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Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
260 N 3rd Street
Jacksonville, OR 97530
PHONE: 541-500-4321
EMAIL: nickj@jones-associates.net
WEBSITE: www.jones-associates.net
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions. If you have any questions about the
contents of this brochure, please contact us at 541-500-4321, or by email at nickj@jones-
associates.net. 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.
information about
Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Additional
(IARD#152930) is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
February 2, 2026
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 2: Material Changes
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually when material
changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure. In accordance with the
Material Changes since the Last Update
annual amendment requirement, the firm is filing an updated Form ADV.
•
Since the last filing of this brochure on March 11, 2025, the following has changed:
•
Item 4 assets under management have been updated.
Full Brochure Available
Item 5 has been updated to reflect a fee schedule change.
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure, please contact
us by telephone at 541-500-4321 or by email at nickj@jones-associates.net.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 3: Table of Contents
Form ADV – Part 2A – Firm Brochure
Item 1: Cover Page
Firm Brochure .......................................................................................................................................... i
Item 2: Material Changes .................................................................................................................... ii
Annual Update ................................................................................................................................................. ii
Material Changes since the Last Update ............................................................................................... ii
Item 3: Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... iii
Full Brochure Available ............................................................................................................................... ii
Item 4: Advisory Business .................................................................................................................. 1
Firm Description ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................................................ 1
Excluded Assets will not be included in calculation of Fees paid to JA on the ERISA
Agreement. Specific services will be outlined in detail to each plan in the 408(b)2
disclosure.Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions ....................................... 3
Wrap Fee Programs ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ....................................................................................................... 4
Client Assets under Management ............................................................................................................ 3
Method of Compensation and Fee Schedule........................................................................................ 4
The fee schedule, which includes compensation of JA for the services is described in
detail in Schedule A of the ERISA Plan Agreement. The Plan is obligated to pay the fees,
however the Plan Sponsor may elect to pay the fees. Client may elect to be billed
directly or have fees deducted from Plan Assets. JA does not reasonably expect to
receive any additional compensation, directly or indirectly, for its services under this
Agreement. If additional compensation is received, JA will disclose this compensation,
the services rendered, and the payer of compensation. JA will offset the compensation
against the fees agreed upon under the Agreement.Client Payment of Fees ......................... 6
Additional Client Fees Charged ................................................................................................................ 7
Prepayment of Client Fees .......................................................................................................................... 7
Fees for ERISA 3(21) services may be billed in advance.External Compensation for the
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees ..................................................................................................... 7
Sale of Securities to Clients ........................................................................................................................ 7
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................................................... 7
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 7: Types of Clients ....................................................................................................................... 7
Description ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................ 8
Account Minimums ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Methods of Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Investment Strategy ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................... 10
Security Specific Material Risks ............................................................................................................... 8
Criminal or Civil Actions ...........................................................................................................................10
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings .........................................................................................10
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ............................................. 10
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings .............................................................10
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration ................................................................................10
Futures or Commodity Registration .....................................................................................................10
Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and Conflicts of Interest 10
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisors and Conflicts of Interest11
Trading ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Code of Ethics Description .......................................................................................................................11
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of
Interest .............................................................................................................................................................11
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
Interest .............................................................................................................................................................11
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ......................................................................................................... 12
Transactions and Conflicts of Interest .................................................................................................12
Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions .................................................12
Item 13: Review of Accounts ........................................................................................................... 13
Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts ............................................................13
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and Advisory
Persons Involved ..........................................................................................................................................13
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis ..........................................................................13
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency .......................................................................13
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................ 13
Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and Conflicts
of Interest ........................................................................................................................................................13
Item 15: Custody .................................................................................................................................. 14
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals ...................................................................................14
Item 16: Investment Discretion ..................................................................................................... 15
Account Statements ....................................................................................................................................14
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................... 15
Authority for Trading .................................................................................................................................15
Item 18: Financial Information ...................................................................................................... 15
Proxy Votes ....................................................................................................................................................15
Balance Sheet .................................................................................................................................................15
Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability to Meet
Commitments to Clients ............................................................................................................................15
Supervised Person Brochure .......................................................................................................... 16
Bankruptcy Petitions during the Past Ten Years .............................................................................15
Part 2B of Form ADV .......................................................................................................................... 16
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV) .......................................................................... 17
Principal Executive Officers and Management Persons ...............................................................17
®
Nicholas Ehren Jones CFP
.....................................................................................................................17
Professional Certifications .......................................................................................................................17
Disciplinary Information ...........................................................................................................................18
Other Business Activities Engaged In ..................................................................................................18
Additional Compensation .........................................................................................................................19
Supervision .....................................................................................................................................................19
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 4: Advisory Business
Firm Description
Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions, LLC, doing business as Jones & Associates
Premier Financial Solutions (“JA”) was founded in 2008. Nicholas Jones is 100% owner and
Types of Advisory Services
Chief Compliance Officer.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
JA offers discretionary asset management services to advisory Clients. JA will offer Clients
ongoing asset management services through determining individual investment goals, time
horizons, objectives, and risk tolerance. Investment strategies, investment selection, asset
allocation, portfolio monitoring and the overall investment program will be based on the
above factors. The Client will authorize JA discretionary authority to execute selected
investment program transactions as stated within the Investment Advisory Agreement.
