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Item 1: Cover Page
HFM Investment Advisors, Inc.
Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Brochure
302-234-9777
www.hfminvestmentadvisors.com
Dated February 26, 2026
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of HFM Investment
Advisors, Inc., “HFM”. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at 302-
234-9777. 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.
HFM Investment Advisors, Inc. is registered as a registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment
adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.
Additional information about HFM is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be
found using the firm’s identification number 115799.
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Since the last update of our Form ADV Part 2A, dated February 14, 2025, no material changes have occurred.
Item 2: Material Changes
Please note, this section is only discussing the material changes made to our Form ADV Part 2A.
Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 2: Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... 2
Item 4: Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 3
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................. 5
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................................. 6
Item 7: Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................... 7
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ....................................................... 7
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................. 8
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................................... 8
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ............... 8
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................................... 9
Item 13: Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 12
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................. 13
Item 15: Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Item 16: Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................ 13
Item 17: Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 13
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 14
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement .............................................................................................. 15
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Description of Advisory Firm
Item 4: Advisory Business
HFM Investment Advisors, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. We were founded in April of 1986. Stephen L. Hyde is the President and Chief
Compliance Officer of the firm and is principal owner of HFM.
HFM engages in discretionary management activities and provides ongoing continuing investment
supervisory services. As of December 31, 2025, HFM manages $493,085,991 on a discretionary basis
and $0.00 on a non-discretionary basis.
Types of Advisory Services
Investment Management Services
We offer investment management services by referring clients, where appropriate, to third-party
money managers (“Outside Managers”) for portfolio management services. We assist clients in
selecting an appropriate allocation model, interacting with the Outside Manager, and reviewing the
Outside Manager. Our review process and analysis of outside managers is further discussed in Item 8 of
this Form ADV Part 2A. Client may impose reasonable restrictions on their account. Additionally, we will
meet with the client on a periodic basis to discuss changes in their personal or financial situation,
suitability, and any new or revised restrictions to be applied to the account. Fees pertaining to this
service are outlined in Item 5 of this brochure.
Financial Planning
We provide financial planning services on topics such as retirement planning, risk management, college
savings, cash flow, debt management, work benefits, and estate and incapacity planning.
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. The key
defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions,
information and analysis will be considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and
life situation of the client. Clients purchasing this service will receive a written or an electronic report,
providing the client with a detailed financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals
and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas of concern. The client and
advisor will work together to select the specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
• Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your
likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the
primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may
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make recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting
certain variables (i.e., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with
investments).
If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution
strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter
spending during your retirement years.
•
Insurance Review: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, and
disability. If no coverage currently exists, we may analyze the risks associated with having no
coverage and suggest that coverage be put in place.
• College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other
post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired
amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review
your financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to
grandchildren (if appropriate).
• Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to
determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus
should be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be
provided on which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt
and any income tax ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an
appropriate cash reserve that should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals,
along with a review of accounts (such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies
to save desired amounts.
• Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an
employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a
business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various benefit programs that can be
structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals.
• Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your
current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts and
other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid
future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of
applicable trusts.
We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or
complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys
who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From
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time-to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with
your approval or request.
• Financial Goals: We will help clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them.
We will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen,
how much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
•
Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet clients’
financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies,
reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment
account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we
may recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
We offer the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client financial plans and their
implementation are dependent on the initial fact-finding session we complete, which outlines each
client’s current situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels) and is used to construct a client
specific plan to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions, needs, and targets.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do not participate in wrap fee programs.
Financial Planning
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Financial Planning will generally be offered on a fixed fee basis. In special circumstances it may be
offered on an hourly basis at a rate of $200.00 per hour. Fixed fees will be determined on a case by
case basis with the fee based on the complexity of the situation and the needs of the client. The fixed
fee will be agreed upon before the start of any work. The fixed fee can range from $ 750.00 to
$15,000.00. The fee is negotiable and may be paid by check. HFM often uses plans, reports, and
proposals generated by Morningstar, Inc., and Financial Profiles. The fee charged for the services to be
performed is based on the relative complexity of the Client's situation. If the client is receiving
investment management services from HFM, we may waive the financial planning fee entirely.
If the fixed fee payment option is chosen, the client will deposit one-half of the fee upon signing the
Investment Advisory Agreement and the balance upon completion of the client's Financial Plan. No fee
would ever in any circumstance be payable six months or more in advance. The client has five (5)
working days after signing the Investment Advisory Agreement in which the deposit will be refunded in
full and after which time the deposit will be considered applying to expenses and costs incurred in
preparation of the Financial Plan. The contract may be terminated by the client in writing at any time.
