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Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
January 2026
Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350
San Ramon, CA 94583
Firm Contact:
Anthony Ortale
Chief Compliance Officer
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Insight Wealth Strategies,
LLC. If clients have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (925) 659-8020. 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 our firm is also available
on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching CRD #293644.
Please note that the use of the term “registered investment adviser” and description of our firm and/or our
associates as “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Clients are encouraged to review this
Brochure and Brochure Supplements for our firm’s associates who advise clients for more information on the
qualifications of our firm and our employees.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 1
Item 2: Material Changes
Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC is required to make clients aware of information that has
changed since the last annual update to the Firm Brochure (“Brochure”) and that may be
important to them. Clients can then determine whether to review the brochure in its entirety
or to contact us with questions about the changes.
As of our last annual amendment filing on 01/2025, there have been no material changes.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 2
Item 3: Table of Contents
Cover Page ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Item 2: Material Changes ................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Item 4: Advisory Business ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Item 5: Fees & Compensation ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
9
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management ........................................................................................ 8
Item 7: Types of Clients & Account Requirements ..................................................................................................................
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss ................................................................................. 9
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................................................ 19
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations ............................................................................................... 19
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading .......................... 19
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 13: Review of Accounts or Financial Plans ................................................................................................................... 23
Item 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation ................................................................................................................. 24
Item 15: Custody ............................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Item 16: Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................................... 26
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 3
Item 4: Advisory Business
Our firm is dedicated to providing individuals and other types of clients with a wide array of
investment advisory services. Our firm is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the
State of California in 2018 and has been in business as an investment adviser since that time. The
individuals associated with Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC have been in the investment business since
2002. Our firm is owned by Brian Stormont and Chad Seegers. The purpose of this Brochure is to
disclose the conflicts of interest associated with the investment transactions, compensation and any
other matters related to investment decisions made by our firm or its representatives. As a fiduciary,
it is our duty to always act in the client’s best interest. This is accomplished in part by knowing our
client. Our firm has established a service-oriented advisory practice with open lines of communication
for many different types of clients to help meet their financial goals while remaining sensitive to risk
tolerance and time horizons. Working with clients to understand their investment objectives while
educating them about our process, facilitates the kind of working relationship we value.
Types of Advisory Services Offered
IWS offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, estates,
businesses, institutions and retirement plans (each referred to as a “Client”). The Advisor serves as a
fiduciary to Clients, as defined under the applicable laws and regulations. As a fiduciary, the Advisor
upholds a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards each Client and seeks to mitigate potential
conflicts of interest. IWS’s fiduciary commitment is further described in the Advisor’s Code of Ethics.
For more information regarding the Code of Ethics, please see Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or
Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading.
Investment Management Services
IWS provides customized investment advisory solutions for its Clients. This is achieved through
continuous personal Client contact and interaction while providing discretionary investment
management and related advisory services. IWS works closely with each Client to identify their
investment goals and objectives as well as risk tolerance and financial situation in order to determine a
portfolio strategy. For Clients with more than $1,000,000 in assets under management, financial
Internal Investment Management
planning services will be included in the scope of investment management services.
IWS will place Client assets into proprietary models which consist primarily of low-cost, diversified
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and individual stocks to achieve the Client’s investment goals. The
Advisor may also utilize alternative investments to meet the needs of its Clients or retain certain legacy
investments based on portfolio fit and/or tax considerations. IWS’s investment approach is primarily
long-term focused, but the Advisor may buy, sell or re-allocate positions that have been held for less
than one year to meet the objectives of the Client or due to market conditions. IWS will construct,
implement and monitor the portfolio to ensure it meets the goals, objectives, circumstances, and risk
tolerance agreed to by the Client. Each Client will have the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions
on the types of investments to be held in their respective portfolio, subject to acceptance by the
Advisor. IWS evaluates and selects investments for inclusion in Client portfolios only after applying its
internal due diligence process. IWS may recommend, on occasion, redistributing investment allocations
to diversify the portfolio. IWS may recommend specific positions to increase sector or asset class
weightings. The Advisor may recommend employing cash
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 4
positions as a possible hedge against market movement. IWS may recommend selling positions for
reasons that include, but are not limited to, harvesting capital gains or l osses, business or sector risk
exposure to a specific security or class of securities, overvaluation or overweighting of the position[s]
in the portfolio, change in risk tolerance of the Client, generating cash to meet Client needs, or any risk
deemed unacceptable for the Client’s risk tolerance.
At no time will IWS accept or maintain custody of a Client’s funds or securities, except for the limited
authority as outlined in Item 15 – Custody. All Client assets will be managed within the designated
account[s] at the Custodian, pursuant to the terms of the advisory agreement. Please see Item 12 –
Financial Planning Services
Brokerage Practices.
IWS will typically provide a variety of financial planning and consulting services to Clients, pursuant
to a written financial planning agreement. Services are offered in several areas of a Client’s financial
situation, depending on their goals and objectives.
Generally, such financial planning services involve preparing a formal financial plan or rendering a
specific financial consultation based on the Client’s financial goals and objectives. This planning
or consulting may encompass one or more areas of need, including but not l imited to, investment
planning, retirement planning, personal savings, education savings, insurance needs and other areas of
a Client’s financial situation.
A financial plan developed for, or financial consultation rendered to the Client will usually include
general recommendations for a course of activity or specific actions to be taken by the Client. For
example, recommendations may be made that the Client start or revise their investment programs,
commence or alter retirement savings, establish education savings and/or charitable giving programs.
IWS may also refer Clients to an accountant, attorney or other specialists, as appropriate for
their unique situation. For certain financial planning engagements, the Advisor will provide a written
summary of the Client’s financial situation, observations, and recommendations. For consulting or
ad-hoc engagements, the Advisor may not provide a written summary. Plans or consultations are
typically completed within six (6) months of contract date, assuming all information and documents
requested are provided promptly.
Financial planning and consulting recommendations poses a conflict between the interests of the
Advisor and the interests of the Client. For example, the Advisor has an incentive to recommend that
Clients engage the Advisor for investment management services or to increase the level of investment
assets with the Advisor. Clients are not obligated to implement any recommendations made by the
Advisor or maintain an ongoing relationship with the Advisor. Additionally, if the Client elects to act
on any of the recommendations made by the Advisor, the Client is under no obligation to implement the
transaction through the Advisor.
Retirement Accounts
When the Advisor provides investment advice to Clients regarding ERISA retirement accounts or
individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), the Advisor is a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”),
as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. When deemed to be in the Client’s best
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 5
sed account to fee-
interest, the Advisor will provide investment advice to a Client regarding a distribution from
an ERISA retirement account or to roll over the assets to an IRA, or recommend a similar
transaction including rollovers from one ERISA sponsored Plan to another, one IRA to another
IRA, or from one type of account to another account (e.g. commission-ba
based account). Such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if the Advisor will earn a new
(or increase its current) advisory fee as a result of the transaction. No client is under any obligation
to roll over a retirement account to an account managed by the Advisor.
Use of Independent Managers
When deemed to be in the Client’s best interest, IWS will recommend that Clients utilize one or more
unaffiliated investment managers (herein “Independent Managers”) for all or a portion of a Client’s
investment portfolio, based on the Client’s needs and objectives. In such instances, the Client may be
required to authorize and enter into an investment management agreement with the Independent
Manager[s] that defines the terms in which the Independent Manager[s] will provide its services.