As part of a Client’s overall portfolio, JA may advise certain qualified Clients to invest in
alternative investments. For those Clients investing in alternative investments, JA will meet
them at least annually (more often if requested by Client) to discuss their overall financial
position in addition to specifically discussing the distributions from the alternative
investments. The annual meeting may be in person or via telephone. Specifically, JA will
have discretion to determine if the distribution of alternative investments will be used for
income or re-investment.
CLIENT DIRECTED ACCOUNTS
JA will assist in the opening, closing and transferring of accounts. JA will not have discretion
at any time on these accounts. Client is solely responsible for the assets held within the
accounts and their values which could increase or decrease (potential loss of principal). JA
will not execute trades in client directed accounts without the direction initiated by the
Client.
CO-ADVISOR
JA has entered into a Co-Advisor relationship with Gradient Investments, LLC (GI). JA will
provide information to each client regarding the services offered by GI as the portfolio
manager. JA will assist the Client to determine the appropriate model selection based on
the Client’s investment objectives and risk tolerance. JA will have full discretion on an
ongoing basis to select suitable models to maintain client’s risk tolerance. JA will share in
the management fees charged by GI as described in Item 5 of this brochure.
is under no obligation to act upon the
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING
If financial planning services are applicable, the Client will compensate JA on a negotiable
fixed fee or an hourly fee basis described in detail under “Fees and Compensation” section
of this brochure. Services include but are not limited to a thorough review of all applicable
topics including Wills, Estate Plan/Trusts, Investments, Taxes, and Insurance. If a conflict of
interest exists between the interests of the investment advisor and the interests of the
Client, the Client
investment advisor’s
recommendation. If the Client elects to act on any of the recommendations, the Client is
under no obligation to effect the transaction through JA. Financial plans will be completed
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
and delivered inside of six (6) months. Clients may terminate advisory services with thirty
(30) days written notice.
REFERRAL ARRANGEMENTS
JA has legacy clients under a referral arrangement with the services of third party money
manager to manage Client accounts. In such circumstances, JA receives referral fees from
the third party money manager. JA acts as the liaison between the Client and the third party
money manager in return for an ongoing portion of the advisory fees charged by the third
party money manager. JA helps the Client complete the necessary paperwork of the third
party money manager, provides ongoing services to the Client, will provide the third party
money manager with any changes in Client status as provided to JA by the Client and
review the quarterly statements provided by the third party money manager. JA will
deliver the Form ADV Part 2, Privacy Notice and Referral Disclosure Statement of the third
party money manager. Clients placed with third party money managers will be billed in
accordance with the third party money manager’s fee schedule which will be disclosed to
the Client prior to signing an agreement. No new clients will be provided this service.
ERISA PLAN SERVICES
JA provides service to qualified retirement plans including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans,
pension and profit-sharing plans, cash balance plans, and deferred compensation plans as a
Limited Scope ERISA 3(21) Fiduciary.
3(21) advisor:
JA may serve as a limited scope ERISA 3(21)
fiduciary that can advise, help and assist plan sponsors with their investment decisions. As
an investment advisor JA has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the Client. The
plan sponsor is still ultimately responsible for the decisions made in their plan, though
using JA can help the plan sponsor delegate liability by following a diligent process.
1.
•
Fiduciary Services are:
•
Provide investment advice to the Client about asset classes and investment options
available for the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s investment policies and
objectives. Client will make the final decision regarding the initial selection,
retention, removal and addition of investment options. JA acknowledges that it is a
fiduciary as defined in ERISA section 3 (21) (A) (ii).