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However, if it is terminated beyond the first five (5) working days, any unearned fees will be refunded to
the Client.
If the hourly fee payment option is chosen, then the fee shall be payable in full upon completion of
work product and billing. All fees are subject to negotiation on a case-by-case basis and may be paid by
check.
Investment Management Services
Our standard advisory fee is based on the market value of the assets under advisement and will range
between 0.25% and 1.25%, depending on the situation, complexity, and services provided. The fee
amount and services will be agreed to between HFM and the client in the advisory contract.
The annual fees are negotiable and are pro-rated and paid in arrears on a quarterly basis. The fee
structure is subject to negotiation on a case-by-case basis. No increase in the annual fee shall be
effective without agreement from the client by signing a new agreement or amendment to their current
advisory agreement.
Advisory fees are directly debited from the client’s account. Accounts initiated or terminated during a
calendar quarter will be charged a pro-rated fee based on the amount of time remaining in the billing
period. An account may be terminated with written notice at least 30 calendar days in advance. Since
fees are paid in arrears, no rebate will be needed upon termination of the account.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses
Our fees are exclusive of transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses which may be incurred
by the client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties
such as custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and
electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions.
Mutual fund and exchange traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a
fund’s prospectus. Such charges and fees are exclusive of and in addition to our fee, and we shall not
receive any portion of these fees, and costs.
Item 12 further describes the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for
client’s transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation. We do not accept
compensation for the sale of securities or other investment products including asset-based sales
charges or service fees from the sale of mutual funds.
We do not offer performance-based fees.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-
By-Side Management
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individuals, banks, pension plans,401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, charitable
HFM Advises
organizations, trusts, estates, corporations and other business entities.
Item 7: Types of Clients
With respect to advisory clients that are accounts regulated under the Employee Retirement Income
and Security Act (“ERISA”) or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), we provide general investment
advice about the merits and risks of several investment alternatives. We have no discretionary
authority or control, whatsoever, with respect to ERISA accounts. The named Plan fiduciary must make
the investment decision about the purchase of any products based on his/her understanding of the
Plan’s needs and objectives, and we are in no way responsible for any investment decisions. The Plan
fiduciary is free to seek independent advice about the appropriateness of any investment for the Plan.
We do not have a minimum account size requirement.
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment
Strategies and Risk of Loss
The method of securities analysis is fundamental analysis. This is merely employing the use of basic
analysis of various companies, their financial statements and their potential for future success. There is
no unusual risk inherent in the usage of fundamental analysis. Of all the methods of analysis of
securities, we believe that there is the least amount of risk involved with fundamental analysis as it
involves the analysis of a company’s financial statements in order to understand the financial health of
the firms in which we may recommend investment.
HFM measures an investor’s goals, and time horizon through a client interview process to ascertain an
investment strategy that is best suited to fit the client’s needs. HFM then designs an investment and risk
management strategy to help the client achieve his or her financial goals. In developing a client specific
investment strategy, a number of factors are taken into consideration. HFM views a client’s assets as a
single integrated portfolio and, generally, recommends that the portfolio be diversified across several
asset classes. Tax efficiency is important, but is not the sole consideration in developing a strategy.
Attention to investment expenses and numerous other factors related to individual investment
selection are also considered.
Investment strategies may include long-term and short-term purchases depending upon the individual
needs of the client. The concept of asset allocation, or spreading investments among a number of asset
classes (domestic stocks vs. foreign stocks; large cap stocks vs. small cap stocks; corporate bonds vs.
government securities), is a guiding principle when developing investment strategies. Asset allocation
seeks to achieve the most efficient diversification of assets, to minimize risk while not sacrificing the
effectiveness of the portfolio to yield the client’s objectives. Since HFM believes that risk reduction is a
key element to long-term investment success, asset allocation principles are a key part of HFM’ overall
approach in providing investment advice to clients.
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Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of HFM or the integrity of our
management. We have no information applicable to this Item.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities
and Affiliations
Mr. Hyde is a career agent with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. and may engage in insurance
product sales with our clients, for which he will receive additional compensation. Any commissions
received through insurance sales are paid directly to Mr. Hyde and do not offset advisory fees the client
may pay for advisory services under HFM.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or
Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
HFM has adopted a written Code of Ethics pursuant to SEC Rule 204A-1 which some state regulators
require as well. The Code of Ethics, among other things, sets forth the responsibilities and obligations
of associated persons with respect to such issues as personal trading and insider trading restrictions.
