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Item 1. Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
4966 El Camino Real, Suite 109
Los Altos, CA 94022
Phone: 650-494-2733
Fax: 650-494-2431
www.JLwealth.com
info@JLwealth.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Johnson Lyman, Inc., doing business as Johnson Lyman
Wealth Advisors (“Firm”). If you have any questions about the contents of
this brochure, please contact Robert A. Lyman, Chief Compliance Officer,
who is responsible for our regulatory requirements, at 650-494-2733. 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. Registration with the SEC and other state securities authorities as
a registered investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or
training.
Additional information about Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors is available
on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
March 4, 2026
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Item 2. Material Changes
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually or
when material changes occur since the previous release of the Firm
Brochure.
Material Changes since the Last Update
Since our last annual amendment on February 25, 2025, we have amended
our minimum assets under management requirement to $3 million in Item 7.
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure,
please contact us by telephone at 650-494-2733 or by email at
info@JLwealth.com.
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Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 2. Material Changes ............................................................................................... i
Annual Update ............................................................................................................ i
Material Changes since the Last Update .................................................................... i
Full Brochure Available ............................................................................................... i
Item 4. Advisory Business ............................................................................................ 1
Firm Description ......................................................................................................... 1
Principal Owners ........................................................................................................ 1
Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................ 1
Assets Under Management ....................................................................................... 4
Item 5. Fees and Compensation................................................................................... 4
Description ................................................................................................................. 4
Other Fees ................................................................................................................. 6
Termination of Agreement ......................................................................................... 7
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees ................................................................................. 7
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................ 7
Item 7. Types of Clients ................................................................................................ 7
Description ................................................................................................................. 7
Account Minimums ..................................................................................................... 7
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .................... 8
Methods of Analysis ................................................................................................... 8
Investment Strategies ................................................................................................ 8
Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................... 9
Item 9. Disciplinary Information ................................................................................. 10
Legal and Disciplinary .............................................................................................. 10
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................... 10
Business Continuity and Succession Plan ............................................................... 10
Financial Industry Activities ...................................................................................... 10
Affiliations ................................................................................................................ 10
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading ......................................................................................................... 11
Code of Ethics.......................................................................................................... 11
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ......................................................... 11
Personal Trading...................................................................................................... 11
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................... 11
Selecting Brokerage Firms ....................................................................................... 11
Best Execution ......................................................................................................... 11
Research and Other “Soft Dollar” Benefits ............................................................... 13
Order Aggregation ................................................................................................... 14
Item 13. Review of Accounts ...................................................................................... 14
Periodic Reviews ..................................................................................................... 14
Regular Reports ....................................................................................................... 14
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................. 14
Referrals .................................................................................................................. 14
Other Compensation ................................................................................................ 14
Item 15. Custody.......................................................................................................... 15
Account Statements ................................................................................................. 15
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors Reports ............................................................... 15
Asset Transfer Authorizations .................................................................................. 15
Item 16. Investment Discretion .................................................................................. 15
Discretionary Authority for Trading ........................................................................... 15
Limited Power of Attorney ........................................................................................ 15
Item 17. Voting Client Securities ................................................................................ 16
Proxy Votes ............................................................................................................. 16
Financial Information .................................................................................................. 16
Financial Condition .................................................................................................. 16
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV) .......................................................... 17
Education and Business Standards ......................................................................... 17
Professional Certifications ....................................................................................... 17
ROBERT A. LYMAN, CFP® .................................................................................... 17
REBECCA K. LYMAN, CFP® .................................................................................. 18
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Item 4. Advisory Business
Firm Description
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors’ predecessor firm was incorporated in 1985.
We provide personalized confidential financial planning and investment
management to individuals, trusts, estates, pension and profit-sharing plans,
charitable organizations, and small businesses.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors is strictly a fee-only financial planning and
investment management firm. The firm does not sell annuities, insurance,
stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited partnerships, or other commissioned
products. We are not affiliated with any entity that sells financial products or
securities. No commissions in any form are accepted. No finder’s fees are
accepted.
We do not act as a custodian of client assets. We place trades for clients
under a limited power of attorney with a qualified custodian.
Although we routinely collaborate with the other professionals (for example,
lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents) that serve our clients, those
other professionals are engaged and paid directly by our clients on an as-
needed basis.
