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Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
Greenspring Advisors, LLC
One West Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 500 Towson,
MD 21204
Telephone: 443-564-4600
Web Addresses:
www.greenspringadvisors.com
10/31/2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Greenspring Advisors. If you have any questions about the contents
of this brochure, please contact us at 443-564-4600 or Aaron Tawil, Chief
Compliance Officer, aaron.tawil@greenspringadvisors.com. The information in
this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Greenspring Advisors also is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique
identifying number, known as a CRD number. Our firm's CRD number is 132669.
Item 2 Material Changes
This Firm Brochure provides you with a summary of Greenspring Advisors advisory services and fees,
professionals, certain business practices and policies, as well as actual or potential conflicts of
interest, among other things. This Item is used to provide our clients with a summary of new and/or
updated information; we will inform of the revision(s) based on the nature of the information as
follows.
Material Changes: Should a material change in our operations occur, depending on its nature
we will promptly communicate this change to clients (and it will be summarized in this Item).
"Material changes" requiring prompt notification will include changes of ownership or control;
location; disciplinary proceedings; significant changes to our advisory services or advisory
affiliates – any information that is critical to a client’s full understanding of who we are, how to
find us, and how we do business.
Material Change since last filed ADV amendment on March 20, 2025:
1) Item 4 - Greenspring Advisors, LLC ownership structure changed as a result of the merger with
Wealthstream Advisors, Inc. on October 1, 2025.
2) Item 4 - The (k)larity Plan™ Pooler Employer Plan has been added as a service for the Company.
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Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 2 Material Changes
Item 3 Table of Contents Page
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Item 7 Types of Clients
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
Item 15
Item 16
Item 17
Item 18
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Brokerage Practices
Review of Accounts
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Custody
Investment Discretion
Voting Client Securities
Financial Information
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Item 4 Advisory Business
Greenspring Advisors, LLC is a SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of
business located in Maryland. Greenspring Advisors began conducting business in 2004.
Listed below are the firm's principal shareholders (i.e., those individuals and/or entities controlling
25% or more of this company).
• Greenspring Advisors, LLC is owned by Greenspring Wealth Management, Inc (31.63%),
Wealthstream Holdings, Inc (28.50%). and ISI Financial, Inc (<25%). John Patrick Collins Jr.
Controls 26.2% of Greenspring Advisors, LLC. There are 22 other individuals who control
73.8% of the Greenspring Advisors, LLC.
Greenspring Advisors offers the following advisory services to our clients:
PRIVATE MONEY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Our firm provides continuous advice to a client (individuals and trusts, estates, non-profit
organizations and charitable organizations) regarding the investment of client funds based on the
individual needs of the client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based
on a client's particular circumstances are established, in certain circumstances we may develop a
personal investment policy for a client and create and manage a portfolio based on that policy.
During our data-gathering process, we determine the client’s individual objectives, time horizons,
risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. As appropriate, we also review and discuss a client's prior
investment history, as well as family composition and background.
We manage these advisory accounts on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. Account
supervision is guided by the client's stated objectives (e.g. conservative, moderate, balanced,
growth, aggressive), as well as tax considerations.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or
industry sectors.
Our investment recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a
broker- dealer or insurance company and will generally include advice regarding the following
securities:
• Exchange-listed securities
• Securities traded over-the-counter
• Foreign issuers
• Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper)
• Commercial paper
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• Certificates of deposit
• Municipal securities
• Variable life insurance
• Variable annuities
• Mutual fund shares
• United States governmental securities
• Options contracts on securities
• Interests in partnerships investing in real estate.
Because some types of investments involve certain additional degrees of risk, they will only be
implemented/recommended when consistent with the client's stated investment objectives,
tolerance for risk, liquidity and suitability.
COMPREHENSIVE WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Our firm also provides Comprehensive Wealth Management Services to clients which include all of
the services listed for Private Money Management clients plus certain financial planning services
which may involve tax planning, retirement planning, risk management analysis, estate planning,
cash flow planning, business planning and/or education planning.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Greenspring provides financial planning as part of the comprehensive wealth management services.
Financial planning is 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.
Through the financial planning process, certain 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 may review family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and
financial goals.
TAX & CASH FLOW: We may 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 current
income tax and future tax liability.
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INVESTMENTS: We may analyze investment alternatives and their effect on the client's portfolio.
INSURANCE: We may review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability,
long-
term care, liability, home and automobile.
RETIREMENT: We may analyze current strategies and investment plans to help the client achieve
his or her retirement goals.
DEATH & DISABILITY: We may review the client’s cash needs at death, income needs of surviving
dependents, estate planning and disability income.
ESTATE: We may 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.
Typically, the financial plan is presented to the client within six months of the contract date,
provided that all information needed to prepare the financial plan has been promptly provided.
Retirement Rollovers-Potential for 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 Greenspring recommends that a client roll over their retirement plan assets into
an account to be managed by Greenspring, such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if
Greenspring will earn an advisory fee on the rolled over assets. No client is under any obligation to
rollover retirement plan assets to an account managed by Greenspring. Greenspring Advisory team
remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding
the potential for conflict of interest presented by such rollover recommendation.
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FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES
Clients can also receive investment and financial consulting advice on a more focused basis.
This may include advice on only an isolated area(s) of concern such as estate planning, retirement
planning, or any other specific topic. We also provide specific consultation and administrative
services regarding investment and financial concerns of the client.
