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Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
As of 02/12/2026
Darden Wealth Group
Cover Page (Item 1)
Thank you for choosing us as your partner in financial security.
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Darden
Wealth Group, Inc. (“Darden Wealth Group”). If you have any questions about the contents of
this brochure, please call us at 734-294-0100. 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. Darden Wealth Group is a registered investment advisor with the
State of Michigan. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about Darden Wealth Group, also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The searchable IARD/CRD number for Darden Wealth Group is
294926.
Darden Wealth Group
415 Detroit St.
Ste 100
734-294-0100
www.dardenwealth.com
“Item” numbers are those items required for disclosure. You will see these “Items” numbered
1-19 throughout the document.
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Material Changes (Item 2)
The material changes in this brochure from the last annual updating amendment of Darden
Wealth Group, Inc. on February 22, 2025, are described below. Material changes relate to Darden
Wealth Group, Inc.’s policies, practices or conflicts of interests.
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Table of Contents (Item 3)
Cover Page (Item 1)
Page 1
Material Changes (Item 2)
Page 2
Table of Contents (Item 3)
Page 3
Advisory Business (Item 4)
Page 3
Fees & Compensation (Item 5)
Page 5
Types of Clients (Item 7)
Page 7
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss (Item 8)
Page 7
Disciplinary Information (Item 9)
Page 8
Other Financial Activities and Affiliates (Item 10)
Page 8
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and personal Page 8
Trading (Item 11)
Brokerage Practices (Item 12)
Page 8
Review of Accounts (Item 13)
Page 9
Client Referrals and Other Compensation (Item 14)
Page 9
Custody (Item 15)
Page 9
Investment Discretion (Item 16)
Page 9
Voting Client Securities (Item 17)
Page 10
Financial Information (Item 18)
Page 10
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Advisory Business (Item 4)
Darden Wealth Group offers a client-centered advisory experience, serving private clients,
foundations, educational institutions, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. We
believe that a comprehensive financial plan is the blueprint for a successful financial future
and the cornerstone of our client relationships.
Our process begins with a financial planning assessment, where we evaluate your financial
health and create a tailored financial plan. During this assessment, we consider factors such
as your time horizon and goals, including retirement, educational planning, charitable and
family gifting, and legacy planning. Using your unique financial profile, we craft a
personalized plan that thoroughly examines risk, investment preferences, and growth
objectives.
For wealth management clients, this individualized financial plan, along with a customized
investment strategy, forms the foundation of all investment decisions. Clients can set
reasonable restrictions on the types of investments used to achieve their stated goals,
ensuring that their preferences are always considered.
We offer the following services:
Private Wealth Management, Financial Planning, Retirement Plan Management, Retirement
Income Solutions, Major Spending Consultation, Financial Abuse Prevention, University
Faculty Wealth Management, Pension and Retirement Benefits, and educational seminars.
These services can be ongoing, quarterly, or hourly.
Ongoing Wealth Management
For ongoing financial services, we provide clients with the flexibility to choose their
preferred custodian. Clients sign an advisory agreement granting us discretionary authority
over their accounts, allowing us to make buy and sell decisions on their behalf. As
fiduciaries, we are committed to acting in our client's best interests at all times. Our
investment recommendations typically include a diverse range of options such as stocks,
mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), corporate, municipal, or Treasury bonds, CDs,
and cash. We also offer Pension Consulting Services.
Business Owner & Entrepreneur Services - Quarterly Flat Fee Only
The services include comprehensive business plan reviews and updates, covering aspects
such as market demand, staffing, leadership structure, financing, and risk management. It
also encompasses strategic financial planning through investment advisory, cash flow
analysis, tax strategies, and business succession planning. Additionally, specialized wealth
management focuses on retirement planning, education funding, estate planning, and
personal philanthropy, with ongoing portfolio management and risk assessment.
Please note: We are not accountants or legal experts, and we cannot give tax or legal advice.
However, we will let you know where experts are required and help you hire the appropriate
teammate if needed.
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Hourly Financial Planning
Clients have the option to hire us solely for financial planning or other financial-related one-
off services. While we can recommend ideal asset allocations, we are unable to suggest
specific securities for clients using hourly financial planning services. For more
comprehensive support, we offer ongoing financial planning on a fixed fee for assets under
management.
Hourly Financial Planning
Clients have the option to hire us solely for financial planning or other financial-related one-
off services. While we can recommend ideal asset allocations, we are unable to suggest
specific securities for clients using hourly financial planning services. For more
comprehensive support, we offer ongoing financial planning on a fixed fee for assets under
management.
As of December 2025, we have $348,596,848.00 of discretionary assets and $30,959,552.00 on
a non-discretionary basis.
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Fees & Compensation (Item 5)
Ongoing Wealth Management Clients - Assets Under Management (AUM)
For clients opting for ongoing management, we offer three tiers of service in addition to
our pension services. Fees for all wealth management plans are debited directly from the
client’s account(s). However, payment by check can be arranged under special
circumstances upon request.