The initial meeting, which may be by telephone or videoconference, is free of
charge and is considered an exploratory interview to determine the extent to
which our financial planning and investment management services may be
beneficial to the prospective client.
Principal Owners
Robert A. Lyman is the sole shareholder of Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors.
Types of Advisory Services
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors provides financial planning and investment
management and supervisory services, also known as asset management
services, and occasionally furnishes investment advice through consultations.
In performing our services, we rely on the information received from the client
or from the client’s other professionals. Clients are asked to promptly notify
us if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment
objectives.
We offer three distinct services:
Wealth Management
Our Wealth Management service is a long-term "fee-only" financial planning
engagement with clients that provides in-depth advice and life planning.
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Generally, all aspects of the client’s financial affairs are reviewed, often
including those of their children. Realistic and measurable goals are set and
objectives to reach those goals are defined. As goals and objectives change
over time, we make suggestions on an ongoing basis. Examples of financial
planning areas we typically address are cash flow management; insurance
review; investment management (including performance reporting); education
planning; retirement planning; estate planning; and tax planning. We also
assist with implementation of our recommendations within each area. Our
advice in these areas is tailored to the specific needs and desires of each
client.
We do not provide any insurance implementation services, legal or
accounting services, or tax preparation services.
Wealth Management includes ongoing discretionary investment management
as described in the Investment Management section immediately below, as
well as ongoing collaboration with and coordination of the work being done on
behalf of our clients by their other professional advisors (including tax,
attorney, and insurance professionals).
Investment Management
Our Investment Management service is a long-term “fee-only” asset
management service for clients. In this service, we provide discretionary
investment management and supervisory services, also known as asset
management services.
Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of
securities.
We do not participate in any “wrap fee” programs.
Asset management agreements may not be assigned without client consent.
Transactions that do not result in a change of actual control or management
of Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors shall not be considered an assignment.
Held-Away Assets
We use a platform called ByAllAccounts which is provided by Envestnet
Tamarac to facilitate our investment management of held away assets such
as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, HSAs, and 529 education savings plans. This platform
enables Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors to advise on your employer-
sponsored retirement plan accounts. The Firm’s investment advice and
recommendations for investments in your account are limited to those
investment options made available in the employer-sponsored retirement
plan. Once the Client account is connected to the platform, we will be able
report on the investments in these accounts, monitor them, and make
recommendations to periodically rebalance them in accordance with client
investment goals and risk tolerance.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Financial Planning Projects
From time to time and solely at our discretion, we may offer limited scope,
project-based financial planning engagements. As part of these
engagements, specific financial planning or investment recommendations
may be made; however, all implementation is done by the client. For financial
planning engagements in which we expect to bill more than $750, we require
an engagement agreement describing the terms of the engagement.
Otherwise, we simply invoice for services rendered.
Advisory Services to Retirement Plans
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors provides advisory services to qualified
retirement plans. Our retirement plan services are designed to assist in the
investment management process for employers. Johnson Lyman Wealth
Advisors provides investment advisory services and assists plan fiduciaries
with plan management. Pursuant to the terms of an agreement with the client,
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors may serve as an ERISA Section 3(21) or
3(38) Investment Manager for investment selection, monitoring, and
construction of model investment portfolios. Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
will also provide recommendations regarding the frequency of rebalancing of
the plan participant portfolios. In providing such services, we generally use
the same investment strategies and construct similar portfolios as those used
with our individual investment management clients. Johnson Lyman Wealth
Advisors’ range of services includes:
•
Investment selection, monitoring, and model portfolio construction with
rebalancing.
• Plan analysis to ensure the plan provisions align with the employer's
goals and objectives.
• Employee education meetings, at least annually to educate
participants regarding plan provisions, investment options, and the
importance of planning for retirement.
In providing services to the Plan, our status is that of an investment adviser
registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and we are not subject
to any disqualifications under Section 411 of ERISA. In performing fiduciary
services, we are acting either as a non-discretionary fiduciary of the Plan as
defined in Section 3(21) under ERISA, or as a discretionary fiduciary of the
plan as defined in Section 3(38) under ERISA.
Plan Participants who wish to engage our firm for individualized financial
planning or consulting services outside the scope of the qualified plan may do
so by executing a separate agreement, including separate fees and fee
payment arrangements, with our firm.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2025, Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors manages on a
discretionary basis about $190,072,646 in assets for 56 clients; and manages
on a non-discretionary basis about $12,045,258 in assets for 1 client.
