Overview
- Headquarters
- Carlsbad, CA
- Average Client Assets
- $1.7 million
- SEC CRD Number
- 282177
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (ADV2A, APPENDIX 1 AND 2B)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $1,000,000 | 1.50% |
| $1,000,001 | and above | Negotiable |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $15,000 | 1.50% |
| $5 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $10 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $50 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $100 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 63.25%
- Total Client Accounts
- 1,308
- Discretionary Accounts
- 1,308
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Pension Consulting
Regulatory Filings
Additional Brochure: ADV2A AND 2B (2026-01-29)
View Document Text
F O R M A D V P A R T 2 A
D I S C L O S U R E B R O C H U R E
Office Address:
1925 Palomar Oaks Way
#107
Carlsbad CA 92008
Tel: 760-431-3040
Facsimile: 760-931-5719
www.financialfocusllc.com
J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 6
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Financial Focus LLC. Being registered as a registered investment adviser does not
imply a certain level of skill or training. If you have any questions about the contents
of this brochure, please contact us at 760-431-3040. 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 Financial Focus LLC (IARD#282177) is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
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Item 2: Material Changes
Annual Update
Material Changes since the Last Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually or when material
changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure.
•
Since the last filing of this brochure on August 25, 2025, the following has been updated:
Full Brochure Available
Item 4 to update the assets under management for the firm.
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure, please contact
us by telephone at 760-431-3040.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Form ADV – Part 2A – Firm Brochure
Item 1: Cover Page
Item 2: Material Changes .................................................................................................................... ii
Annual Update ................................................................................................................................................. ii
Material Changes since the Last Update ............................................................................................... ii
Item 3: Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... iii
Full Brochure Available ............................................................................................................................... ii
Item 4: Advisory Business .................................................................................................................. 1
Firm Description ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................................................ 1
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions ............................................................. 5
Wrap Fee Programs ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ....................................................................................................... 5
Client Assets Under Management ............................................................................................................ 5
Method of Compensation and Fee Schedule........................................................................................ 5
Client Payment of Fees ................................................................................................................................. 7
Additional Client Fees Charged ................................................................................................................ 8
Prepayment of Client Fees .......................................................................................................................... 8
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ........................................ 8
External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients ......................................................... 8
Item 7: Types of Clients ....................................................................................................................... 8
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................................................... 8
Description ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................ 8
Account Minimums ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Methods of Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Investment Strategy ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Security Specific Material Risks ............................................................................................................... 9
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Item 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................... 10
Criminal or Civil Actions ...........................................................................................................................10
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings .........................................................................................10
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................. 11
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings .............................................................10
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration ................................................................................11
Futures or Commodity Registration .....................................................................................................11
Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and Conflicts of Interest 11
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisors and Conflicts of Interest11
Trading ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Code of Ethics Description .......................................................................................................................11
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of
Interest .............................................................................................................................................................12
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
Interest .............................................................................................................................................................12
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ......................................................................................................... 12
Transactions and Conflicts of Interest .................................................................................................12
Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions .................................................12
Item 13: Review of Accounts ........................................................................................................... 14
Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts ............................................................14
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and Advisory
Persons Involved ..........................................................................................................................................14
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis ..........................................................................15
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................ 15
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency .......................................................................15
Economic benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and Conflicts of
Interest .............................................................................................................................................................15
Item 15: Custody .................................................................................................................................. 17
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals ...................................................................................16
Account Statements ....................................................................................................................................17
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Item 16: Investment Discretion ..................................................................................................... 17
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................... 17
Discretionary Authority for Trading ....................................................................................................17
Item 18: Financial Information ...................................................................................................... 17
Proxy Votes ....................................................................................................................................................17
Balance Sheet .................................................................................................................................................17
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV) .......................................................................... 19
Bankruptcy Petitions during the Past Ten Years .............................................................................17
Principal Executive Officer .......................................................................................................................19
Barbara J Williams .......................................................................................................................................19
Item 2 Educational Background and Business Experience .........................................................19
Professional Certifications .......................................................................................................................19
Item 3 Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................20
Item 4 Other Business Activities ............................................................................................................20
Item 5 Performance Based Fee Description ......................................................................................21
Item 6 Supervision ......................................................................................................................................21
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Item 4: Advisory Business
Firm Description
Financial Focus LLC (“Adviser” or “we”) is dedicated to providing individuals and other
types of clients with a wide array of investment advisory services. We specialize in
comprehensive asset management and financial planning and consulting. Financial Focus
LLC was formed in 2015 and is owned by Barbara Williams. This Brochure discloses all
material conflicts of interest regarding our firm, our representatives or our employees,
which could be reasonably expected to impair the rendering of unbiased and objective
advice.
Types of Advisory Services
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly
by the client on an as-needed basis. Adviser, its representatives or any of its employees will
disclose to the clients all material conflicts of interest.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
We may offer discretionary asset management services to Clients by selecting the
AssetMark Platform. For more information regarding the AssetMark Platform, refer to
AssetMark Platform Disclosure Brochure.
The minimum investment required on the AssetMark Platform depends upon the
Investment Solution chosen for a Client’s account and is generally $25,000 - $50,000 for
Mutual Fund and $100,000 for ETF Accounts, and from $50,000 to $500,000 for Privately
Managed and Unified Managed Accounts, depending on the investment strategy selected
for the account. These minimums are described in more detail in the AssetMark Platform
Disclosure Brochure. Accounts below the stated minimums may be accepted on an
individual basis at the discretion of AssetMark.
ASSET MANAGEMENT AS A WRAP PROGRAM
We also offer comprehensive asset management services on a wrap fee basis using model
portfolios. Our comprehensive asset management service encompasses asset management
as well as providing financial planning/financial consulting to clients. It is designed to
assist clients in meeting their financial goals through the use of financial investments. We
conduct at least one (1), but sometimes more than one (1) meeting (in person if possible,
otherwise via telephone conference) with clients in order to understand their current
financial situation, existing resources, financial goals, and tolerance for risk. Based on what
we learn, we propose an investment approach to the client. We may propose an investment
portfolio, consisting of exchange traded funds, mutual funds, individual stocks or bonds, or
other securities. Upon the client’s agreement to the proposed investment plan, we work
with the client to establish or transfer investment accounts so that we can manage the
client’s portfolio. Once the relevant accounts are under our management, we review such
accounts on a regular basis and at least quarterly. We may periodically rebalance or adjust
client accounts under our management. If the client experiences any significant changes to
his/her financial or personal circumstances, the client must notify us so that we can
consider such information in managing the client’s investments.
ERISA PLAN SERVICES
We provide service to qualified retirement plans including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans,
pension and profit sharing plans, cash balance plans, and deferred compensation plans. We
may act as a 3(21) or 3(38) adviser:
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Limited Scope ERISA 3(21) Fiduciary.
Advisor may serve as a limited scope ERISA 3(21)
fiduciary that can advise, help and assist plan sponsors with their investment decisions on
a non-discretionary basis. As an investment adviser, we have a fiduciary duty to act in the
best interest of the Client. The plan sponsor is still ultimately responsible for the decisions
made in their plan, though using us can help the plan sponsor delegate liability by following
a diligent process.
1.
•
Fiduciary Services are:
•
Provide non-discretionary investment advice to the Client about asset classes and
investment alternatives available for the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s investment
policies and objectives. Client will make the final decision regarding the initial selection,
retention, removal and addition of investment options. Advisor acknowledges that it is
a fiduciary as defined in ERISA section 3 (21) (A) (ii).
•
Assist the Client in the development of an investment policy statement (“IPS”). The IPS
establishes the investment policies and objectives for the Plan. Client shall have the
ultimate responsibility and authority to establish such policies and objectives and to
adopt and amend the IPS.
•
Provide non-discretionary investment advice to the Plan Sponsor with respect to the
selection of a qualified default investment alternative for participants who are
automatically enrolled in the Plan or who have otherwise failed to make investment
elections. The Client retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to the Plan
participants required under ERISA Section 404(c) (5) and 404(a)-5.
•
Assist in monitoring investment options by preparing periodic investment reports that
document investment performance, consistency of fund management and conformance
to the guidelines set forth in the IPS and make recommendations to maintain, remove
or replace investment options.
Meet with Client on a periodic basis to discuss the reports and the investment
recommendations.
2.
•
Non-fiduciary Services are:
•
Assist in the education of Plan participants about general investment information and
the investment alternatives available to them under the Plan. Client understands our
assistance in education of the Plan participants shall be consistent with and within the
scope of the Department of Labor’s definition of investment education (Department of
Labor Interpretive Bulletin 96-1). As such, we are not providing fiduciary advice as
defined by ERISA 3(21)(A)(ii) to the Plan participants. We will not provide investment
advice concerning the prudence of any investment option or combination of investment
options for a particular participant or beneficiary under the Plan.
Assist in the group enrollment meetings designed to increase retirement plan
participation among the employees and investment and financial understanding by the
employees.
We may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other providers
to offer these services, as agreed upon between Adviser and Client.
3.
We have no responsibility to provide services related to the following types of assets
•
(“Excluded Assets”):
Employer securities;
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•
•
Real estate (except for real estate funds or publicly traded REITs);
•
Stock brokerage accounts or mutual fund windows;
•
Participant loans;
•
Non-publicly traded partnership interests;
•
Other non-publicly traded securities or property (other than collective trusts and
similar vehicles); or
ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager.