•
Assist the Client in the development of an investment policy statement (“IPS”). The
IPS establishes the investment policies and objectives for the Plan. Client shall have
the ultimate responsibility and authority to establish such policies and objectives
and to adopt and amend the IPS.
•
Provide investment advice to the Plan Sponsor with respect to the selection of a
qualified default investment option for participants who are automatically enrolled
in the Plan or who have otherwise failed to make investment elections. The Client
retains the sole responsibility to provide all notices to the Plan participants required
under ERISA Section 404(c) (5) and 404(a)-5.
Assist in monitoring investment options by preparing periodic investment reports
that document investment performance, consistency of fund management and
conformance to the guidelines set forth in the IPS and make recommendations to
maintain, remove or replace investment options.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
•
Meet with Client on a periodic basis to discuss the reports and the investment
recommendations.
2.
•
Non-fiduciary Services are:
•
Assist in the education of Plan participants about general investment information
and the investment options available to them under the Plan. Client understands
JA’s assistance in education of the Plan participants shall be consistent with and
within the scope of the Department of Labor’s definition of investment education
(Department of Labor Interpretive Bulletin 96-1). As such, JA is not providing
fiduciary advice as defined by ERISA 3(21)(A)(ii) to the Plan participants. JA will not
provide investment advice concerning the prudence of any investment option or
combination of investment options for a particular participant or beneficiary under
the Plan.
Assist in the group enrollment meetings designed to increase retirement plan
participation among the employees and investment and financial understanding by
the employees.
JA may provide these services or, alternatively, may arrange for the Plan’s other providers
to offer these services, as agreed upon between JA and Client.
3.
JA has no responsibility to provide services related to the following types of assets
•
(“Excluded Assets”):
•
•
•
•
•
•
Employer securities;
Real estate (except for real estate funds or publicly traded REITs);
Stock brokerage accounts or mutual fund windows;
Participant loans;
Non-publicly traded partnership interests;
Other non-publicly traded securities or property (other than collective trusts and
similar vehicles); or
Other hard-to-value or illiquid securities or property.
Excluded Assets will not be included in calculation of Fees paid to JA on the ERISA
Agreement. Specific services will be outlined in detail to each plan in the 408(b)2
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
disclosure.
The goals and objectives for each Client are documented in our Client files. Investment
strategies are created that reflect the stated goals and objectives. Clients may impose
restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. Agreements may not be
Wrap Fee Programs
assigned without Client consent.
Client Assets under Management
JA does not participate in wrap fee programs.
JA has the following assets under management:
Discretionary Amounts: Non-discretionary Amounts:
$221,800,000
Date Calculated:
December 31, 2025
$0
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Method of Compensation and Fee Schedule
ASSET MANAGEMENT
JA offers discretionary asset management services to advisory Clients. The fees for these
services will be based on a percentage of Assets Under Management not to exceed an
annual fee of 1% of the assets being managed.
The annual fee may be negotiable. Accounts within the same household may be combined
for a reduced fee. Fees are billed quarterly in arrears based on the amount of assets
managed as of the close of business on the last business day of each quarter. Quarterly
advisory fees will be deducted from the Clients' account by the custodian. For accounts
where we do not have access for direct withdrawal of our fees, Clients can pay us directly.
For fees paid direct to JA, the fees must be paid within ten (10) days of receipt of the
invoice. Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources. Clients
may terminate their account within five (5) business days of signing the Investment
Advisory Agreement with no obligation. Clients may terminate advisory services with
thirty (30) days written notice. JA will be entitled to a pro rata fee for the days service was
provided in the final quarter. Client shall be given thirty (30) days prior written notice of
any increase in fees.
CLIENT DIRECTED ACCOUNTS
JA does not charge a fee for client directed accounts.
CO-ADVISOR FEES
JA has entered into a Referral Agreement with Gradient Investments, LLC (“GI”). GI is a
Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
that provides investment portfolio advice and supervisory services.
GI offers an actively managed program of mutual fund and stock portfolios. The fee will be
disclosed to the Client in the Investment Advisory Agreement and are negotiable. The
Clients fee for these services will be based on a percentage of assets under management as
STRATEGIC & TACTICAL, ALLOCATION & DEFINED OUTCOME PORTFOLIOS
follows:
JA
Annual Fee
GI
All Assets
1.50%
0.50%
1.00%
Traditionally, GI’s Tactical Portfolio was billed with a max annual fee of 2.00%. Since GI is
the sub-advisor to the Tactical Portfolio and will receive an annual fee of 0.20% from the
ETF, GI has reduced its annual fee of the Tactical Portfolio so as not to double dip.