The firm’s Code of Ethics is available upon request to clients and prospective clients.
HFM remains fully cognizant of its fiduciary responsibilities with respect to personal securities
transactions, and in that regard the client's best interest shall always be placed ahead of that of HFM
and the associated person(s).
HFM or its principals could recommend securities to advisory clients in which there is a proprietary
interest. This has not happened but could. Full disclosure of any conflict of interest created by this type
of situation would be fully disclosed to the advisory client at once.
If HFM or a related person recommends to clients, or buys or sells for client accounts, securities in
which HFM or a related person has a material financial interest, it is our practice to immediately
disclose this situation as a conflict of interest. We address this conflict of interest by making sure that
the interest of the client is always placed before our own interest.
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Investment Advice Relating to Retirement Accounts
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual
retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement
accounts. The way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a
special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under
this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give prudent
advice).
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal
advice).
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments.
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best
interest.
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services.
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
In addition, and as required by this rule, we provide information regarding the services that we provide
to you, and any material conflicts of interest, in this brochure and in your client agreement.
Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
HFM Investment Advisors, Inc. does not have any affiliation with Broker-Dealers, however we
recommend that our clients use Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer,
member SIPC, as the qualified custodian. We are independently owned and operated and not affiliated
with Schwab. Schwab will hold your assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities when
instructed. While we recommend that you use Schwab as custodian/broker, you will decide whether to
do so and open your account with Schwab by entering into an account agreement directly with them.
We seek to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold your assets and execute transactions on
terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to other available providers and their
services. We consider a wide range of factors, including, among others, these:
• combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services
• capability to execute, clear and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account)
• capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check
requests, bill payment, etc.)
• breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded
funds (ETFs), etc.)
• availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions
• quality of services
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• competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates, other
fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them
reputation, financial strength and stability of the provider
their prior service to us and our other clients
•
•
• availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below (see "Products and
Services Available to Us from Schwab")
Your Custody and Brokerage Costs
For our clients' accounts it maintains, Schwab generally does not charge you separately for custody
services but is compensated by charging you fees on trades that it executes or that settle into your
Schwab account. Schwab's fees applicable to our client accounts were negotiated based on our
commitment to maintain a certain level of our clients' assets statement equity in accounts at Schwab.
This commitment benefits you because the overall fees you pay are lower than they would be if we had
not made the commitment Schwab charges you a flat dollar amount as a "prime broker" or "trade
away" fee for each trade that we have executed by a different broker-dealer but where the securities
bought or the funds from the securities sold are deposited (settled) into your Schwab account. These
fees are in addition to the fees or other compensation you pay the executing broker-dealer. Because of
this, in order to minimize your trading costs, we have Schwab execute most trades for your account.
Products and Services Available to Us from Schwab
Institutional)
is Schwab's business serving
Schwab Advisor Services (formerly called Schwab
independent investment advisory firms like us. They provide us and our clients with access to its
institutional brokerage - trading, custody, reporting and related services - many of which are not
typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes available various support services.
Some of those services help us manage or administer our clients' accounts while others help us manage
and grow our business. Schwab's support services are generally are available on an unsolicited basis (we
don't have to request them) and at no charge to us as long as we keep a total of at least $10 million of
our clients' assets in accounts at Schwab. Here is a more detailed description of Schwab's support
services:
Services that Benefit You. Schwab's institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of
investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment
products available through Schwab include some to which we might not otherwise have access or that
would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by our clients. Schwab's services
described in this paragraph generally benefit you and your account.
Services that May Not Directly Benefit You. Schwab also makes available to us other products and
services that benefit us but may not directly benefit you or your account. These products and services
assist us in managing and administering our clients' accounts. They include investment research, both
Schwab's own and that of third parties. We may use this research to service all or some substantial
number of our clients' accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab. In addition to
investment research, Schwab also makes available software and other technology that:
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• provide access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and account
statements);
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts;
facilitate payment of our fees from our clients' accounts; and
•
• provide pricing and other market data;
•
• assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Services that Generally Benefit Only Us. Schwab also offers other services intended to help us manage
and further develop our business enterprise. These services include:
technology, compliance, legal, and business consulting;
• educational conferences and events
•
• publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
• access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance providers.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors
to provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or
pay all or a part of a third party's fees. Schwab may also provide us with other benefits such as
occasional business entertainment of our personnel.