SELECTION OF OTHER ADVISORS
Greenspring may direct clients to third party money managers. Greenspring is not compensated from
the advisors to which it directs those clients although our advisory fees will be billed against these
assets. Before selecting other advisors for clients, Greenspring will always ensure those other
advisors are properly licensed or registered as an investment advisor.
RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING SERVICES
We also provide several advisory services separately or in combination. The primary clients for
these services will be the sponsors of pension, profit sharing, 403(b) and 401(k) plans.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services are generally comprised of fiduciary services and non-fiduciary
services at both the plan level and participant level. With regard to fiduciary services, we provide
clients (i.e. Plan Sponsors) with plan-level non-discretionary investment advice services, plan-level
discretionary investment management services under Section 3(38) of ERISA, participant-level
discretionary investment management services under Section 3(38) of ERISA, and participant-level
non-discretionary investment advice services.
With regard to non-fiduciary services, we provide plan-level services and participant-level services.
Clients (i.e. Plan Sponsors) may choose to use any or all of the services described below with the
exception of choosing to use either plan-level non-discretionary investment advice services or plan-
level discretionary investment management services under Section 3(38) of ERISA as determined by
the scope of the engagement.
The Company manages a Pooled Employer Plan (“PEP”) called The (k)larity Plan™. This program
consists of two parts directed at Participants:
(1) Nondiscretionary investment advice and investment education. First, Greenspring provides
non-discretionary investment advice to Participants as an ERISA 3(21) fiduciary about the allocation
of their Plan accounts using the existing fund options in the Plan which constitute the Plan’s
designated investment alternatives (DIAs) (but not on investments outside the Plan). Participants
have the final decision-making authority regarding the allocation of a Participant’s 401(k) account
among the asset classes represented by the DIAs and regarding the selection of the DIAs for the
allocations. In addition to access to (k)larity @ Work via internet platform, participants will have
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access to in-person investment advice.
These fiduciary services are “point-in-time” investment advice. As such, the advice will be
based on the Participant’s goals and circumstances known to Greenspring when the advice is given.
However, Greenspring does not monitor the arrangement to determine if, among other things:
(i)
(ii)
The Participant implemented the advice;
The Participant’s goals and circumstances have changed; or
(iii)
A different recommendation would have been made based on then current
information.
Instead, if the Participant desires additional or updated advice, the Participant must request it
through one or two methods described above.
(2)
Education and Communication - Greenspring provides access to educational content,
including but not limited to, articles, videos webinars, newsletters, posts, and courses. Information
provided may include a description of investment alternatives (along with the objectives and risk
and return characteristics of the assets comprising the investment portfolio), hypothetical asset
allocation models, or other general financial and investment concepts consistent with Department
of Labor interpretation of financial and investment education in Interpretive Bulletin 96-1. Such
services, referred to as the Non-Fiduciary Services, include:
i.
On-demand access to one-on-one financial counseling services from a
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) via a 1-800 hotline;
ii.
Access to (k)larity @ Work™, (Greenspring’s proprietary
internet
platform) for financial wellness services;
Education in the form of articles, videos, posts, webinars, newsletters,
iii.
etc. via (k)larity @ Work™
iv.
Access to web-based financial planning software;
v.
Basic counseling services related to questions about retirement
planning, saving, budgeting and debt management, tax planning (but no tax advice), risk
management/insurance, estate planning, education planning, government benefits, etc.; and
vi.
Basic counseling services to help employees understand existing
company benefits (e.g., HSA, LTD/STD, group life, etc.).
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FIDUCIARY SERVICES
I.
PLAN-LEVEL NON-DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT ADVICE SERVICES
A.
Investment Policy Design - Greenspring will assist Client in the development of an
investment policy statement (IPS). The IPS establishes the investment policies and objectives for the
Plan and shall set forth the number of general investment options and asset class categories to be
offered under the Plan. Client shall have the ultimate responsibility and authority to establish such
policies and objectives and to adopt and amend the IPS.
B.
Investment Selection - Greenspring will provide non-discretionary investment advice
to Client about asset classes and investment alternatives available for the Plan in accordance with
the Plan’s investment policies and objectives. Greenspring will utilize multiple analytic tools and
databases at its disposal. Client shall have the final decision-making authority regarding the initial
selection, retention, removal and addition of investment options.
C.
ERISA 404(c) Investment Selection – Greenspring will assist Client with the selection
of a broad range of investment options consistent with ERISA Section 404(c) and the regulations
thereunder. Client shall have the final decision-making authority regarding the selection of
investment options. Client retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to participants
required under ERISA section 404(c).
D.
Investment Monitoring - Greenspring will assist Client 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 or remove and replace investment options. Greenspring will meet
with the Client in-person, telephonically, or by electronic means at least annually to discuss the
reports and the investment recommendations. Client has the authority and will be solely responsible
for the actual selection or replacement of investment options.
E.
Selection of QDIA - Greenspring will provide non-discretionary investment advice to
Client with respect to the selection of a qualified default investment alternative (“QDIA”) for
participants who are automatically enrolled in the Plan or who otherwise fail to make an investment
election. Client shall have the final decision-making authority regarding the selection of the QDIA and
Client retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to participants required under ERISA
Section 404(c)(5).
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II.
PLAN-LEVEL DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES UNDER SECTION
3(38) OF ERISA
A.
Investment Policy Design - Greenspring will develop an investment policy statement
(IPS) for Client. The IPS establishes the investment policies and objectives for the Plan and shall set
forth the number of general investment options and asset class categories to be offered under the
Plan. Greenspring shall have the ultimate responsibility and authority to develop the IPS and shall
have the sole authority to amend it.