Other hard-to-value or illiquid securities or property.
Advisor can also act as an ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager in
which it has discretionary management and control of a given retirement plan’s assets. Advisor
would then become solely responsible and liable for the selection, monitoring and replacement of
the plan’s investment options.
1.
•
Fiduciary Services are:
•
Advisor has discretionary authority and will make the final decision regarding the
initial selection, retention, removal and addition of investment options in
accordance with the Plan’s investment policies and objectives.
•
Assist the Client with the selection of a broad range of investment options consistent
with ERISA Section 404(c) and the regulations thereunder.
•
Assist the Client in the development of an investment policy statement (“IPS”). The
IPS establishes the investment policies and objectives for the Plan.
Provide discretionary investment advice to the Plan Sponsor with respect to the
selection of a qualified default investment option for participants who are
automatically enrolled in the Plan or who have otherwise failed to make investment
elections. The Client retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to the Plan
participants required under ERISA Section 404(c) (5).
2.
•
Non-fiduciary Services are:
•
Assist in the education of Plan participants about general investment information
and the investment options available to them under the Plan. Client understands the
Advisor’s assistance in education of the Plan participants shall be consistent with
and within the scope of the Department of Labor’s definition of investment
education (Department of Labor Interpretive Bulletin 96-1). As such, the Advisor is
not providing fiduciary advice as defined by ERISA to the Plan participants. Advisor
will not provide investment advice concerning the prudence of any investment
option or combination of investment options for a particular participant or
beneficiary under the Plan.
Assist in the group enrollment meetings designed to increase retirement plan
participation among the employees and investment and financial understanding by
the employees.
Advisor may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other
providers to offer these services, as agreed upon between Advisor and Client.
3.
Advisor has no responsibility to provide services related to the following types of assets
•
(“Excluded Assets”):
Employer securities;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Real estate (except for real estate funds or publicly traded REITs);
Stock brokerage accounts or mutual fund windows;
Participant loans;
Non-publicly traded partnership interests;
Other non-publicly traded securities or property (other than collective trusts and
similar vehicles); or
not
Other hard-to-value or illiquid securities or property.
be included in calculation of Fees paid to us on the ERISA
Excluded Assets will
Agreement.
Specific services will be outlined in detail to each plan in the 408(b)2 disclosure.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING
We provide financial planning services as a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current
and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows,
asset values and withdrawal plans. The plan is an ongoing process with the time period
outlined in the contract. Through the financial planning process, all questions, information
and analysis are considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life
situation of the client. Clients purchasing this service receive a written report which
provides the client with a detailed financial plan designed to assist the client achieve his or
her financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan can address any or all of the following areas:
PERSONAL: We review family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and
financial goals.
TAX & CASH FLOW: We analyze the client’s income tax and spending and planning for past,
current and future years; then illustrate the impact of various investments on the client’s
income tax and future tax liability.
INVESTMENTS: We analyze investment alternatives and their effect on the client’s
portfolio.
INSURANCE: We review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health,
disability, long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
RETIREMENT: We analyze current strategies and investment plans to help the client
achieve his or her retirement goals.
DEATH & DISABILITY: We review the client’s cash needs at death, income needs of
surviving dependents, estate planning and disability income.
ESTATE: We assist the client in assessing and developing long-term strategies, including as
appropriate, living trusts, wills, review estate tax, powers of attorney, asset protection
plans, nursing homes, Medicaid and elder law.
We gather required information through in-depth personal interviews. Information
gathered includes the client’s current financial status, tax status, future goals, returns
objectives and attitudes towards risk. We carefully review documents supplied by the
client, including a questionnaire completed by the client, and prepare a written report.
Should the client choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, we
suggest the client work closely with his/her attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or
stockbroker. Implementation of financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client’s
discretion.
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We also provide general non-securities advice on topics that may include tax and
budgetary planning, estate planning and business planning.
Typically, the financial plan is presented to the client within one month of the contract date,
provided that all information needed to prepare the financial plan has been promptly
provided.
Clients may engage us for a one-time consulting arrangement for an hourly fee described in
Item 5 below.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
The client is under no obligation to act upon the investment advisor’s recommendation. If
the client elects to act on any of the recommendations, the client is under no obligation to
effect the transaction through Adviser.
The goals and objectives for each client are documented in our client files. Investment
strategies are created that reflect the stated goals and objective. Clients may impose
restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities and we will do our best
to meet those restrictions.
Wrap Fee Programs
Agreements may not be assigned without written client consent.
Client Assets Under Management
Adviser does utilize a wrap fee program. The client pays one fee to the Adviser which
includes the Adviser’s Management Fee and the transaction costs associated with the
transactions. More information is available in the Form ADV Part 2, Appendix 1.
Advisor has the following assets under management:
Discretionary Amounts: Non-discretionary Amounts:
$800,000,000
$0
Date Calculated:
December 31, 2025
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Method of Compensation and Fee Schedule
ASSET MANAGEMENT
Accounts on the AssetMark Platform are assessed a Total Account Fee. The fees applicable
to each Account on the AssetMark Platform may include:
1.
2.
Our maximum annual fee of 1.5%,
Combined Platform fee, which will now include the Custody Fee and any Strategist
or Manager Supplemental Fee, if applicable,
Other fees for special services may also be charged. The Client should consider all
applicable fees.
Client fees are payable quarterly, in advance, based on the assets under management. If
margin is utilized, the fees will be billed based on the net asset value of the account. If cash
and/or securities are deposited into or withdrawn from an existing account mid billing
period a prorated fee will be charged for that portion of the account. The net difference of
the recalculated fees and the prior fees paid, if there are multiple such events in the same
billing period, will be combined at the next billing period and therefore may result in a
credit or debit to the account. Client may terminate AssetMark accounts at any time and
receive a full pro-rata refund on any unearned fees.
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Fees and compensation for using the AssetMark Platform, are provided in more detail in
the AssetMark Platform Disclosure Brochure. Discretionary Manager Fee Schedule are
included in the Client Billing Authorization or the Appendix A to the Client Service
Agreement.
Assets Under Management
Annual Percentage of assets charged*
ASSET MANAGEMENT AS A WRAP PROGRAM
Our annual fees for investment management services shall be based on the market value of
the assets under management and shall be calculated as follows:
Up to $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
1.5%
Negotiable
*Fees for Accounts under $1,000,000 are typically charged 1.5%. Our firm’s fees are billed
on a pro-rata annualized basis quarterly in advance based on the value of your account on
the last day of the previous quarter. Fees are negotiable based on the complexity and size of
the account. If cash and/or securities are deposited into or withdrawn from an existing
account mid billing period a prorated fee will be charged for that portion of the account.
The net difference of the recalculated fees and the prior fees paid, if there are multiple such
events in the same billing period, will be combined at the next billing period and therefore
may result in a credit or debit to the account. Fees will be automatically deducted from
your managed account through Schwab. As part of this process, you understand and
acknowledge the following:
a)
Schwab send statements at least quarterly to you showing all disbursements for your
account, including the amount of the advisory fees paid to us;
b)
You provide authorization permitting us to be directly paid by these terms;
c)
If we send a copy of our invoice to you, we send a copy of our invoice to the custodian
at the same time we send the invoice to you;
d)
Our invoice includes a legend in accordance with our States’ statutes and rules.*
*The legend urges the client to compare information provided in their statements with
those from the custodian in account opening notices and subsequent statements sent to the
client for whom the adviser opens custodial accounts with Schwab.
ERISA PLAN SERVICES
The annual fees are based on the market value of the Included Assets and will not exceed
1%. Fees may be charged quarterly or monthly in arrears or in advance based on the assets
as calculated by the custodian or record keeper of the Included Assets (without
adjustments for anticipated withdrawals by Plan participants or other anticipated or
scheduled transfers or distribution of assets) on the last business day of the previous
quarter or month. If the services to be provided start any time other than the first day of a
quarter or month, the fee will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in the
quarter or month. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the end of the fee period, we
shall be entitled to a prorated fee based on the number of days during the fee period
services were provided or Client will be due a prorated refund of fees for days services
were not provided in the billing cycle.
The fee schedule, which includes compensation for our services is described in detail in
Schedule A of the ERISA Plan Agreement. The Plan is obligated to pay the fees, however the
Plan Sponsor may elect to pay the fees. Client may elect to be billed directly or have fees
deducted from Plan Assets. We do not reasonably expect to receive any additional
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compensation, directly or indirectly, for our services under this Agreement. If additional
compensation is received, we will disclose this compensation, the services rendered, and
the payer of compensation. We will offset the compensation against the fees agreed upon
under this Agreement.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING
The Financial Planning Fee is determined based on the nature of the services being
provided and the complexity of each client’s circumstances. All fees are agreed upon prior
to entering into a contract with any client.
Our Financial Planning fees may be calculated and charged on a fixed fee basis, typically
ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the specific arrangement reached with the
client. Calculation of the fee is based on a $300 hourly rate.
We may request a retainer upon completion of our initial fact-finding session with the
client; however, advance payment will never exceed $1200 for work that will not be
completed within six months. The balance is due upon completion of the plan.