Annual Wealth Management Fee Schedules
Household assets Darden Advantage Plus Darden Advantage Darden Community
Advantage
< 500k
n/a
2.00%
0.50%
First $1 Million
1.00%
Next $1 Million
0.90%
Negotiable Under Certain
Circumstances
Next $1 Million
0.80%
Next $1 Million
0.70%
Next $1 Million
0.60%
Above $5 Million
Negotiable
Under all service plans, managed Individual Retirement Plan Assets
(403(b)/401(a)/457/401(k) plans) are charged a discounted flat fee of 0.5% of assets under
management unless total household assets are below 500k.
All advisory fees are computed and deducted quarterly. The fees on portfolio values are
computed at one-quarter of the annual rate based upon the previous business day valuation
from the date charged. No fees are charged before any services are provided.
All stock-based investment accounts above 500k use the Darden Advantage Plus fee schedule.
Darden Advantage Plus: This service is available for clients with at least $500,000 in
investable assets. As a part of the Advantage Plus service, clients receive ongoing
financial planning services without any extra fees. Depending on the account size,
investments are usually managed using individual stocks and/or index ETFs.
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Darden Advantage Clients: This service is available to clients with less than $500,000 in
investable household assets. Investments are usually managed using index ETFs/funds.
As a part of the Advantage service, clients receive ongoing financial planning service
without any extra fees.
Darden Community Advantage: This reduced fee service is only available to foundations and
nonprofit entities (501[c][3] organizations). Depending on the account size, investments are
usually managed using individual stocks, and/or index ETFs and adheres to the
organization’s investment guidelines.
Fees are negotiable under special circumstances.
Clients are responsible for any additional fees their custodian may charge for brokerage
fees, wire transfers, transaction costs, trading commissions, etc. These fees are paid directly
to the custodian for their services. Please see pages “Brokerage Practices” on page 8 for
more details.
We focus on individual stocks and bonds in client accounts to reduce fees and increase
control. When portfolios include mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), a
layering of fees can occur, as these vehicles have internal fees paid directly to the fund. All
funds charge annual expenses to cover the fund’s operating costs, including management
fees, distribution and service fees (commonly known as 12b-1 fees), and general
administrative expenses. These expenses are deducted from the fund before its returns are
calculated.
Flat Fee
The flat fee can range from $1,500 to $25,000 per quarter, depending on the complexity of
planning needs and services required.
Hourly
We charge $400 an hour for hourly work. This includes a one-off financial plan not included in
other services, educational seminars and speaking engagements, and additional services not
offered otherwise.
Educational Seminars/Workshops
Darden Wealth Group provides periodic educational seminars and workshops to
clients and the general public. The hourly rate for this service is $400 an hour,
which includes prep time (at least 1 hour) plus scheduled workshop time. Fees are
paid in arrears via AdvicePay or check.
Pension Consulting Services Fees
There is a one-time plan set-up fee of $500 to $2,000, depending on the scope of services
needed by the Plan Sponsor and employee base.
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The fee varies depending on the number of participants, and the level and scope of the
services required. Minimum fee of $5,000 annually. Fees are payable in advance on a
quarterly basis and will be deducted from plan assets or from each participant as allowed by
plan rules. Employers may also choose to pay plans fees directly via check or bank draft.
Clients or Participants may choose additional wealth management services for ½%.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management (Item 6)
Darden Wealth Group does not charge fees based on the performance of the account. We also
do not charge hourly fees in addition to asset-based fees.
Types of Clients (Item 7)
Darden Wealth Group provides financial services to a wide range of clients. These clients may
be private individuals, educational facilities, business owners, foundations, and non-profit
organizations. Our financial requirement is the client must have $500,000 of investable assets.
This can include retirement assets.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss (Item 8)
Darden Wealth Group uses a fundamental approach to investing using stocks, bonds, mutual
funds, publicly traded real estate, CDs and Cash. Fundamental analysis involves looking at
companies and investments using financial ratios (P/E, P/B, Cash flows) to determine the
merits of an investment. We also look at the macro-economic and technical indicators to make
final investment decisions; this is even more relevant when making tactical allocations and
picking individual stocks.
Our investment strategy looks for investment ideas with the ability to sustain growth or value
over the longer term (typically over 2 years and beyond). We may use tactical allocation from
time to time and use cash as an asset class while also employing hedging strategies to protect
downside risk in the markets.
Fundamental investing is based on making quantitative decisions of a company’s financial
information and using analysis of its business, competition, and economic environment. Stock
markets and companies are dynamic and constantly changing. There are risks associated with
using a fundamental approach to investing. Fundamental investing is also impacted by
legislative and political influences. Investing in the market involves risk of loss in which clients
should be prepared to bear. We do not guarantee performance, nor is past performance
indicative of future results.
For clients wanting hourly services, we only suggest portfolio allocations and do not provide
specific investment recommendations, due to the risks associated with one-time portfolio
advice.
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Disciplinary Information (Item 9)
There are no disclosure events involving criminal or civil actions in any domestic, foreign or
military court of competent jurisdiction which involve Darden Wealth Group or its
management personnel.