B.
Investment Selection - Greenspring will provide discretionary investment advice to
Client about asset classes and investment alternatives available for the Plan in accordance with the
Plan’s investment policies and objectives. Greenspring will utilize multiple analytic tools and
databases at its disposal and will have decision-making authority regarding the initial selection,
retention, removal and addition of investment options.
C.
ERISA 404(c) Investment Selection – Greenspring will select a broad range of
investment options consistent with ERISA Section 404(c) and the regulations thereunder. Client
retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to participants required under ERISA section
404(c).
D.
Investment Monitoring - Greenspring will monitor 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 determine whether to
maintain or remove and replace investment options.
E.
Selection of QDIA - Greenspring will consult with Client as to whether the Plan should
have a qualified default investment alternative (“QDIA”) for participants who are automatically
enrolled in the Plan or who otherwise fail to make an investment election and as to the type of
investment to serve as a QDIA (e.g., target date fund, balanced fund, or managed account). If Client
decides to have a QDIA under the plan and decides upon the type of investment that will serve as a
QDIA, the Greenspring will select the investment to serve as the QDIA. Client retains the sole
responsibility to provide all notices to participants required under ERISA Section 404(c)(5).
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III.
PARTICIPANT-LEVEL NON-DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT ADVICE SERVICES
A.
Investment Selection - Nondiscretionary investment advice, Greenspring provides
non-discretionary investment advice to Participants as an ERISA 3(21) fiduciary about the allocation
of their Plan accounts using the existing fund options in the Plan which constitute the Plan’s
designated investment alternatives (DIAs) (but not on investments outside the Plan). Participants
have the final decision-making authority regarding the allocation of a Participant’s 401(k) account
among the asset classes represented by the DIAs and regarding the selection of the DIAs for the
allocations. In addition to access to (k)larity @ Work via internet platform, participants will have
access to in-person investment advice.
I.
NON-FIDUCIARY SERVICESPLAN-LEVEL SERVICES
A.
Committee Formation, Education and Support - Greenspring will help the Client
establish or refine a committee as needed. On a periodic basis, Greenspring will educate Plan
fiduciaries on their duties and responsibilities and how to manage them as well as providing
legislative and regulatory updates as necessary. Education will include general training regarding the
fiduciary duty and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA as well as the importance of the
documents and instruments governing the Plan. Greenspring will periodically meet with the Client to
review and discuss various aspects of the Plan, which may include preparation of meeting
deliverables for the Client.
B.
Fee Analysis, Benchmarking and Negotiation – Greenspring will periodically assist
the Client in evaluating the reasonableness of Plan fees. This may include documenting and
benchmarking both direct and indirect fees (e.g. revenue sharing payments) to help the Client
understand what the Plan is paying and how it compares to other plans and products. Greenspring
may also recommend specific steps that can be taken to reduce those fees, if applicable. When
appropriate, Greenspring will assist the Client in negotiating fee arrangements and cost structures
C.
Vendor Benchmarking, Search and Selection - Greenspring will periodically assist
the Client by providing an analysis and comparison of the Plan’s current vendor(s) products, services,
and pricing to other plans and service providers.
D.
Plan Conversion Services - As needed, Greenspring will assist the Client with the
conversion to a new provider’s platform.
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E.
Operational Assistance and Issue Resolution - As needed, Greenspring will assist the
Client with resolving operational or administrative issues that may arise with the Plan. Greenspring
may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other providers to provide
these services, as agreed upon between Greenspring and the Client.
II.
PARTICIPANT-LEVEL SERVICES
A.
Participant Education and Communication- Greenspring provides access to educational
content, including but not limited to, articles, videos webinars, newsletters, posts, and courses. Information
provided may include a description of investment alternatives (along with the objectives and risk and return
characteristics of the assets comprising the investment portfolio), hypothetical asset allocation models, or
other general financial and investment concepts consistent with Department of Labor interpretation of
financial and investment education in Interpretive Bulletin 96-1.
AMOUNT OF MANAGED ASSETS
As of 12/31/2024, we were actively managing $3,748,775,668 of clients' assets on a discretionary
basis plus $26,542,818 of clients' assets on a non-discretionary basis. We were also managing
$3,686,913,618
in assets under advisement.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
Wealth Management Services
The annualized fee for Wealth Management Services will be charged as a percentage of assets under
management, according to the schedule detailed in the client agreement not to exceed 1.32%
annually of the assets under management.
Based on the fee described above, a minimum annual fee of $5,000 is required for Wealth
Management Services. If a client's assets under management are not sufficient to generate the
minimum annual fee, they have the option paying the difference (until their assets are sufficient) to
receive the desired level of service. For instance, if a client desires to receive Wealth Management
Services and their assets generate an annualized fee of $4,000, they have the option of paying the
difference (i.e. an additional $1,000) to reach the minimum annual fee of $5,000 until the assets
under management are sufficient to generate the minimum annual fee. Fees are paid by check, wire,
or ACH.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Greenspring Advisors has established the
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aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate lower fees on a client-by-
client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs will be considered in determining the fee
schedule. These include the complexity of the client, assets to be placed under management,
anticipated future additional assets; related accounts; portfolio style, account composition, reports,
among other factors. The specific annual fee schedule will be identified in the contract between the
adviser and each client.
Discounts, not generally available to our advisory clients, may be offered to family members and
friends of associated persons of our firm.