The client is billed quarterly in arrears based on actual hours accrued.
We charge an hourly fee of $300 for one-time consulting arrangements with Administrative
hours billed at $75 per hour. Although the length of time it will take to provide a Financial
Plan will depend on each client’s personal situation, we will provide an estimate for the
total hours at the start of the advisory relationship. Prior to the process the client will be
provided an estimated plan fee. The payments are received in two installments; 50% at the
commencement of the plan with the balance due within 30 days of delivery of the
recommendations. Client may cancel within five (5) business days of signing Agreement
without any obligation and without penalty. If the client cancels after five (5) business days,
any unpaid earned fees will be due to Adviser or any prepaid, unearned fees will be
refunded to the client. Refunds and final invoices for partial plans will be calculated on a
pro-rata basis of worked completed based on the hourly fee stated above of $300 per hour.
All refunds will be mailed to the client’s address of record via check within 30 days of
cancellation.
Our Investment Advisor Representatives are also registered representatives of Osaic
Wealth, Inc., a full service securities broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and investment
adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and/or licensed as
insurance agents. In their separate capacity(ies), these individuals are able to implement
investment recommendations for advisory clients for separate and typical compensation
(i.e., commissions, 12b-1 fees or other sales-related forms of compensation). This presents
a conflict of interest to the extent that these individuals recommend that a client invest in a
security which results in a commission being paid to the individuals. Clients are not under
any obligation to engage these individuals when considering implementation of advisory
recommendations. The implementation of any or all recommendations is solely at the
Client Payment of Fees
discretion of the client.
Investment management fees are billed quarterly in advance, meaning we bill you at the
beginning of the quarter. Fees are deducted from a designated client account to facilitate
billing. The client must consent in advance to direct debiting of their investment account.
Financial Planning Fees are paid in installments with the final payment due upon delivery
of the completed plan.
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Additional Client Fees Charged
Wrap fee clients will not incur transaction costs for trades. More information about this is
disclosed in our separate Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
Prepayment of Client Fees
For more details on the brokerage practices, see Item 12 of this brochure.
External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Adviser does not require prepayment of fees of more than $1200 per client and six months
or more in advance.
Adviser does not receive any external compensation for the sale of securities to clients, but
our investment advisor representatives may also be registered representatives of an
unaffiliated broker dealer and may receive commissions for the sale of securities. See Item
14 for more details.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Sharing of Capital Gains
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of managed
securities, but rather on a percentage of assets under management.
Adviser does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the conflict of interest.
Performance based compensation may create an incentive for the advisor to recommend
an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client.
Item 7: Types of Clients
Description
Account Minimums
Adviser generally provides investment advice to individuals and high net worth
individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, 401(k) Plans and businesses. Client
relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Adviser does not require a minimum to open an account.
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Adviser may utilize the following when managing client’s assets:
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating a stock using real data such as company
revenues, earnings, return on equity, and profits margins to determine underlying value
and potential growth. Technical analysis involves evaluating securities based on past prices
and volume. Cyclical analysis involves analyzing the cycles of the market. Charting analysis
involves reviewing charts of market and security activity in an attempt to identify how the
market is moving and predict how long the trend will last.
When creating a financial plan, Adviser utilizes fundamental analysis to provide review of
insurance policies for economic value and income replacement. Technical analysis is used
to review mutual funds and individual stocks. The sources of information may include
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Morningstar, client documents such as tax returns and insurance policies, and client
statements that include financial information.
In advising retail clients of Adviser investing in the AssetMark Platform, Adviser may select
from mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) and other investment solutions offered
on the Platform. These solutions are provided by a number of institutional investment
strategists and based on the information, research, asset allocation methodology and
investment strategies of these institutional strategists, including AssetMark.
In developing a financial plan for a client, Adviser’s analysis may include cash flow analysis,
investment planning, risk management, tax planning and estate planning. Based on the
information gathered, a detailed strategy is tailored to the client’s specific situation.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines, annual
reports, prospectuses, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investment Strategy
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Past
performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the
client during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time by giving
notice in writing. Each client executes an Investment Policy Statement or Risk Tolerance
that documents their objectives and their desired investment strategy.
Security Specific Material Risks
Other strategies may include long-term purchases, short-term purchases, trading, and
option writing (including covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies).
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Fundamental
analysis may involve interest rate risk, market risk, business risk, and financial risk. Risks
involved in technical analysis are inflation risk, reinvestment risk, and market risk. Cyclical
analysis involves inflation risk, market risk, and currency risk.
Interest-rate Risk
•
Our investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the
following investment risks and should discuss these risks with Adviser:
• Market Risk
: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to
fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become
less attractive, causing their market values to decline.
•
: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external
factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For
Inflation Risk
example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
• Currency Risk
: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more
than a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Reinvestment Risk
: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the
dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also
referred to as exchange rate risk.
: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have
to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This
primarily relates to fixed income securities.
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Financial Focus LLC
• Business Risk
• Liquidity Risk
: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding
oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They
carry a higher risk of profitability than an electric company which generates its
income from a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the
economic environment is like.
: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized
product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties
• Financial Risk
are not.
• Options Trading
: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the
risk of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in
good times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan
obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Trading on Margin:
: The risks involved with trading options are that they are very time
sensitive investments. An options contract is generally a few months. Clients should
be aware that the use of options involves additional risks. The risks of covered call
writing include the potential for the market to rise sharply. In such case, the security
may be called away and the account will no longer hold the security. When
purchasing options there is the risk that the entire premium paid for the option can
be lost if the option is not exercised or otherwise sold prior to the option’s
expiration date. When selling (“writing”) options, the risk of loss can be much
greater if the options are written uncovered (“naked”). The risk of loss can far
exceed the amount of the premium received for an uncovered option and in the case
of an uncovered call option the potential loss is unlimited.
In a cash account, the risk is limited to the amount of money that
has been invested. In a margin account, risk includes the amount of money invested
plus the amount that has been loaned. As market conditions fluctuate, the value of
marginable securities will also fluctuate, causing a change in the overall account
balance and debt ratio. As a result, if the value of the securities held in a margin
account depreciates, the client will be required to deposit additional cash or make
full payment of the margin loan to bring account back up to maintenance levels.
Clients who cannot comply with such a margin call may be sold out or bought in by
the brokerage firm.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Actions
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
The firm and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil action
required to be reported.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
The firm and its management have not been involved in administrative enforcement
proceedings required to be reported.
The firm and its management have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related
to past or present investment clients required to be reported.
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Financial Focus LLC
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Futures or Commodity Registration
Adviser is not registered as a broker-dealer, however affiliated representatives of ours may
also be registered representatives of an unaffiliated broker-dealer, Osaic Wealth, Inc. The
outside business activities for each investment advisory representative are disclosed in
their Form ADV Part 2B supplement to this brochure.
Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and Conflicts of Interest
Neither Adviser nor its employees are registered or has an application pending to register
as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading
advisor.
Affiliated persons of Advisor are also registered representatives of an unaffiliated broker-
dealer. From time to time they may offer client’s products from these activities. As
registered representatives, they may receive separate yet typical compensation in the form
of commissions and/or fees for the sale of securities products and advisory services.
Affiliated persons and employees are also independent insurance agents. From time to
time, they offer clients advice or products from this activity. They may receive separate yet
typical compensation in the form of commissions for the sale of insurance products.
These practices represent conflicts of interest because they give an incentive to
recommend products based on the commission amount received. This conflict is mitigated
by disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to place the best interest of
the client first and will act according to these duties. Clients are not required to purchase
any products. Clients have the option to purchase these products through another broker-
Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisors and Conflicts of Interest
dealer and/or insurance agent of their choosing.
Adviser does not select or recommend other investment advisors.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics Description
The employees of Adviser have committed to a Code of Ethics (“Code”). The purpose of our
Code is to set forth standards of conduct expected of Adviser employees and addresses
conflicts that may arise. The Code defines acceptable behavior for employees of Adviser.
The Code reflects Adviser and its supervised persons’ responsibility to act in the best
interest of their client.
One area which the Code addresses is when employees buy or sell securities for their
personal accounts and how to mitigate any conflict of interest with our clients. We do not
allow any employees to use non-public material information for their personal profit or to
use internal research for their personal benefit in conflict with the benefit to our clients.
Adviser’s policy prohibits any person from acting upon or otherwise misusing non-public
or inside information. No advisory representative or affiliate, officer or director of Adviser
may recommend any transaction in a security or its derivative to advisory clients or engage
in personal securities transactions for a security or its derivatives if the advisory
representative possesses material, non-public information regarding the security.
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Financial Focus LLC
Adviser’s Code is based on the guiding principle that the interests of the client are our top
priority. Adviser’s officers, directors, advisors, and other employees have a fiduciary duty
to our clients and must diligently perform that duty to maintain the complete trust and
confidence of our clients. When a conflict arises, it is our obligation to put the client’s
interests over the interests of either employees or the company.
to clients, or who have access
The Code applies to “access” persons. “Access” persons are employees who have access to
non-public information regarding any clients' purchase or sale of securities, or non-public
information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, who are involved in
making securities recommendations
to such
recommendations that are non-public.
The firm will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of
request.
Interest
Adviser and its employees do not recommend to clients securities in which we have a
material financial interest.