The Advisor will perform initial and ongoing oversight and due diligence over each Independent
Manager to ensure the strategy remains aligned with Clients’ investment objectives and overall best
interests. The Advisor will also assist the Client in the development of the initial policy
recommendations and managing the ongoing Client relationship. The Client, prior to entering into
an agreement with an Independent Manager, will be provided with the Independent Manager’s Form
Tailoring of Advisory Services
ADV Part 2A - Disclosure Brochure (or a brochure that makes the appropriate disclosures).
firm offers individualized investment advice
to our Asset Management clients.
investment advice will be offered to our Financial Planning & Consulting and
Our
General
Retirement Plan Consulting Management clients.
Each Asset Management client has the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the types of
investments to be held in the portfolio. Restrictions on investments in certain securities or types
of securities may not be possible due to the level of difficulty this would entail in managing the
account.
Participation in Wrap Fee Programs
Regulatory Assets Under Management
Our firm does not offer or sponsor a wrap fee program.
As of January, 1 2025, our firm manages $1,063,962,235on a discretionary basis, and $0 on a non-
discretionary basis.
Item 5: Fees & Compensation
Compensation for Our Advisory Services
Asset Management
The maximum annual fee charged for this service will not exceed 1%. Fees to be assessed will be
outlined in the advisory agreement to be signed by the client. Annualized fees are billed on a pro- rata
basis quarterly in arrears based on the value of the account(s) on the time-weighted daily average of
the quarter.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 6
Fees are negotiable and will be deducted from client account(s). In rare cases, our firm will agree to
directly invoice. Further, it is important to note that our firm bills on cash unless indicated otherwise in
writing. As part of this process, Clients understand the following:
a) The client’s independent custodian sends statements at least quarterly showing the market
values for each security included in the Assets and all account disbursements, including the
amount of the advisory fees paid to our firm;
b) Clients will provide authorization permitting our firm to be directly paid by these terms. Our
c)
Advisory Services to Brokerage Customers
firm will send an invoice directly to the custodian; and
If our firm sends a copy of our invoice to the client, legend urging the comparison of
information provided in our statement with those from the qualified custodian will be
included.
Insight receives an advisory fee based on the Assets Under Management from Brokerage Customers
who have provided written consent to a broker-dealer to receive the investment advisory service
from Insight and have entered into a written advisory contract with Insight. The advisory fee is
calculated based on the value of the Assets Under Management from Brokerage Customers as of the
end of the previous quarter. The maximum advisory fee will not exceed 1% annually. This advisory
Financial Planning & Consulting
fee is paid by the broker-dealer and is not charged to the client separately.
Our firm charges on an hourly or flat fee basis for financial planning and consulting services. The total
estimated fee, as well as the ultimate fee charged, is based on the scope and complexity of our
engagement with the client. The maximum hourly fee to be charged will not exceed $500. Flat fees
will not exceed $50,000. The fee-paying arrangements will be determined on a case-by-case basis and
will be detailed in the signed consulting agreement. Our firm will not require a retainer exceeding
Retirement Plan Consulting
$1,200 when services cannot be rendered within 6 months.
Our Retirement Plan Consulting services are billed on either a flat fee basis or a fee based
on the percentage of Plan assets under management. The total estimated fee, as well as the
ultimate fee charged, is based on the scope and complexity of our engagement with the client.
Our flat fees will not exceed $40,000 annually. Fees based on a percentage of managed
Plan assets will not exceed 1.00%. The fee-paying arrangements will be determined on a
Use of Independent Managers
case-by-case basis and will be detailed in the signed consulting agreement.
As noted in Item 4, the Advisor may implement all or a portion of a Client’s investment portfolio
utilizing one or more Independent Managers. To eliminate any conflict of interest, the Advisor
does not earn any compensation from an Independent Manager. The Advisor will only earn its
investment advisory fee as described above. Independent Managers will not typically offer any
fee discounts, but may have a breakpoint schedule which will reduce the fee with an increased
level of assets placed under management with an Independent Manager. The terms of such fee
arrangements are included in the Independent Manager’s disclosure brochure and applicable
contract[s] with the Independent Manager. The total blended fee, including the Advisor’s fee and
the Independent Manager’s fee will not exceed 2% annually.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 7
Other Types of Fees & Expenses
Clients will incur transaction fees for trades executed by their chosen custodian via individual
transaction charges.
These transaction fees are separate from our firm’s advisory fees and will be disclosed by the
chosen custodian. Schwab does not charge transaction fees for U.S. listed equities and exchange
traded funds. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. does not charge transaction fees for U.S. listed equities and
exchange traded funds. Fidelity Brokerage Services (“Fidelity”) eliminated transaction fees for
U.S. listed equities and exchange traded funds for clients who opt into electronic delivery of
statements or maintain at least $1 million in assets at Fidelity. Clients who do not meet either
criteria will be subject to transaction fees charged by Fidelity for U.S. listed equities and
exchange traded funds.
chosen custodian for certain
investments,
Clients may also pay holdings charges imposed by the
charges imposed directly by a mutual fund, index fund, or exchange traded fund, which shall
be disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (i.e.,
fund management fees, initial or deferred sales
charges, mutual fund sales loads, 12b-1 fees, surrender charges, variable annuity fees, IRA and
qualified retirement plan fees, and other fund expenses, mark-ups and mark-downs, spreads paid
to market makers, fees for trades executed away from custodian, wire transfer fees and other fees
and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Our firm does not receive a portion of
Termination & Refunds
these fees.
Either party may terminate the advisory agreement signed with our firm for Asset Management
services in writing at any time. Upon notice of termination pro-rata advisory fees for services
rendered to the point of termination will be charged. If advisory fees cannot be deducted, our firm
will send an invoice for due advisory fees to the client.
Financial Planning & Consulting clients may terminate their agreement at any time before the
delivery of a financial plan by providing written notice. For purposes of calculating refunds, all
work performed by us up to the point of termination shall be calculated at the hourly fee currently in
effect. Clients will receive a pro-rata refund of unearned fees based on the time and effort expended
by our firm.
Retirement Plan Consulting Agreement may terminate at any time by
Either party to a
providing written notice to the other party. Full refunds will only be made in cases where
cancellation occurs within 5 business days of signing an agreement. After 5 business days from
initial signing, either party must provide the other party 30 days written notice to terminate
billing. Billing will terminate 30 days after receipt of termination notice. Clients will be charged
on a pro-rata basis, which takes into account work completed by our firm on behalf of the
client. Clients will incur charges for bona fide advisory services rendered up to the point
of termination (determined as 30 days from receipt of said written notice) and such fees will be due
Commissionable Securities Sales
and payable.
Our firm and representatives do not sell securities for a commission in advisory accounts.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees & Side-By-Side Management
Our firm does not charge performance-based fees
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 8
Item 7: Types of Clients & Account Requirements
Our firm has the following types of clients:
•
•
•
•
•
Individuals and High Net Worth Individuals;
Broker-Dealer
Trusts, Estates or Charitable Organizations;
Pension and Profit Sharing Plans;
Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and/or Other Business Types
Our firm imposes account minimum requirements when utilizing our proprietary investment strategies.
Please see Item 8 for more information.
