Overview
- Headquarters
- Greenville, SC
- Total Firm Assets
- $147 million
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $0.8 million
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A- BURGESS INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $500,000 | 1.50% |
| $500,001 | $750,000 | 1.40% |
| $750,001 | $1,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $1,000,001 | and above | 1.00% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $14,125 | 1.41% |
| $5 million | $54,125 | 1.08% |
| $10 million | $104,125 | 1.04% |
| $50 million | $504,125 | 1.01% |
| $100 million | $1,004,125 | 1.00% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 41.73%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 78
- Total Client Accounts
- 864
- Discretionary Accounts
- 862
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 2
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 318698
Additional Brochure: ADV PART 2A- BURGESS INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC (2026-07-28)
View Document Text
Burgess Investment Group, LLC
Firm Brochure - Form ADV Part 2A
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Burgess Investment Group,
LLC If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 864-987-8522 or by email
at: johnathanburgess12@gmail.com. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Burgess Investment Group, LLC is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Burgess Investment Group, LLC’s CRD number is: 318698.
1701 Hartness Dr
Greenville, SC 29615
864-987-8522
jb@bigwealth.io
Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Version Date: 07/28/2026
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Item 2: Material Changes
Burgess Investment Group, LLC has the following material changes to report. Material changes relate to
Burgess Investment Group, LLC’s policies, practices or conflicts of interests.
• The firm has updated its Outside Business Activity for Johnathan Brett Burgess (Item 10.C).
• The firm was changed from Creative Wealth Designers, LLC back to Burgess Investment Group,
LLC.
• The firm has updated its fee schedule (Item 5).
• The firm has added additional custodians (Item 12).
• The firm has made John Obeck their new Chief Compliance Officer.
• The firm has successfully transitioned to formal registration with the Securities and Exchange
Commission from its previous registration at the state level.
ii
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page
Item 2: Material Changes ....................................................................................................................................... ii
Item 3: Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... iii
Item 4: Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................................2
Item 5: Fees and Compensation .............................................................................................................................4
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ....................................................................6
Item 7: Types of Clients ..........................................................................................................................................6
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, & Risk of Loss ...............................................................7
Item 9: Disciplinary Information .........................................................................................................................12
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .........................................................................13
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ...............14
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................15
Item 13: Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................16
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..........................................................................................17
Item 15: Custody ....................................................................................................................................................18
Item 16: Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................18
Item 17: Voting Client Securities (Proxy Voting) ..............................................................................................19
Item 18: Financial Information .............................................................................................................................19
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Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Description of the Advisory Firm
Burgess Investment Group, LLC (hereinafter “BIGL”) is a Limited Liability Company
organized in the State of South Carolina. The firm was formed in December 2021 and
began providing advisory services in April 2022. The principal owner is Johnathan
Burgess.
B. Types of Advisory Services
Portfolio Management Services
BIGL offers ongoing portfolio management services based on the individual goals,
objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance of each client. BIGL creates an Investment
Policy Statement for each client, which outlines the client’s current situation (income, tax
levels, and risk tolerance levels) and then constructs a plan to aid in the selection of a
portfolio that matches each client's specific situation. Portfolio management services
include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
•
•
Investment strategy •
•
Asset allocation
•
Risk tolerance
Personal investment policy
Asset selection
Regular portfolio monitoring
BIGL evaluates the current investments of each client with respect to their risk tolerance
levels and time horizon. BIGL will request discretionary authority from clients in order to
select securities and execute transactions without permission from the client prior to each
transaction. Risk tolerance levels are documented in the Investment Policy Statement,
which is given to each client.
BIGL seeks to provide that investment decisions are made in accordance with the
fiduciary duties owed to its accounts and without consideration of BIGL’s economic,
investment or other financial interests. To meet its fiduciary obligations, BIGL attempts to
avoid, among other things, investment or trading practices that systematically advantage
or disadvantage certain client portfolios, and accordingly, BIGL’s policy is to seek fair and
equitable allocation of investment opportunities/transactions among its clients to avoid
favoring one client over another over time. It is BIGL’s policy to allocate investment
opportunities and transactions it identifies as being appropriate and prudent, including
initial public offerings ("IPOs") and other investment opportunities that might have a
limited supply, among its clients on a fair and equitable basis over time.
