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FORM ADV Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration Part 2A: Investment Adviser
Brochure
Item 1 Cover Page
First Financial Coaching, Inc.
144 South Main Street Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Phone: (586) 463-1880
Fax: (586) 463-1892
www.FirstFinancialCoach.com
December 18, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of First Financial
Coaching, Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at the phone
number listed above.
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. Please note, where this brochure may use the terms
"registered investment adviser" and/or "registered", registration itself does not imply a certain level of skill or
training.
Additional information about the firm and its representatives is also available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. First Financial Coaching, Inc.'s IARD number is 152070.
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Item 2 Material Changes
The purpose of this Item 2 is to disclose material changes that have been made to this Brochure since
the last annual update of this Brochure. There have been no material changes to this brochure since
the last annual amendment.
Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 1 Cover Page .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 Material Changes ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 4 Advisory Business .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Item 5 Fees and Compensation................................................................................................................................... 6
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management .................................................................... 10
Item 7 Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .............................................................. 10
Item 9 Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................................ 11
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................................ 11
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................. 12
Item 12 Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Item 13 Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation .............................................................................................. 14
Item 15 Custody ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Item 16 Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................................. 14
Item 17 Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................................ 15
Item 18 Financial Information ................................................................................................................................... 15
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Item 4 Advisory Business
First Financial Coaching, Inc. (“FFC” or the “Firm” or “us” or “we”) is a corporation founded in the State of
Michigan in 2009. We are a registered investment adviser firm with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) since August 20, 2023, and was previously a state-registered investment adviser
firm. Jeffrey Furest and Michael Sarcheck are the owners of First Financial Coaching, Inc. Additional
information about their backgrounds may be found in their Forms ADV Part 2B Brochure Supplement
or at www.firstfinancialcoach.com. FFC provides investment advisory and retirement plan consulting
services, all of which are discussed below in further detail. The products discussed throughout this
Brochure are all available on a non-wrap fee basis. Our clients consist of individuals, families, business
owners and corporations.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
FFC provides non-discretionary investment advisory services on a fee basis. FFC provides investment
advisory services specific to the needs of each client. Before providing investment advisory services, an
investment adviser representative will ascertain each client’s investment objectives. Thereafter, if
appropriate, FFC recommends the client engage Matson Money Inc., (SEC No. 801-40176) (“Matson”) and
FFC in a Co-Advisory Agreement whereby Matson will manage client assets on a discretionary basis.
Financial Analysis: FFC may provide financial consulting services (including investment and non-
investment related matters.), tailored to the individual needs of clients, using a variety of strategies on a
stand-alone separate fee basis.
Prior to engaging FFC to provide consulting services, clients are generally required to enter into an
agreement with FFC setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including termination),
describing the scope of the services to be provided and the portion of the fee that is due from the client
prior to FFC commencing services.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Non-Discretionary Service Limitations. Clients that determine to engage FFC on a non-discretionary
investment advisory basis must be willing to accept that FFC cannot effect any account transactions
without obtaining prior consent to any such transaction(s) from the client. Therefore, FFC will be unable
to effect? any account transactions without first obtaining the client’s consent.
Independent Managers. FFS is affiliated with Matson Money Inc., an investment manager. Independent
Manager(s) will have day-to-day responsibility for the active discretionary management of the allocated
assets. FFC will continue to render investment supervisory services to the client related to the ongoing
monitoring and review of account performance, asset allocation, and client investment objectives. Please
Note. The investment management fee charged by the Independent Manager[s] is separate from, and
in addition to, FFC’s investment advisory fee disclosed at Item 5 below.
Portfolio Activity. FFC has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s best interest and
portfolio activity. Clients remain subject to the fees described in Item 5 below during periods of portfolio
inactivity. Of course, as indicated below, there can be no assurance that investment decisions made by
FFC will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
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Other Assets. A client may: hold securities that were purchased at the request of the client or acquired
prior to the client’s engagement of FFC. Generally, with potential exceptions, FFC does not/would not
recommend nor follow such securities and absent mitigating tax consequences or client direction to
the contrary, would prefer to liquidate such securities.