Termination and Refunds: All advisory fees are billed on a quarterly basis in advance or arrears. If
services are terminated mid-billing period for fees billed in advance, charges will be prorated
based on the number of days that services were provided prior to receipt of notice of termination.
The unearned portion of the fee based on the above proration will be refunded to the client.
Advisory Fee Disclaimer: Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
Administrative Fees: Greenspring may provide administrative services to clients who hold security
positions that are not included in model portfolios, such as concentrated stock positions, treasuries
and cash equivalents needed for short term liquidity needs. The fee for these services is 0.10%.
Cash Balances
Some of your assets may be held as cash and remain uninvested. Holding a portion of your assets in
cash and cash alternatives, i.e., money market fund shares, may be based on your desire to have an
allocation to cash as an asset class, to support a phased market entrance strategy, to facilitate
transaction execution, to have available funds for withdrawal needs or to pay fees or to provide for
asset protection during periods of volatile market conditions. Your cash and cash equivalents will be
subject to our investment advisory fees unless otherwise agreed upon. You may experience negative
performance on the cash portion of your portfolio if the investment advisory fees charged are higher
than the returns you receive from your cash.
Retirement Plan Rollover Recommendations
As part of our investment advisory services to our clients, we may recommend that clients roll assets
from their employer’s retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 457, or ERISA 403(b) account (collectively, a
“Plan Account”), to an individual retirement account, such as a SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, Traditional IRA,
or Roth IRA (collectively, an “IRA Account”) that we will advise on the client’s behalf. We may also
recommend rollovers from IRA Accounts to Plan Accounts, from Plan Accounts to Plan Accounts, and
from IRA Accounts to IRA Accounts.
If the client elects to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our advisement, we will charge the
client an asset-based fee as set forth in the advisory agreement the client executed with our firm.
This creates a conflict of interest because it creates a financial incentive for our firm to recommend
the rollover to the client (i.e., receipt of additional fee-based compensation). Clients are under no
obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover. Moreover, if clients do complete the
rollover, clients are under no obligation to have the assets in an IRA advised on by our firm. Due to
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the foregoing conflict of interest, when we make rollover recommendations, we operate under a
special rule that requires us to act in our clients’ best interests and not put our interests ahead of our
clients’.
Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give
prudent advice);
• never put our financial interests ahead of our clients’ when making recommendations (give
loyal advice);
• avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
•
follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in our clients’
best interests;
• charge no more than a reasonable fee for our services; and
• give clients basic information about conflicts of interest.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company plan.
Also, current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before they retire or
change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to the extent the
following options are available, clients should consider the costs and benefits of a rollover. Note that
an employee will typically have four options in this situation:
1. leaving the funds in the employer’s (former employer’s) plan;
2. moving the funds to a new employer’s retirement plan;
3. cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan; or
4. rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account.
Each of these options has positives and negatives. Because of that, along with the importance of
understanding the differences between these types of accounts, we will provide clients with an
explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of both account types and document the basis for
our belief that the rollover transaction we recommend is in your best interests.
Mutual Fund Share Class Selection Process
Some client accounts may hold shares of investment companies, including money market funds,
closed‐end funds, and/or exchange‐traded funds (Funds). Those funds have their own expenses,
including certain advisory, distribution or other fees, and a client account invested in those funds
will indirectly bear a portion of those expenses. Each of the fees discussed above is in addition to
Greenspring’s management fee.
Greenspring uses its best efforts to purchase the lowest available fund shares but in certain
instances cannot because a lower share class may not be available from the fund company.
Funds generally offer multiple share classes available for investment based upon certain eligibility
and/or purchase requirements. For instance, in addition to retail share classes (typically referred to
as class A, class B and class C shares), funds may also offer institutional share classes or other share
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classes that are specifically designed for purchase by investors who meet certain specified eligibility
criteria, including, for example, whether an account meets certain minimum dollar amount
thresholds or is enrolled in an eligible fee-based investment advisory program. Institutional share
classes usually have a lower expense ratio than other share classes.
The Firm conducts periodic reviews of client holdings in mutual fund investments to ensure the
appropriateness of mutual fund share class selections and whether alternative mutual fund share
class selections are available that might be more appropriate given the client’s particularized
investment objectives and any other appropriate considerations relevant to mutual fund share class
selection.
FINANCIAL PLANNING FEES
Greenspring Advisors Financial Planning fee will be 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 are calculated and charged on a fixed fee basis, typically ranging from
$2,000 to $150,000, depending on the specific arrangement reached with the client.
Alternatively, our Financial Planning fees may be calculated and charged on an hourly basis, ranging
from
$150 to $750 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.
We require one-half of the negotiated financial planning fee to be paid at the outset of the
engagement with the balance is due upon completion of the plan. Fees paid in advance will never be
more than six months in advance. Fees that are charged in advance will be refunded based on the prorated
amount of work completed at the point of termination.
Financial Planning Fee Offset: Greenspring Advisors reserves the discretion to reduce or waive the
hourly fee and/or the minimum fixed fee if a financial planning client chooses to engage us for our
Private Money Management or Comprehensive Wealth Management Services.
The client will be billed quarterly in advance based on our total estimated Financial Planning
fees. The client will be billed quarterly in arrears based on actual hours accrued.
RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING FEES
Our fees for Retirement Plan Consulting Services are based on a percentage of assets under
advisement and services provided to the client and plan participants detailed in the client
agreement and generally do not to exceed 0.50% annually of the assets under advisement.