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
Interest
Adviser and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients. In order
to mitigate conflicts of interest such as front running, employees are required to disclose all
reportable securities transactions as well as provide Adviser with copies of their brokerage
statements.
The Chief Compliance Officer of Adviser is Barbara Williams. She reviews all employee
trades each month. The personal trading reviews helps mitigate that the personal trading
of employees does not affect the markets and that clients of the firm have received
preferential treatment over employee trades.
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm
Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
Adviser does not maintain a firm proprietary trading account and does not have a material
financial interest in any securities being recommended and therefore no conflicts of
interest exist. However, employees may buy or sell securities at the same time they buy or
sell securities for clients. In order to mitigate conflicts of interest such as front running,
employees are required to disclose all reportable securities transactions as well as provide
Adviser with copies of their brokerage statements.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
Adviser may recommend the use of a particular broker-dealer such as Charles Schwab &
Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). Our firm has an arrangement with Schwab Institutional division of
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). Under the arrangement with Schwab, we receive
non-soft dollar services which include, among others; brokerage, custodial, administrative
support, record keeping and related services that are intended to support our firm in
conducting business and in serving the best interests of our clients but that may benefit our
firm. Schwab also makes certain research and brokerage services available at no additional
cost to our firm. These services include certain research and brokerage services, including
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research services obtained by Schwab directly from independent research companies, as
selected by our firm (within specific parameters). Research products and services provided
by Schwab to our firm may include research reports on recommendations or other
information about, particular companies or industries; economic surveys, data and
analyses; financial publications; portfolio evaluation services; financial database software
and services; computerized news and pricing services; quotation equipment for use in
running software used in investment decision-making; and other products or services that
provide lawful and appropriate assistance by Schwab to our firm in the performance of our
investment decision-making responsibilities. The aforementioned research and brokerage
services are used by our firm to manage accounts for which we have investment discretion.
Without this arrangement, our firm might be compelled to purchase the same or similar
services at our own expense.
As a result of receiving the services discussed in 12A (1)(a) of this Firm Brochure for no
additional cost, we may have an incentive to continue to use or expand the use of Schwab
services. Our firm examined this potential conflict of interest when we chose to enter into
the relationship with Schwab and we have determined that the relationship is in the best
interest of our firm’s clients and satisfies our client obligations, including our duty to seek
best execution.
Schwab charges brokerage commissions and transaction fees for effecting certain
securities transactions (i.e., transaction fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds,
commissions are charged for individual equity and debt securities transactions). Schwab
enable us to obtain many no-load mutual funds without transaction charges and other no-
load funds at nominal transaction charges. Schwab and Pershing’s commission rates are
generally discounted from customary retail commission rates. However, the commission
and transaction fees charged by Schwab may be higher or lower than those charged by
other custodians and broker-dealers.
Our wrap fee program clients do not pay commissions to Schwab. The fees are wrapped as
described in our ADV Part 2A Appendix 1. If recommendations are ever implemented for
Financial Planning clients, it is our firm’s policy to not receive soft dollars; therefore, clients
will not pay higher commissions. Lower fees for comparable services may be available from
other sources.
Several different third party Custodians are available on the AssetMark Platform for us by
Adviser and Clients to provide Client Accounts with custody and trade services. These
Custodians include, Charles Schwab, Pershing Adviser Solutions, Schwab Institutional, and
Fidelity Brokerage Services. In addition, AssetMark Trust Company (“AssetMark Trust”), an
affiliate of AssetMark, may be used by Adviser and its clients on the Platform. Except as
noted, Adviser will typically select the Custodian to be used.
Adviser assists the client in selecting the risk/return objective and Portfolio Strategists that
best suit the client’s objectives. The client then specifically directs the account to be
invested in accordance with the chosen investment solution. When the client selects the
investment solutions, the client further directs that the account be automatically adjusted
to reflect any adjustment in the asset allocation by the selected Portfolio Strategist. This
client authorization results in the purchase and sale of certain mutual funds or ETF’s (or
transfers between variable annuity sub-accounts) without further authorization by the
client or any other party at such time as the Portfolio Strategist changes the composition of
the selected model asset allocation.
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• Directed Brokerage
The client receives confirmations of all transactions in the account and is free to terminate
participation in the Platform and retain or dispose of any assets in the account at any time.
Adviser has no authority to cause any purchase or sale of securities in any client account, or
change the selected model asset allocation or to direct the account to be invested in any
manner other than as previously authorized by the client.
• Best Execution
We do not allow directed brokerage.
• Soft Dollar Arrangements
Investment advisors who manage or supervise client portfolios on a discretionary
basis have a fiduciary obligation of best execution. The determination of what may
constitute best execution and price in the execution of a securities transaction by a
broker involves a number of considerations and is subjective. Factors affecting
brokerage selection include the overall direct net economic result to the portfolios,
the efficiency with which the transaction is effected, the ability to effect the
transaction where a large block is involved, the operational facilities of the broker-
dealer, the value of an ongoing relationship with such broker and the financial
strength and stability of the broker. The firm does not receive any portion of the
trading fees.
The Securities and Exchange Commission defines soft dollar practices as
arrangement under which products or services other than execution services are
obtained by us from or through a broker-dealer in exchange for directing client
transactions to the broker-dealer. As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, we receive economic benefits as a result of commissions
generated from securities transactions by the broker-dealer from the accounts of
our client. These benefits include both proprietary research from the broker and
other research written by third parties.
Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
A conflict of interest exists when Adviser receives soft dollars. This conflict is
mitigated by disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to act in
the best interest of her clients and the services received are beneficial to all clients.
Adviser may aggregate purchases and sales and other transactions made for the account
with purchases and sales and transactions in the same securities for other Clients of
Adviser. All clients participating in the aggregated order shall receive an average share
price with all other transaction costs shared on a pro-rated basis.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and Advisory
Persons Involved
Account reviews are performed monthly by Investment Advisor Representatives of
Adviser. Account reviews may be performed more frequently when market conditions
dictate.
Financial plans are considered complete when the plan is delivered to the client.
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Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency
Other conditions that may trigger a review of clients’ accounts are changes in the tax laws,
new investment information, and changes in a client's own situation.
Clients receive account statements no less than quarterly for managed accounts. Account
statements are issued by the Adviser’s custodian. Client receives confirmations of each
transaction in account from Custodian and an additional statement during any month in
which a transaction occurs. Adviser does not provide written reports to the client.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Economic benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and Conflicts
of Interest
Our firm may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with Schwab, to
maintain custody of Clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. Our firm is
independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Schwab.
Our firm places trades for its Clients' accounts subject to its duty to seek best execution and
its other fiduciary duties. Our firm may use broker-dealers other than Schwab to execute
trades for client accounts maintained at Schwab, but this practice may result in additional
costs to clients so that we are more likely to place trades through Schwab rather than other
broker-dealers. Schwab and Pershing's execution quality may be different than other
broker-dealers.
For our client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab generally does not charge
separately for custody services but is compensated by account holders through
commissions or other transaction- related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are
executed through them or that settle into their accounts.
Some of the products, services and other benefits provided by Schwab benefit us and may
not benefit our firm's client accounts. Our recommendation/requirement that a client place
assets in Schwab’s custody may be based in part on benefits they provide to us, and not
solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and execution services provided by them.
They also make available to our firm other products and services that benefit us but may
not benefit clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional or specific to
our firm, educational events organized and/or sponsored by Schwab Institutional. Other
potential benefits may include occasional business entertainment of personnel of our firm
by Schwab Institutional, including meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf
tournaments, and other forms of entertainment, some of which may accompany
educational opportunities. Other of these products and services assist us in managing and
administering clients’ accounts. These include software and other technology (and related
technological training) that provide access to client account data (such as trade
confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade execution (and allocation of
aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), provide research, pricing
information and other market data, facilitate payment of our fees from its clients’ accounts,
and assist with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping and client
reporting. Many of these services generally may be used to service all or some substantial
number of our firm’s accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab Institutional.
They also make available to us other services intended to help our firm manage and further
develop its business enterprise. These services may include professional compliance, legal
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and business consulting, publications and conferences on practice management,
information technology, business succession, regulatory compliance, employee benefits
providers, human capital consultants, insurance and marketing. In addition, they may make
available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these types of services rendered to our firm by
independent third parties. They may discount or waive fees they would otherwise charge
for some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees of a third-party providing these
services to us. While, as a fiduciary, Our firm endeavors to act in its clients’ best interests,
our recommendation/requirement that clients maintain their assets in accounts at Schwab
may be based in part on the benefit to our firm of the availability of some of the foregoing
products and services and other arrangements and not solely on the nature, cost or quality
of custody and brokerage services provided by them, which may create a potential conflict
of interest.
From time-to-time our firm may make an error in submitting a trade order on a client’s
behalf. When this occurs, we may place a correcting trade with the broker-dealer which has
custody of the client’s account. If an investment gain results from the correcting trade, the
gain will remain in the client’s account unless the same error involved other client
account(s) that should have received the gain, it is not permissible for the client to retain
the gain, or our firm confers with the client and the client decides to forego the gain (e.g.,
due to tax reasons). If the gain does not remain in the client’s account and Schwab is the
custodian, Schwab will donate the amount of any gain $100 and over to charity. If a loss
occurs greater than $100, we will pay for the loss. Schwab will maintain the loss or gain (if
such gain is not retained in the client’s account) if it is under $100 to minimize and offset
its administrative time and expense. Generally, if related trade errors result in both gains
and losses in the client’s account, they may be netted.
