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Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
HFH PLANNING INC.
82 Nassau Street, #60593
NEW YORK, NY 10038
Phone: 212 402 5444
Fax: 800 991 2996 Attn #60593
Website: https://hfhplanning.com
Email: plan@hfhplanning.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of HFH PLANNING INC. If you have any questions about the contents
of this brochure, please contact us at: 212 402 5444, or by email at:
plan@hfhplanning.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 HFH PLANNING INC. is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search the website by our CRD
number, which is 114046.
February 20, 2026
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HFH PLANNING INC.
Material Changes
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually when
material changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure,
which was on March 17, 2025
Material Changes since the Last Update
The GM Pool Revocable Trust is now 51% owner of the firm. George Martin
Pool is still the president and CCO.
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure,
please contact us by telephone at: 212 402 5444 or by email at:
plan@hfhplanning.com.
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Table of Contents
Material Changes........................................................................................................... 2
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................ 4
Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................... 9
Performance-Based Fees ........................................................................................... 11
Types of Clients........................................................................................................... 11
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ............................... 11
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................. 14
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................. 14
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ......................................................................................................................... 14
Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................... 16
Review of Accounts .................................................................................................... 17
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................ 18
Custody ........................................................................................................................ 18
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................. 18
Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................. 19
Financial Information .................................................................................................. 19
Business Continuity Plan ........................................................................................... 19
Information Security Program .................................................................................... 20
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV) .......................................................... 22
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HFH PLANNING INC.
Advisory Business
Firm Description
HFH PLANNING INC. (“we”, “us”, “our”) was founded in 1993.
We provide personalized confidential financial planning and investment
management to individuals. Advice is provided through consultation with the
client and may include determination of financial objectives, identification of
financial problems, cash flow management, tax planning, insurance review,
investment management, education funding, retirement planning, and estate
planning.
We are strictly a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm.
The firm does not sell annuities, insurance, stocks, bonds, mutual funds,
limited partnerships, or other commissioned products. The firm is not affiliated
with entities that sell financial products or securities. No commissions in any
form are accepted. No finder’s fees are accepted.
Investment advice is provided, with the client making the final decision on
investment selection. HFH PLANNING INC. does not act as a custodian of
client assets. The client always maintains asset control. HFH PLANNING
INC. places trades for clients under a limited power of attorney.
A written evaluation of each client's initial situation is provided to the client, in
the form of a comprehensive financial plan that addresses any of the areas
described above. Periodic reviews are also communicated to provide
reminders of the specific courses of action that need to be taken.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are
engaged directly by the client on an as-needed basis. Conflicts of interest will
be disclosed to the client in the unlikely event they should occur.
The initial meeting, which may be by telephone, virtually or in person and
usually last between 20 minutes to one-half hour, is free of charge and is
considered an exploratory interview to determine the extent to which financial
planning and investment management may be beneficial to the client.
Principal Owners
GM Poole Revocable Trust is a 51% owner. Peter May CFP® is 49% owner.
George Martin Poole is the President and CCO.
Types of Advisory Services
HFH PLANNING INC. provides investment supervisory services, also known
as asset management services, and furnishes investment advice through
consultations.
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On more than an occasional basis, HFH PLANNING INC. provides advice to
clients on matters not involving securities, such as financial planning matters,
tax planning, and trust services that often include estate planning.
As of December 31, 2025, HFH PLANNING INC. manages approximately
$214million in non-discretionary assets. HFH PLANNING INC. also has
$93million in assets under advisement.
Selection of Other Advisors
We have established a sub-advisory relationship with SyntheticFi LLC, an
unaffiliated investment advisor (CRD# 330200/SEC# 801-129765). In
exercising our responsibility to recommend strategies for our clients, we may
determine if it is in a client’s best interest to engage SyntheticFi to implement
trades in all or a portion of the client’s account. If HFH Planning determines
that engaging SyntheticFi is in a client’s best interest, we will provide the
client with SyntheticFi’s relevant disclosure documents, including Form ADV
2A, Privacy policy and any other documents necessary to provide a complete
description of SyntheticFi’s services and fees
Tailored Relationships
The goals and objectives for each client are documented for each client. A
target asset allocation that reflects the stated goals and objectives is
established for each client. Clients may have more than one target asset
allocation based on the nature of their goals and objectives. Clients may
impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Agreements may not be assigned without the client’s consent.