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Alternatively, we may charge an annual fee for Retirement Plan Consulting Services which
generally ranges from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the services requested and the size of the
plan.
Plan sponsors are invoiced in advance at the beginning of each calendar quarter unless their
retirement plan provider's billing system requires billing to occur in arrears. There are two ways
that a Plan might pay our fee.
Employer pays- An Employer may pay our fee, paying it from the Employer’s money without using
the Plan’s assets.
Plan pays - A Plan may pay our fee. To do so, the Plan’s Named Fiduciary or Trustee must have and
use a power to pay us, or to instruct a corporate directed trustee or insurer to pay us. If the Plan pays
our fee, the Named Fiduciary or Trustee decides how to allocate that expense among the Plan’s
accounts, which may include Participants’ Plan Accounts.
A total minimum annual fee of $10,000 is generally required although exceptions may be granted to
this minimum at the discretion of Greenspring. This minimum fee may prevent Greenspring Advisors
from providing services to very small ERISA plans.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Greenspring Advisors has established the
aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate lower fees on a client-by-
client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs will be considered in determining the fee
schedule. These include the complexity of the client, assets to be placed under management,
anticipated future additional assets; related accounts; portfolio style, account composition, reports,
among other factors. The specific annual fee schedule will be identified in the contract between the
adviser and each client.
Termination and Refunds: Unless the plan provider requires advisory fees to be paid in arrears, all
advisory fees are billed on a quarterly basis in advance. If services are terminated mid-billing
period, charges will be prorated based on the number of days that services were provided prior to
receipt of notice of termination. The unearned portion of the fee based on the above proration will
be refunded to the client for fees billed in advance.
Advisory Fee Disclaimer: Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT CONSULTING
The annualized fee for Institutional Investment Consulting Services will be charged either a flat fee,
flat fee with COLA (cost of living adjustment), flat fee and an asset-based charge or as a percentage
of assets under management, according to the schedule detailed in the client agreement.
A minimum annual fee of $10,000 is generally required for Institutional Investment Consulting
Services although exceptions may be granted to this minimum at the discretion of Greenspring. If a
client's assets under management are not sufficient to generate the minimum annual fee, they have
the option paying the difference (until their assets are sufficient) to receive the desired level of
service.
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Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Greenspring Advisors has established the
aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate lower fees on a client-by-
client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs will be considered in determining the fee
schedule. These include the complexity of the client, assets to be placed under management,
anticipated future additional
assets; related accounts; portfolio style, account composition, reports, among other factors. The
specific annual fee schedule will be identified in the contract between the adviser and each client.
Discounts, not generally available to our advisory clients, may be offered to family members and
friends of associated persons of our firm.
Termination and Refunds: All advisory fees are billed on a quarterly basis in advance or arrears. If
services are terminated mid-billing period for fees billed in advance, charges will be prorated
based on the number of days that services were provided prior to receipt of notice of termination.
The unearned portion of the fee based on the above proration will be refunded to the client.
Advisory Fee Disclaimer: Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources.
PLAN-LEVEL DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES UNDER SECTION 3(38) OF
ERISA Fees
(1)
The 3(38) fees are charged as a flat fee with COLA or an Annual Percentage Fee generally based
on the following tiered schedule:
• 0.05% on the first $100 million of Included Assets,
• 0.03% on assets between $100 million and $250 million, and
• 0.01% on assets exceeding $250 million.
The fee for any calendar quarter will be based on the market value of the Included Assets as of
the last business day of the previous quarter (without adjustment for anticipated withdrawals
by Plan participants or other anticipated or scheduled transfers or distributions of assets).
Fees are billed quarterly in arrears. The initial quarterly fee will be prorated for the number of
months in which Greenspring provides services during the initial quarter, based on the market
value of the Included Assets as of the last business day of the prior month. “Market value of
Included Assets” refers to the value of Included Assets as reported by the custodian.
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Greenspring Advisors does not charge performance-based fees. As a matter of policy and practice,
Greenspring does not generally aggregate client trades to execute a block trade and, therefore, will
typically implement client transactions separately for each account. Due to this practice, certain
client trades may be executed before others and, depending on the type of security traded, may be
executed at a different price and/or commission rate. Additionally, Greenspring clients may not
receive volume discounts which may be available to advisers that block client trades.
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Item 7 Types of Clients
Greenspring Advisors provides advisory services to the following types of clients:
• Individuals (other than high-net-worth individuals)
• High net worth individuals
• Pension and profit-sharing plans including plan participants
• Trusts, estates, non-profit and/or charitable organizations
• Corporations or other businesses not listed above
As previously disclosed in Item 5, our firm has established certain initial minimum account
requirements, based on the nature of the service(s) being provided. For a more detailed
understanding of those requirements, please review the disclosures provided in each applicable
service.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or managing
client assets:
Fundamental Analysis. We attempt to measure the intrinsic value of a security by looking at
economic and financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions, and the
financial condition and management of the company itself) to determine if the company is
underpriced (indicating it may be a good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time to
sell).
Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a potential
risk, as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall market regardless of the
economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the stock.
Quantitative Analysis. We use mathematical models in an attempt to obtain more accurate
measurements of a company’s quantifiable data, such as the value of a share price or earnings per
share, and predict changes to that data.
A risk in using quantitative analysis is that the models used may be based on assumptions that
prove to be incorrect.
Qualitative Analysis. We subjectively evaluate non-quantifiable factors such as quality of
management, labor relations, and strength of research and development factors not readily subject
to measurement, and predict changes to share price based on that data.