2
Financial Planning
Financial plans and financial planning may include but are not limited to: investment
planning; life insurance; tax concerns; retirement planning; college planning; and
debt/credit planning.
Subscription Services
BIGL provides subscription services for a fee. These services include a newsletter email
that will offer recommendations on purchasing and selling securities or crypto currency.
Services Limited to Specific Types of Investments
in
the gold and precious metal sectors),
treasury
BIGL generally limits its investment advice to mutual funds, fixed income securities, real
estate funds (including REITs), insurance products including annuities, equities, ETFs
(including ETFs
inflation
protected/inflation linked bonds, commodities, non-U.S. securities, venture capital funds
and private placements. BIGL may use other securities as well to help diversify a portfolio
when applicable.
Written Acknowledgement of Fiduciary Status
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money
creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a special rule that
requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under
this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations
(give prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations
(give loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in
your best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
C. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
BIGL will tailor a program for each individual client. This will include an interview
session to get to know the client’s specific needs and requirements as well as a plan that
will be executed by BIGL on behalf of the client. BIGL may use model allocations together
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with a specific set of recommendations for each client based on their personal restrictions,
needs, and targets. Clients may impose restrictions in investing in certain securities or
types of securities in accordance with their values or beliefs. However, if the restrictions
prevent BIGL from properly servicing the client account, or if the restrictions would
require BIGL to deviate from its standard suite of services, BIGL reserves the right to end
the relationship.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
A wrap fee program is an investment program where the investor pays one stated fee that
includes management fees and transaction costs. BIGL does not participate in wrap fee
programs.
E. Assets Under Management
BIGL has the following assets under management:
Discretionary Amounts: Non-discretionary Amounts: Date Calculated:
$146,274,367
$861,259
December 2025
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Fee Schedule
Portfolio Management Fees
Total Assets Under Management Annual Fees
$0 - $500,000
1.50%
$500,001 - $750,000
1.40%
$750,001 - $1,000,000
1.25%
$1,000,001 - AND UP
1.00%
The advisory fee is calculated using the value of the assets in the Account on the last
business day of the prior billing period.
These fees are generally negotiable, and the final fee schedule will be memorialized in the
client’s advisory agreement. Clients may terminate the agreement without penalty for a
full refund of BIGL's fees within five business days of signing the Investment Advisory
Contract. Thereafter, clients may terminate the Investment Advisory Contract
immediately upon written notice.
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Financial Planning Fees
Fixed Fees
The negotiated fixed rate for creating client financial plans is between $100 and $10,000.
Clients may terminate the agreement without penalty, for full refund of BIGL’s fees,
within five business days of signing the Financial Planning Agreement. Thereafter, clients
may terminate the Financial Planning Agreement generally upon written notice.
Subscription Fees
BIGL offers a subscription service that costs $83 per month. Newsletters will be provided
via electronic mail and may be cancelled by giving 30 days written notice.
B. Payment of Fees
Payment of Portfolio Management Fees
Asset-based portfolio management fees are withdrawn directly from the client's accounts
with client's written authorization on a monthly basis. Fees are paid in arrears.
Payment of Financial Planning Fees
Financial planning fees are paid via check and wire.
Fixed financial planning fees are paid 50% in advance, but never more than six months in
advance, with the remainder due upon presentation of the plan.
Payment of Subscription Fees
Subscription fees are paid via check. Fees are paid monthly.
C. Client Responsibility For Third Party Fees
Clients are responsible for the payment of all third party fees (i.e. custodian fees,
brokerage fees, mutual fund fees, transaction fees, etc.). Those fees are separate and
distinct from the fees and expenses charged by BIGL. Please see Item 12 of this brochure
regarding broker-dealer/custodian.
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D. Prepayment of Fees
BIGL collects fees in advance. Refunds for fees paid in advance but not yet earned will be
refunded on a prorated basis and returned within fourteen days to the client via check or
return deposit back into the client’s account.