With respect to the AssetMark Platform, Adviser may, subject to negotiation with
AssetMark, receive certain allowances, reimbursements or services from AssetMark in
connection with Adviser’s investment advisory services to its clients, as described below
and in further detail in the Appendix 1 of the AssetMark Platform Disclosure Brochure.
for
Under AssetMark's Business Development Allowance program, Adviser may receive a
quarterly business development
reimbursement of qualified
allowance
marketing/practice development expenses incurred by Adviser. Those amounts vary
depending on the value of the assets on the AssetMark Platform held by Clients of Adviser.
MARKETING SUPPORT FOR ADVISOR
Adviser may enter into marketing arrangements with AssetMark whereby Adviser receives
compensation and/or allowances in amounts based either upon a percentage of the value
of new or existing Account assets of Clients referred to AssetMark by Adviser, or a flat
dollar amount.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT SUPPORT FOR ADVISOR
AssetMark may sponsor annual conferences for participating Financial Advisory Firms
and/or Financial Advisers designed to facilitate and promote the success of the Financial
Advisory Firm and/or Financial Adviser and/or AssetMark advisory services.
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
DISCOUNTED FEES FOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Adviser may receive discounted pricing from AssetMark for practice management and
marketing related tools and services.
Adviser does not compensate for client referrals.
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Item 15: Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians, which means the custodians provide account
statements directly to clients at their address of record at least quarterly. Clients are urged
to compare the account statements received directly from their custodians to the
performance report statements prepared by Adviser.
Adviser is deemed to have constructive custody solely because advisory fees are directly
deducted from client’s account by the custodian on behalf of Adviser.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
Adviser accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients.
Adviser has the authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, the
securities to be bought or sold, and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold. The
client will authorize Adviser discretionary authority to execute selected investment
program transactions as stated within the Investment Advisory Agreement.
The client approves the custodian to be used and the commission rates paid to the
custodian. Adviser does not receive any portion of the transaction fees or commissions paid
by the client to the custodian on certain trades.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
Adviser does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own proxies.
The client will receive their proxies directly from the custodian of their account or from a
transfer agent.
Item 18: Financial Information
Balance Sheet
Bankruptcy Petitions during the Past Ten Years
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because Adviser does not serve as a
custodian for client funds or securities and Adviser does not require prepayment of fees of
more than $1200 per client and six months or more in advance.
No bankruptcy petitions to report.
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S U P E R V I S E D P E R S O N B R O C H U R E
F O R M A D V P A R T 2 B
Barbara Williams
Office Address:
1925 Palomar Oaks Way
#107
Carlsbad CA 92008
Tel:760-431-3040
Facsimile: 760-931-5719
barbara.williams@financialfocusllc.com
This brochure supplement provides information about Barbara Williams and supplements
the Financial Focus LLC’s brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure.
Please contact Barbara Williams if you did not receive the brochure or if you have any
questions about the contents of this supplement.
J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 6
Additional information about Barbara Williams (Individual CRD#1050277) is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
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Financial Focus LLC
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV)
Supervised Person Brochure
Principal Executive Officer
Barbara J Williams
•
Item 2 Educational Background and Business Experience
Year of birth: 1959
•
Educational Background:
Drexel University; BS, Business Administration; 1982
•
Business Experience:
•
Osaic Wealth, Inc.; Registered Representative; 2024 - Present
•
Financial Focus LLC; Member/CCO/Investment Advisor Representative; 2015 –
Present
•
Hovis-Williams, Inc.; Co-Owner; 2015 – Present
•
Barbara Williams, Sole Proprietor; 1982 - Present
•
Securities America, Inc.; Registered Representative; 2017 - 2024
•
Self Employed; Certified Financial Planner; 1982 – 2015
•
Financial Focus; Partner/Investment Advisor Representative; 1989 – 2016
•
National Planning Corporation; Investment Advisor Representative/Registered
Representative; 2000 – 2017
•
MONY Securities; Registered Representative; 1988 – 2000
•
First Liberty Securities; Registered Representative; 1983 – 1988
Professional Certifications
IDS; Registered Representative; 1982 - 1983
Employees have earned certifications and credentials that are required to be explained in
further detail.
®
, CFP
®
and federally registered CFP (with flame
marks”) are professional certification marks granted
™
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
design) marks (collectively, the “CFP
in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
®
®
®
certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation
The CFP
requires financial planners to hold CFP
certification. It is recognized in the United States
and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2)
stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that
govern professional engagements with clients. Currently, more than 62,000 individuals
have obtained CFP
certification in the United States.
®
marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the
•
To attain the right to use the CFP
following requirements:
Education – Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the
financial planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as
necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services,
and attain a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or
19
Financial Focus LLC
•
®
•
Standards of Professional Conduct
•
, a set of
®
university (or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial
planning subject areas include insurance planning and risk management, employee
benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning,
and estate planning;
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP
Certification Examination. The
examination, administered in 10 hours over a two-day period, includes case studies
and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to correctly diagnose financial
planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of financial planning to real world
circumstances;
Experience – Complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related
experience (or the equivalent, measured as 2,000 hours per year); and
Ethics – Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s
documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP
professionals.
®
•
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and
ethics requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP
marks:
Standards of
Code of Ethics
Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two
Professional Conduct
years, including two hours on the
and other parts of the
, to maintain competence and keep up with developments in the
Standards of Professional Conduct.
•
Standards
prominently require that CFP
®
professionals provide financial
professionals
®
®
Item 3 Disciplinary Information
certification.
financial planning field; and
Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the
®
The
planning services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP
must provide financial planning services in the best interests of their clients.
CFP
professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements
may be subject to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in
suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP
Item 4 Other Business Activities
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report.
Administrative Proceeding: None to report.
Self-Regulatory Organization Proceeding: None to report.
Ms. Williams is a registered representative with Osaic Wealth, Inc., a registered broker-
dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC. She spends approximately 20% of her time on this
activity. Ms. Williams is also an independent insurance agent. Less than 5% of her time is
spent on this activity. From time to time, she offers clients advice or products from these
activities. Ms. Williams may receive normal and customary commissions as a result of
securities and insurance transactions.
These practices represent conflicts of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend
products based on the commission amount received. This conflict is mitigated by
disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to place the best interest of the
clients first and clients are not required to purchase any products. Clients have the option
to purchase these products through another registered representative or insurance agent
of their choosing.
Ms. Williams is Co-Owner of Hovis-Willams, Inc. This business is set up solely to own her
portion of Financial Focus, LLC. This entity offers no services, therefore, there is no conflict
of interest.
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Financial Focus LLC
Item 5 Performance Based Fee Description
Item 6 Supervision
Ms. Williams receives commission from the sale of securities products, but she does not
receive performance based fees.
Since Ms. Williams is the Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Focus LLC, she is ultimately
responsible for all supervision and formulation and monitoring of investment advice
offered to clients. She will adhere to the policies and procedures as described in the firm’s
Compliance Manual.
Ms. Williams can be reached at 760-431-3040.
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Financial Focus LLC
Additional Brochure: ADV2A, APPENDIX 1 AND 2B (2026-01-29)
View Document Text
W R A P F E E P R O G R A M B R O C H U R E
Wrap Fee Program
Office Address:
1925 Palomar Oaks Way
#107
Carlsbad CA 92008
Tel: 760-431-3040
Facsimile: 760-931-5719
www.financialfocusllc.com
J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 6
This Wrap Fee brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Financial Focus LLC Being registered as a registered investment adviser
does not imply a certain level of skill or training. If you have any questions about the
contents of this brochure, please contact us at 760-431-3040. The information in this
Wrap Fee brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Financial Focus LLC (CRD#282177) is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
i
Financial Focus LLC
Item 2: Material Changes
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually or when material
Material Changes since the Last Update
changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure.
•
Since the last filing on August 25, 2025, the following has been updated:
•
Item 6 has been updated to disclose the use of Sub-Advisors.
Address update throughout.