A risk in using qualitative analysis is that our subjective judgment may prove incorrect.
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Asset Allocation. Rather than focusing primarily on securities selection, we attempt to identify an
appropriate ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash suitable to the client’s investment goals and
risk tolerance.
A risk of asset allocation is that the client may not participate in sharp increases in a particular
security, industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash
will change over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no longer be
appropriate for the client’s goals.
Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis. We look at the experience and track record of the manager of
the mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to
invest over a period of time and in different economic conditions. We also look at the underlying
assets in a mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the
underlying investments held in another fund(s) in the client’s portfolio. We also monitor the funds
or ETFs in an attempt to determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy.
A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance
does not guarantee future results. A manager who has been successful may not be able to replicate
that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in a fund or
ETF, managers of different funds held by the client may purchase the same security, increasing the
risk to the client if that security were to fall in value. There is also a risk that a manager may deviate
from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which could make the holding(s)
less suitable for the client’s portfolio.
Third-Party Money Manager Analysis. We examine the experience, expertise, investment
philosophies, and past performance of independent third-party investment managers in an attempt
to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period of time and in
different economic conditions. We monitor the manager’s underlying holdings, strategies,
concentrations and leverage as part of our overall periodic risk assessment. Additionally, as part of
our due-diligence process, we may survey the manager’s compliance and business enterprise risks.
A risk of investing with a third-party manager who has been successful in the past is that he/she may
not be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying
investments in a third-party manager’s portfolio, there is also a risk that a manager may deviate
from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the portfolio, making it a less suitable
investment for our clients. Moreover, as we do not control the manager’s daily business and
compliance operations, we may be unaware of the lack of internal controls necessary to prevent
business, regulatory or reputational deficiencies.
Risks for all forms of analysis. Our securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the
companies whose securities we purchase and sell, the rating agencies that review these securities,
and other publicly-available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate
and unbiased data. While we are alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a
risk that our analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
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INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
We use the following strategy(ies) in managing client accounts, provided that such strategy(ies) are
appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the client’s investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and time horizons, among other considerations:
Long-term purchases. We purchase securities with the idea of holding them in the client’s account
for a year or longer. Typically, we employ this strategy when:
• we believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or
• we want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current projection for
this class.
A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length of time, we may
not take advantages of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. Moreover, if our
predictions are incorrect, a security may decline sharply in value before we make the decision to
sell.
Risk of Loss. Securities investments are not guaranteed, and you may lose money on your
investments. We ask that you work with us to help us understand your tolerance for risk.
All investments involve the risk of loss, including (among other things) loss of principal, a
reduction in earnings (including interest, dividends and other distributions), and the loss of
future earnings. Although we manage assets in a manner consistent with your investment
objectives and risk tolerance, there can be no guarantee that our efforts will be successful. You
should be prepared to bear the following risks of loss:
•
Interest-rate 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.
• Market Risk: 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,
political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar next year will not buy as
much as a dollar today, 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. 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
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steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic
environment is like.
• 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.
For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties (i.e., non-traded
REITs and other alternative investments) are not.
● Financial Risk: 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.
● Cybersecurity Risk: A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and
unintentional events that may cause an account to lose proprietary information, suffer
data corruption, or lose operational capacity. This in turn could cause an account to incur
regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and additional compliance costs associated
with corrective measures, and/or financial loss.
● Pandemic Risk: Large-scale outbreaks of infectious disease can greatly increase
morbidity and mortality over a wide geographic area, crossing international boundaries,
and causing significant economic, social, and political disruption.
● Custodial Risk: This risk is the probability that a party to a transaction will be unable or
unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligations either due to technological errors, control
failures, malfeasance, or potential regulatory liabilities.
● Alternative Investment Risk: Alternative investments involve a substantially higher
degree of risk and are more speculative in nature than an investment in public (market-
traded) securities. Consequently, they are not appropriate for all investors. You may lose
all or substantially all of the funds you choose to invest.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or
prospective client’s evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management.
Our firm and our management personnel have no reportable disciplinary events to disclose.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Registration as a Broker/Dealer or Broker/Dealer Representative
Neither Greenspring nor its representatives are registered as, or have pending applications to
become, a broker/dealer or a representative of a broker/dealer.
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B. Registration as a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or a
Commodity Trading Advisor
Neither Greenspring nor its representatives are registered as or have pending applications to
become either a Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or Commodity
Trading Advisor or an associated person of the foregoing entities.
C. Registration Relationships Material to this Advisory Business and Possible Conflicts of
Interests
Michael Goodman, Timothy Daly, and William Schirmacher are Certified Financial Planners.
From time to time, they may offer clients advice or products from those activities and clients
should be aware that these services may involve a conflict of interest. Greenspring always acts
in the best interest of the client and clients always have the right to decide whether or not to
utilize the services of any Greenspring representative in such individual’s outside capacities.
D. Selection of Other Advisors or Managers and How This Advisor is Compensated for Those
Selections
Greenspring may direct clients to third party money managers. Greenspring is not
compensated from the advisors to which it directs those clients although our advisory fees
will be billed against these assets. Before selecting other advisors for clients, Greenspring will
always ensure those other advisors are properly licensed or registered as an investment
advisor.
Since our founding, Greenspring has aspired to give back by making meaningful financial and
relational investments in our local communities. To further our stewardship efforts and
commitment to charitable giving, Greenspring has a grant program where employees of the firm will
serve on a committee to determine the grant awards.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Our firm has adopted a Code of Ethics which sets forth high ethical standards of business conduct
that we require of our employees, including compliance with applicable federal securities laws.