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Description
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors bases its fees either on a percentage of
assets under management (for Wealth Management Services and Investment
Management Services) or stated fixed fees (for Financial Planning Projects),
as described in the following sections.
Asset management fees incurred for Wealth Management or Investment
Management services are billed quarterly, in advance. This means that we
typically invoice clients during the first month of each three-month billing
period. Asset management fees are based on the assets under management
at the end of the previous quarter. Because these fees are based on a
client’s assets under management, we carefully manage the conflict of
interest which necessarily arises when we give advice on such matters as
paying off a mortgage or purchasing a second home. Fees are usually
deducted from one or more designated client accounts to facilitate billing.
The client must consent in advance to direct fee debiting of their investment
account.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors, in its sole discretion, may waive its
minimum fee and/or charge a lesser asset management fee or other advisory
fee based upon certain criteria (for example, historical relationship, type of
assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional
assets, dollar amounts of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, negotiations with clients, etc.).
Fees for each our specific services are described below:
Wealth Management Services
Clients may engage Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors to provide Wealth
Management Services, defined as a combination of ongoing financial
planning and investment management services. Prior to engaging us to
provide Wealth Management Services, the client is required to enter into a
formal Wealth Management Service Agreement which sets forth the terms
and conditions under which we will provide these services.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors’ obligation to provide financial planning
services is expressly limited to the scope of service defined in the Wealth
Management Service Agreement.
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Our Wealth Management Service fee is calculated as a percentage of assets
under management as follows:
Assets Under Management
First $1 million ($0 - $1,000,000)
Next $1 million ($1,000,000 - $2,000,000)
Next $1 million ($2,000,000 - $3,000,000)
Next $1 million ($3,000,000 - $4,000,000)
Next $1 million ($4,000,000 - $5,000,000)
Over $5 million ($5,000,000 - no limit)
Annual Fee Rate
@ 1.00%
@ 0.90%
@ 0.70%
@ 0.40%
@ 0.00%
@ 0.60%
This annual fee rate schedule provides for a declining average (“all-in”)
annual fee fate on assets under management. By way of example, the
average Annual Fee Rate on $3 million ($3M) of Assets under Management
is ($1M x 1.00%) + ($1M x 0.90%) + ($1M x 0.70%) / $3M = 0.87%. For
further illustration, the average annual fee rate on $5M of assets under
management is ($1M x 1.00%) + ($1M x 0.90%) + ($1M x 0.70%) + ($1M x
0.40%) + ($1M x 0.00%) / $5M = 0.60%. Therefore, for clients that place $5M
with us, the average annual fee rate is 0.60% of assets under management.
We generally require that clients place a minimum of $3 million of assets
under management which corresponds to a minimum quarterly fee of $6,500
for our Wealth Management Services. This minimum quarterly fee serves to
cover, in part, the ongoing financial planning services that are included with
this service. We reserve the right to reduce or waive entirely such minimum
quarterly fee.
We may provide advice for held away assets such as defined contribution
plan participant accounts. These are primarily 401(k) accounts, HSA’s, and
other assets we do not custody. We regularly review the available investment
options in these accounts, monitor them, and will assist you in rebalancing
and implementing our strategies in the same way we do other accounts. We
do not directly debit the fees from these accounts, and these fees will be
assigned to client accounts where we can directly debit on a pro-rata basis.
If a client requires extraordinary planning and/or consultation services, we
may charge for such additional services. If it is necessary for us to do this,
we will specify in advance the dollar amount in a separate written notice.
Investment Management Services
Prior to engaging us to provide Investment Management Services, the client
is required to enter into a formal Investment Management Service Agreement
with us, setting forth the terms and conditions under which we will provide
these services.
Our Investment Management Service fee is calculated as a percentage of
assets under management and follows the same fee rate schedule as
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outlined for Wealth Management Services in the prior section. If we accept a
new client for Investment Manage Services, we reserve the right to reduce or
waive entirely such minimum quarterly fee.