Types of Agreements
The following agreements define the typical client relationships.
Financial Plan Development Agreement
A financial plan is designed to help the client with all aspects of financial
planning without any services provided once the financial plan is completed.
The financial plan may include, but is not limited to: a net worth statement; a
cash flow statement; a review of investment accounts, including reviewing
asset allocation and providing repositioning recommendations that are based
on the assessment of the client’s risk tolerance and their goals and
objectives; strategic tax planning; a review of retirement accounts and plans
including recommendations; a review of insurance policies and
recommendations for changes, if necessary; one or more retirement
scenarios; estate planning review and recommendations; and education
planning with funding recommendations.
A target asset allocation is developed from an assessment of the client’s risk
tolerance and risk capacity. Specific recommendations relating to other
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aspects are provided as a part of the financial plan. Implementation of the
recommendations is at the discretion of the client.
The fee for a financial plan is predicated upon the facts known at the start of
the engagement. The minimum fee is $1,080 and is negotiable and
represents an initial payment for three hours of our services. Since financial
planning is a discovery process, situations occur wherein the client is
unaware of certain financial exposures or predicaments.
In most cases the discovery process and plan preparation are more extensive
than the three hours mentioned above. Clients are advised of this probability
at the initial interview. Each hour is charged, in 15-minute increments, at the
$360 rate.
After delivery of a financial plan, future meetings may be scheduled as
necessary to refine the plan or make any additional recommendations
requested by the client. Follow-on implementation work is billed monthly in
arrears at the rate of $360 per hour or the client may establish an Ongoing
Planning and Advisory Services Agreement detailed below.
Ongoing Planning and Advisory Services Agreement
Just as important as having a completed Financial Plan is implementing,
monitoring and maintaining all aspects of the Plan going forward. After
completion of the financial plan, most clients then choose to have us assist
with the implementation of the plan, manage their assets and provide ongoing
in-depth financial planning advice. Detailed investment advice and specific
recommendations are provided to implement the target asset allocation
developed in the financial plan. On an ongoing basis, if life events cause
clients to change their goals and objectives, we will recommend and
implement modifications to the plan.
The annual fee for this service, billed monthly or quarterly, is based on a
client’s combined net worth and will include any cash balances in the
calculation and gross income, according to the following table:
Net Worth + Gross Income:
Annual Fee %
$0 to $1,000,000
0.60%
Next $1,000,000
0.50%
Thereafter
0.30%
This covers investments, manager selection, monitoring all holdings, quarterly
reporting and rebalancing and as detailed below in the Investment Advisory
Services section; as well as ongoing insurance planning, tax planning,
retirement planning, college planning and estate planning. The minimum
annual fee is $4,800, and fees are negotiable and clients with a similar
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amount of assets to invest may incur different fees because of the use of net
worth and gross income in the calculation. By using net worth and gross
income to calculate fees, the intent of the Ongoing Planning and Advisory
Service is to be truly objective, fair, transparent and aligned with the client’s
goals always. As part of the ongoing review and modification of the plan, we
generally meet with the client between two and four times per year.
The duration of this agreement is at the client’s discretion. We will use the
goals, objectives, and assessment of risk tolerance documented in the client’s
financial plan in providing recommendations related to the management of the
client’s investment portfolio. The client must inform us that there has been a
change in their goals, objectives and/or risk tolerances. The client or HFH
PLANNING INC. may terminate an Agreement at any time by written notice to
the other party. At termination, fees will be billed on service provided prior to
termination.