Greenspring Advisors and our personnel owe a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards our
clients, and have an obligation to adhere not only to the specific provisions of the Code of Ethics
but to the general principles that guide the Code.
Our Code of Ethics includes policies and procedures for the review of quarterly securities
transactions reports as well as initial and annual securities holdings reports that must be submitted
by the firm’s access persons. Among other things, our Code of Ethics also requires the prior approval
of any acquisition of securities in a limited offering (e.g., private placement) or an initial public
offering. Our code also provides for oversight, enforcement and recordkeeping provisions.
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Greenspring Advisors Code of Ethics further includes the firm's policy prohibiting the use of
material non- public information. While we do not believe that we have any particular access to
non-public information, all employees are reminded that such information may not be used in a
personal or professional capacity.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is available to our advisory clients and prospective clients. You may request a
copy by email sent to Aaron Tawil, Chief Compliance Officer, aaron.tawil@greenspringadvisors.com.
Greenspring Advisors and individuals associated with our firm are prohibited from engaging in
principal transactions.
Greenspring Advisors and individuals associated with our firm are prohibited from engaging in
agency cross transactions.
Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities and
interests of our employees will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory
clients and
(ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their
own accounts.
Our firm and/or individuals associated with our firm may buy or sell for their personal account’s
securities identical to or different from those recommended to our clients. In addition, any related
person(s) may have an interest or position in a certain security or securities which may also be
recommended to a client.
It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person employed by us may purchase or sell any
security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for an advisory account, thereby preventing
such employee(s) from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts.
As these situations represent actual or potential conflicts of interest to our clients, we have
established the following policies and procedures for implementing our firm’s Code of Ethics, to
ensure our firm complies with its regulatory obligations and provides our clients and potential
clients with full and fair disclosure of such conflicts of interest:
1. No principal or employee of our firm may put his or her own interest above the interest of an
advisory client.
2. No principal or employee of our firm may buy or sell securities for their personal portfolio(s)
where their decision is a result of information received as a result of his or her employment
unless the information is also available to the investing public.
3. It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person employed by us may purchase or sell any
security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for an advisory account. This prevents
such employees from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts.
4. Our firm requires prior approval for any IPO or private placement investments by related persons
of the firm.
5. We maintain a list of all reportable securities holdings for our firm, and anyone associated
with this advisory practice that has access to advisory recommendations ("access person").
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These holdings are reviewed on a regular basis by our firm's Chief Compliance Officer or
his/her designee.
6. We have established procedures for the maintenance of all required books and records.
7. Clients can decline to implement any advice rendered, except in situations where our firm is
granted discretionary authority.
8. All of our principals and employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and
State regulations governing registered investment advisory practices.
9. We require delivery and acknowledgement of the Code of Ethics by each supervised person
of our firm.
10. We have established policies requiring the reporting of Code of Ethics violations to our
senior management.
11. Any individual who violates any of the above restrictions may be subject to termination.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
I.
Private Clients Business:
For discretionary clients, Greenspring Advisors requires these clients to provide us with written
authority to determine the broker dealer to use and the commission costs that will be charged to
these clients for these transactions.
As a matter of policy and practice, Greenspring does not generally aggregate client trades to
execute block trades and, therefore, will typically implement client transactions separately for
each account. Due to this practice, certain client trades may be executed before others and,
depending on the type of security traded, may be executed at
a different price and/or commission rate. Additionally, Greenspring clients may not receive volume
discounts which may be available to advisers that block client trades.
Greenspring generally recommends that investment management accounts be maintained at
Fidelity or Schwab. Prior to engaging Greenspring to provide investment management services, the
client will be required to enter into a formal Investment Advisory Agreement with Greenspring
setting forth the terms and conditions under which Greenspring shall manage the client’s assets,
and a separate custodial/clearing agreement with each designated broker-dealer/ custodian.
Factors that the Greenspring considers in recommending Fidelity or Schwab (or any other broker-
dealer/custodian to clients) include historical relationship with Greenspring, financial strength,
reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. Although the commissions and/or
transaction fees paid by Greenspring’s clients shall comply with Greenspring’s duty to obtain best
execution, a client may pay a commission that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might
charge to effect the same transaction where Greenspring determines, in good faith, that the
commission/transaction fee is reasonable. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not
the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution,
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taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s services, including, but not limited to,
the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness.
Accordingly, although Greenspring will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the
lowest possible commission rates for client account transactions. The brokerage commissions or
transaction fees charged by the designated broker-dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in
addition to, Greenspring’s investment management fee. Greenspring’s best execution responsibility
is qualified if securities that it purchases for client accounts are mutual funds that trade at net asset
value as determined at the daily market close.
Research and Additional Benefits
Although not a material consideration when determining whether to recommend that a
client utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, Greenspring may receive
from Fidelity or Schwab (or another broker-dealer/custodian, investment platform, and/or
mutual fund sponsor) without cost (and/or at a discount) support services and/or products,
certain of which assist the Greenspring to better monitor and service client accounts
maintained at such institutions. Included within the support services that may be obtained
by Greenspring may be 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, discounted or gratis consulting services,
discounted and/or gratis attendance at conferences, meetings, and other educational
and/or social events, marketing support, computer hardware and/or software and/or other
products used by Greenspring in furtherance of its investment advisory business operations.
As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products that may be received
may assist Greenspring in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not
directly provide such assistance but rather assist Greenspring to manage and further develop
its business enterprise.