Our Interest in Schwab's Services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do not have to produce or
purchase them. We don't have to pay for Schwab's services so long as we keep a total of at least $10
million of client assets in accounts at Schwab. The $10 million minimum may give us an incentive to
recommend that you maintain your account with Schwab based on our interest in receiving Schwab's
services that benefit our business rather than based on your interest in receiving the best value in
custody services and the most favorable execution of your transactions. This is a potential conflict of
interest. We believe, however, that our selection of Schwab as custodian and broker is in the best
interests of our clients. It is primarily supported by the scope, quality and price of Schwab's services
(based on the factors discussed above - see "How We Select Brokers/Custodians") and not Schwab's
services that benefit only us. We have approximately $356,000,000 in client assets under advisement,
and do not believe that maintaining at least $10 million of those assets at Schwab in order to avoid
paying Schwab quarterly service fees presents a material conflict of interest.
1. Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits
We currently do not receive soft dollar benefits.
2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
We receive no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that broker-dealer or
third party.
3. Directed Brokerage
We do recommend a specific custodian for clients to use, however, clients may custody their assets at a
custodian of their choice. Clients may also direct us to use a specific broker-dealer to execute
transactions. By allowing clients to choose a specific custodian, we may be unable to achieve most
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favorable execution of client transaction and this may cost clients money over using a lower-cost
custodian.
Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts
Neither HFM nor its associated persons aggregate the purchase or sale of securities for any client
account. Clients are hereby advised that failure to aggregate the purchase or sale of securities could
result in higher costs to the client.
Outside Managers used by HFM may block client trades at their discretion. Their specific practices are
further discussed in their ADV Part 2A, Item 12.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Annual Review: At the end of any period covered by this relationship, the Client and the Firm will
determine whether to continue the services provided for under this relationship. The fee for continuing
these services will be determined at that time based on the Firm's estimation of the complexity of the
Client's situation.
The Annual Review may include, but is not limited to, the following services:
1. Tax pro forma and planning recommendations
2. Investment appraisal and review
3. Education Planning
4. Insurance review
5. Retirement plan review
6. Preparation of a Statement of Net Worth
7. Review of cash flows
8. Estate planning reviews
9. Information on current financial planning techniques
10. Research into specific financial areas as necessary
11. Other areas of concern determined by the client as appropriate
HFM intends to review each client's financial plan annually or as needed to fulfill its obligations to its
clients. HFM uses the Advent Axys Advantage, and Morningstar’s Advisor Workstation asset reporting
systems as part of the review process. It will be used on a selected basis for selected clients chosen on
a case-by-case basis. The fee for continuing these services will be determined at that time based on the
Company's estimation of the complexity of the Client's situation.
Reviews are undertaken by Mr. Hyde. The review reports may either be verbal or written and will cover
that which is described above.
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Item 14: Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
We receive an economic benefit from Schwab in the form of the support products and services it makes
available to us and other independent investment advisors that have their clients maintain accounts at
Schwab. These products and services, how they benefit us, and the related conflicts of interest are
described above (see Item 12 - Brokerage Practices). The availability to us of Schwab's products and
services is not based on us giving particular investment advice, such as buying particular securities for
our clients.
Item 15: Custody
HFM does not accept custody of client funds. Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from
the broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains client's investment assets.
We urge you to carefully review such statements and compare such official custodial records to the
account statements or reports that we may provide to you. Our statements or reports may vary from
custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of
certain securities.
HFM does exercise discretionary authority.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
HFM does not vote Client proxies. Therefore, Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) voting
proxies, and (2) acting on corporate actions pertaining to the Client’s investment assets. The Client shall
instruct the Client’s qualified custodian to forward to the Client copies of all proxies and shareholder
communications relating to the Client’s investment assets. If the client would like our opinion on a
particular proxy vote, they may contact us at the number listed on the cover of this brochure.
In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in the
event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them directly to
you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in which case, we
would forward you any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.
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Item 18: Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial
information or disclosures about our financial condition. We have no financial commitment that impairs
our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and we have not been the subject
of a bankruptcy proceeding.
We do not have custody of client funds or securities or require or solicit prepayment of more than
$1,200 in fees per client six months in advance.
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HFM Investment Advisors, Inc.