Clients who opt into electronic delivery of statements or maintain at least $1 million in assets at Fidelity
will not be charged transaction fees for U.S. listed equities and exchange traded funds.
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies & Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or managing
Charting:
client assets:
In this type of technical analysis, our firm reviews charts of market and security activity in
an attempt to identify when the market is moving up or down and to predict when how long the
trend may last and when that trend might reverse.
Cyclical Analysis:
Statistical analysis of specific events occurring at a sufficient number of relatively
predictable intervals that they can be forecasted into the future. Cyclical analysis asserts that
cyclical forces drive price movements in the financial markets. Risks include that cycles may
invert or disappear and there is no expectation that this type of analysis will pinpoint turning
points, instead be used in conjunction with other methods of analysis.
Fundamental Analysis:
The analysis of a business's financial statements (usually to analyze the
business's assets, liabilities, and earnings), health, and its competitors and markets. When
analyzing a stock, futures contract, or currency using fundamental analysis there are two basic
approaches one can sue: bottom up analysis and top down analysis. The terms are
used to
of making
distinguish such analysis is performed on historical and present data, but with the goal
financial forecasts. There are several possible objectives: (a) to conduct a company stock
valuation and predict its probable price evolution; (b) to make projection on its business
performance; (c) to evaluate its management and make internal business decisions; (d) and/or to
calculate its credit risk; and (e) to find out the intrinsic value of the share.
When the objective of the analysis is to determine what stock to buy and at a what price, there are
two basic methodologies investors rely upon: (a) Fundamental analysis maintains that markets may
misprice a security in the short run but that the "correct: price will eventually be reached. Profits
can be made by purchasing the mispriced security and then waiting for the market to recognize its
"mistake" and reprice the security; and (b) Technical analysis maintains that all
information is
reflected already in the price of a security. Technical analysts analyze trends and believe that
sentiment changes predate and predict trend changes. Investors' emotional responses to price
movements lead to recognizable price chart patterns. Technical analysts also analyze historical
trends to predict future price movement. Investors can use one ore both of these difference but
complementary methods for stock picking. 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 evaluation the stock.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 9
Mutual Fund and/or Exchange Traded Fund (“ETF”) Analysis:
Analysis of 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. The underlying assets in a mutual fund or ETF are also reviewed in an attempt to
determine if there is significant overlap in the underlying investments held in another fund(s) in
the Client’s portfolio. The funds or ETFs are monitored 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 our firm
does 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.
Technical Analysis:
A security analysis methodology for forecasting the direction of prices through
the study of past market data, primarily price and volume. A fundamental principle of technical
analysis is that a market's price reflects all relevant information, so their analysis looks at the history of
a security's trading pattern rather than external drivers such as economic, fundamental and news
events. Therefore, price action tends to repeat itself due to investors collectively tending toward
patterned behavior – hence technical analysis focuses on identifiable trends and conditions. Technical
analysts also widely use market indicators of many sorts, some of which are mathematical
transformations of price, often including up and down volume, advance/decline data and other
inputs. These indicators are used to help assess whether an asset is trending, and if it is, the
probability of its direction and of continuation. Technicians also look for relationships between
price/volume indices and market indicators. Technical analysis employs models and trading
rules based on price and volume transformations, such as the relative strength index, moving
averages, regressions, inter-market and intra-market price correlations, business cycles, stock
market cycles or, classically, through recognition of chart patterns. Technical analysis is widely
used among traders and financial professionals and is very often used by active day traders,
market makers and pit traders. The risk associated with this type of analysis is that analysts
use subjective judgment to decide which pattern(s) a particular instrument reflects at a given time
and what the interpretation of that pattern should be.
Quantitative Analysis:
The use of models, or algorithms, to evaluate assets for investment. The process
usually consists of searching vast databases for patterns, such as correlations among liquid assets
or price-movement patterns (trend following or mean reversion). The resulting strategies may involve
high-frequency trading. The results of the analysis are taken into consideration in the decision to buy
or sell securities and in the management of portfolio characteristics. A risk in using quantitative
analysis is that the methods or models used may be based on assumptions that prove to be incorrect.
Qualitative Analysis:
A
securities analysis
that uses
subjective
judgment based on
unquantifiable information, such as management expertise, industry cycles, strength of research and
development, and labor relations. Qualitative analysis contrasts with quantitative analysis, which
focuses on numbers that can be found on reports such as balance sheets. The two techniques, however,
will often be used together in order to examine a company's operations and evaluate its potential
as an investment opportunity. Qualitative analysis deals with intangible, inexact concerns that
belong to the social and experiential realm rather than the mathematical one. This approach depends
on the kind of intelligence that machines (currently) lack, since things like positive associations
with a brand, management trustworthiness, customer satisfaction, competitive advantage and
cultural shifts are difficult, arguably impossible, to capture with numerical inputs. A risk in using
qualitative analysis is that subjective judgment may prove incorrect.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 10
Sector Analysis
: Sector analysis involves identification and analysis of various industries or
economic sectors that are likely to exhibit superior performance. Academic studies indicate that the
health of a stock's sector is as important as the performance of the individual stock itself. In other
words, even the best stock located in a weak sector will often perform poorly because that sector is
out of favor. Each industry has differences in terms of its customer base, market share among firms,
industry growth, competition, regulation and business cycles. Learning how the industry operates
provides a deeper understanding of a company's financial health. One method of analyzing a
company's growth potential is examining whether the amount of customers in the overall market is
expected to grow. In some markets, there is zero or negative growth, a factor demanding careful
consideration. Additionally, market analysts recommend that investors should monitor sectors that
are nearing the bottom of performance rankings for possible signs of an impending turnaround.
Investment Strategies
We may use the following strategies in managing client accounts, provided that such strategies are
appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the client's investment objectives, risk
Asset Allocation:
tolerance, and time horizons, among other considerations:
The implementation of an investment strategy that attempts to balance risk
versus reward by adjusting the percentage of each asset in an investment portfolio according
to the investor's risk tolerance, goals and investment time frame. Asset allocation is based on the
principle that different assets perform differently in different market and economic conditions. A
fundamental justification for asset allocation is the notion that different asset classes offer returns
that are not perfectly correlated, hence diversification reduces the overall risk in terms of the
variability of returns for a given level of expected return. Although risk is reduced as long as
correlations are not perfect, it is typically forecast (wholly or in part) based on statistical
relationships (like correlation and variance) that existed over some past period. Expectations for
return are often derived in the same way.
An asset class is a group of economic resources sharing similar characteristics, such as riskiness and
return. There are many types of assets that may or may not be included in an asset allocation
strategy. The "traditional" asset classes are stocks (value, dividend, growth, or sector-specific [or a
"blend" of any two or more of the preceding]; large-cap versus mid-cap, small-cap or micro-
cap; domestic, foreign [developed], emerging or frontier markets), bonds (fixed income securities
more generally: investment-grade or junk [high-yield]; government or corporate; short-term,
intermediate, long- term; domestic, foreign, emerging markets), and cash or cash equivalents.
Allocation among these three provides a starting point. Usually included are hybrid instruments
such as convertible bonds and preferred stocks, counting as a mixture of bonds and stocks. Other
alternative assets that may be considered include: commodities: precious metals, nonferrous
metals, agriculture, energy, others.; Commercial or residential real estate (also REITs);
Collectibles such as art, coins, or stamps;
insurance products (annuity, life settlements,
catastrophe bonds, personal life insurance products, etc.); derivatives such as long-short or
market neutral strategies, options, collateralized debt, and futures; foreign currency; venture
capital; private equity; and/or distressed securities.