Investment Advisory Services
The client can engage HFH PLANNING INC. to provide non-discretionary
investment advisory services on a fee-only basis. HFH PLANNING INC.’s
annual investment advisory fee is based upon a percentage (%) of the market
value of the assets and will include any cash balances in the calculation
placed under our management. Before engaging us to provide investment
advisory services, clients are required to enter into an Investment Advisory
Services Agreement with HFH PLANNING INC., setting forth the terms and
conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the scope of
the services to be provided, and the fee that is due from the client.
Market Value of Assets:
Annual Fee %
$0 to $500,000
1.00%
Next $500,000
0.90%
Thereafter
0.65%
HFH PLANNING INC.’s annual investment advisory fee shall include
investment advisory services. If the client requires extraordinary planning or
consultation services (to be determined in the sole discretion of HFH
PLANNING INC.), we may determine to charge for such additional services
pursuant to a stand-alone Financial Plan Development (see above).
We provide investment advisory services specific to the needs of each client.
Before providing investment advisory services, we will ascertain each client’s
investment objectives. Then, we will allocate and/or recommend that the
client allocate investment assets consistent with the designated investment
objectives. We generally allocate or recommend that clients allocate
investment assets among no-load mutual fund shares and exchange traded
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funds (“ETFs”). In addition, we may use model portfolios if the portfolio meets
the investment objectives of the client. However, we may also accommodate
clients and purchase other securities on a client’s behalf upon an unsolicited
request. Such purchases have historically been fixed-income securities, and
individual equity securities. Once allocated, we provide ongoing monitoring
and review of account performance, asset allocation and client investment
objectives.
Tax Preparation Agreement
Tax preparation work is performed separately and billed separately. Minimum
fee for tax preparation is $400. Eligible federal and applicable state returns
are filed electronically without an additional fee.
Hourly Planning Engagements
We provide hourly planning services for clients who need advice on a limited
scope of work. The hourly rate for limited scope engagements is $360.
Asset Management
Assets are invested primarily in no-load or fee waived mutual funds and
exchange-traded funds, usually through discount brokers or fund companies.
Fund companies charge each fund shareholder an investment management
fee that is disclosed in the fund prospectus. Discount brokerages may charge
a transaction fee for the purchase of some funds.
Stocks and bonds may be purchased or sold through a brokerage account
when appropriate. The brokerage firm charges a fee for stock and bond
trades. We do not receive any compensation, in any form, from fund
companies or brokerages.
Investments may also include: equities (stocks), exchange traded funds
(ETFs), corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit,
cash balances, municipal securities, investment company securities (variable
annuities and mutual funds shares), U.S. government securities, options
contracts, futures contracts, and interests in partnerships.
Initial public offerings (IPOs) are not available through HFH PLANNING INC.
Termination of Agreement
A Client may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by
notifying HFH PLANNING INC. in writing and paying the rate for the time
spent prior to notification of termination or the prorated annual fee for those
clients whose fees are based on their net worth and gross income. If the client
made an advance payment, we will refund any unearned portion of the
advance payment.
HFH PLANNING INC. may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements
at any time by notifying the client in writing. If the client made an advance
payment, we will refund any unearned portion of the advance payment.
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Fees and Compensation
Description
HFH PLANNING INC. bases its fees on hourly charges for Financial Plan
Development, fixed fees based on a client’s net worth and gross income for
Ongoing Planning and Advisory Services, and fees based on market value of
assets for Investment Advisory Services.
Financial Plan Development:
Initial Fee: $1,080 (3 hours) paid upon signing agreement.
Subsequently: $360 per hour, billed monthly.
Subsequent Fees: $360 per hour for implementation, billed monthly.
Ongoing Planning and Advisory Services:
Net Worth + Gross Income:
Annual Fee %
$0 to $1,000,000
0.60%
Next $1,000,000
0.50%
Thereafter
0.30%
Subject to a minimum annual fee of $4,800.
Investment Advisory Services:
Market Value of Assets:
Annual Fee %
$0 to $500,000
1.00%
Next $500,000
0.90%
Thereafter
0.65%
Fees are negotiable. HFH PLANNING INC., in its sole discretion, may waive
its minimum fee and/or charge a lesser fee. Because we feel that all people,
regardless of net worth, deserve financial planning assistance we will reduce
fees for clients whose assets and/or income is limited.