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Financial Focus LLC
Item 3: Table of Contents
Form ADV – Part 2A Appendix 1 – Firm Brochure
Item 1: Cover Page
Item 2: Material Changes .................................................................................................................... ii
Annual Update ................................................................................................................................................. ii
Item 3: Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... iii
Material Changes since the Last Update ............................................................................................... ii
Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation ..................................................................................... 1
Firm Description ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Program Services ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 5: Account Requirements and Types of Clients ................................................................ 2
Program Fees ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Account Minimum ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation ................................................................ 3
Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Portfolio Manager .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Conflicts of Interest ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Advisory Business.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................................................... 5
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ...................................................... 5
Item 7: Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers .................................................. 7
Proxy Voting..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Item 8: Client Contact with Portfolio Managers ......................................................................... 7
Description ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Item 9: Additional Information ........................................................................................................ 7
Restrictions ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................................. 7
Criminal or Civil Actions ............................................................................................................................. 7
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings ........................................................................................... 7
Financial Focus LLC
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings ............................................................... 7
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration .................................................................................. 7
Futures or Commodity Registration ....................................................................................................... 7
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ......................................................................... 7
Code of Ethics Description ......................................................................................................................... 8
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of
Interest ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
Interest ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
Transactions and Conflicts of Interest ................................................................................................... 9
Review of Accounts ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts and Advisory Persons Involved .............. 9
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis ............................................................................ 9
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency ......................................................................... 9
Client Referrals and Other Compensation............................................................................................ 9
Economic benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and Conflicts of
Interest ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals ...................................................................................10
Financial Information .................................................................................................................................10
Balance Sheet .................................................................................................................................................10
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV) .......................................................................... 12
Bankruptcy Petitions during the Past Ten Years .............................................................................10
Principal Executive Officer .......................................................................................................................12
Barbara J Williams .......................................................................................................................................12
Item 2 Educational Background and Business Experience .........................................................12
Professional Certifications .......................................................................................................................12
Item 3 Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................13
Item 4 Other Business Activities ............................................................................................................13
Item 5 Performance Based Fee Description ......................................................................................13
Item 6 Supervision ......................................................................................................................................14
Financial Focus LLC
Item 4: Services, Fees and Compensation
Firm Description
Financial Focus LLC (“Advisor,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) was formed in 2015 and offers a wrap fee
program to our advisory clients. Our wrap fee accounts are managed on an individualized
basis according to the client’s investment objectives, financial goals, and risk tolerance. Our
firm does not utilize outside portfolio managers. All accounts are managed by our in-house
professionals. Our wrap advisory services and fees are further described below.
This disclosure brochure is limited to describing the Program and other information that
clients should consider prior to establishing an account in the Program. For a complete
description of other programs and services offered by Advisor, clients should refer to
Advisor’s Form ADV Part 2A, a copy of which will be provided by Advisor to client upon
Program Services
request.
Our comprehensive asset management service encompasses asset management as well as
providing financial planning/financial consulting to clients. It is designed to assist clients in
meeting their financial goals through the use of financial investments. We conduct at least one
(1), but sometimes more than one (1) meeting (in person if possible, otherwise via telephone
conference) with clients in order to understand their current financial situation, existing
resources, financial goals, and tolerance for risk. Based on what we learn, we propose an
investment approach to the client. We may propose an investment portfolio, consisting of
exchange traded funds, mutual funds, individual stocks or bonds, or other securities. Upon the
client’s agreement to the proposed investment plan, we work with the client to establish or
transfer investment accounts so that we can manage the client’s portfolio. Once the relevant
accounts are under our management, we review such accounts on a regular basis and at least
quarterly. We may periodically rebalance or adjust client accounts under our management. If
the client experiences any significant changes to his/her financial or personal circumstances,
the client must notify us so that we can consider such information in managing the client’s
Program Fees
investments.
Assets Under Management
Annual Percentage of assets charged*
Our annual fees for investment management services shall be based on the market value of
the assets under management and shall be calculated as follows:
Up to $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
1.5%
Negotiable
*Fees for Accounts under $1,000,000 are typically charged 1.5% however for more complex
portfolios requiring more extensive ongoing research; we reserve the right to charge a
maximum of 1.9% annually. Our firm’s fees are billed on a pro-rata annualized basis quarterly
in advance based on the value of your account on the last day of the previous quarter. If
margin is utilized, the fees will be billed based on the net asset value of the account. If cash
and/or securities are deposited into or withdrawn from an existing account mid billing period
a prorated fee will be charged for that portion of the account. The net difference of the
recalculated fees and the prior fees paid, if there are multiple such events in the same billing
period, will be combined at the next billing period and therefore may result in a credit or debit
to the account. Fees are negotiable based on the complexity and size of the account. Fees will
be automatically deducted from your managed account through Schwab. As part of this
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Financial Focus LLC
process, you understand and acknowledge the following:
a)
Schwab send statements at least quarterly to you showing all disbursements for your
account, including the amount of the advisory fees paid to us;
b)
You provide authorization permitting us to be directly paid by these terms;
c)
If we send a copy of our invoice to you, we send a copy of our invoice to the custodian
at the same time we send the invoice to you;
d)
Our invoice includes a legend in accordance with our States’ statutes and rules.*
*The legend urges the client to compare information provided in their statements with those
from the custodian in account opening notices and subsequent statements sent to the client
for whom the adviser opens custodial accounts with Schwab.
A wrap fee programs allows our clients to pay a specified fee for investment advisory services
and the execution of transactions. The advisory services may include portfolio management,
and the fee is not based directly upon transactions in your account. Your fee is bundled with
our costs for executing transactions in your account(s). We do not charge our clients higher
advisory fees based on their trading activity, but you should be aware that we may have an
incentive to limit our trading activities in your account(s) because we are charged for
executed trades. By participating in a wrap fee program, you may end up paying more or less
than you would through a non-wrap fee program elsewhere where a lower advisory fee is
charged, but trade execution costs are passed directly through to you by the executing broker.
You may pay custodial fees for accounts held at Custodians with which our firm does not have
a relationship, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund, index fund, or exchange traded
fund which shall be disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (i.e., fund management fees and other
fund expenses), mark-ups and mark-downs, spreads paid to market makers, wire transfer fees
and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. These fees are not
included within the wrap-fee you are charged by our firm.
Our investment advisory representatives receive a portion of the advisory fee that you pay us,
either directly as a percentage of your overall fee or as their salary from our firm. In cases
where our investment advisory representatives are paid a percentage of your overall advisory
fee, this may create an incentive to recommend that you participate in a wrap fee program
rather than a non-wrap fee program (where you would pay for trade execution costs) or
brokerage account where commissions are charged. This is because, in some cases, we may
stand to earn more compensation from advisory fees paid to us through a wrap fee program
arrangement if your account is not actively traded.
Item 5: Account Requirements and Types of Clients
Account Minimum
Types of Clients
We do not require a minimum to open an account.
Advisor offers investment advice primarily to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, 401(k) Plans and businesses.
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Financial Focus LLC
Item 6: Portfolio Manager Selection and Evaluation
Portfolio Manager
We are both the sponsor and portfolio manager of the wrap fee program.
When deemed appropriate for the client, Advisor may hire Sub-Advisors (“Advisor”) to manage
all or a portion of the assets in the client account. Sub-advisors and/or money manager(s) will
maintain the models or investment strategies agreed upon between Sub-advisor and Advisor.
By entering into the investment advisory agreement with Advisor, client gives Sub-advisor and
money manager(s) discretionary authority to execute trades on behalf of Advisor in client
accounts (as applicable). Advisor will be responsible for the overall direct relationship with the
client. Advisor has full authority to hire and fire sub-advisors and/or money managers at
Advisor’s discretion.
Advisor will remove and recommend the replacement of a Platform portfolio manager for the
following reasons:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Conflicts of Interest
Regulatory issues
Significant personnel departures
Significant departure from the strategy’s investment mandate
Persistent underperformance against an objective comparable benchmark
Closing of an investment strategy to new accounts for an indefinite time period
Persistent operational integrity issues
Persistent operational protocol difficulties not remedied
Discontinuance of composite performance reporting
Other significant issues as Advisor becomes aware
Advisor may also utilize the services of a Sub-Advisor to manage Clients’ investment
portfolios. Sub-Advisors will maintain the models or investment strategies agreed upon
between Sub-Advisor and Advisor. Sub-Advisors execute all trades on behalf of Advisor in
Client accounts. Advisor will be responsible for the overall direct relationship with the Client.
Advisor retains the authority to terminate the Sub-Advisor relationship at Advisor’s
discretion.
This practice represents a conflict of interest as Advisor may select Sub-Advisors who charge
a lower fee for their services than other Sub-Advisors. This conflict is mitigated by disclosures,
procedures, and by the fact that Advisor has a fiduciary duty to place the best interest of the
Client first and will adhere to their code of ethics.
In establishing a Program account, client elects to appoint Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”)as the sole and exclusive broker/dealer and Custodian with respect to processing
securities transactions for the Program account. Advisor does not maintain custody of client
assets.
Securities transactions for Program account(s) are effected without commissions being
charged to client. While Advisor makes every attempt to obtain the best execution possible,
there is no assurance that it will be obtained. Clients should consider whether or not the
appointment of Schwab as the sole broker/dealer and Custodian may or may not result in
certain costs or disadvantages to the client as a result of possibly less favorable executions. In
considering whether or not to restrict the execution of transactions through Schwab, Advisor
considered their capabilities.
Although client will not be charged a transaction charge for transactions through Schwab,
client should be aware that Advisor will be required to pay transaction charges to Schwab.
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Financial Focus LLC
The transaction charges borne by Advisor vary based on the type of transactions (e.g., mutual
fund, equity or fixed income security) and for mutual funds based on whether or not the
mutual fund pays 12b-1 fees and/or subtransfer agent fees that are retained by Schwab in
amounts sufficient to cover the majority of trading costs. Client should understand that the
cost to Advisor of transaction charges may be a factor the Advisor considers when deciding
which securities to select and whether or not to place transactions in a Program account.
No agency-cross transactions or principal transactions are effected by Advisor in Program
accounts.
Advisor may aggregate transactions for a client with other clients to improve the quality of
execution. When transactions are so aggregated, the actual prices applicable to the aggregated
transactions will be averaged, and the client will be deemed to have purchased or sold its
proportionate share of the securities involved at the average price obtained.