•
There are several types of asset allocation strategies based on investment goals, risk tolerance, time
frames and diversification. The most common forms of asset allocation are: strategic,
dynamic, tactical, and core-satellite.
Strategic Asset Allocation: The primary goal of a strategic asset allocation is to create an asset
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 11
•
mix that seeks to provide the optimal balance between expected risk and return for a long-
term investment horizon. Generally speaking, strategic asset allocation strategies are
agnostic to economic environments, i.e., they do not change their allocation postures relative
to changing market or economic conditions.
•
•
Cash & Cash Equivalents:
Dynamic Asset Allocation: Dynamic asset allocation is similar to strategic asset allocation in
that portfolios are built by allocating to an asset mix that seeks to provide the optimal balance
between expected risk and return for a long-term investment horizon. Like strategic
allocation strategies, dynamic strategies largely retain exposure to their original asset
classes; however, unlike strategic strategies, dynamic asset allocation portfolios will adjust
their postures over time relative to changes in the economic environment.
Tactical Asset Allocation: Tactical asset allocation is a strategy in which an investor takes a
more active approach that tries to position a portfolio into those assets, sectors, or individual
stocks that show the most potential for perceived gains. While an original asset mix is
formulated much like strategic and dynamic portfolio, tactical strategies are often traded
more actively and are free to move entirely in and out of their core asset classes
Core-Satellite Asset Allocation: Core-Satellite allocation strategies generally contain a 'core'
strategic element making up the most significant portion of the portfolio, while applying a
dynamic or tactical 'satellite' strategy that makes up a smaller part of the portfolio. In this
way, core-satellite allocation strategies are a hybrid of the strategic and dynamic/tactical
allocation strategies mentioned above.
Cash and cash equivalents generally refer to either United States dollars
or highly liquid short-term debt instruments such as, but not limited to, treasury bills, bank CD’s and
commercial papers. Generally, these assets are considered nonproductive and will be exposed to
inflation risk and considerable opportunity cost risk. Investments in cash and cash equivalents will
generally return less than the advisory fee charged by our firm. Our firm may recommend cash and
cash equivalents as part of our clients’ asset allocation when deemed appropriate and in their best
interest. Our firm considers cash and cash equivalents to be an asset class. Therefore, our firm assess
an advisory fee on cash and cash equivalents unless indicated otherwise in writing.
Dimensional Funds:
Our firm may utilize Dimensional Funds. Our firm will allocate the client's
assets among various investments taking into consideration the overall management style selected
by the client. If suitable for the client our firm recommend portfolios consisting of passively managed
asset class and index mutual funds. Our firm recommend mutual funds offered by Dimensional Fund
Advisors (“DFA”). DFA sponsored mutual funds follow a passive asset class investment philosophy
with low holdings turnover. Consequently, the DFA fund fees are generally lower than fees and
expenses charged by other types of funds.
Duration Constraints:
Our firm adhere to a discipline of generally maintaining duration within a
narrow band around benchmark duration in order to limit exposure to market risk. Our portfolio
management team rebalances client portfolios to their current duration targets on a periodic basis.
The risk of constraining duration is that the client may not participate fully in a large rally in bond
Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”):
prices.
An ETF is a type of Investment Company (usually, an open-end
fund or unit investment trust) whose primary objective is to achieve the same return as a particular
market index. The vast majority of ETFs are designed to track an index, so their performance is close
to that of an index mutual fund, but they are not exact duplicates. A tracking error, or the difference
between the returns of a fund and the returns of the index, can arise due to differences in
composition, management fees, expenses, and handling of dividends. ETFs benefit from continuous
pricing; they can be bought and sold on a stock exchange throughout the trading day. Because ETFs
trade like stocks, you can place orders just like with individual stocks - such as limit orders, good-
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 12
until-canceled orders, stop loss orders etc. They can also be sold short. Traditional mutual funds
are bought and redeemed based on their net asset values (“NAV”) at the end of the day. ETFs are
bought and sold at the market prices on the exchanges, which resemble the underlying NAV
but are independent of it. However, arbitrageurs will ensure that ETF prices are kept very close
to the NAV of the underlying securities. Although an investor can buy as few as one share of an ETF,
most buy inboard lots. Anything bought in less than a board lot will increase the cost to the investor.
Anyone can buy any ETF no matter where in the world it trades. This provides a benefit over mutual
funds, which generally can only be bought in the country in which they are registered.
One of the main features of ETFs are their low annual fees, especially when compared to traditional
mutual funds. The passive nature of index investing, reduced marketing, and distribution and
accounting expenses all contribute to the lower fees. However, individual investors must pay a
brokerage commission to purchase and sell ETF shares; for those investors who trade frequently,
this can significantly increase the cost of investing in ETFs. That said, with the advent of low-
cost brokerage fees, small or frequent purchases of ETFs are becoming more cost efficient.
Fixed Income:
Fixed income is a type of investing or budgeting style for which real return rates or
periodic income is received at regular intervals and at reasonably predictable levels. Fixed-income
investors are typically retired individuals who rely on their investments to provide a regular, stable
income stream. This demographic tends to invest heavily in fixed-income investments because of the
reliable returns they offer. Fixed-income investors who live on set amounts of periodically paid
income face the risk of inflation eroding their spending power.
Some examples of fixed-income investments include treasuries, money market instruments,
corporate bonds, asset-backed securities, municipal bonds and international bonds. The primary risk
associated with fixed-income investments is the borrower defaulting on his payment. Other
considerations include exchange rate risk for international bonds and interest rate risk for longer-
dated securities. The most common type of fixed-income security is a bond. Bonds are issued by
federal governments, local municipalities and major corporations. Fixed- income securities are
recommended for investors seeking a diverse portfolio; however, the percentage of the portfolio
dedicated to fixed income depends on your own personal investment style. There is also an
opportunity to diversify the fixed-income component of a portfolio. Riskier fixed-income products,
such as junk bonds and longer-dated products, should comprise a lower percentage of your overall
portfolio.
The interest payment on fixed-income securities is considered regular income and is determined
based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and current market rates. In general, bonds and fixed-
income securities with longer-dated maturities pay a higher rate, also referred to as the coupon rate,
because they are considered riskier. The longer the security is on the market, the more time it has to
lose its value and/or default. At the end of the bond term, or at bond maturity, the borrower returns
the amount borrowed, also referred to as the principal or par value.
Individual Stocks
: A common stock is a security that represents ownership in a corporation. Holders
of common stock exercise control by electing a board of directors and voting on corporate policy.
Investing in individual common stocks provides us with more control of what you are invested in and
when that investment is made. Having the ability to decide when to buy or sell helps us time the
taking of gains or losses. Common stocks, however, bear a greater amount of risk when compared to
certificate of deposits, preferred stock and bonds. It is typically more difficult to achieve
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diversification when investing in individual common stocks. Additionally, common stockholders
are on the bottom of the priority ladder for ownership structure; if a company goes bankrupt, the
common stockholders do not receive their money until the creditors and preferred shareholders
have received their respective share of the leftover assets.