Greenspring’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets
maintained at, Fidelity or Schwab as a result of this arrangement. There is no corresponding
commitment made by Greenspring to Fidelity or Schwab or any other entity to invest any
specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or
other investment
products as a result of the above arrangement.
ii. Institutional Client Business:
Greenspring works with many different vendors in the retirement plan industry to serve the
needs of our clients. There is no direct link between our firm's relationship with these
vendors and the advisory services we provide to our clients, although we may receive
economic benefits through these relationships that may not otherwise be available.
These benefits include the following products and services (provided without cost or at a
discount): research related products and tools; consulting services; access to an electronic
communications network for client account information; and discounts on compliance,
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marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or services provided to
Greenspring by third party vendors. These vendors may also pay for business consulting and
professional services received by Greenspring’s related persons. The receipt of economic
benefits by us or our related persons creates a conflict of interest and could influence our
choice for custody, record keeping, administration and brokerage services.
These vendors may also pay or reimburse expenses (including travel, lodging, meals, and
entertainment expenses) for Greenspring’s personnel to attend conferences or meetings
relating to their services.
Some of the products and services made available by these vendors may benefit
Greenspring but may not benefit our client accounts. These products or services may assist
us in managing and administering client accounts. Other services made available by these
vendors are intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise. The
benefits received by Greenspring or our personnel do not depend on the amount of
business directed to these vendors. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of
economic benefits by Greenspring Advisors or our related persons in and of itself creates a
potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence our choice or recommendation of
these vendors for retirement plan provider services.
Greenspring’s Chief Compliance Officer Aaron Tawil, remains available to address any questions
that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above arrangement and any
corresponding perceived conflict of interest such arrangement may create.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
PRIVATE MONEY MANAGEMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES
REVIEWS: While the underlying securities within Private Money Management and Comprehensive
Wealth Management Services accounts are continually monitored, these accounts are generally
reviewed at least quarterly, but no less than annually. Accounts are reviewed by advisors in the
context of each client's stated investment objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be
triggered by material changes in variables such as the client's individual circumstances, or the
market, political or economic environment.
REPORTS: In addition to the monthly statements and confirmations of transactions that clients
receive from their broker-dealer, we provide quarterly reports summarizing account performance,
balances and holdings.
RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING SERVICES
REVIEWS: Greenspring Advisors will review the client's Investment Policy Statement (IPS) whenever
the
client advises us of a change in circumstances regarding the needs of the plan. Greenspring Advisors
will also review the investment options of the plan according to the agreed upon time intervals
established in the IPS. Such reviews are conducted by advisors and will generally occur quarterly,
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but no less than annually.
REPORTS: Greenspring Advisors will provide reports to Retirement Plan Consulting Services clients
based on the terms set forth in the client's Investment Policy Statement (IPS).
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
REVIEWS: While reviews may occur at different stages depending on the nature and terms of the
specific engagement, typically no formal reviews will be conducted for Financial Planning clients
unless otherwise contracted for.
REPORTS: Financial Planning clients will receive a completed financial plan. Additional reports will
not typically be provided unless otherwise contracted for.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Greenspring does not receive any economic benefit, directly or indirectly from any third party for
advice rendered to Greenspring clients.
Item 15 Custody
We previously disclosed in the "Fees and Compensation" section (Item 5) of this Brochure that our
firm directly debits advisory fees from client accounts.
As part of this billing process, the client's custodian is advised of the amount of the fee to be
deducted from that client's account. On at least a quarterly basis, the custodian is required to send
to the client a statement showing all transactions within the account during the reporting period.
Because the custodian does not calculate the amount of the fee to be deducted, it is important for
clients to carefully review their custodial statements to verify the accuracy of the calculation, among
other things. Clients should contact us directly if they believe that there may be an error in their
statement.
Our firm does not have actual or constructive custody of client accounts.
Item 16
Investment Discretion
Clients may hire us to provide discretionary asset management services, in which case we place
trades in a client's account without contacting the client prior to each trade to obtain the client's
permission.
Our discretionary authority includes the ability to do the following without contacting the client:
• Determine the security to buy or sell; and/or
• Determine the amount of the security to buy or sell; and/or
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• Determine the broker-dealer where trades will be executed; and/or
• Determine the amount of commission paid for trade execution
Clients give us discretionary authority when they sign a discretionary agreement with our firm and
may limit this authority by giving us written instructions. Clients may also change/amend such
limitations by once again providing us with written instructions.
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
As a matter of firm policy, we do not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Therefore, although our firm
may provide investment advisory services relative to client investment assets, clients maintain
exclusive responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of
securities beneficially owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to
any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining
to the client’s investment assets. Clients are responsible for instructing each custodian of the
assets, to forward to the client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating to
the client’s investment assets. Greenspring has authorized third party managers to vote proxies on
behalf of clients who hold individual equity and fixed income securities in their accounts. In these
situations where authorization has been granted, we have notified the clients of this delegation to
proxy voting authority to the third-party managers.
We may provide clients with consulting assistance regarding proxy issues if they contact us with
questions at our principal place of business.
Item 18 Financial Information
Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of fees in excess of $1,200 per client more
than six months in advance of services rendered. Therefore, we are not required to include a
financial statement.
As an advisory firm that maintains discretionary authority for client accounts, we are also required
to disclose any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet our
contractual obligations. Currently, there are no such financial conditions that exist.
Greenspring Advisors has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten years.
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