Fee Billing
Fees for financial plans for the first 3 hours are paid upon signing the
agreement, with the balance billed monthly, in arrears, meaning that we
invoice you after the month billing period has ended for the hours spent
working on the financial plan. Payment in full is expected upon invoice
presentation. Fees are usually deducted from a designated client account to
facilitate billing. The client must consent in advance to direct debiting of their
investment account.
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Annual fees for Ongoing Planning and Advisory Services are calculated at
inception of the agreement, and then billed either monthly, quarterly or
annually in advance as agreed to by the client and HFH Planning. The annual
fee is recalculated every two years. The sub-advisor manager’s advisory fee
is payable, in addition to HFH Planning’s fee, and is debited separately by the
custodian and paid to the sub-advisor. All fee arrangements are fully
disclosed to the client in the sub advisor’s advisory agreement.
Fees for Investment Advisory Services are billed monthly, quarterly or
annually in advance, based on the market value of the assets on the last
business day of the previous month (if monthly), quarter (if quarterly) or year
(if annually), as agreed to by the client and HFH Planning. The subadvisor
manager(s)advisory fee is payable, in addition to HFH Planning’s fee, and is
debited separately by the custodian and paid to the sub-advisor. All fee
arrangements are fully disclosed to the client.
Other Fees
Custodians may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of certain
mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. These transaction charges are
usually incidental to the purchase or sale of a security. The selection of the
security or fund is more important than the nominal fee that the custodian
charges to buy or sell the security.
Expense Ratios
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) generally charge a
management fee for their services as investment managers. The
management fee is called an expense ratio. For example, an expense ratio of
0.50 means that the fund company charges 0.5% (50 basis points) for their
services. These fees are in addition to the fees paid to HFH PLANNING INC.
Performance figures quoted by fund companies in various publications are
after their fees have been deducted.
Past Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement
HFH PLANNING INC. reserves the right to stop work on any account that is
more than 30 days overdue. In addition, we reserve the right to terminate any
financial planning engagement where a client has willfully concealed or has
refused to provide pertinent information about financial situations when
necessary and appropriate, in our judgment, to provide proper financial
advice. In the unusual situation where there are unused fees, those fees will
be refunded within 15 days.
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Retirement Rollover Conflicts of Interest Disclosure
When we recommend you rollover a retirement account for us to manage, this
creates a financial incentive because we charge a fee for our services. We
attempt to mitigate the conflict of interest by acting in your best interest and
applying an impartial conduct standard to all rollovers. Please note that you
are not under any obligation to roll over a retirement account to an account
managed by us.
Performance-Based Fees
Sharing of Capital Gains
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of
managed securities.
HFH PLANNING INC. does not use a performance-based fee structure
because of the potential conflict of interest. Performance-based
compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to recommend an
investment that may carry an inappropriately high degree of risk to the client.
Types of Clients
Description
HFH PLANNING INC. generally provides investment advice to individuals.
We work with individuals of all levels of wealth and may have clients with
negative net worth.
Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Account Minimums
There is no minimum account size for assets under management.
Clients receive ongoing asset management services regardless of the size of
their account or where the assets are held.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Security analysis methods may include fundamental analysis and technical
analysis.
Fundamental analysis is a technique that attempts to determine a security’s
value by focusing on underlying factors that affect a company's actual
business and its future prospects. The analysis is performed on historical and
present data. On a broader scope, one can perform fundamental analysis on
industries or the economy as a whole. The term refers to the analysis of the
economic well-being of a financial entity as opposed to only its price
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movements. The risk associated with fundamental analysis is that despite
that appearance that a security is undervalued, it may not rise in value as
predicted.
Technical Analysis is a method of evaluating securities by analyzing statistics
generated by market activity, such as past prices and volume. Technical
analysts do not attempt to measure a security's intrinsic value, but instead
use charts and other tools to identify patterns that can suggest future activity.