Long-Term Purchases:
Our firm may buy securities for your account and hold them for a relatively
long time (more than a year) in anticipation that the security’s value will appreciate over a long
horizon. The risk of this strategy is that our firm could miss out on potential short-term gains
that could have been profitable to your account, or it’s possible that the security’s value may
decline sharply before our firm make a decision to sell.
Mutual Funds
: Our firm may recommend mutual funds. A mutual fund is a company that pools
money from many investors and invests the money in a variety of differing security types based the
objectives of the fund. The portfolio of the fund consists of the combined holdings it owns. Each
share represents an investor’s proportionate ownership of the fund’s holdings and the income
those holdings generate. The price that investors pay for mutual fund shares is the fund’s per
share net asset value (“NAV”) plus any shareholder fees that the fund imposes at the time of
purchase (such as sales loads). Investors typically cannot ascertain the exact make-up of a fund’s
portfolio at any given time, nor can they directly influence which securities the fund manager buys
and sells or the timing of those trades. With an individual stock, investors can obtain real-time (or
close to real-time) pricing information with relative ease by checking financial websites or by
calling a broker or your investment adviser. Investors can also monitor how a stock’s price
changes from hour to hour—or even second to second. By contrast, with a mutual fund, the price
at which an investor purchases or redeems shares will typically depend on the fund’s NAV, which is
calculated daily after market close.
The benefits of investing through mutual funds include: (a) Mutual funds are professionally
managed by an investment adviser who researches, selects, and monitors the performance of the
securities purchased by the fund; (b) Mutual funds typically have the benefit of diversification,
which is an investing strategy that generally sums up as “Don’t put all your eggs in one
basket.” Spreading investments across a wide range of companies and industry sectors can
help lower the risk if a company or sector fails. Some investors find it easier to achieve
diversification through ownership of mutual funds rather than through ownership of individual
stocks or bonds.; (c) Some mutual funds accommodate investors who do not have a lot of money
to invest by setting relatively low dollar amounts for initial purchases, subsequent monthly
purchases, or both.; and (d) At any time, mutual fund investors can readily redeem their shares at
the current NAV, less any fees and charges assessed on redemption.
Mutual funds also have features that some investors might view as disadvantages: (a) Investors
must pay sales charges, annual fees, and other expenses regardless of how the fund performs.
Depending on the timing of their investment, investors may also have to pay taxes on any
capital gains distribution they receive. This includes instances where the fund went on to
perform poorly after purchasing shares.; (b) Investors typically cannot ascertain the exact make-
up of a fund’s portfolio at any given time, nor can they directly influence which securities the fund
manager buys and sells or the timing of those trades.; and (c) With an individual stock, investors
can obtain real- time (or close to real-time) pricing information with relative ease by checking
financial websites or by calling a broker or your investment adviser. Investors can also monitor
how a stock’s price changes from hour to hour—or even second to second. By contrast, with a
mutual fund, the price at which an investor purchases or redeems shares will typically depend
on the fund’s NAV, which the fund might not calculate until many hours after the investor placed
the order. In general, mutual funds must calculate
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 14
their NAV at least once every business day, typically after the major U.S. exchanges close.
When investors buy and hold an individual stock or bond, the investor must pay income tax each year
on the dividends or interest the investor receives. However, the investor will not have to pay any
capital gains tax until the investor actually sells and makes a profit. Mutual funds are different. When
an investor buys and holds mutual fund shares, the investor will owe income tax on any ordinary
dividends in the year the investor receives or reinvests them. Moreover, in addition to owing taxes
on any personal capital gains when the investor sells shares, the investor may have to pay taxes each
year on the fund’s capital gains. That is because the law requires mutual funds to distribute capital
gains to shareholders if they sell securities for a profit, and cannot use losses to offset these gains.
Options
: An option is a financial derivative that represents a contract sold by one party (the option
writer) to another party (the option holder). The contract offers the buyer the right, but not the
•
Call Option
obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a security or other financial asset at an agreed-upon price (the
strike price) during a certain period of time or on a specific date (exercise date). Options are
extremely versatile securities. Traders use options to speculate, which is a relatively risky practice,
while hedgers use options to reduce the risk of holding an asset. In terms of speculation, option
buyers and writers have conflicting views regarding the outlook on the performance of a:
•
: Call options give the option to buy at certain price, so the buyer would want the
stock to go up. Conversely, the option writer needs to provide the underlying shares in the
event that the stock's market price exceeds the strike due to the contractual obligation. An
option writer who sells a call option believes that the underlying stock's price will drop
relative to the option's strike price during the life of the option, as that is how he will reap
maximum profit. This is exactly the opposite outlook of the option buyer. The buyer believes
that the underlying stock will rise; if this happens, the buyer will be able to acquire the stock
for a lower price and then sell it for a profit. However, if the underlying stock does not close
above the strike price on the expiration date, the option buyer would lose the premium paid
for the call option.
Put Option
: Put options give the option to sell at a certain price, so the buyer would want the
stock to go down. The opposite is true for put option writers. For example, a put option buyer
is bearish on the underlying stock and believes its market price will fall below the specified
strike price on or before a specified date. On the other hand, an option writer who shorts a
put option believes the underlying stock's price will increase about a specified price on or
before the expiration date. If the underlying stock's price closes above the specified strike
price on the expiration date, the put option writer's maximum profit is achieved. Conversely,
a put option holder would only benefit from a fall in the underlying stock's price below the
strike price. If the underlying stock's price falls below the strike price, the put option writer
is obligated to purchase shares of the underlying stock at the strike price.
The potential risks associated with these transactions are that (1) all options expire. The closer the
option gets to expiration, the quicker the premium in the option deteriorates; and (2) Prices can move
very quickly. Depending on factors such as time until expiration and the relationship of the stock price
to the option’s strike price, small movements in a stock can translate into big movements in the
underlying options.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”):
REITs primarily invest in real estate or real estate- related
loans. Equity REITs own real estate properties, while mortgage REITs hold construction, development
and/or long-term mortgage loans. Changes in the value of the underlying property of the trusts, the
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 15
creditworthiness of the issuer, property taxes, interest rates, tax laws, and regulatory requirements,
such as those relating to the environment all can affect the values of REITs. Both types of REITs are
dependent upon management skill, the cash flows generated by their holdings, the real estate market
in general, and the possibility of failing to qualify for any applicable pass- through tax treatment or
failing to maintain any applicable exemptive status afforded under relevant laws.
Short-Term Purchases:
When utilizing this strategy, our firm may also purchase securities with the
idea of selling them within a relatively short time (typically a year or less). Our firm does this in
an attempt to take advantage of conditions that our firm believes will soon result in a price swing in
the securities our firm purchase.
Variable Annuities (“VA”):
A variable annuity is a type of annuity contract that allows for the
accumulation of capital on a tax-deferred basis. As opposed to a fixed annuity that offers a guaranteed
interest rate and a minimum payment at annuitization, variable annuities offer investors the
opportunity to generate higher rates of returns by investing in equity and bond subaccounts. If a
variable annuity is annuitized for income, the income payments can vary based on the performance
of the subaccounts. Risks associated with VAs may include:
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•
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•
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Taxes and federal penalties for early withdrawal
Surrender charges for early withdrawal can last for years
Earnings taxed at ordinary income tax rates
Mortality expense to compensate the insurance company for insurance risks
Fees and expenses imposed for the subaccounts
Other features with additional fees and charges
Investment losses
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. While the stock
market may increase and the account(s) could enjoy a gain, it is also possible that the stock market
may decrease and the account(s) could suffer a loss. It is important that clients understand the risks
associated with investing in the stock market, and that their assets are appropriately diversified in
investments. Clients are encouraged to ask our firm any questions regarding their risk tolerance.