For all asset-based fees paid in advance, the fee refunded will be equal to the balance of
the fees collected in advance minus the daily rate* times the number of days elapsed in
the billing period up to and including the day of termination. (*The daily rate is calculated
by dividing the annual asset-based fee rate by 365.)
Fixed fees that are collected in advance will be refunded based on the prorated amount of
work completed at the point of termination.
E. Outside Compensation For the Sale of Securities to Clients
Neither BIGL nor its supervised persons accept any compensation for the sale of
investment products, including asset-based sales charges or service fees from the sale of
mutual funds.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
BIGL does not accept performance-based fees or other fees based on a share of capital gains on or
capital appreciation of the assets of a client.
Item 7: Types of Clients
BIGL generally provides advisory services to the following types of clients:
❖
❖
Individuals
High-Net-Worth Individuals
There is no account minimum for any of BIGL’s services.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, & Risk of
Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis
BIGL’s methods of analysis include Charting analysis, Cyclical analysis, Fundamental
analysis, Modern portfolio theory, Quantitative analysis and Technical analysis.
Charting analysis involves the use of patterns in performance charts. BIGL uses this
technique to search for patterns used to help predict favorable conditions for buying
and/or selling a security.
Cyclical analysis involves the analysis of business cycles to find favorable conditions for
buying and/or selling a security.
Fundamental analysis involves the analysis of financial statements, the general financial
health of companies, and/or the analysis of management or competitive advantages.
Modern portfolio theory is a theory of investment that attempts to maximize portfolio
expected return for a given amount of portfolio risk, or equivalently minimize risk for a
given level of expected return, each by carefully choosing the proportions of various asset.
Quantitative analysis deals with measurable factors as distinguished from qualitative
considerations such as the character of management or the state of employee morale, such
as the value of assets, the cost of capital, historical projections of sales, and so on.
Technical analysis involves the analysis of past market data; primarily price and volume.
Investment Strategies
BIGL uses long term trading, short term trading, short sales, margin transactions and
options trading (including covered options, uncovered options, or spreading strategies).
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared
to bear.
B. Material Risks Involved
Methods of Analysis
Charting analysis strategy involves using and comparing various charts to predict long
and short term performance or market trends. The risk involved in using this method is
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that only past performance data is considered without using other methods to crosscheck
data. Using charting analysis without other methods of analysis would be making the
assumption that past performance will be indicative of future performance. This may not
be the case.
Cyclical analysis assumes that the markets react in cyclical patterns which, once
identified, can be leveraged to provide performance. The risks with this strategy are two-
fold: 1) the markets do not always repeat cyclical patterns; and 2) if too many investors
begin to implement this strategy, then it changes the very cycles these investors are trying
to exploit.
Fundamental analysis concentrates on factors that determine a company’s value and
expected future earnings. This strategy would normally encourage equity purchases in
stocks that are undervalued or priced below their perceived value. The risk assumed is
that the market will fail to reach expectations of perceived value.
Modern portfolio theory assumes that investors are risk averse, meaning that given two
portfolios that offer the same expected return, investors will prefer the less risky one.
Thus, an investor will take on increased risk only if compensated by higher expected
returns. Conversely, an investor who wants higher expected returns must accept more
risk. The exact trade-off will be the same for all investors, but different investors will
evaluate the trade-off differently based on individual risk aversion characteristics. The
implication is that a rational investor will not invest in a portfolio if a second portfolio
exists with a more favorable risk-expected return profile – i.e., if for that level of risk an
alternative portfolio exists which has better expected returns.
Quantitative analysis Investment strategies using quantitative models may perform
differently than expected as a result of, among other things, the factors used in the models,
the weight placed on each factor, changes from the factors’ historical trends, and technical
issues in the construction and implementation of the models.
Technical analysis attempts to predict a future stock price or direction based on market
trends. The assumption is that the market follows discernible patterns and if these
patterns can be identified then a prediction can be made. The risk is that markets do not
always follow patterns and relying solely on this method may not take into account new
patterns that emerge over time.
Investment Strategies
BIGL's use of short sales, margin transactions and options trading generally holds greater
risk, and clients should be aware that there is a material risk of loss using any of those
strategies.