Financial Planning Projects
Fixed fees for specific Financial Planning Projects are priced according to the
degree of complexity associated with the client’s situation. When we provide
project-based financial planning services, fees are generally billed 50% in
advance, with the balance due upon final delivery of the financial plan.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors generally limits such Financial Planning
Projects to a specified time and scope and may not require the execution of a
written service agreement to formally engage the client. If we offer a financial
planning project, we quote a fixed fee which depends on the level and scope
of services required. Although we do not bill on an hourly basis, in estimating
a fixed-fee quote, an advisor’s time spent on a financial planning project is
typically valued at $400/hour to $600/hour.
Retirement Planning Compensation Description
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors’ standard fee includes establishing client
Investment Policy Statement, reviewing plan structure, investment
management, investment selection and monitoring, fund changes, participant
education and reporting. Advisory fees for the plan are paid to Johnson
Lyman Wealth Advisors by the plan, or directly from the plan sponsor, or in
some cases a combination of both. Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors will use
third party administrators to provide retirement plan services. The firm
charges a competitive fee based on a percentage of assets in the plan,
depending on the mix of services offered to the plan. This percentage fee
may be reduced from time to time as plan assets grow and includes services
as an ERISA section 3(21) or 3(38) fiduciary with respect to client’s plan.
The timing of fees paid is generally at the beginning of the quarter and in
advance based on the total portfolio value on the day. Johnson Lyman Wealth
Advisors’ advisory agreement with each plan sponsor outlines the timing of
fees collected and the process of fee remittal to Johnson Lyman Wealth
Advisors.
Other Fees
Custodians may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of certain
mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. These transaction charges are
generally small and incidental to the purchase or sale of a security.
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds generally charge a management fee
for their services as investment managers, known as an expense ratio. For
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example, an expense ratio of 0.20 means that the mutual fund company
charges 0.20% annually for their services.
These fees are in addition to the fees paid by clients to Johnson Lyman
Wealth Advisors.
Termination of Agreement
Wealth Management and Investment Management Service Agreements
between Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors and the client will continue in effect
until terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with the terms
of the Service Agreement. Upon any termination effective on other than the
last day of a quarter, we will refund the pro-rated portion of the advance
advisory fee paid based upon the number of days remaining in the billing
quarter.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors reserves the right to terminate any
engagement where a client has willfully concealed or has refused to provide
pertinent information when necessary and appropriate, or for any other
reason.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees
Sharing of Capital Gains
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of
managed securities.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not use a performance-based fee
structure because of the potential conflict of interest. Performance-based
compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to recommend an
investment that may carry a higher degree of risk than is appropriate for a
client.
Item 7. Types of Clients
Description
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors generally provides investment advice to
individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, corporations, and other business entities.
Account Minimums
We generally require that clients place a minimum of $3 million of assets
under management which corresponds to a minimum quarterly fee of $6,500
for our Wealth Management and Investment Management Services. If assets
under management fall below $3 million, we will generally continue to charge
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this minimum quarterly fee; however, we reserve the right to reduce or waive
entirely this minimum fee.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk
of Loss
Methods of Analysis
The analysis of asset classes includes reviewing historical and expected rates
of return, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients between asset
classes. Investment policies with target asset allocations are prepared in
recognition of each client’s risk tolerance, investment objectives and
constraints, and long-term goals.
Our sources of information include publicly available research reports
regarding individual securities, mutual funds constructed from these
securities, and exchange traded funds. We may also use research
publications and services such as Morningstar, Schwab Institutional, and
other brokerage firm research reports and white papers, newspapers,
financial websites, various financial periodicals, and trade journals such as
the Journal of Financial Planning, and periodic discussions with fund
managers and professional colleagues. We also have access to well-known
academic researchers who provide in-depth research materials and
education.
Investment Strategies
The primary investment strategy used for client accounts is strategic asset
allocation, generally utilizing mutual funds and exchange traded funds that
provide effective exposure to the asset classes we use to implement client
portfolios. We collaborate with clients to determine a preferred mix of asset
classes, including fixed income, equity, and other investments such as real
estate. Portfolios typically are globally diversified to manage the risk
associated with traditional capital markets.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives
stated by the client. The client may change these objectives at any time.