302-234-9777
www.hfminvestmentadvisors.com
Dated February 26, 2026
For
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement
Stephen L. Hyde
President
This brochure supplement provides information about Stephen L. Hyde that supplements the HFM
Investment Advisors, Inc. (“HFM”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please
contact Stephen Hyde if the HFM brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any
questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Mr. Hyde is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
which can be found using the identification number 254335.
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Item 2: Educational Background and
Stephen L. Hyde
Business Experience
Born: 1949
Educational Background
• 1992 – Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Board of Standards
• 1984 – Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), American College
• 1976 – Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), American College
• 1971 – B.A. in Political Science, American University
Business Experience
• 1986 – Present, HFM Investment Advisors, Inc., Chief Executive Officer and CCO
• 1971 – Present, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Insurance Agent
• 1984 – 2014, MML Investor Services, LLC, Registered Representative
• 1986 – 1992, Feaster, Warrant & Hyde Employee Benefits, Owner
• 1990 – 1994, Greenfield & Hyde Employee Benefits, Owner
Professional Designations, Licensing & Exams
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
I am certified for financial planning services in the United States by Certified Financial Planner
Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”). Therefore, I may refer to myself as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER™ professional or a CFP® professional, and I may use these and CFP Board’s other
certification marks (the “CFP Board Certification Marks”). The CFP® certification is voluntary. No
federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold the CFP® certification. You
may find more information about the CFP® certification at www.cfp.net.
CFP® professionals have met CFP Board’s high standards for education, examination, experience,
and ethics. To become a CFP® professional, an individual must fulfill the following requirements:
• Education – Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
and complete CFP Board-approved coursework at a college or university through a CFP
Board Registered Program. The coursework covers the financial planning subject areas
CFP Board has determined are necessary for the competent and professional delivery of
financial planning services, as well as a comprehensive financial plan development
capstone course. A candidate may satisfy some of the coursework requirement through
other qualifying credentials.
• Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The examination is
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designed to assess an individual’s ability to integrate and apply a broad base of financial
planning knowledge in the context of real-life financial planning situations.
• Experience – Complete 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the personal
financial planning process, or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets
additional requirements.
• Ethics – Satisfy the Fitness Standards for Candidates for CFP® Certification and Former CFP®
Professionals Seeking Reinstatement and agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics
and Standards of Conduct (“Code and Standards”), which sets forth the ethical and practice
standards for CFP® professionals.
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics
requirements to remain certified and maintain the right to continue to use the CFP Board
Certification Marks:
• Ethics – Commit to complying with CFP Board’s Code and Standards. This includes a
commitment to CFP Board, as part of the certification, to act as a fiduciary, and therefore,
act in the best interests of the client, at all times when providing financial advice and
financial planning. CFP Board may sanction a CFP® professional who does not abide by this
commitment, but CFP Board does not guarantee a CFP® professional's services. A client who
seeks a similar commitment should obtain a written engagement that includes a fiduciary
obligation to the client.
• Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to
maintain competence, demonstrate specified levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and
keep up with developments in financial planning. Two of the hours must address the Code
and Standards.
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC): This designation is issued by The American College and is
granted to individuals who have at least three years of full-time business experience within the five
years preceding the awarding of the designation. The candidate is required to take seven mandatory
courses which include the following disciplines: financial, insurance, retirement and estate planning;
income taxation, investments and application of financial planning; as well as two elective courses
involving the application of the aforementioned disciplines. Each course has a final proctored exam and
once issued, the individual is required to submit 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU): This designation is issued by The American College and is granted to
individuals who have at least three years of full-time business experience within the five years
preceding the awarding of the designation. The candidate is required to take a series of mandatory
courses which include, for example, the following: insurance planning, life insurance law, fundamentals
of estate planning, planning for business owners, income taxation, group benefits, planning for
retirement needs, and investments. Each course has a final proctored exam and once issued, the
individual is required to submit 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
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No management person at HFM Investment Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of
any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
Item 4: Other Business Activities
Mr. Hyde is a career agent with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. and may engage in insurance
product sales with our clients, for which he will receive additional compensation. Any commissions
received through insurance sales are paid directly to Mr. Hyde and do not offset advisory fees the
client may pay for advisory services under HFM. This activity accounts for less than 5% of Mr. Hyde’s
time.
Mr. Hyde does not receive any economic benefit from any person, company, or organization, in
exchange for providing clients advisory services through HFM.
Item 5: Additional Compensation
Stephen L. Hyde, as President and Chief Compliance Officer of HFM, is responsible for supervision. He
may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.
Item 6: Supervision
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