own
interest to that of an advisory client or make personal investment decisions based on the investment decision of
advisory clients. CPS buys and sells securities for its owners, employees, and their immediate families that it also
recommends to clients. At times, CPS may buy investments for its proprietary accounts that it does not buy for its
clients.
All securities traded in affiliated accounts are subject to a blackout period where a security that has been purchased or
sold for a client account may not be purchased or sold for an affiliated account during the 3-day period before and after
the date of the client’s transaction.
All principals and/or employees of CPS are required to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules,
and regulations. The Code further includes the firm's policy prohibiting the use of material non-public information. If
any associated person of CPS violates CPS' internal controls and/or the applicable federal or state laws, and their
applicable rules and regulations, then that person will be subject to disciplinary action ranging from verbal reprimand
up to termination of employment, depending on the nature, seriousness, and repetition of the violation.
CPS clients or prospective clients may request a copy of the firm's Code by contacting Leila Shaver, Chief Compliance
Officer, at (770) 462-2118 or compliance@myrialawyer.com.
Class Action & Legal Proceedings: CPS has teamed with Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”) to assist clients
with class action litigation services. Broadridge is the industry leader in class action litigations in an industry growing
in volume and complexities. They have dedicated technology, industry expertise and security to ensure our clients
maximize litigation opportunities. This partnership will provide the solutions to make the monitoring and filing process
more efficient. It will also alleviate a client’s need to sign paperwork and respond to filing notices. Broadridge will be
handling all filing procedures, allowing the client and advisor to focus on the client’s plan. This valuable service is at no
upfront cost. A small percentage of the recovered amount is deducted as their fee.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Because CPS does not have the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used or the commission
rates to be paid, clients must direct CPS as to the broker-dealer to be used. In directing the use of a particular broker or
dealer, it should be understood that CPS may not have authority to negotiate commissions or obtain volume discounts
and best execution may not be achieved. In addition, a disparity in commission charges may exist between the
commissions charged to other clients. CPS does not have any formal or informal soft-dollar arrangements. Clients will
receive monthly and/or quarterly statements from their broker-dealer/custodian. CPS will provide clients with reports
as contracted for at the inception of the advisory relationship.
CPS participates in Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services (FIWS), which is offered to independent investment advisers
by Fidelity Investments, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. CPS also utilizes the services of the FIWS program sponsored
by Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC (Fidelity). While there is no direct linkage (except in certain circumstances) between
the investment advice given to clients and CPS' participation in the FIWS program, economic benefits that are received
by CPS would not be received if CPS did not give investment advice to clients. These benefits include: a dedicated trading
desk that services FIWS participants exclusively; a dedicated service group and an account services manager dedicated
to CPS' accounts; access to a real-time order matching system; electronic download of trades, balances, and positions in
FIWS's portfolio management software; fee-based access to an electronic interface with FIWS's software; duplicate and
batched client statements; confirmations and year-end summaries; the ability to have advisory fees directly debited
from client accounts (in accordance with federal and state requirements); a quarterly newsletter; access to Fidelity
mutual funds; access to www.wealthscape.com, a Fidelity informational website; access to over 6,000 mutual funds NOT
affiliated with Fidelity; and the ability to have loads waived for CPS clients who invest in certain Fidelity loaded funds
when certain conditions are satisfied. FIWS also financially co-sponsors an annual conference for CPS' CPAlliance™
program to enhance the education and skills of the CPAlliance™ members.
Clients in need of brokerage or custodial services will have Fidelity Investments recommended to them. As part of the
FIWS program, CPS receives benefits that it would not receive if it did not offer investment advice.
CPS has a policy to make whole all accounts that have trading errors. CPS will not penalize the account for the trading
error. All errors are moved to a trade error account for correction. Profits are donated to a charity chosen by CPS, and
losses are absorbed by CPS.