If/when liquidated, it should not be assumed that the replacement securities through FFC will
outperform the liquidated positions. To the contrary, different types of investments involve varying
degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that future performance of any specific investment or
investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended by FFC) will
be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s). In addition, there may be other securities and/or
accounts owned by the client for which FFC does not maintain custodian access and/or trading
authority; and, hold other securities and/or own accounts for which FFC does not maintain custodian
access and/or trading authority.
Corresponding Services: When agreed to by FFC, FFC will: (1) remain available to discuss these
securities/accounts on an ongoing basis at the request of the client; (2) monitor these securities/accounts
on a regular basis; (3) will generally consider these securities as part of the client’s overall asset allocation;
and (4) include the market value of all such securities.
Cash Positions. FFC treats cash as an asset class. As such, unless determined to the contrary by FFC or
a Co-Advisor, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall be included as part of assets under
management for purposes of calculating advisory fees. In addition, while assets are maintained in cash,
such amounts could miss market advances. Depending upon current yields, at any point in time, advisory
fees could exceed the interest paid by the client’s cash positions.
Borrowing Against Assets/Risks. A client who has a need to borrow money could decide to do so by
using:
Security Backed Line of Credit
In consideration for a lender (i.e., a bank, etc.) to make a loan to the client, the client pledges
investment assets held at the account custodian as collateral.
These above-described collateralized loans are generally utilized because they typically provide more
favorable interest rates than standard commercial loans. These types of collateralized loans can assist
with a pending home purchase, permit the retirement of more expensive debt, or enable borrowing in
lieu of liquidating existing accounts and incurring capital gains taxes. However, such loans are not
without potential material risk to the client’s investment assets. The lender (i.e., custodian, bank, etc.)
will have recourse against the client’s investment assets in the event of loan default or if the assets fall
below a certain level. For this reason, FFC does not recommend such borrowing unless it is for specific
short-term purposes (i.e., a bridge loan to purchase a new residence). FFC does not recommend such
borrowing for investment purposes (i.e., to invest borrowed funds in the market). Regardless, if the client
was to determine to utilize a Security Backed Line of Credit, FFC will refer the client to a third-party
lending institution.
The Client must accept the above risks and potential corresponding consequences associated with the
use of a Security Backed Line of Credit.
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Retirement Plan Rollovers–Conflict of Interest. A client or prospective client leaving an employer typically
has four options regarding an existing retirement plan (and may engage in a combination of these
options): (i) leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new
employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement
Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s age, result
in adverse tax consequences). If FFC recommends that a client roll over their retirement plan assets into
an account to be managed by FFC, such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if FFC will earn
new (or increase its current) compensation as a result of the rollover. If FFC provides a recommendation
as to whether a client should engage in a rollover or not (whether it is from an employer’s plan or an
existing IRA), FFC is acting as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement
accounts. No client is under any obligation to roll over retirement plan assets to an account managed
by FFC, whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA.
Client Obligations. In performing its services, FFC will not be required to verify any information received
from the client or from the client’s other professionals and is expressly authorized to rely thereon.
Moreover, each client is advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify FFC if there is ever
any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating
or revising FFC’s previous recommendations and/or services.
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that FFC and its third-party
service providers use to provide services to FFC’s clients employ various controls that are designed to
prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or unintentional actions that could cause
significant interruptions in FFC’s operations and/or result in the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’
confidential or non-public personal information. In accordance with Regulation S-P, FFC is committed to
protecting the privacy and security of its clients' non-public personal information by implementing
appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. FFC has established processes to
mitigate the risks of cybersecurity incidents, including the requirement to restrict access to such sensitive
data and to monitor its systems for potential breaches. Clients and FFC are nonetheless subject to the
risk of cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or other
adverse consequences. Although FFC has established processes to reduce the risk of cybersecurity
incidents, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be successful, especially considering that
FFC does not control the cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third-party service providers,
issuers of securities, broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental and other regulatory
authorities, exchanges, and other financial market operators and providers. In compliance with
Regulation S-P, FFC will notify clients in the event of a data breach involving their non-public personal
information as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Investment Risk. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be
assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the
investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Registrant) will be profitable
or equal any specific performance level(s).