Long term trading is designed to capture market rates of both return and risk. Due to its
nature, the long-term investment strategy can expose clients to various types of risk that
will typically surface at various intervals during the time the client owns the investments.
8
These risks include but are not limited to inflation (purchasing power) risk, interest rate
risk, economic risk, market risk, and political/regulatory risk.
Margin transactions use leverage that is borrowed from a brokerage firm as collateral.
When losses occur, the value of the margin account may fall below the brokerage firm’s
threshold thereby triggering a margin call. This may force the account holder to either
allocate more funds to the account or sell assets on a shorter time frame than desired.
Options transactions involve a contract to purchase a security at a given price, not
necessarily at market value, depending on the market. This strategy includes the risk that
an option may expire out of the money resulting in minimal or no value, as well as the
possibility of leveraged loss of trading capital due to the leveraged nature of stock options.
Short sales entail the possibility of infinite loss. An increase in the applicable securities’
prices will result in a loss and, over time, the market has historically trended upward.
Short term trading risks include liquidity, economic stability, and inflation, in addition to
the long term trading risks listed above. Frequent trading can affect investment
performance, particularly through increased brokerage and other transaction costs and
taxes.
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared
to bear.
C. Risks of Specific Securities Utilized
BIGL's use of short sales, margin transactions and options trading generally holds greater
risk of capital loss. Clients should be aware that there is a material risk of loss using any
investment strategy. The investment types listed below (leaving aside Treasury Inflation
Protected/Inflation Linked Bonds) are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other
government agency.
Mutual Funds: Investing in mutual funds carries the risk of capital loss and thus you may
lose money investing in mutual funds. All mutual funds have costs that lower investment
returns. The funds can be of bond “fixed income” nature (lower risk) or stock “equity”
nature.
Equity investment generally refers to buying shares of stocks in return for receiving a
future payment of dividends and/or capital gains if the value of the stock increases. The
value of equity securities may fluctuate in response to specific situations for each
company, industry conditions and the general economic environments.
Fixed income investments generally pay a return on a fixed schedule, though the amount
of the payments can vary. This type of investment can include corporate and government
debt securities, leveraged loans, high yield, and investment grade debt and structured
products, such as mortgage and other asset-backed securities, although individual bonds
9
may be the best known type of fixed income security. In general, the fixed income market
is volatile and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond
prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term
securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk, liquidity risk, call risk, and
credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. The risk of default on treasury
inflation protected/inflation linked bonds is dependent upon the U.S. Treasury defaulting
(extremely unlikely); however, they carry a potential risk of losing share price value, albeit
rather minimal. Risks of investing in foreign fixed income securities also include the
general risk of non-U.S. investing described below.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): An ETF is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges,
similar to stocks. Investing in ETFs carries the risk of capital loss (sometimes up to a 100%
loss in the case of a stock holding bankruptcy). Areas of concern include the lack of
transparency in products and increasing complexity, conflicts of interest and the
possibility of inadequate regulatory compliance. Risks in investing in ETFs include
trading risks, liquidity and shutdown risks, risks associated with a change in authorized
participants and non-participation of authorized participants, risks that trading price
differs from indicative net asset value (iNAV), or price fluctuation and disassociation from
the index being tracked. With regard to trading risks, regular trading adds cost to your
portfolio thus counteracting the low fees that one of the typical benefits of ETFs.