The risk associated with technical analysis is that there is no broad
consensus among technical traders on the best method of identifying future
price movements.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and
magazines, and research materials prepared by others.
Other sources of information that we may use include Morningstar Advisor
mutual fund and stock information, mutual fund and exchange traded fund
providers, Advisor Intelligence, and the internet websites focused on
investments and financial planning.
Investment Strategies
The primary investment strategy used on client accounts is strategic asset
allocation that includes thirteen asset classes. Clients may not own
investments representing all thirteen asset classes in their portfolios since
each client’s portfolio is designed based on their goals, objectives, risk
tolerance and preferences. HFH PLANNING INC. uses value oriented
actively-managed funds where there are greater opportunities for managers
to make a difference and passively-managed index and exchange-traded
funds where we feel manager input is minor, and if specifically directed by the
client. Portfolios are globally diversified to control the risk associated with
traditional markets.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives
determined during the client interviews and consultations. The client may
change these objectives at any time. Each client receives and approves a
target asset allocation based on their objectives and their desired investment
strategy.
Other strategies may include long-term purchases, margin transactions,
pledged asset loans using clients’ portfolios as collateral and tier two option
strategies.
Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Our
investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face
the following investment risks:
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment
prices to fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on
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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 today will
not buy as much as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is
eroding at the rate of inflation.
Currency Risk: International 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 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 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.
Selection Risk: Selecting value oriented stocks and or funds over
growth oriented funds may have a negative impact on portfolio
performance. Neither approach is guaranteed to provide appreciation
in stock market value; both carry investment risk. The return and
principal value of investments fluctuate with changes in market
conditions. Investments, when sold, may be worth more or less than
their original cost. Investments seeking to achieve higher rates of
return also involve a greater degree of risk.
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Borrowing Against Assets/Risks; The use of margin/pledged asset
involves borrowing money from a broker dealer (ex. Charles Schwab)
in order to enhance returns on a portfolio. Investing on margin/pledged
asset lines can heighten the amount of gains or losses in a portfolio.
One risk with using margin/pledged asset line is when account values
decrease, and the client may have to add more money to their account
to eliminate the custodian from liquidating losing positions. This is
called a margin call and the client should understand when using
margin/pledged asset line, they may be asked to add money or
possibly be sold out of securities that have decreased substantially in
value.
Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
The firm and its employees have not been involved in legal or disciplinary
events related to past or present investment clients.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
HFH PLANNING INC. has no other financial industry activities.
Affiliations
HFH PLANNING INC. has no other financial industry affiliations.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
The employees of HFH PLANNING INC. have committed to the CFP Board
Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct that is available for review by
clients and prospective clients upon request. The firm will provide a copy of
the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct to any client or prospective
client upon request.
Additionally, HFH PLANNING INC. has established its own Code of Ethics
that establishes ideals for ethical conduct based upon fundamental principles
of openness, integrity, honesty, and trust. The firm will provide a copy of its
Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
HFH PLANNING INC.’S Code of Ethics covers all supervised persons, and it
describes the firm’s high standard of business conduct and fiduciary duty to
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its clients. The Code of Ethics includes, among other things, provisions
relating to the confidentiality of client information, a prohibition on insider
trading, a prohibition on rumor mongering, restrictions on the acceptance of
significant gifts and the reporting of certain gifts and business entertainment
items, and personal securities trading procedures. All supervised persons
must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics annually or as amended.
Material Interest in Securities
HFH PLANNING INC does not have a material interest in any securities.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
HFH PLANNING INC. and its employees may buy or sell securities that are
also held by clients. Employees may not trade their own securities ahead of
client trades. Employees comply with the provisions of the HFH PLANNING
INC. Compliance Manual.
Personal Trading
The Chief Compliance Officer of HFH PLANNING INC. is George Martin
Poole who is also the Chief Executive Officer. He reviews all employee trades
each quarter. His trades are reviewed by the Chief Operating Officer, Peter D.
May.