Use of Mutual Funds. FFC’s co-advisor utilizes mutual funds for client portfolios. In addition to FFC’s
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investment advisory fee described below, and transaction and/or custodial fees, clients will also incur,
relative to all mutual fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g., management fees and
other fund expenses). Matson Money’s funds are only available through a co-advisor.
Disclosure Brochure. A copy of FFC’s written Brochure and CRS, as set forth on Parts 2A and 3 of Form
ADV, respectively, will be provided to each client prior to or contemporaneously with the execution of
any new advisory agreement.
FFC will provide investment advisory services specific to the needs of each client. The client may, at any
time, impose reasonable restrictions, in writing, on FFC’s services.
As of December 31, 2024, FFC had $279,664,257 in assets under management on a discretionary
basis.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
A.
FEE SCHEDULE
INVESTMENT EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SERVICES
To the extent a client elects to enter into a Co-Advisory Agreement with FFC and Matson, FFC
will receive as compensation a portion of the revenue received by Matson for its discretionary
management of the client’s assets. Please see Matson’s Form ADV Part 2 and investment advisory
agreement for details regarding Matson quarterly charges.
Please see the termination clauses in the Co-Advisory Agreement regarding pro rata refunds of
terminated contracts, or as described in their Form ADV Part 2A as provided.
Financial Analysis
To the extent a client engages FFC to provide financial analysis services, FFC may provide these services
on either an hourly or fixed fee basis.
Hourly. Some clients utilize our financial analysis services provided based on an hourly rate
basis. Our hourly fee is billed at a rate of $150.00 per hour. The hourly fees are negotiated and
agreed upon in a written agreement with each client. Hourly fee-based clients are billed
monthly as work is completed. Either party may terminate the services within five (5) business
days’ notice. Any earned, but unpaid, fees will be promptly due upon termination.
Fixed Fees. FFC may charge a fixed fee for financial analysis services or special projects. The fixed fees
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are negotiated and will generally range from $250-$1000, but may be higher, depending upon the
complexity of services, and are agreed upon in a written agreement with each client. Either party may
terminate the services upon three days’ notice. Within five (5) business days of termination of services
by FFC or the client, prior to completion of such services, regardless of progress/work generated, 100%
(one hundred percent) of all commitment fee/financial analysis fees shall be refunded to the client.
THIRD PARTY ASSET MANAGER
Matson Money Co-Advisor Program
We work with Matson Money as our Third-Party Asset Manager (TPAM). Here’s a simplified overview of
the fees and how accounts are managed in this program:
Fund Fees & Expenses: Investments include fund-related fees such as brokerage and operating costs,
as well as fees from underlying mutual funds in which the Matson Funds invest.
Matson Money Fee: Matson Money receives a maximum of 0.50% annually on each fund’s average daily
net assets.
Advisory Fees: Clients also bear fees tied to the underlying funds managed by other advisers. No
additional advisory fees are charged by Matson Money beyond those integrated into the funds.
FFC Fees:
Annual fees are collected quarterly in advance by Matson Money on behalf of FFC.
Non-ERISA accounts are directly debited; ERISA accounts require third-party custodians to process fees.
Depending on the account size, a structured tier schedule will range from 1.4% to .25%. as negotiated.
Effective in 2018, the maximum allowable fee for all new clients is 1.2%. A flat fee schedule can be
negotiated up to 1%.
Note: Fees may vary or be reduced at the firm's discretion, and different fee structures may apply based on historical agreements or
co-adviser arrangements.
Other Important Notes:
Fees are based on the account's market value at the end of the previous quarter.
Clients may terminate their agreement with Matson Money within five business days without penalty.
Prepaid fees will be refunded on a pro-rata basis if canceled with 30 days' notice.
For a detailed explanation or further questions, reach out to our team.
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B.
PAYMENT OF FEES
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES & THIRD-PARTY MONEY MANAGERS
Fees are charged quarterly after services are provided. Your deduction will be adjusted based on how
many days your account was active and how much you funded during a quarter period. Fees for TPAM
services follow the terms of your agreement with them. If no such agreement exists, fees will align with
FFC’s investment management agreement and the terms outlined for our Investment Advisory Services.
EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SERVICES
Fees are paid upon receipt of an invoice outlining the fees for such services.
C.
OTHER FEES AND PAYMENTS
There may be additional fees or charges that result from the maintenance of or trading within a client’s
account. These are fees that are imposed by third parties in connection with investments made through
a client’s account, such as custodial and investment fees. In addition to our advisory fees, clients are
responsible for paying fees associated with investing their accounts. Please refer to Item 12 for a
discussion of our brokerage practices.
D.
PREPAYMENT OF FEES
FFC does not accept full prepayment of fees for investment advisory services.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SERVICES
FFC does NOT charge more than $1,000 in advance for investment advisory or financial analysis services in a six-
month period.
E.
OTHER COMPENSATION
Some IARs are licensed insurance agents. Insurance sales are offered on an individual basis.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES & THIRD-PARTY ASSET MANAGERS
PRIVATE ACCOUNT ASSET ALLOCATION
Private Account Asset Allocation Clients pay fees generally in line with the following representative fee
schedule. We can negotiate fees and the timing of payment for Clients investing over $1 million with
Matson Money. Fees for Clients and the timing of payment could be negotiable under special
circumstances in our discretion.
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Assets Under Management Annual Rate
Assets Under Management
Annual rate
First $500,000
2.00%
Next $500,000
1.00%
Next $3 million
0.75%
Over $4 million
0.50%
In the Private Account Asset Allocation Program, we sometimes enter into arrangements to manage the
accounts of Referrers and their immediate families for reduced fees, based on the amount of assets a
Referrer has referred to us. We also provide our Private Account Asset Allocation investment advisory
services to certain Referrers at low or no cost to themselves and at reduced costs to family members.
Specifically, if a Referrer referred at least $20 million in Client assets to us, we would manage the
Referrer’s account at no charge and would charge 0.5% on all assets under management in the accounts
of the Referrer’s immediate family. At this time, we offer the Private Account Asset Allocation Program
only on a very limited basis as described above. However, Referrers already participating in the program
or whose accounts fall within the limitations can still participate, at Matson’s sole discretion. We can
change the amount of the reduced fee and alter the amount a Referrer must refer in order to receive
free services and reduced fees for members of his or her immediate family in our discretion. Lower fees
for comparable services could be available from other sources. Some Clients could pay lower fees than
the fees stated above for the same services. Also, some accounts could be under historically different
fee arrangements than the representative fee schedule set forth above.
Fees are charged quarterly after services are provided. Your deduction will be adjusted based on how
many days your account was active and how much you funded during a quarter period. Fees for TPAM
services follow the terms of your agreement with them.
EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SERVICES
Fees are paid upon receipt of an invoice outlining the fees for such services.
F.
OTHER FEES AND PAYMENTS
There may be additional fees or charges that result from the maintenance of or trading within a client’s
account. These are fees that are imposed by third parties in connection with investments made through
a client’s account, such as custodial and investment fees. In addition to our advisory fees, clients are
responsible for paying fees associated with investing their accounts. Please refer to Item 12 for a
discussion of our brokerage practices.
FFC does NOT charge more than $1,200 in advance for investment advisory or financial planning
services.
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Financial Analysis
To the extent a client engages FFC to provide financial analysis services, FFC may provide these services
on either an hourly or fixed fee basis.
Hourly. Some clients utilize our financial analysis services provided based on an hourly rate basis. Our
hourly fee is billed at a rate of $150.00 per hour. The hourly fees are negotiated and agreed upon in a
written agreement with each client. Hourly fee-based clients are billed monthly as work is completed.
Either party may terminate the services within five (5) business days’ notice. Any earned, but unpaid,
fees will be promptly due upon termination.
Fixed Fees. FFC may charge a fixed fee for financial analysis services or special projects. The fixed fees
are negotiated and will generally range from $250-$1000, but may be higher, depending upon the
complexity of services, and are agreed upon in a written agreement with each client. Either party may
terminate the services upon three days’ notice. Within five (5) business days of termination of services
by FFC or the client, prior to completion of such services, regardless of progress/work generated, 100%
(one hundred percent) of all commitment fee/financial analysis fees will be refunded to the client.