Additionally, regular trading to beneficially “time the market” is difficult to achieve. Even
paid fund managers struggle to do this every year, with the majority failing to beat the
relevant indexes. With regard to liquidity and shutdown risks, not all ETFs have the same
level of liquidity. Since ETFs are at least as liquid as their underlying assets, trading
conditions are more accurately reflected in implied liquidity rather than the average daily
volume of the ETF itself. Implied liquidity is a measure of what can potentially be traded
in ETFs based on its underlying assets. ETFs are subject to market volatility and the risks
of their underlying securities, which may include the risks associated with investing in
smaller companies, foreign securities, commodities, and fixed income investments (as
applicable). Foreign securities in particular are subject to interest rate, currency exchange
rate, economic, and political risks, all of which are magnified in emerging markets. ETFs
that target a small universe of securities, such as a specific region or market sector, are
generally subject to greater market volatility, as well as to the specific risks associated with
that sector, region, or other focus. ETFs that use derivatives, leverage, or complex
investment strategies are subject to additional risks. Precious Metal ETFs (e.g., Gold,
Silver, or Palladium Bullion backed “electronic shares” not physical metal) specifically
may be negatively impacted by several unique factors, among them (1) large sales by the
official sector which own a significant portion of aggregate world holdings in gold and
other precious metals, (2) a significant increase in hedging activities by producers of gold
or other precious metals, (3) a significant change in the attitude of speculators and
investors. The return of an index ETF is usually different from that of the index it tracks
because of fees, expenses, and tracking error. An ETF may trade at a premium or discount
to its net asset value (NAV) (or indicative value in the case of exchange-traded notes). The
degree of liquidity can vary significantly from one ETF to another and losses may be
magnified if no liquid market exists for the ETF’s shares when attempting to sell them.
Each ETF has a unique risk profile, detailed in its prospectus, offering circular, or similar
material, which should be considered carefully when making investment decisions.
10
Real estate funds (including REITs) face several kinds of risk that are inherent in the real
estate sector, which historically has experienced significant fluctuations and cycles in
performance. Revenues and cash flows may be adversely affected by: changes in local real
estate market conditions due to changes in national or local economic conditions or
changes in local property market characteristics; competition from other properties
offering the same or similar services; changes in interest rates and in the state of the debt
and equity credit markets; the ongoing need for capital improvements; changes in real
estate tax rates and other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and
fiscal policies; adverse changes in zoning laws; the impact of present or future
environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws.
Annuities are a retirement product for those who may have the ability to pay a premium
now and want to guarantee they receive certain monthly payments or a return on
investment later in the future. Annuities are contracts issued by a life insurance company
designed to meet requirement or other long-term goals. An annuity is not a life insurance
policy. Variable annuities are designed to be long-term investments, to meet retirement
and other long-range goals. Variable annuities are not suitable for meeting short-term
goals because substantial taxes and insurance company charges may apply if you
withdraw your money early. Variable annuities also involve investment risks, just as
mutual funds do.
Private placements carry a substantial risk as they are subject to less regulation than are
publicly offered securities, the market to resell these assets under applicable securities
laws may be illiquid, due to restrictions, and the liquidation may be taken at a substantial
discount to the underlying value or result in the entire loss of the value of such assets.
Venture capital funds invest in start-up companies at an early stage of development in
the interest of generating a return through an eventual realization event; the risk is high
as a result of the uncertainty involved at that stage of development.
Commodities are tangible assets used to manufacture and produce goods or services.
Commodity prices are affected by different risk factors, such as disease, storage capacity,
supply, demand, delivery constraints and weather. Because of those risk factors, even a
well-diversified investment in commodities can be uncertain.
Options are contracts to purchase a security at a given price, risking that an option may
expire out of the money resulting in minimal or no value. An uncovered option is a type
of options contract that is not backed by an offsetting position that would help mitigate
risk. The risk for a “naked” or uncovered put is not unlimited, whereas the potential loss
for an uncovered call option is limitless. Spread option positions entail buying and selling
multiple options on the same underlying security, but with different strike prices or
expiration dates, which helps limit the risk of other option trading strategies. Option
transactions also involve risks including but not limited to economic risk, market risk,
sector risk, idiosyncratic risk, political/regulatory risk, inflation (purchasing power) risk
and interest rate risk.
11
Non-U.S. securities present certain risks such as currency fluctuation, political and
economic change, social unrest, changes in government regulation, differences in
accounting and the lesser degree of accurate public information available.