Generally, we hold securities purchased for the long-term. Occasionally,
certain securities are purchased for shorter-term needs. For example, when
harvesting tax losses, we may purchase replacement funds that are similar to
a client’s portfolio funds and hold them in order to avoid wash sale rules. The
original funds are generally repurchased after holding requirements are
satisfied. Another example of a short-term holding period is when cash or
other short maturity fixed income security is held for a client’s short-term
funding goal. We consider the trading costs of these strategies and only
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recommend them to clients when the expected after-tax benefit exceeds
expected costs.
Other strategies may include margin transactions and option writing (including
covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies).
Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor,
including:
•
Interest Rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause
investment prices to fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise,
yields on existing bonds become less attractive, causing their market
values to decline.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in
reaction to tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of
risk is caused by external factors independent of a security’s
underlying circumstances. For example, political, economic and social
conditions may trigger market events.
•
Inflation Risk: When inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more
than a dollar next year because purchasing power is eroding at the
rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk: Foreign investments are subject to fluctuations in the
value of the dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating
country. This is also referred to as Exchange Rate Risk.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from
investments may have to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of
return. This primarily relates to fixed income securities.
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or
a particular company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling
companies depend on finding oil before they can generate a profit.
They carry a higher risk than an electric company, which generates its
income from a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no
matter what the economic environment is like.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment
into cash. Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are
interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are
highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
• Financial Risk: Borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases
risk because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in
good times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to
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meet loan obligations may result in a declining market value or
bankruptcy.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
Registered investment advisers such as Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors are
required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary event
that would be material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of the
Firm or the integrity of its management. Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors has
not been the subject of any such legal or disciplinary event, and thus has no
information to disclose with respect to this Item.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Business Continuity and Succession Plan
As a fiduciary, Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors has certain legal obligations,
including the obligation to act in clients’ best interest. Johnson Lyman Wealth
Advisors maintains a Business Continuity and Succession Plan and seeks to
avoid a disruption of service to clients in the event of an unforeseen loss of
key personnel, due to disability or death. To that end, Johnson Lyman
Wealth Advisors entered into a succession agreement with another firm,
effective December 13, 2017. This firm offers similar services to us and has a
similar investment philosophy. Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors can provide
additional information to any current or prospective client about this
succession agreement upon request to Robert A. Lyman, President at (650)
494-2733 or robl@jlwealth.com.
Financial Industry Activities
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors is not registered as a securities broker-
dealer, futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator or commodity
trading advisor.
Affiliations
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not have any arrangements that are
material to its advisory business with a broker-dealer, investment company,
other investment advisor, financial planning firm, commodity pool operator,
commodity trading adviser, futures commission merchant, banking or thrift
institution, accounting firm, law firm, insurance company or agency, pension
consultant, real estate broker or dealer, or an entity that creates or packages
limited partnerships.
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Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
The employees of Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors have committed to a
Code of Ethics that is available for review by clients and prospective clients
upon request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors and its employees may buy or sell securities
that are also held by clients. Employees may not trade their own securities
ahead of client trades. Employees comply with the provisions of the Johnson
Lyman Wealth Advisors Compliance Manual.
Personal Trading
The Chief Compliance Officer of Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors is Robert
A. Lyman. He reviews all employee trades each quarter. The personal
trading reviews ensure that the personal trading of employees does not affect
the markets and that clients of the firm receive preferential treatment.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not have any affiliation with product
sales firms. Specific custodian recommendations are made to clients based
on their need for such services. We recommend custodians such as Charles
Schwab based on the integrity and financial responsibility of the firm and the
best execution of orders at reasonable commission rates. For the custody of
annuities, the firm uses Nationwide, a low-cost annuity provider.
Factors that we consider in recommending these broker-dealer/custodians to
clients include historical relationship with us, financial strength, reputation,
execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service.
Best Execution
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors reviews the execution of trades at
custodians at least annually. The review process is documented in our
Compliance Manual. Trading fees charged by the custodians are also
reviewed at least annually. Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not receive
any portion of the trading fees.
If requested, we will arrange for the execution of securities brokerage
transactions for a client’s account through broker-dealers that we reasonably
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believe will provide "best execution." In seeking “best execution,” the
determinative factor is not the lowest possible commission cost but whether
the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into
consideration the full range of a broker-dealer's services including execution
capability, commission rates and responsiveness. Accordingly, although we
will seek competitive commission rates, we may not necessarily obtain the
lowest possible commission rates for account transactions.