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
FFC does not charge any performance-based fees (fees based on a share of capital gains or capital
appreciation of the client’s assets) or provide any additional services other than those previously
described. Accordingly, side by side management of accounts does not apply to those services rendered
by the firm.
Item 7 Types of Clients
FFC provides investment advisory services to individuals, profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, and businesses. A minimum balance is not required. However, your TPAM may require
a minimum account balance to open and maintain your account with them, though the TPAM may
reduce or waive this requirement in their sole discretion.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Investment Risk. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future
performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or
investment strategies recommended or undertaken by FFC) will be profitable or equal any specific
performance level(s).
All investment strategies have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Although there is no way
to list all the risks involved with investing, the following are common risks born by the majority of
investors:
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Interest Rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate. For example,
when interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
Market Risk: Asset prices may drop in reaction to certain unforeseen events. Also referred to as exogenous
risk, this type of risk is caused by external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying
fundamentals or intrinsic value. For example, geo-political, economic, legislative, and/or societal events
may amplify market risk.
Inflation Risk: When inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much as a dollar next year, because
purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
Currency 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.
Reinvestment 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.
Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular company within an
industry. Some industries and/or companies may have historically demonstrated more stability than
others. Economic factors and business functions are constantly changing. Past results are no guarantee
of future performance.
Liquidity 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.
Financial Risk: Also referred to as leverage risk. Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations
may lead to financial strain and the ability to generate profits or meet certain obligations. During periods
of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining
market value.
Counterparty Risk: The risk that each party may not be able to meet its contractual obligations. This may
also be referred to as default risk for fixed income investments. In rare circumstances, the underlying
securities within registered investment products may become illiquid which may restrict the ability of
investors to redeem shares at quoted prices.
Execution Risk: The risk that buy/sell transactions may not be executed at favorable prices. This may
occur during periods of abnormal market conditions.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
FFC has not been the subject of any disciplinary actions.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
There are conflicts of interest related to the additional business activities conducted by both the firm
and its personnel. Certain personnel are separately licensed as insurance agents (appointed to
insurance companies) to sell life and health insurance products for various insurance companies.
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Accordingly, they will be able to sell insurance products to any client in need of such services and will
receive separate compensation in the form of commissions for the sale of such products. You have the
right to decide whether to use FFC's investment adviser representatives for the purchase of
recommended insurance products.
Primary Insurance Agency / Brokers: Jeffrey C. Furest and Michael N. Sarcheck, owners of FFC, are also
owners and individually licensed insurance agents. Certain investment adviser representatives of the
Firm are licensed to purchase, sell or exchange insurance products for any client in need of such
services and will receive separate compensation in the form of commissions for the purchase of
insurance products. Clients are encouraged to review the Part 2B brochure supplements for further
information related to FFC personnel.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
FFC has adopted a Code of Ethics which must be followed by all firm employees. The Code defines our
fiduciary obligations as an investment adviser and describes the high standard of business conduct and
fiduciary duty the firm must deliver to its clients.
The Code of Ethics (Code) includes provisions relating to:
the confidentiality of client information;
a prohibition on insider trading;
restrictions on the acceptance of gifts and the reporting of certain gifts and business
entertainment items;
personal securities trading procedures; and
additional provisions regarding the firm's fiduciary duty to its clients.
All employees at FFC must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics annually, or as amended. A copy
of the firm's Code of Ethics will be provided to any client upon request.
Please note: FFC personnel may purchase or sell investments for their personal accounts that are also
purchased or sold by a third-party portfolio manager for one or more of FFC's clients. While FFC
endeavors at all times to act in the best interests of its clients as part of its fiduciary duty, clients should
be aware that the personal trading involving recommended securities creates a conflict of interest, and
may affect the judgment of the individual making the recommendation, including the recommendations
provided as RRs, IARs and Insurance Agents (as described).
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Item 12 Brokerage Practices
A.