Company Risk:
When investing in stock positions, there is always a certain level of company or
industry specific risk that is inherent in each investment. This is also referred to as unsystematic risk
and can be reduced through appropriate diversification. There is the risk that the company will
perform poorly or have its value reduced based on factors specific to the company or its industry. For
example, if a company’s employees go on strike or the company receives unfavorable media attention
Credit Risk:
for its actions, the value of the company may be reduced.
Credit risk can be a factor in situations where an investment’s performance relies on a
borrower’s repayment of borrowed funds. With credit risk, an investor can experience a loss or
unfavorable performance if a borrower does not repay the borrowed funds as expected or required.
Investment holdings that involve forms of indebtedness (i.e. borrowed funds) are subject to credit
risk. Currency Risk:
Fluctuations in the value of the currency in which your investment is denominated
may affect the value of your investment and thus, your investment may be worth more or less in the
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 16
future. All currency is subject to swings in valuation and thus, regardless of the currency
denomination of any particular investment you own, currency risk is a realistic risk measure. That
said, currency risk is generally a much larger factor for investment instruments denominated in
currencies other than the most widely used currencies (U.S. Dollar, British Pound, German Mark,
Euro, Japanese Yen, French Franc, etc.).
Defensive Strategy Risk:
Defensive strategies are primarily used in periods of high volatility
or economic uncertainty and aimed at reducing exposure to the equity market. Our goal is
simply to help our clients achieve their financial goals, regardless of market conditions. If our firm
forecasts a prolonged and substantial downturn for the equity markets, it may adopt a defensive
strategy for clients’ growth allocation by investing substantially in money market securities and/or
short term fixed income securities. There can be no guarantee that our firm will accurately
forecast any prolonged and substantial downturn in the equity markets, or that the use
defensive techniques would be successful in avoiding losses. The use of defensive strategies
could result in a negative outcome for a client. A few negative consequences could be high
turnover, re-entry in the same security at a higher price, loss of growth if the equity markets
move up, high tax liability within taxable accounts and higher trading cost.
ETF & Mutual Fund Risk
: When investing in an ETF or mutual fund, you will bear additional
expenses based on your pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including
the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally
reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. Clients will also
incur brokerage costs when purchasing ETFs.
Fixed Income Securities Risk:
Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with
prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk,
which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may
cause your account value to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed income securities
may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security.
Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit risk, prepayment risk, valuation risk, and liquidity
risk. Credit risk is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely
manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the
price of a bond to decline.
Liquidity Risk:
Certain assets may not be readily converted into cash or may have a very limited
market in which they trade. Thus, you may experience the risk that your investment or assets within
your investment may not be able to be liquidated quickly, thus, extending the period of time by which
you may receive the proceeds from your investment. Liquidity risk can also result in unfavorable
pricing when exiting (i.e. not being able to quickly get out of an investment before the price drops
significantly) a particular investment and therefore, can have a negative impact on investment
Market Risk:
returns.
The value of your portfolio may decrease if the value of an individual company or
multiple companies in the portfolio decreases or if our belief about a company’s intrinsic worth is
incorrect. Further, regardless of how well individual companies perform, the value of your portfolio
could also decrease if there are deteriorating economic or market conditions. It is important to
understand that the value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, in response to changes in
the market, and you could lose money. Investment risks include price risk as may be observed by a
drop in a security’s price due to company specific events (e.g. earnings disappointment or downgrade
in the rating of a bond) or general market risk (e.g. such as a “bear” market when stock values fall in
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 17
general). For fixed-income securities, a period of rising interest rates could erode the value of a bond
since bond values generally fall as bond yields go up. Past performance is not a guarantee of future
returns.
Operational Risk:
Operational risk can be experienced when an issuer of an investment product is
unable to carry out the business it has planned to execute. Operational risk can be experienced as a
result of human failure, operational inefficiencies, system failures, or the failure of other processes
critical to the business operations of the issuer or counter party to the investment.
Options Risk
: Options on securities may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than an
investment in the underlying securities. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly
specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks.
Past Performance:
Charting and technical analysis are often used interchangeably. Technical
analysis generally attempts to forecast an investment’s future potential by analyzing its past
performance and other related statistics. In particular, technical analysis often times involves an
evaluation of historical pricing and volume of a particular security for the purpose of forecasting
where future price and volume figures may go. As with any investment analysis method, technical
analysis runs the risk of not knowing the future and thus, investors should realize that even the most
diligent and thorough technical analysis cannot predict or guarantee the future performance of any
Strategy Risk:
particular investment instrument or issuer thereof.
There is no guarantee that the investment strategies discussed herein will work under
all market conditions and each investor should evaluate his/her ability to maintain any investment
he/she is considering in light of his/her own investment time horizon. Investments are subject to
Description of Material, Significant or Unusual Risks
risk, including possible loss of principal.
Our firm generally invests client cash balances in money market funds, FDIC Insured Certificates of
Deposit, high-grade commercial paper and/or government backed debt instruments. Ultimately, our
firm tries to achieve the highest return on client cash balances through relatively low-risk conservative
investments. In most cases, at least a partial cash balance will be maintained in a money market account
so that our firm may debit advisory fees for our services related to our Asset Management services,
Proprietary Investment Strategies
as applicable.
All-Cap Growth
Insight Wealth Strategies’ All-Cap Growth strategy is comprised of equities selected from the fastest
growing companies across all market capitalizations with attractive upside potential, solid
fundamentals and reasonable valuations relative to their growth profile.
Account Minimum: $100k
Benchmark is Russell 3000 Growth
Composite inception date is February 2018
Large-Cap Dividend
Insight Wealth Strategies’ Large-Cap Dividend strategy is comprised of equities selected from
large-cap companies with attractive upside potential, balanced with an attractive dividend yield
and solid fundamentals.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 18
Account Minimum: $100k
Benchmark is the Dow Jones Select Dividend Index
Composite inception date is July 2018
Multi Factor Equity ETF
Invests in equity exchange traded funds (ETFs) to provide factor exposure throughout all aspects
of the market, Domestic, International, and Emerging.
Account Minimum is $20k
MSCI ACWI Diversified Multiple Factor
Composite inception date is January 2020
Total Return Fixed Income ETF
Invests in fixed income exchange traded funds (ETFs) seeking total return and current income.
Account Minimum is $20k
Benchmark is the Barclays US Aggregate
Composite inception date is January 2020
Taxable Total Return Fixed Income ETF
Invests in fixed income exchange traded funds (ETFs) seeking total return and current income.
Account Minimum is $20k
Benchmark is the Barclays US Aggregate
Composite inception date is January 2020
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
There are no legal or disciplinary events that are material to the evaluation of our advisory
business or the integrity of our management.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities & Affiliations
Insight has agreements with broker-dealers to provide investment advisory services to Brokerage
Customers. Broker-dealers pay compensation to Insight for providing investment advisory services to
Customers. Brokerage Customer will execute a written agreement directly with Insight.