Broker-dealers such as Charles Schwab charge brokerage commissions
and/or transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (for
example, transaction fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds and
commissions are charged for individual equity securities transactions). When
beneficial to the client, individual debt or equity transactions may be made
through broker-dealers with whom we or the client have entered into
arrangements for prime brokerage clearing services (in which event, the client
shall incur both the transaction fee charged by the executing broker-dealer
and a “trade-away” fee charged by the custodian).
Over-the-counter (OTC) securities transactions for our clients are generally
made on an agency basis, which involve the services of two separate broker-
dealers: a “dealer” or “principal” acting as market-maker; and the executing
broker-dealer that acts in an agency capacity for the client’s account. Dealers
executing principal transactions typically include a mark-up/down, which is
included in the offer or bid price of the securities purchased or sold. In
addition to the dealer mark-up/down, the client may also incur a transaction
fee imposed by the executing broker-dealer. Johnson Lyman Wealth
Advisors does not receive any portion of the dealer mark-up/down or the
executing broker-dealer transaction fee.
We may (but are not obligated to) combine or “batch” client orders to obtain
“best execution,” to negotiate more favorable commission rates, or to allocate
equitably among our clients, differences in prices and commissions or other
transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged as to
price and will be allocated among our clients in proportion to the purchase
and sale orders placed for each client account on any given day.
Generally, we do not allow client directed brokerage. However, in certain
circumstances we may come to an agreement with the client where we allow
the client to direct us to use a specific broker-dealer to execute some or all
transactions for the client's account (subject to our right to decline and/or
terminate the engagement). In such event, the client will negotiate terms and
arrangements for the account with that broker-dealer, and we will not seek
better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to
"batch" the client's transactions for execution through other broker-dealers
with orders for other accounts managed by us. As a result, the client may pay
higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads or receive
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less favorable net prices on transactions for the account than would otherwise
be the case.
In the event that the client directs us to effect securities transactions for the
client's accounts through a specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly
acknowledges that such direction may cause the accounts to incur higher
commissions or transaction costs than the accounts would otherwise incur
had the client determined to effect account transactions through alternative
clearing arrangements that may be available through us.
Research and Other “Soft Dollar” Benefits
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not have any arrangements to receive
so-called “soft dollar” benefits in connection with client securities transactions.
However, we do receive products and services from custodians, including
Charles Schwab, that may be used to service all or a substantial number of
our clients’ accounts. These custodians may waive or discount fees for these
products and services at their discretion. These custodians also make
available other services intended to help us manage and further develop our
business enterprise, including consulting, publications, practice management
conferences, information technology, business succession planning,
regulatory compliance, and marketing. In addition, custodians may make
available, arrange and/or pay for these types of services by independent third
parties. These custodians may discount or waive fees they would otherwise
charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees of a third-
party providing these services to the firm.
As a fiduciary, we always endeavor to act in our clients’ best interests. Our
recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts at Charles
Schwab, or another custodian, is based solely on the nature, cost or quality of
custody and brokerage services provided by these custodians regardless of
any other products or services which may be provided to us. We are aware,
however, that the availability of some of the foregoing products and services
may create a potential conflict of interest.
Although not a material consideration when determining whether to
recommend that a client use the services of a particular broker-dealer/
custodian, we may receive from Charles Schwab or other custodians, without
cost (and/or at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which
help us to better monitor and service client accounts maintained at such
institutions.
Our clients do not pay more for investment transactions executed and/or
assets maintained at Charles Schwab or other custodians as result of these
arrangements. There is no corresponding commitment made by Johnson
Lyman Wealth Advisors to custodians or any other any entity to invest any
specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds,
securities or other investment products as result of the above arrangements.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Order Aggregation
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors may aggregate (“block trade”) sale and
purchase orders with other client accounts that have similar orders being
made at the same time, if in our judgment aggregation is reasonably likely to
result in an overall economic benefit to the client. Such benefits may include
better transaction prices and lower trade execution costs. If all aggregate
orders do not fill at the same price, we may cause the client’s and each
similar order to pay or receive the average prices at which the orders were
filled. If such orders cannot be fully executed under prevailing market
conditions, we may allocate the securities traded among clients in a manner
which we consider equitable.