Cryptocurrency investing refers to trading in digital/virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin,
that are not back by real assets or tangible securities and are more volatile than traditional
currencies and financial assets. Digital currency is a digital representation of value that
functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not
have legal tender status. Digital currency is not backed or supported by any government
or central bank. Digital currency’s price is completely derived by market forces of supply
and demand, traded between consenting parties with no broker and tracked on digital
ledgers commonly known as blockchains. Investing in digital currency comes with
significant risk of loss that a client should be prepared to bear and, due to the nature of
cryptocurrencies, clients are exposed to the risks normally associated with investing but
also unique risks not typical of investing in traditional securities. These, include, but are
not limited to, volatile market price swings or flash crashes, market manipulation,
economic, regulatory, technical, and cybersecurity risks. Please also see below for
additional description/properties:
•
• Unregulated – Digital currency markets and exchanges are not regulated with
the same controls or customer protections available in fixed income, equity,
option, futures, or foreign exchange investing.
Increased Price Volatility – The price of cryptocurrency is constantly fluctuating.
Trade or balance can surge or drop suddenly. Price can drop to zero.
• Susceptible to Error/Hacking – Technical glitches, human error and hacking can
occur, which typically do not affect traditional securities to the same extent.
• Forks – This implies a splitting of the chain on which the cryptocurrency runs,
which makes it go in a different direction, with different rules than the existing
blockchain.
o Soft Fork – only a protocol change; the cryptocurrency still continues to
work on the original blockchain rules.
o Hard Fork – a permanent divergence in the blockchain.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in securities involves a
risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to bear.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
There are no criminal or civil actions to report.
B. Administrative Proceedings
There are no administrative proceedings to report.
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C. Self-regulatory Organization (SRO) Proceedings
There are no self-regulatory organization proceedings to report.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Registration as a Broker/Dealer or Broker/Dealer Representative
Neither BIGL nor its representatives are registered as, or have pending applications to
become, a broker/dealer or a representative of a broker/dealer.
B. Registration as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity
Pool Operator, or a Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither BIGL nor its representatives are registered as or have pending applications to
become either a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or
Commodity Trading Advisor or an associated person of the foregoing entities.
C. Registration Relationships Material to this Advisory Business
and Possible Conflicts of Interests
insurance agent. BIGL periodically
Johnathan Brett Burgess is an independent licensed insurance agent. This activity creates
a conflict of interest since there is an incentive to recommend insurance products based
on commissions or other benefits received from the insurance company, rather than on
the client’s needs. Additionally, the offer and sale of insurance products by supervised
persons of BIGL are not made in their capacity as a fiduciary, and products are limited to
only those offered by certain insurance providers. BIGL addresses this conflict of interest
by requiring its supervised persons to act in the best interest of the client at all times,
including when acting as an
reviews
recommendations by its supervised persons to assess whether they are based on an
objective evaluation of each client’s risk profile and investment objectives rather than on
the receipt of any commissions or other benefits. BIGL will disclose in advance how it or
its supervised persons are compensated and will disclose conflicts of interest involving
any advice or service provided. At no time will there be tying between business practices
and/or services (a condition where a client or prospective client would be required to
accept one product or service conditioned upon the selection of a second, distinctive tied
product or service). No client is ever under any obligation to purchase any insurance
product. Insurance products recommended by BIGL’s supervised persons may also be
available from other providers on more favorable terms, and clients can purchase
insurance products recommended through other unaffiliated insurance agencies.
Johnathan Brett Burgess is a minority equity partner in Corbin Burgess & Co, LLP, an
insurance-related firm. He holds no role in operations, personnel, compliance, financial
13
management, or supervision. His involvement is limited to consulting and educational
coaching on sales methodology and practice development, contributing about 1% of
annual compensation and roughly 1 hour monthly outside trading hours.
Johnathan Brett Burgess is Managing Member and Investment Adviser Representative at
Burgess Investment Group, LLC. His work is investment-related, dedicating about 40
hours per month during trading hours. Approximately 50% of his total annual
compensation is expected to come from this business.
D. Selection of Other Advisers or Managers and How This Adviser
is Compensated for Those Selections
BIGL does not utilize nor select third-party investment advisers.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics
BIGL has a written Code of Ethics that covers the following areas: Prohibited Purchases
and Sales, Insider Trading, Personal Securities Transactions, Exempted Transactions,
Prohibited Activities, Conflicts of Interest, Gifts and Entertainment, Confidentiality,
Service on a Board of Directors, Compliance Procedures, Compliance with Laws and
Regulations, Procedures and Reporting, Certification of Compliance, Reporting
Violations, Compliance Officer Duties, Training and Education, Recordkeeping, Annual
Review, and Sanctions. BIGL's Code of Ethics is available free upon request to any client
or prospective client.