This relationship presents conflicts of interest. Potential conflicts are mitigated by Brokerage
Customers consenting to receive investment advisory services from Insight.; by Insight not
accepting or billing for additional compensation on broker-dealers' Assets Under Management
beyond the advisory fees disclosed in Item 5; and by Insight not engaging as, or holding itself out to
the public as, a securities broker-dealer. Insight is not affiliated with any broker-dealer.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions & Personal Trading
As a fiduciary, it is an investment adviser’s responsibility to provide fair and full disclosure of
all material facts and to act solely in the best interest of each of our clients at all times. Our
fiduciary duty is the underlying principle for our firm’s Code of Ethics, which includes
procedures for
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 19
personal securities transaction and insider trading. Our firm requires all representatives to conduct
business with the highest level of ethical standards and to comply with all federal and state
securities laws at all times. Upon employment with our firm, and at least annually thereafter, all
representatives of our firm will acknowledge receipt, understanding and compliance with our firm’s
Code of Ethics. Our firm and representatives must conduct business in an honest, ethical, and fair
manner and avoid all circumstances that might negatively affect or appear to affect our duty of
complete loyalty to all clients. This disclosure is provided to give all clients a summary of our Code
of Ethics. If a client or a potential client wishes to review our Code of Ethics in its entirety, a copy will
be provided promptly upon request.
Our firm recognizes that the personal investment transactions of our representatives demand the
application of a Code of Ethics with high standards and requires that all such transactions be carried
out in a way that does not endanger the interest of any client. At the same time, our firm also
believes that if investment goals are similar for clients and for our representatives, it is logical, and
even desirable, that there be common ownership of some securities.
In order to prevent conflicts of interest, our firm has established procedures for transactions affected by
1
our representatives for their personal accounts
. To monitor compliance with our personal
trading policy, our firm has pre-clearance requirements and a securities transaction reporting
system for all of our representatives.
Neither our firm nor a related person recommends, buys or sells for client accounts, securities in
which our firm or a related person has a material financial interest without prior disclosure to the
client.
Related persons of our firm may buy or sell securities and other investments that are also recommended
to clients. In order to minimize this conflict of interest, our related persons will place client interests
ahead of their own interests and adhere to our firm’s Code of Ethics, a copy of which is available upon
request.
Likewise, related persons of our firm buy or sell securities for themselves at or about the same time they
buy or sell the same securities for client accounts. In order to minimize this conflict of interest, our
related persons will place client interests ahead of their own interests and adhere to our firm’s Code of
Ethics, a copy of which is available upon request. Further, our related persons will refrain from buying or
selling the same securities prior to buying or selling for our clients in the same day unless included in a
block trade.
1
For purposes of the policy, our associate’s personal account generally includes any account (a) in the name of our associate, his/her
spouse, his/her minor children or other dependents residing in the same household, (b) for which our associate is a trustee or executor, or
(c) which our associate controls, including our client accounts which our associate controls and/or a member of his/her household has a direct or indirect
beneficial interest in.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Selecting a Brokerage Firm
•
Our firm does not maintain physical custody of client assets. Client assets must be maintained by a
qualified custodian. Our firm seeks to recommend a custodian who will hold client
assets and execute transactions on terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to
other available providers and their services. The factors considered, among others, are these:
Timeliness of execution
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•
•
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Timeliness and accuracy of trade confirmations
Research services provided
Ability to provide investment ideas
Execution facilitation services provided
Record keeping services provided
Custody services provided
Frequency and correction of trading errors
Ability to access a variety of market venues
Expertise as it relates to specific securities
Financial condition
Business reputation
Quality of services
Our firm has an arrangement with National Financial Services LLC, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC and
Charles Schwab & Co. (collectively “Recommended Custodians”),through which the Recommended
Custodians provide our firm with "institutional platform services." Our firm is independently operated
and owned and is not affiliated with the Recommended Custodians. The institutional platform services
include, among others, brokerage, custody, and other related services. The Recommended
Custodians’ institutional platform services that assist us in managing and administering clients'
accounts include software and other technology that (i) provide access to client account data (such
as trade confirmations and account statements); (ii) facilitate trade execution and allocate
aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts; (iii) provide research, pricing and other market
data; (iv) facilitate payment of fees from its clients' accounts; and (v) assist with back-office functions,
record keeping and client reporting.
The Recommended Custodians may make certain research and brokerage services available at no
additional cost to our firm. Research products and services provided by our Recommended
Custodians may include: research reports on recommendations or other information about particular
companies or industries; economic surveys, data and analyses; financial publications; portfolio
evaluation services; financial database software and services; computerized news and pricing
services; quotation equipment for use in running software used in investment decision- making; and
other products or services that provide lawful and appropriate assistance by the Recommended
Custodians to our firm in the performance of our investment decision-making responsibilities. The
aforementioned research and brokerage services qualify for the safe harbor exemption defined in
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Recommended Custodians do not make client brokerage commissions generated by
client transactions available for our firm’s use. The aforementioned research and brokerage services
are used by our firm to manage accounts for which our firm has investment discretion. Without this
arrangement, our firm might be compelled to purchase the same or similar services at our own
expense.
As part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, our firm will endeavor at all times to put the interests of
our clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by our firm
or our related persons creates a potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence our firm’s
choice of Fidelity as a custodial recommendation. Our firm examined this potential conflict of interest
when our firm chose to recommend the Recommended Custodians and have determined that
the recommendation is in the best interest of our firm’s clients and satisfies our fiduciary
obligations, including our duty to seek best execution.
Our clients may pay a transaction fee or commission to our Recommended Custodians that is higher
than another qualified broker dealer might charge to affect the same transaction where our firm
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determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided to the client as a whole.
In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the
transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of
a broker-dealer’s services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission
rates, and responsiveness. Although our firm will seek competitive rates, to the benefit of all clients,
our firm may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for specific client account
transactions.
Soft Dollars
Our firm does not receive soft dollars in excess of what is allowed by Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. The safe harbor research products and services obtained by our firm
will generally be used to service all of our clients but not necessarily all at any one particular time.
Client Brokerage Commissions
The Recommended Custodians do not make client brokerage commissions generated by client
transactions available for our firm’s use.
Client Transactions in Return for Soft Dollars
Our firm does not direct client transactions to a particular broker-dealer in return for soft dollar
benefits.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Our firm does not receive brokerage for client referrals.
Directed Brokerage
Neither our firm nor any of our firm’s representatives have discretionary authority in making the
determination of the brokers-dealers and/or custodians with whom orders for the purchase or sale
of securities are placed for execution, and the commission rates at which such securities
transactions are effected. Our firm routinely recommends that clients direct us to execute through a
specified broker-dealer. Our firm recommends the use of Fidelity and Schwab.
Special Considerations for ERISA Clients
A retirement or ERISA plan client may direct all or part of portfolio transactions for its account
through a specific broker or dealer in order to obtain goods or services on behalf of the plan. Such
direction is permitted provided that the goods and services provided are reasonable expenses of the
plan incurred in the ordinary course of its business for which it otherwise would be obligated and
empowered to pay. ERISA prohibits directed brokerage arrangements when the goods or services
purchased are not for the exclusive benefit of the plan. Consequently, our firm will request that plan
sponsors who direct plan brokerage provide us with a letter documenting that this arrangement will
be for the exclusive benefit of the plan.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 22
Client-Directed Brokerage
Our firm allows clients to direct brokerage outside our recommendation. Our firm may be unable to
achieve the most favorable execution of client transactions. Client directed brokerage may cost clients
more money. For example, in a directed brokerage account, clients may pay higher brokerage
commissions because our firm may not be able to aggregate orders to reduce transaction costs, or clients
may receive less favorable prices.