Advisor may receive support services and/or products from Schwab, which assist the Advisor
to better monitor and service Program accounts maintained at Schwab. These support
services and/or products may be received without cost, at a discount, and/or at another
negotiated rate, and may include investment-related research, pricing information and market
data, software and other technology that provide access to client account data, compliance
and/or practice management-related publications, consulting services, attendance at
conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support,
computer hardware and/or software and/or other products used by Advisor in furtherance of
its investment advisory business operations. Clients do not pay more for services as a result of
this arrangement. There is no corresponding commitment made by the Advisor to Schwab or
any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific
securities as a result of the arrangement.
Advisor and advisory representatives may receive additional non-cash compensation from
product sponsors. Compensation may include such items as gifts valued at less than $100
annually, an occasional dinner or ticket to a sporting event, or reimbursement in connection
with educational meetings or marketing or advertising initiatives.
The Program may cost the client more or less than purchasing Program services separately.
Factors that bear upon the cost of the Program account in relation to the cost of the same
services purchased separately include: the type and size of the account, the historical and/or
expected size or number of trades for the account, and the number and range of
supplementary advisory and client related services provided to the account.
The Annual Fee is an ongoing fee for investment advisory services and may cost the client
more than if the assets were held in a traditional brokerage account. In a brokerage account, a
client is charged a commission for each transaction and the representative has no duty to
provide ongoing advice with respect to the account. If the client plans to follow a buy and hold
strategy for the account or does not wish to purchase ongoing investment advice or
management services, the client should consider opening a brokerage account rather than a
Program account.
Advisor receives compensation as a result of the client’s participation in the Program. The
amount of this compensation may be more or less than what Advisor would receive if the
client participated in other programs or paid separately for investment advice, brokerage and
other client services. Therefore, Advisor may have a financial incentive to recommend the
Program account over other programs and services.
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Financial Focus LLC
,Members, have relationships with various insurance companies. In such capacity, they may
receive normal and customary commissions as a result of insurance sales outside of Program
Advisory Business
account.
Advisor offers clients an asset management account through the Program in which Advisor
directs and manages Program assets for client. Advisor also offers Financial Planning services
and Asset Management services offered as a Non Wrap Program described in detail in Form
ADV Part 2A. By offering both a Wrap Fee Program and a Non Wrap Fee Program creates a
conflict of interest as Advisor may receive higher fees under the Wrap Fee Program. To
mitigate this conflict, Advisor and client will determine which Program is best suited for the
client. Advisor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the client and will act
according to those duties.
The goals and objectives for each client are documented in our client files. Investment
strategies are created that reflect the stated goals and objective. Clients may impose
Sharing of Capital Gains
restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of managed
securities, but rather on a percentage of assets under management.
Advisor does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential conflict of
interest. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client.
Advisor may utilize the following when managing client’s assets:
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating a stock using real data such as company revenues,
earnings, return on equity, and profits margins to determine underlying value and potential
growth. Technical analysis involves evaluating securities based on past prices and volume.
Cyclical analysis involves analyzing the cycles of the market. Charting analysis involves
reviewing charts of market and security activity in an attempt to identify how the market is
moving and predict how long the trend will last.
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Fundamental
analysis may involve interest rate risk, market risk, business risk, and financial risk. Risks
involved in technical analysis are inflation risk, reinvestment risk, and market risk. Cyclical
analysis involves inflation risk, market risk, and currency risk.
Interest-rate Risk
•
Our investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the
following investment risks and should discuss these risks with Adviser:
• Market Risk
: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to
fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less
attractive, causing their market values to decline.
•
: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to
tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external
factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For example,
Inflation Risk
political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more than a
dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
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Financial Focus LLC
• Currency Risk
• Reinvestment Risk
: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the
dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also
referred to as exchange rate risk.
• Business Risk
: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to
be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily
relates to fixed income securities.
• Liquidity Risk
: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular
company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil
and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a
higher risk of profitability than an electric company which generates its income from a
steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic
environment is like.
• Financial Risk
: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized
product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are
not.
• Options Trading
: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk
of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good
times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations
may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
• Trading on Margin:
: The risks involved with trading options are that they are very time
sensitive investments. An options contract is generally a few months. Clients should be
aware that the use of options involves additional risks. The risks of covered call writing
include the potential for the market to rise sharply. In such case, the security may be
called away and the account will no longer hold the security. When purchasing options
there is the risk that the entire premium paid for the option can be lost if the option is
not exercised or otherwise sold prior to the option’s expiration date. When selling
(“writing”) options, the risk of loss can be much greater if the options are written
uncovered (“naked”). The risk of loss can far exceed the amount of the premium
received for an uncovered option and in the case of an uncovered call option the
potential loss is unlimited.
In a cash account, the risk is limited to the amount of money that
has been invested. In a margin account, risk includes the amount of money invested
plus the amount that has been loaned. As market conditions fluctuate, the value of
marginable securities will also fluctuate, causing a change in the overall account
balance and debt ratio. As a result, if the value of the securities held in a margin
account depreciates, the client will be required to deposit additional cash or make full
payment of the margin loan to bring account back up to maintenance levels. Clients
who cannot comply with such a margin call may be sold out or bought in by the
brokerage firm.
Proxy Voting
Advisor does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own proxies.
The client will receive their proxies directly from the custodian of their account or from a
transfer agent.
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Financial Focus LLC
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the client
during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time. Each client executes
an Investment Policy Statement or Risk Tolerance that documents their objectives and their
desired investment strategy.
Item 7: Client Information Provided to Portfolio Managers
Description
Advisor obtains the necessary financial data from the client and assists the client in setting
appropriate investment objectives for the Program account. Advisor obtains updated
information from the client as necessary in order to provide personalized investment advice
to the client.
Client will be required to enter into a written agreement with Advisor in order to establish a
Program account. Client will also be required to complete an application with the
broker/dealer that will act as Schwab for Program account assets.
Item 8: Client Contact with Portfolio Managers
Restrictions
There are no restrictions placed on clients’ ability to contact and consult with the portfolio
managers.
Item 9: Additional Information
Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Actions
Advisor and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil action.
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
Advisor and its management have not been involved in administrative enforcement
proceedings.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
Advisor and its management have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to
past or present investment clients.
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Neither Advisor nor any of its employees are affiliated with a broker-dealer.
Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither Advisor nor its employees are registered or have an application pending to register as
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading advisor.
Affiliated person(s) of Advisor are also registered representatives of an unaffiliated broker-
dealer. From time to time they may offer client’s products from these activities. As registered
representatives, they may receive separate yet typical compensation in the form of
commissions and/or fees for the sale of securities products and advisory services.
Affiliated persons are also an independent insurance agents. From time to time, they offer
clients advice or products from this activity. They may receive separate yet typical
compensation in the form of commissions for the sale of insurance products.
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Financial Focus LLC
These practices represent conflicts of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend
products based on the commission amount received. This conflict is mitigated by disclosures,
procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to place the best interest of the client first and
will act according to these duties. Clients are not required to purchase any products. Clients
have the option to purchase these products through another broker-dealer and/or insurance
agent of their choosing.
Code of Ethics Description
The employees of Advisor have committed to a Code of Ethics (“Code”). The purpose of our
Code is to set forth standards of conduct expected of Advisor employees and addresses
conflicts that may arise. The Code defines acceptable behavior for employees of Advisor. The
Code reflects Advisor and its supervised persons’ responsibility to act in the best interest of
their client.
One area which the Code addresses is when employees buy or sell securities for their personal
accounts and how to mitigate any conflict of interest with our clients. We do not allow any
employees to use non-public material information for their personal profit or to use internal
research for their personal benefit in conflict with the benefit to our clients.
Advisor’s policy prohibits any person from acting upon or otherwise misusing non-public or
inside information. No advisory representative or other employee, officer or director of
Advisor may recommend any transaction in a security or its derivative to advisory clients or
engage in personal securities transactions for a security or its derivatives if the advisory
representative possesses material, non-public information regarding the security.
Advisor’s Code is based on the guiding principle that the interests of the client are our top
priority. Advisor’s officers, directors, advisors, and other employees have a fiduciary duty to
our clients and must diligently perform that duty to maintain the complete trust and
confidence of our clients. When a conflict arises, it is our obligation to put the client’s interests
over the interests of either employees or the company.
The Code applies to “access” persons. “Access” persons are employees who have access to
non-public information regarding any clients' purchase or sale of securities, or non-public
information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, who are involved in
making securities recommendations to clients, or who have access to such recommendations
that are non-public.
The firm will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon
request.
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of Interest
Advisor and its employees do not recommend to clients securities in which we have a material
financial interest.
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of Interest
Advisor and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients. In order to
avoid conflicts of interest such as front running of client trades, employees are required to
disclose all reportable securities transactions as well as provide Advisor with copies of their
brokerage statements.
The Chief Compliance Officer of Advisor is Barbara Williams. She reviews all employee trades
each quarter. The personal trading reviews ensure that the personal trading of employees
does not affect the markets and that clients of the firm receive preferential treatment. Since
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Financial Focus LLC
most employee trades are in products such as mutual funds, government securities, bonds or
are small in size, they do not impact the securities markets.