Trade Error Policy
From time-to-time HFH Planning may make an error in submitting a trade
order on your behalf. When this occurs, HFH Planning may place a correcting
trade with the broker-dealer which has custody of your account. If an
investment gain results from the correcting trade, the gain will remain in your
account unless the same error involved other client account(s) that should
have received the gain, it is not permissible for you to retain the gain, or we
confer with you and you decide to forego the gain (e.g., due to tax reasons). If
the gain does not remain in your account and Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.
(“Schwab”) is the custodian, Schwab will donate the amount of any gain $100
and over to charity. If a loss occurs greater than $100, HFH Planning will pay
for the loss. Schwab will maintain the loss or gain (if such gain is not retained
in your account) if it is under $100 to minimize and offset its administrative
time and expense. Generally, if related trade errors result in both gains and
losses in your account, they may be netted
Retirement Plan Rollovers
PLEASE NOTE: RETIREMENT ROLLOVERS-No Obligation/Conflict of
Interest: A client leaving an employer typically has four options (and may
engage in a combination of these options): i) leave the money in his/her
former employer’s plan, if permitted, ii) roll over the assets to his/her new
employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted, iii) rollover to
an IRA, or iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the
client’s age, result in adverse tax consequences). If HFH PLANNING INC.
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provides a recommendation as to whether a client should engage in a rollover
transaction, HFH PLANNING INC. 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. We may recommend an investor roll over plan assets to an
Individual Retirement Account (IRA) managed by HFH PLANNING INC. A
recommendation of i, ii or iii will generally result in no additional compensation
to HFH PLANNING INC. if you have engaged us to monitor and/or manage
the account while maintained at your employer as part of your Ongoing
Planning and Advisory Service or Investment Advisory Service. There are
various factors that we may consider before recommending a rollover,
including but not limited to: i) the investment options available in the plan
versus the investment options available in an IRA, ii) fees and expenses in
the plan versus the fees and expenses in an IRA, iii) the services and
responsiveness of the plan’s investment professionals versus HFH
PLANNING INC.’s, iv) protection of assets from creditors and legal
judgments, v) required minimum distributions and age considerations, and vi)
employer stock tax consequences, if any. No client is under any obligation to
rollover plan assets to an IRA managed by HFH PLANNING INC.
Client Obligations
In performing its services, HFH PLANNING INC. shall 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 his/her/its responsibility to promptly notify HFH
PLANNING INC. if there is ever any change in his/her/its financial situation or
investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising
Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services.
Disclosure Statement
A copy of HFH PLANNING INC.’s written Brochure as set forth on Part 2A of
Form ADV shall be provided to each client before or contemporaneously with
the execution of the Financial Plan Development Agreement, Ongoing
Planning and Advisory Services Agreement, and/or an Investment Advisory
Agreement.
Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
HFH PLANNING INC. does not have any affiliation with product sales firms.
Specific custodian recommendations are made to clients based on their need
for such services. We recommend custodians based on the proven integrity
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and financial responsibility of the firm and the best execution of orders at
reasonable commission rates.
HFH PLANNING INC. recommends discount brokerage firms and trust
companies (qualified custodians), such as Schwab Advisor Services
Best Execution
Most trades are mutual funds where best execution does not garner any client
benefit since the purchases and sales are executed based on the mutual
funds closing price. Exchange traded funds are executed using the trading
facilities of Schwab Advisor Services who provides quarterly reports of their
best execution statistics.
Soft Dollars
HFH PLANNING INC. receives no soft dollar payments.
Order Aggregation
Most trades are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds where trade
aggregation does not garner any client benefit.
Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Account reviews are performed quarterly by advisors George Martin Poole,
CFP®, and Peter D. May CFP®.
Review Triggers
Other conditions that may trigger a review are changes in the tax laws, new
investment information, and changes in a client's own situation.
Regular Reports
Account reviewers are the Firm’s financial planners. They are instructed to
consider the client's current security/mutual fund positions and the likelihood
that the performance of each position will contribute to the investment
objectives of the client.
Clients receive periodic communications on at least an annual basis.