CPS may, from time to time, aggregate client trades using Block Orders. If this strategy is used, all clients within the
aggregate-filled trade will receive the same price. Aggregate trades are used to move in and out of a particular
investment quickly, which could improve the execution of the trade.
With respect to thinly traded securities and partial fill executions of volume and/or batched trades, CPS will use a
random sampling method or Orion software to ensure fair and equitable treatment over time. Allocations for partial
fills will be made using a random number sequence or the Orion software. This random sampling method may be
changed if a different method is more appropriate.
Financial Planning - Consulting: These clients will be required to select their own broker-dealers and/or insurance
companies for the implementation of financial planning and/or consulting recommendations. CPS may recommend any
one of several brokers (including but not limited to Fidelity). CPS clients must independently evaluate these brokers
before opening an account. The factors considered by CPS when making this recommendation include the broker's
ability to provide professional services, CPS' experience with the broker, the broker's reputation, and the broker's
financial strength.
Seminars: Due to the nature of this service, CPS does not recommend broker-dealers to these clients.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Portfolio Management: Portfolios are reviewed on a continuous and regular basis. Portfolio management accounts
are formally reviewed in their entirety initially upon engagement and quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, as
contracted for at the inception of the advisory relationship. Periodic reviews of accounts are conducted on a more
frequent basis to accommodate additions to cash, unusual price movements, and any investment objective change by
the client. CPAlliance™ clients are only contacted by the participating advisory firm unless requested by the
participating firm or end client.
Financial Planning - Consulting: These client accounts are reviewed as contracted for at the inception of the advisory
relationship.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
CPAlliance™ EZ is a referral arrangement. Each participant signs a promoter/solicitation agreement and discloses the
arrangement to the end client. In turn, CPS manages the client’s assets and pays the referrer a portion of the advisory
fee collected. The owners of CPS have a majority ownership (100%) of the company CPAlliance™.
CPAlliance™ Training Seminars: CPS offers a two-day training seminar for CPAlliance™ members to learn how to add
money management to their financial planning services. The cost of the training is $2,500. This is a deposit which will
be returned to the CPAlliance™ member upon reaching $10 million in assets under management. CPS also offers
Continuing Professional Education Seminars for CPAlliance™ members. This program qualifies for CPE credit. The cost
of each seminar may vary depending on the topic and program outline.
Item 15 – Custody
Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from the broker-dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds
and maintains the client’s investment assets. CPS urges you to carefully review such statements and compare such
official custodial records to the account statements that we may provide to you. Our statements may vary from custodial
statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.
Additionally, CPS has custody over certain client’s funds and securities and therefore is required to have an annual
surprise audit by an independent public accountant.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
CPS usually receives discretionary authority from the client at the outset of an advisory relationship to select the
identity and number of securities to be bought or sold. In all cases, however, such discretion is to be exercised in a
manner consistent with the stated investment objectives for the client account. Any limitations on this discretionary
authority shall be included in this written authority statement.
Clients may change/amend these limitations as required. Investment guidelines, restrictions and any amendments shall
be submitted in writing.
When selecting securities and determining amounts, CPS observes the investment policies, limitations, and restrictions
of the clients for which it advises.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Unless the parties otherwise agree in writing, CPS shall have no obligation or authority to take any action or render any
advice with respect to the voting of proxies solicited by or with respect to issuers of securities held by an account. The
client expressly retains authority and responsibility for, and CPS is expressly precluded from rendering any advice or
taking any action with respect to, the voting of any such proxies.
If the account is maintained on behalf of a plan subject to ERISA, then client represents, regardless of the plan document,
that it expressly retains the authority and responsibility for, and CPS is expressly precluded from rendering any advice
or taking any action with respect to, the voting of such proxies.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial information or
disclosures about CPS’ financial condition. CPS has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet contractual
and fiduciary commitments to clients and has not been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings.
CPS will not charge more than $1,200 in advance for work that cannot be completed within six months.