B. Recommendations Involving Material Financial Interests
BIGL does not recommend that clients buy or sell any security in which BIGL or a related
person has a material financial interest.
C. Investing Personal Money in the Same Securities as Clients
From time to time, representatives of BIGL may buy or sell securities for themselves that
they also recommend to clients. This may provide an opportunity for representatives of
BIGL to buy or sell the same securities before or after recommending the same securities
to clients resulting in representatives profiting off the recommendations they provide to
clients. Such transactions may create a conflict of interest. BIGL will always document any
transactions that could be construed as conflicts of interest and will never engage in
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trading that operates to the client’s disadvantage when similar securities are being bought
or sold.
D. Trading Securities At/Around the Same Time as Clients’
Securities
From time to time, representatives of BIGL may buy or sell securities for themselves at or
around the same time as clients. This may provide an opportunity for representatives of
BIGL to buy or sell securities before or after recommending securities to clients resulting
in representatives profiting off the recommendations they provide to clients. Such
transactions may create a conflict of interest; however, BIGL will never engage in trading
that operates to the client’s disadvantage if representatives of BIGL buy or sell securities
at or around the same time as clients.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker/Dealers
Custodians/broker-dealers will be recommended based on BIGL’s duty to seek “best
execution,” which is the obligation to seek execution of securities transactions for a client
on the most favorable terms for the client under the circumstances. Clients will not
necessarily pay the lowest commission or commission equivalent, and BIGL may also
consider the market expertise and research access provided by the broker-
dealer/custodian, including but not limited to access to written research, oral
communication with analysts, admittance to research conferences and other resources
provided by the brokers that may aid in BIGL's research efforts. BIGL will never charge a
premium or commission on transactions, beyond the actual cost imposed by the broker-
dealer/custodian.
BIGL recommends TD Ameritrade Institutional, a division of TD Ameritrade, Inc.
Member FINRA/SIPC, SEI Investments and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC.
1. Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits
BIGL has access to research, products, or other services from its broker/dealer in
connection with client securities transactions (“soft dollar benefits”) consistent with
(and not outside of) the safe harbor contained in Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and may consider these benefits in recommending
brokers. There can be no assurance that any particular client will benefit from any
particular soft dollar research or other benefits. BIGL benefits by not having to
produce or pay for the research, products or services, and BIGL will have an incentive
to recommend a broker dealer based on receiving research or services. Clients should
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be aware that BIGL’s acceptance of soft dollar benefits may result in higher
commissions charged to the client.
2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
BIGL receives no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using
that broker-dealer or third party.
3. Clients Directing Which Broker/Dealer/Custodian to Use
BIGL may permit clients to direct it to execute transactions through a specified broker-
dealer. If a client directs brokerage, then the client will be required to acknowledge in
writing that the client’s direction with respect to the use of brokers supersedes any
authority granted to BIGL to select brokers; this direction may result in higher
commissions, which may result in a disparity between free and directed accounts; and
trades for the client and other directed accounts may be executed after trades for free
accounts, which may result in less favorable prices, particularly for illiquid securities
or during volatile market conditions. Not all investment advisers allow their clients to
direct brokerage.
B. Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
BIGL does not aggregate or bunch the securities to be purchased or sold for multiple
clients. This may result in less favorable prices, particularly for illiquid securities or during
volatile market conditions.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Frequency and Nature of Periodic Reviews and Who Makes
Those Reviews
All client accounts for BIGL's advisory services provided on an ongoing basis are
reviewed at least annually by John Obeck, Chief Compliance Officer, with regard to
clients’ respective investment policies and risk tolerance levels. All accounts at BIGL are
assigned to this reviewer.
There is only one level of review for subscription services, which is BIGL's review prior
to rendering the subscription advice.
All financial planning accounts are reviewed upon financial plan creation and plan
delivery by John Obeck, Chief Compliance Officer. Financial planning clients are
provided a one-time financial plan concerning their financial situation. After the
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presentation of the plan, there are no further reports. Clients may request additional plans
or reports for a fee.