There are no disclosure events involving an administrative proceeding before the SEC, any
other federal regulatory agency, any state regulatory agency, or any foreign financial
regulatory authority which involve Darden Wealth Group or its management personnel.
There are no disclosure events involving a self-regulatory organization (SRO) proceeding
which involve Darden Wealth Group or its management personnel.
Other Financial Activities and Affiliates (Item 10)
Darden Wealth Group is not registered as a broker-dealer, futures commission merchant,
commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor or an associated person of any of the
foregoing entities, nor do we have an application pending to register as any of such entities. In
addition, none of our management persons are registered representatives of a broker-dealer,
and none are registered as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator,
commodity trading advisor or an associated person of any of the foregoing entities, nor do any
of our management persons have an application for such registration pending.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
personal Trading (Item 11)
The employees and management at Darden Wealth Group have adopted a Code of Ethics
(“Code”) that outlines how we will conduct our business, it is available for client review upon
request, at no charge. This Code dictates that no personnel associated with Darden Wealth
Group may take any action that will interfere with the transactions of a client’s account, or
otherwise take unfair advantage of our relationship with a client. It is imperative we act as
fiduciaries at all times. Our Code outlines expectations for conduct in relation to trading,
personal accounts and trading in personal accounts. We do not invest in securities in which we
or any of our related persons have a material financial interest.
From time-to-time Darden Wealth Group’s employees may choose to invest in the same
securities as we invest in for clients. Under our Code of Ethics, we must first place the trades in
client accounts before trading in personal accounts. The exception would be when trades are
placed in large quantities, at one time through a block trade.
Brokerage Practices (Item 12)
Darden Wealth Group is independently owned and operated. We are not affiliated with any
custodian. Custodians can charge separately for their services, through trade commissions,
other transaction- or asset-based trading fees. We do not utilize soft-dollar benefits from any of
our custodians nor do we receive referrals from any custodian or broker-dealer.
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We prefer that clients choose their own custodian; however, we are able to provide suggestions
at the client’s request. Ultimately it is up to the client to review the pros and cons of each
custodian and decide which is the best selection for their goals and objectives. By choosing
their own custodian, clients are taking responsibility for the products and services provided by
and the practices of their custodian, including trade execution.
When asked for custodian suggestions, we steer clients toward discount brokerage firms such
as Fidelity Investments, or TIAA when appropriate. These firms have a history of competitive
fees, have a solid, long-standing reputation, good execution capabilities, and quality services for
the client. Due to the large number of accounts, we have at these two firms, we are able to place
block or bulk trades when possible and appropriate. This helps to further reduce fees and
improve execution for client transactions.
Review of Accounts (Item 13)
Clients with ongoing management receive written quarterly reviews of their portfolio from
Darden Wealth Group, in addition to the quarterly statements they receive from their
custodian(s). We strive to set up a formal in-person review schedule with clients, meeting at
least annually, to ensure the portfolio structure aligns with the client’s goals and expectations.
In-person reviews are also provided when requested by clients. Communication is a key
component of our competitive advantage. It is important to us that we provide reviews as
often as the client requests or requires. Reviews are normally conducted by our firm’s
principal, Andrea B. Darden.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation (Item 14)
Darden Wealth Group does not participate in arrangements where we are compensated for, or
we provide compensation for referrals. Our practice is built on our reputation, not
compensation. We believe client referrals are the highest form of flattery. We also receive
referrals from accountants, estate planning attorneys and other professionals.
Custody (Item 15)
When it deducts fees directly from client accounts at a selected custodian, Darden Wealth
Group will be deemed to have limited custody of client’s assets and must have written
authorization from the client to do so. Clients will receive all account statements and billing
invoices that are required in each jurisdiction, and they should carefully review those
statements for accuracy.
Custody is also disclosed in Form ADV because Darden Wealth Group has authority to transfer
money from client account(s), which constitutes a standing letter of authorization (SLOA).
Accordingly, Darden Wealth Group will follow the safeguards specified by the SEC rather than
undergo an annual audit.
Investment Discretion (Item 16)
For ongoing financial management, Darden Wealth Group accepts discretionary authority to
manage securities in a client’s portfolio, on our client’s behalf. Clients will sign a limited power
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of attorney designating us as an attorney-in-fact on their accounts, for these purposes. Clients
may place limits on our powers based on their individual preferences for investments or risk.
Voting Client Securities (Item 17)
All client proxies and/or other solicitations from custodians will be sent to the client to execute
at their discretion. We do not accept the authority to vote in matters on a client’s behalf. Due to
the conflict of interest in voting on a client’s behalf, we also prefer not to give advice on this
matter. Clients may obtain a copy of our proxy voting policies and procedures upon request.
Financial Information (Item 18)
We do not allow clients to pre-pay any management fees six (6) months or more in advance.
(Therefore, we do not charge more than $1,200 in fees per client, six months or more in
advance.) We do not see any financial issues that would impair our ability to provide services
to clients. Neither Darden Wealth Group nor its principal have been the subject of a
bankruptcy petition at any time.
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