Ongoing Planning and Advisory Services clients receive written quarterly
updates. The written updates will include a listing of the client’s accounts and
the performance of the portfolio versus applicable benchmarks and a report of
the client’s asset allocation versus the client’s target asset allocation and any
recommended changes.
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Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Incoming Referrals
HFH PLANNING INC. has been fortunate to receive many client referrals over
the years. The referrals came from current clients, estate planning attorneys,
accountants, employees, personal friends of employees and other similar
sources. The firm does not compensate referring parties for these referrals.
Referrals Out
HFH PLANNING INC. does not accept referral fees or any form of
remuneration from other professionals when a prospect or client is referred to
them.
Other Compensation
HFH PLANNING INC. does not receive any other form of compensation.
Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians, which means the custodians
provide account statements directly to clients at their address of record at
least quarterly.
Performance Reports
Clients are urged to compare the account statements received directly from
their custodians to the performance report statements provided by HFH
PLANNING INC.
Net Worth Statements
Net worth statements contain approximations of bank account balances
provided by the client, as well as the value of land and hard-to-price real
estate. The net worth statements are used for long-term financial planning
where the exact values of assets are not material to the financial planning
tasks.
Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
HFH PLANNING INC. has no discretionary authority to manage securities
accounts on behalf of clients. We advise clients of all purchases and sales we
would like to make and provide 1 weeks’ notice prior to any executions. The
client has the opportunity to review our recommendations and not approve
the trades. If the client does not respond within the 1 week period, the trades
are made. The client approves the custodian to be used. HFH PLANNING
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INC. does not receive any portion of the transaction fees or commissions paid
by the client to the custodian. A sub-advisor acting on behalf of the client
may use their discretion when making their investment decisions.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited power of attorney is a trading authorization for the purpose of
permitting HFH PLANNING INC. to place trades. Clients sign a limited power
of attorney to facilitate the process.
Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
HFH PLANNING INC. does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are
expected to vote their own proxies.
When assistance on voting proxies is requested, HFH PLANNING INC. will
provide recommendations to the Client. If a conflict of interest exists, it will be
disclosed to the Client.
Financial Information
Financial Condition
HFH PLANNING INC. does not have any financial impairment that will
preclude the firm from meeting contractual commitments to clients.
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because HFH PLANNING INC.
does not serve as a custodian for client funds or securities and does not
require prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per client, or six months or
more in advance.
Business Continuity Plan
General
HFH PLANNING INC. has a Business Continuity Plan in place that provides
detailed steps to mitigate and recover from the loss of communications,
services or key people.
Disasters
The Business Continuity Plan covers natural disasters such as snow storms,
hurricanes, tornados, and flooding. The Plan covers man-made disasters
such as loss of electrical power, loss of water pressure, fire, bomb threat,
nuclear emergency, chemical event, biological event, T-1 communications
line outage, Internet outage, railway accident and aircraft accident. Electronic
files are backed up daily and archived in multiple geographic locations.
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Alternate Offices
HFH Planning provides all of its services virtually and each employee has
multiple methods available to access all information needed to continue to
provide HFH Planning’s services.
Loss of Key Personnel
George Martin Poole, CFP® and Peter May CFP® are positioned to support
each other in the event of the death or disability of either.
Information Security Program
Information Security
HFH PLANNING INC. maintains a security program to reduce the risk that
your personal and confidential information may be breached.
Privacy Notice
HFH PLANNING INC. is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity
and security of the personal information that is entrusted to us.
The categories of nonpublic information that we collect from you may include
information about your personal finances, information about your health to the
extent that it is needed for the financial planning process, information about
transactions between you and third parties, and information from consumer
reporting agencies, e.g., credit reports. We use this information to help you
meet your personal financial goals.
With your permission, we disclose limited information to attorneys,
accountants, insurance agents and providers, and mortgage lenders with
whom you have established a relationship. You may opt out from our sharing
information with these nonaffiliated third parties by notifying us at any time by
telephone, mail, fax, email, or in person. With your permission, we share a
limited amount of information about you with your brokerage firm in order to
execute securities transactions on your behalf and third parties that assist
HFH in providing you with services.