Aggregation of Purchase or Sale
Our firm provides investment management services for various clients. There are occasions on which
portfolio transactions may be executed as part of concurrent authorizations to purchase or sell the same
security for numerous accounts served by our firm, which involve accounts with similar investment
objectives. Although such concurrent authorizations potentially could be either advantageous or
disadvantageous to any one or more particular accounts, they are affected only when our firm believes
that to do so will be in the best interest of the effected accounts. When such concurrent authorizations
occur, the objective is to allocate the executions in a manner which is deemed equitable to the accounts
involved. In any given situation, our firm attempts to allocate trade executions in the
most equitable manner possible, taking into consideration client objectives, current asset allocation and
availability of funds using price averaging, proration and consistently non-arbitrary methods of
allocation.
Item 13: Review of Accounts or Financial Plans
Our management personnel or financial advisors review accounts on at least an annual basis for our
Asset Management clients. The nature of these reviews is to learn whether client accounts are in line
with their investment objectives, appropriately positioned based on market conditions, and investment
policies, if applicable. Our firm does not provide written reports to clients, unless asked to do so. Verbal
reports to clients take place on at least an annual basis when our Asset Management clients are
contacted. Our firm may review client accounts more frequently than described above. Among the
factors which may trigger an off-cycle review are major market or economic events, the client’s life
events, requests by the client, etc.
Financial Planning clients do not receive reviews of their written plans unless they take action to
schedule a financial consultation with us. Our firm does not provide ongoing services to financial
planning clients, but are willing to meet with such clients upon their request to discuss updates to
their plans, changes in their circumstances, etc. Financial Planning clients do not receive written or
verbal updated reports regarding their financial plans unless they separately engage our firm for a
post-financial plan meeting or update to their initial written financial plan.
Retirement Plan Consulting clients receive reviews of their retirement plans for the duration of the
service. Our firm also provides ongoing services where clients are met with upon their request to
discuss updates to their plans, changes in their circumstances, etc. Retirement Plan Consulting clients
do not receive written or verbal updated reports regarding their plans unless they choose to engage
our firm for ongoing services.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 23
Item 14: Client Referrals & Other Compensation
Fidelity
Except for the arrangements outlined in Item 12 of Form ADV Part 2A, our firm has no
additional arrangements to disclose.
Schwab
Except for the arrangements outlined in Item 12 of Form ADV Part 2A, our firm has no
additional arrangements to disclose.
Product Sponsor Funded Events
In an effort to keep our clients informed as to the services we offer and the various financial products
we utilize, our firm occasionally sponsors events in conjunction with our product providers. These
events are educational in nature, and are not dependent upon the use of any specific products.
While a conflict of interest may exist given that these events are at least partially funded by product
sponsors, all funds received from the sponsors are used for the education of our clients, and we will
always adhere to our fiduciary duties in selecting appropriate investments for our clients.
Referral Fees
Our firm engages independent promoters to provide client referrals. If a client is referred to us by a
promoter, this practice is disclosed to the client in writing by the promoter and the Advisor pays the
promoter out of its own funds—specifically, our firm generally pays the promoter a portion of the advisory
fees earned for managing the capital of the client or investor that was referred. The use of promoters is
strictly regulated under applicable federal and state law. Our firm’s policy is to fully comply with the
requirements of Rule 206(4)-3, under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and similar state
rules, as applicable.
Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC has entered into written agreements with individuals and organizations
for them to provide client referrals to the firm. These individuals and organizations act as promoters to
Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC under federal securities rules. These promoters are obliged to provide
Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC’s Form ADV Part 2A and a separate disclosure document relating to the
solicitor’s relationship with Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC to each potential client. We may pay the
promoter a portion of ongoing investment advisory fees charged to a Client so as long as the payments
are consistent with the written promoter disclosures provided to the Client (and in accordance with the
requirements of SEC Rule 206(4)-3). A client referred to Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC by a promoter
will not pay a higher advisory fee to Insight Wealth Strategies, LLC as a result of the referral.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 24
Item 15: Custody
IWS is deemed to have custody due to its authority to deduct advisory fees from client accounts and
because it can, subject to a standing letter of authorization, request movement of client funds or
securities. IWS will never maintain physical possession of client funds and securities. Instead,
client’s funds and securities are held by an IWS preferred, qualified custodian. While IWS does not
have physical custody of client funds or securities, payments of fees may be paid by the custodian
from the custodial brokerage account that holds client funds pursuant to the client’s account
application.
Prior to permitting direct debit of fees, each client provides written authorization permitting fees to
be paid directly from the custodian. From time to time, IWS may receive standing letters of
authorization from a client ("SLOA") whereby the client instructs its custodian to accept instruction
from IWS to direct funds from the client’s account to specific accounts of the client to third parties
unrelated to IWS and its investment adviser representatives ("Third Party SLOA"). IWS will review
each SLOA prior to acceptance to ensure it meets these requirements. It will also periodically review
the SLOAs it has from clients to ensure it meets these criteria.
In the case of Third-Party SLOAs, IWS may be deemed to have custody of such client's funds under
applicable federal law. IWS may accept such custody without the requirement to obtain an annual
surprise audit examination if the SLOAs meet the criteria set forth below.
(a) The Client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes the
client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or the third party’s
account number at a custodian to which the transfer should be directed.
(b) The client authorizes IWS, in writing, either on the qualified custodian’s form or
separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a specified schedule or from time to time.
(c) The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction, such
as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization and provides a transfer of
funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
(d) The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s qualified
custodian.
(e) neither IWS or its investment adviser representatives have the authority or ability to
designate or change the identity of the third party, the address, or any other information about the
third party contained in the client’s instruction.
(f) IWS maintains records showing that the third party is not a related party of the
investment advisor or located at the same address as the investment advisor.
(g) The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming
the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 25
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients have the option of providing our firm with investment discretion on their behalf, pursuant to
an executed investment advisory client agreement. By granting investment discretion, our firm is
authorized to execute securities transactions, determine which securities are bought and sold, and
the total amount to be bought and sold. Should clients grant our firm non-discretionary authority, our
firm would be required to obtain the client’s permission prior to effecting securities transactions.
Limitations may be imposed by the client in the form of specific constraints on any of these areas of
discretion with our firm’s written acknowledgment.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Our firm does not accept the proxy authority to vote client securities. Clients will receive proxies or
other solicitations directly from their custodian or a transfer agent. In the event that proxies are sent
to our firm, our firm will forward them to the appropriate client and ask the party who sent them to
mail them directly to the client in the future. Clients may call, write or email us to discuss
questions they may have about particular proxy votes or other solicitations.
Item 18: Financial Information
Our firm is not required to provide financial information in this Brochure because:
•
•
Our firm does not require the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees when services cannot
be rendered within 6 months.
Our firm does not have a financial condition or commitment that impairs our ability to meet
contractual and fiduciary obligations to clients.
Our firm has never been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
2603 Camino Ramon, Suite 350, San Ramon, CA 94583, T: 925.659.8020insight2wealth.com 26