SELECTION AND RECOMMENDATION
FFC is committed to choosing a custodian or broker that offers the most advantageous terms for our
clients. We evaluate various factors, including execution timeliness, accuracy of trade confirmations,
account statement quality, trading capabilities in challenging market conditions, and overall reputation
and integrity.
To ensure top-quality service, we work with Matson Money, an independent entity unaffiliated with FFC.
Matson Money typically uses Axos (formerly ETrade Advisor Services formerly Trust Company of
America) and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. to hold custody accounts, while brokerage accounts are
managed through affiliated broker-dealers. For qualified accounts such as 401(k)s and ERISA accounts,
assets are generally maintained at Ascensus, Aspire, Axos, or Schwab for certain plans.
Custodians are recommended based on factors such as account size, goals, and trading strategies,
ensuring alignment with our responsibility to deliver the best possible execution for client trades. We
also work with Leigh Baldwin & Co. Investment Brokerage. Some IAR’s are dually registered with First
Financial Coaching and Leigh Baldwin.
B.
RESEARCH AND OTHER SOFT DOLLAR BENEFITS
First Financial Coaching does not ever receive “soft dollars.”
Soft dollar arrangements occur when brokerage firms cover the costs of services, equipment, or other
benefits for an investment advisor. These benefits reduce the advisor's expenses but do not lower the
fees paid by clients. Allocating business to brokerages with soft dollar arrangements can help advisors
access research, achieve better trade execution, and secure additional benefits for their clients.
C.
BROKERAGE FOR CLIENT REFERRALS
FFC does not receive client referrals from third parties for recommending us.
D.
DIRECTED BROKERAGE
When we refer clients to Matson Money, they are required to open accounts custodians with whom
Matson Money works. This approach ensures efficiency and cost savings for FFC’s clients while aiming
for the best execution of transactions. FFC does not allow clients to choose a specific brokerage firm.
While some advisors may permit clients to direct brokerage, doing so can prevent them from securing
the best possible transaction execution, which could end up costing clients more money.
E.
ORDER AGGREGATION
The Firm does not aggregate trade orders.
F.
TRADE ERROR POLICY
The TPAM keeps a detailed record of all trading errors related to its clients' investment activities.
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Following SEC guidelines, the TPAM takes full responsibility for any losses resulting from these errors.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
For those clients to whom FFC provides investment supervisory services, account reviews are conducted
on an ongoing basis by FFC’s Principals and/or representatives. All investment supervisory clients are
advised that it remains their responsibility to advise FFC of any changes in their investment objectives
and/or financial situation.
Financial analysis reports are reviewed by the firm's Chief Compliance Officer for correctness, suitability,
and implementation. Reviews occur on a regular basis as needed or amended. Clients are strongly
encouraged to contact the firm with any changes to their financial situation.
FFC provides financial analysis services in the form of investment analysis, retirement analysis,
survivorship income and analysis, estate analysis, college analysis, and other consultative analysis
services.
For written financial analysis, clients receive third party vendor analysis program reports which may
include:
a) investment results and risk; b) income surplus or shortfalls given income goals; and/or c) estate
preservation and estate tax and survivor income surplus or shortfalls.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Neither FFC nor its representatives compensate any non-supervised persons for client referrals.
Item 15 Custody
FFC, subject to the terms of the Co-Advisory Agreement will have the ability to have its advisory fee for
each client debited by the custodian on a quarterly basis. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with
written transaction confirmation notices and regular written summary account statements directly from
the custodian and/or program sponsor for the client accounts.
The client will receive statements electronically or by mail from their TPAM or custodian. It’s important
to carefully review these statements and compare the asset values, holdings, and fees with the previous
period’s statement.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
FFC does not manage client assets; as a result, this item is not applicable.
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Item 17 Voting Client Securities
FFC does not vote proxies on behalf of clients or their accounts. Clients who engage FFC on a Co-Advisory
basis should review Matson Money's, Form ADV Part 2 disclosure brochure, as applicable, for a full
understanding of how such actions are treated.
Item 18 Financial Information
FFC does not require clients to pay fees of more than $1,200, per client, six months or more in advance.
FFC is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet its contractual
commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain client accounts.
FFC has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
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