We maintain a secure environment so that your information is not placed at
an unreasonable risk. We employ a firewall barrier, secure data encryption
techniques and authentication procedures in our computer environment.
We do not provide your personal information to mailing list vendors or
solicitors. We require strict confidentiality in our agreements with unaffiliated
third parties that require access to your personal information, including
financial service companies, consultants, and auditors. Federal and state
securities regulators may review our Company records and your personal
records as permitted by law.
Personally identifiable information about you will be maintained while you are
a client, and for the required period thereafter that records are required to be
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HFH PLANNING INC.
maintained by federal and state securities laws. After that time, information
may be destroyed.
We will notify you in advance if our privacy policy is expected to change. We
are required by law to deliver this Privacy Notice to you annually, in writing.
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HFH PLANNING INC.
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV)
Education and Business Standards
HFH PLANNING INC. requires that advisors in its employ have a bachelor's
degree and further coursework demonstrating knowledge of financial planning and
tax planning. Examples of acceptable coursework include: Certified Financial
Planner, Registered Financial Consultant, Certified Public Accountant, Attorney or
having a master’s in business administration. Additionally, advisors must have
work experience that demonstrates their aptitude for financial planning and
investment management.
Professional Certifications
Employees have earned certifications and credentials that are required to be
explained in further detail.
Certified Financial Planner™(CFP®): Certified Financial Planners™ are
licensed by the CFP Board to use the CFP® mark. CFP® certification
requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Completion of the financial planning education requirements set by the
CFP Board (www.cfp.net).
Successful completion of the CFP® Certification Exam.
Complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related
experience (or the equivalent, measured as 2,000 hours per year);
and
Successfully pass the Candidate Fitness Standards and background
check and agree to adhere to the ethics and practice standards
outlined in the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of
Professional Conduct.
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HFH PLANNING INC.
George Martin Poole, CFP® RFC®
Educational Background:
Date of birth: September 24, 1955
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – BS Business
Administration, 1977
New York University Stern School of Business – MBA Finance, 1979
New York University School of Continuing Education – Certificate in
Financial Planning, 2006
Business Experience:
HFH Planning - Financial Strategist President/CCO, 2009 – Present
Citi Smith Barney - Wealth Management Product Specialist, 2007 –
2008
US Trust Company of New York – Wealth Manager, 1999 – 2005
Disciplinary Information: None
Other Business Activities:
National Associate of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) 2010 to
Present
Past President – 333 Tenants Corporation
Former Trustee and Chairman of Investment Committee – Trinity
Baptist Church, NY, NY
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Peter D. May CFP® reviews George Martin Poole’s work through our
internal network of client data as well as remote interactions.
Supervisor’s contact information:
212 402 5444 Ext 102
peter@hfhplanning.com
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HFH PLANNING INC.
Peter D. May CFP®
Educational Background:
Date of birth: October 13, 1972
University of Virginia – BS Commerce, Finance concentration, 1994
Columbia University Business School – MBA Finance, 2006
New York University School of Continuing Education – Certificate in
Financial Planning, 2015
Business Experience:
HFH Planning - Financial Strategist 49% Owner, 2015 – Present.
Citigroup – Trader, Structured Credit Derivatives, 2006 – 2014.
Avaya, Inc – Finance Manager, 2001 – 2003.
Winstar Communications – Manager, Corporate Development, 2000
– 2001.
Peace Corps Volunteer, 1999 – 2000.
J.C. Bradford & Co. – Equity Research Analyst, 1994-1998
Disciplinary Information: None
Other Business Activities: Co-owner of The Shirley Project Space, an art
gallery.
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Peter May CFP® is supervised by George Martin Poole CFP®. He
reviews Peter D. May’s work through our internal network of client data
and remote interactions.
Supervisor’s contact information:
212 402 5444 Ext 101
martin@hfhplanning.com
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HFH PLANNING INC.