Most trades are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds where trade
aggregation does not garner any client benefit.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Client accounts are reviewed at least quarterly by our President and Chief
Compliance Officer, Robert A. Lyman. Account reviews may be performed
more frequently when market conditions dictate, or when there are changes in
a client's own situation.
Regular Reports
Wealth Management Service and Investment Management Service clients
receive written reports, generally on a quarterly basis. These reports may
include a portfolio holdings summary and a statement showing investment
returns for the past quarter, one, three and five years.
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Referrals
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors has been fortunate to receive many client
referrals over the years. These referrals come from current clients, estate
planning attorneys, accountants, and other sources. The firm does not
compensate referring parties for these referrals.
When Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors refers a client to other professionals,
we do not accept referral fees or compensation from them.
Other Compensation
This area does not apply to our firm – we are strictly “fee only.”
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Item 15. Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at a qualified custodian, which means that the custodian
provides account statements directly to clients at their address of record at
least quarterly.
Clients may authorize Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors to debit a client’s
account(s) for its advisory fee and to directly remit that management fee to us
in compliance with regulatory procedures.
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors Reports
Clients are urged to compare the account statements received directly from
the custodian to the reports that may be provided by us. The account
custodian does not verify the accuracy of the Registrant’s advisory fee
calculation.
Asset Transfer Authorizations
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors provides other services on behalf of its
clients that require disclosure on ADV Part 1, Item 9. Certain clients have
signed asset transfer authorizations that permit the qualified custodian to rely
upon instructions from the Firm to transfer client funds to “third parties.” In
accordance with the guidance provided in the SEC Staff’s February 21, 2017
Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter, the affected accounts are
not subjected to an annual surprise CPA examination.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors accepts discretionary authority to manage
securities accounts on behalf of clients. This means that we have the
authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, the securities
to be bought or sold, and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold.
The client approves the custodian to be used and the commission rates paid
to the custodian. Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not receive any
portion of the transaction fees or commissions paid by the client to the
custodian.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited power of attorney is a trading authorization for this purpose. Clients
sign a limited power of attorney so that we may execute the trades through
their chosen custodian.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not vote client securities. Clients will
receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian or a
transfer agent and are expected to vote their own proxies.
Clients may contact us with questions about a particular solicitation, but they
retain the ultimate responsibility for voting all proxies for securities held within
their account(s). Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors shall not be deemed to
have proxy voting authority solely as a result of providing information or
advice about a particular proxy vote to a client.
Financial Information
Financial Condition
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors does not have any financial condition that is
reasonably likely to impair the firm’s ability to meet its contractual
commitments to clients.
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because Johnson Lyman
Wealth Advisors does not serve as a custodian for client funds or securities,
nor does it require or solicit prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per client
six months or more in advance.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV)
Education and Business Standards
Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors requires that its advisors have a bachelor's
degree and further coursework demonstrating knowledge of financial
planning. Each advisor must earn and maintain the CFP® certification.
Additionally, advisors must have work experience that demonstrates their
aptitude for financial planning and investment management.
Professional Certifications
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®): CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM
professionals are licensed by the CFP Board to use the CFP® mark.
CFP® certification requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of the financial planning education requirements set by the
CFP Board (www.cfp.net).
• Successful completion of the 10-hour CFP® Certification Exam.
• Three-years of qualifying full-time work experience.
• Successfully pass the Candidate Fitness Standards and background
check and agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Standards of
Professional Conduct.
ROBERT A. LYMAN, CFP®
Year of birth: 1962
Educational Background:
• Princeton University – BSME, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
(1984)
• University of California, Berkeley – MSME, Mechanical & Aerospace
Engineering (1986)
Business Experience:
• Johnson Lyman, Inc. – 4/09 to present
• Johnson Marotta, Inc. – 4/02 to 3/09
Disciplinary Information: None
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Robert A. Lyman is the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors
REBECCA K. LYMAN, CFP®
Year of birth: 1989
Educational Background:
• University of California, Berkeley – B.S., Civil Engineering
Business Experience:
• Johnson Lyman, Inc. – 11/21 to present
• WEBCOR Builders – 01/12 to 03/22
Disciplinary Information: None
Other Business Activities: None
Additional Compensation: None
Supervision:
Rebecca K. Lyman reports to Robert A. Lyman, the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer.
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Johnson Lyman Wealth Advisors