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
Advisor does not maintain a firm proprietary trading account and does not have a material
financial interest in any securities being recommended and therefore no conflicts of interest
exist. However, employees may buy or sell securities at the same time they buy or sell
securities for clients. In order to mitigate conflicts of interest such as front running, employees
are required to disclose all reportable securities transactions as well as provide Advisor with
copies of their brokerage statements.
Review of Accounts
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts and Advisory Persons Involved
Account reviews are performed monthly or quarterly depending on the nature of the account
and client relationship. All reviews are conducted by Barbara Williams. Account reviews are
performed more frequently when market conditions dictate.
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
Other conditions that may trigger a review of clients’ accounts are changes in the tax laws,
new investment information, and changes in a client's own situation.
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency
Clients receive account statements usually on a monthly basis, but no less than quarterly for
managed accounts. Advisor does not provide written reports to the client
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Economic benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and Conflicts of
Interest
Our firm may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with, to maintain custody
of Clients’ assets and to effect trades for their accounts. Our firm is independently owned and
operated and not affiliated with Schwab. Our firm may also recommend that Clients establish
accounts with firms other than Schwab or Pershing.
Our firm places trades for its Clients' accounts subject to its duty to seek best execution and its
other fiduciary duties. Our firm may use broker-dealers other than Schwab to execute trades
for client accounts maintained at Schwab, but this practice may result in additional costs to
clients so that we are more likely to place trades through Schwab rather than other broker-
dealers. Schwab and Pershing's execution quality may be different than other broker-dealers.
For our client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab generally does not charge
separately for custody services but are compensated by account holders through commissions
or other transaction- related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed
through or that settle into clientaccounts.
Some of the products, services and other benefits provided by Schwab benefit us and may not
benefit our firm's client accounts. Our recommendation/requirement that a client place assets
in Schwab’s custody may be based in part on benefits provided to us, and not solely on the
nature, cost or quality of custody and execution services provided by Schwab.
Schwab also make available to our firm other products and services that benefit us but may
not benefit clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional or specific to our
firm, educational events organized and/or sponsored by Schwab Institutional. Other potential
benefits may include occasional business entertainment of personnel of our firm by Schwab
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Financial Focus LLC
Institutional, including meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf tournaments, and
other forms of entertainment, some of which may accompany educational opportunities.
Other of these products and services assist us in managing and administering clients’
accounts. These include software and other technology (and related technological training)
that provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements), facilitate trade execution (and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple
client accounts), provide research, pricing information and other market data, facilitate
payment of our fees from its clients’ accounts, and assist with back-office training and support
functions, recordkeeping and client reporting. Many of these services generally may be used
to service all or some substantial number of our firm’s accounts, including accounts not
maintained at Schwab Institutional. Schwab Institutional also makes available to us other
services intended to help our firm manage and further develop its business enterprise. These
services may include professional compliance, legal and business consulting, publications and
conferences on practice management,
information technology, business succession,
regulatory compliance, employee benefits providers, human capital consultants, insurance
and marketing. In addition, they may make available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these
types of services rendered to our firm by independent third parties. They may discount or
waive fees they would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of the
fees of a third-party providing these services to us. While, as a fiduciary, Our firm endeavors
to act in its clients’ best interests, our recommendation/requirement that clients maintain
their assets in accounts at Schwab may be based in part on the benefit to our firm of the
availability of some of the foregoing products and services and other arrangements and not
solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab ,
which may create a potential conflict of interest.
From time-to-time our firm may make an error in submitting a trade order on a client’s behalf.
When this occurs, we may place a correcting trade with the broker-dealer which has custody
of the client’s account. If an investment gain results from the correcting trade, the gain will
remain in the client’s account unless the same error involved other client account(s) that
should have received the gain, it is not permissible for the client to retain the gain, or our firm
confers with the client and the client decides to forego the gain (e.g., due to tax reasons). If the
gain does not remain in the client’s account and Schwab is the custodian, Schwab will donate
the amount of any gain $100 and over to charity. If a loss occurs greater than $100, we will
pay for the loss. Schwab will maintain the loss or gain (if such gain is not retained in the
client’s account) if it is under $100 to minimize and offset its administrative time and expense.
Generally, if related trade errors result in both gains and losses in the client’s account, they
may be netted.
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
Advisor does compensate for employees for client referrals. The fees charged to the clients are
Financial Information
not increased because of the referral fees paid.
Balance Sheet
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because Adviser does not serve as a Schwab for
client funds or securities and Advisor does not require prepayment of fees of more than
$1200 per client and six (6) months or more in advance.
Bankruptcy Petitions during the Past Ten Years
Neither Advisor nor its management has had any bankruptcy petitions in the last ten years.
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Financial Focus LLC
S U P E R V I S E D P E R S O N B R O C H U R E
F O R M A D V P A R T 2 B
Barbara Williams
Office Address:
1925 Palomar Oaks Way
#107
Carlsbad CA 92008
Tel:
Facsimile:
760-431-3040
barbara.williams@financialfocusllc.com
760-931-5719
This Wrap Fee brochure supplement provides information about Barbara Williams and
supplements the Financial Focus LLC’s brochure. You should have received a copy of that
brochure. Please contact Barbara Williams if you did not receive the brochure or if you
have any questions about the contents of this supplement.
J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 6
Additional information about Barbara Williams (Individual CRD#1050277) is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
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Financial Focus LLC
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV)
Supervised Person Brochure
Principal Executive Officer
Barbara J Williams
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Item 2 Educational Background and Business Experience
Year of birth: 1959
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Educational Background:
Drexel University; BS, Business Administration; 1982
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Business Experience:
•
•
•
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Professional Certifications
Financial Focus LLC; Member/CCO/Investment Advisor Representative; 2015 -
Present
Hovis-Williams, Inc.; Co-Owner; 2015 – Present
Osaic Wealth, Inc.; Registered Representative; 2024 - Present
Securities America, Inc.; Registered Representative; 2017 - 2024
Self Employed; Certified Financial Planner; 1982 – 2015
Financial Focus; Partner/Investment Advisor Representative; 1989 – 2016
National Planning Corporation; Investment Advisor Representative/Registered
Representative; 2000 – 2017
MONY Securities; Registered Representative; 1988 – 2000
First Liberty Securities; Registered Representative; 1983 – 1988
IDS; Registered Representative; 1982 - 1983
Employees have earned certifications and credentials that are required to be explained in
further detail.
®
, CFP
®
and federally registered CFP (with flame
marks”) are professional certification marks granted
™
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
design) marks (collectively, the “CFP
in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
®
®
®
certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation
The CFP
certification. It is recognized in the United States
requires financial planners to hold CFP
and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2)
stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that
govern professional engagements with clients. Currently, more than 62,000 individuals have
obtained CFP
certification in the United States.
®
marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the
•
To attain the right to use the CFP
following requirements:
Education – Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the
financial planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary
for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, and attain a
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or
its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial planning subject areas
include insurance planning and risk management, employee benefits planning,
investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning;
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Financial Focus LLC
•
®
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Standards of Professional Conduct
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, a set of
®
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP
Certification Examination. The
examination, administered in 10 hours over a two-day period, includes case studies
and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to correctly diagnose financial
planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of financial planning to real world
circumstances;
Experience – Complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related
experience (or the equivalent, measured as 2,000 hours per year); and
Ethics – Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s
documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP
professionals.
®
•
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics
requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP
marks:
Standards of
Code of Ethics
Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two
Professional Conduct
years, including two hours on the
and other parts of the
, to maintain competence and keep up with developments in the
Standards of Professional Conduct.
•
Standards
®
®
professionals provide financial planning
professionals must provide
®
®
Item 3 Disciplinary Information
financial planning field; and
Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the
The
prominently require that CFP
services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP
financial planning services in the best interests of their clients.
professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may
CFP
be subject to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or
certification.
permanent revocation of their CFP
Item 4 Other Business Activities
Criminal or Civil Action: None to report.
Administrative Proceeding: None to report.
Self-Regulatory Organization Proceeding: None to report.
Ms. Williams is a registered representative with Osaic Wealth, Inc. a registered broker-dealer
and Member FINRA/SIPC and a licensed insurance agent with various companies/agencies.
She spends approximately 50% 20% of her time on these activities. Ms. Williams may
receive normal and customary commissions as a result of securities and insurance
transactions
These practices represent conflicts of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend
products based on the commission amount received. This conflict is mitigated by
disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to place the best interest of the
clients first and clients are not required to purchase any products. Clients have the option to
purchase these products through another registered representative or insurance agent of
their choosing.
Item 5 Performance Based Fee Description
Ms. Williams is Co-Owner of Hovis-Willams, Inc. This business is set up solely to own her
portion of Financial Focus, LLC. This entity offers no services, therefore, there is no conflict
of interest.
Ms. Williams receives commission from the sale of securities products, but she does not
receive performance based fees.
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Financial Focus LLC
Item 6 Supervision
Since Ms. Williams is the Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Focus LLC, she is ultimately
responsible for all supervision and formulation and monitoring of investment advice offered
to clients. She will adhere to the policies and procedures as described in the firm’s
Compliance Manual.
Ms. Williams can be reached at 760-431-3040.
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Financial Focus LLC