B. Factors That Will Trigger a Non-Periodic Review of Client
Accounts
Reviews may be triggered by material market, economic or political events, or by changes
in client's financial situations (such as retirement, termination of employment, physical
move, or inheritance).
With respect to financial plans, BIGL’s services will generally conclude upon delivery of
the financial plan.
C. Content and Frequency of Regular Reports Provided to Clients
Each client of BIGL's advisory services provided on an ongoing basis will receive a
quarterly report detailing the client’s account, including assets held, asset value, and
calculation of fees. This written report will come from the custodian.
BIGL does not provide reports relating to its subscription services.
Each financial planning client will receive the financial plan upon completion.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice
Rendered to Clients (Includes Sales Awards or Other Prizes)
BIGL participates in the institutional advisor program (the "Program") offered by TD
Ameritrade. TD Ameritrade offers to independent investment advisor services which
include custody of securities, trade execution, clearance and settlement of transactions.
BIGL receives some benefits from TD Ameritrade through its participation in the
Program.
As disclosed above, BIGL participates in TD Ameritrade's institutional advisor program
and BIGL may recommend TD Ameritrade to clients for custody and brokerage services.
There is no direct link between BIGL's participation in the Program and the investment
advice it gives to its clients, although BIGL receives economic benefits through its
participation in the Program that are typically not available to TD Ameritrade retail
investors. These benefits include the following products and services (provided without
cost or at a discount): receipt of duplicate client statements and confirmations; research
related products and tools; consulting services; access to a trading desk serving BIGL
participants; access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities
transactions for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts); the
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ability to have BIGL's fees deducted directly from client accounts; access to an electronic
communications network for client order entry and account information; access to mutual
funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers; and discounts
on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or
services provided to BIGL by third party vendors. TD Ameritrade may also pay for
business consulting and professional services received by BIGL's related persons. Some
of the products and services made available by TD Ameritrade through the Program may
benefit BIGL but may not benefit its client accounts. These products or services may assist
BIGL in managing and administering client accounts, including accounts not maintained
at TD Ameritrade. Other services made available by TD Ameritrade are intended to help
BIGL manage and further develop its business enterprise. The benefits received by BIGL
or its personnel through participation in the Program do not depend on the amount of
brokerage transactions directed to TD Ameritrade. As part of its fiduciary duties to clients,
BIGL endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first. Clients should be aware,
however, that the receipt of economic benefits by BIGL or its related persons in and of
itself creates a conflict of interest and may indirectly influence the BIGL's choice of TD
Ameritrade for custody and brokerage services.
B. Compensation to Non – Advisory Personnel for Client Referrals
BIGL does not directly or indirectly compensate any person who is not advisory personnel
for client referrals.
Item 15: Custody
When advisory fees are deducted directly from client accounts at client's custodian, BIGL 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.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
BIGL provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services to clients. The
advisory contract established with each client sets forth the discretionary authority for trading.
Where investment discretion has been granted, BIGL generally manages the client’s account and
makes investment decisions without consultation with the client as to when the securities are to
be bought or sold for the account, the total amount of the securities to be bought/sold, what
securities to buy or sell, or the price per share. In some instances, BIGL’s discretionary authority
in making these determinations may be limited by conditions imposed by a client (in investment
guidelines or objectives, or client instructions otherwise provided to BIGL.
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Item 17: Voting Client Securities (Proxy Voting)
BIGL will not ask for, nor accept voting authority for client securities. Clients will receive proxies
directly from the issuer of the security or the custodian. Clients should direct all proxy questions
to the issuer of the security.
Item 18: Financial Information
A. Balance Sheet
BIGL neither requires nor solicits prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six
months or more in advance, and therefore is not required to include a balance sheet with
this brochure.
B. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Ability to
Meet Contractual Commitments to Clients
Neither BIGL nor its management has any financial condition that is likely to reasonably
impair BIGL’s ability to meet contractual commitments to clients.
C. Bankruptcy Petitions in Previous Ten Years
BIGL has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition in the last ten years.
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