$2,000
$1,700
For example, a client investing $100,000 in the GI Tactical portfolio prior to November
. After
2022 would pay an annual fee to GI of $2,000 or $100,000 x 2.00% =
November 2022 the same client would pay GI an annual fee of $1,500 or $100,000 x 1.50%
= $1,500 and pay the internal fees of $200 or $100,000 x 0.20% = $200. For a total of
$1,500 + $200 =
.
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PRESERVATION PORTFOLIOS
Annual Fee
GI
JA
All Assets
1.00%
0.40%
0.60%
PRIVATE WEALTH PORTFOLIOS
Annual Fee
GI
JA
All Assets
1.50%
0.50%
1.00%
CLIENT DIRECTED ACCOUNTS
Annual Fee
GI
JA
All Assets
$300
$300
$0
rd
For Client Directed Accounts (CDA), GI will assist in the opening, closing and transferring of
accounts. GI will not have discretion at any time on these accounts. Client is solely
responsible for the assets held within the accounts and their values which could increase or
decrease (potential loss of principal). GI will not execute trades in CDA accounts. GI
exceptions will be made for withdrawals to client or assets transferred into a GI managed
portfolio. GI will also provide performance reporting on these accounts and can furnish
party analysis reports per the client’s request. Similar services may be available
3
through other sources for a lower fee.
These are flat fee schedules, the entire portfolio is charged the same asset management fee.
Portfolio
Calculation
Quarterly Fee
Example:
Strategic Portfolio:
($750,000*1.50%) * (91/365) $2,804.79
Tactical Portfolio:
($750,000*1.50%) * (91/365) $2,804.79
Allocation & Defined Outcome Portfolio:
($750,000*1.50%) * (91/365) $2,804.79
Preservation Portfolio:
($750,000*1.0%) * (91/365) $1,869.86
($750,000*1.5%) * (91/365) $2,804.79
Private Wealth Portfolio:
$15 Quarterly Service Fee*
Fee Calculation: (Quarter End Value x Annual Fee %) x (Days in Quarter/Days in Year)
+
* The $15 Quarterly Service Fee is the technology fee charged per account or investment
strategy for performance and other reporting. This fee is disclosed in our ADV Part 2A (Item 5:
Fees and Compensation) and in our Investment Proposal and Contract (Schedule D: Schedule of
Fees).
The above fees are negotiable. Fees are assessed quarterly in arrears based on the amount of the
assets managed as of the end of the previous quarter. All management fees are withdrawn from
the Client’s account unless otherwise noted. GI will receive written authorization from the Client
to deduct advisory fees from their account held by a qualified custodian. GI will pay JA their
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share of the fees. JA does not have access to deduct Client fees. Clients may terminate their
account within five (5) business days of signing the investment advisory agreement without
penalty or obligation. For terminations after the initial five business days, GI will be entitled to a
pro-rata fee for the days service was provided in the final quarter. GI will pay JA their portion of
the final fee.
FINANCIAL PLANNING and CONSULTING
Prior to the planning process the Client will be provided an estimated plan fee. Services
include but are not limited to a thorough review of all applicable topics including Wills,
Estate Plan/Trusts, Investments, Taxes, and Insurance. The payments are received in two
installments: one at the commencement of the planning process and is refundable based on
the pro-rata of work completed. The balance of the final payment is due upon delivery of
completed plan.
FIXED FEES
Financial Planning Services are offered based on a negotiable fixed fee with a maximum
fee of $2,500 based on complexity and unique Client needs.
HOURLY FEES
Financial Planning Services are offered based on an hourly fee of $300 per hour.
ERISA PLAN SERVICES
The annual fees are based on the market value of the Included Assets and will not exceed
1%. The annual fee is negotiable and may be charged as a percentage of the Included
Assets. Fees may be charged quarterly or monthly in arrears or in advance based on the
assets as calculated by the custodian or record keeper of the Included Assets (without
adjustments for anticipated withdrawals by Plan participants or other anticipated or
scheduled transfers or distribution of assets). If the services to be provided start any time
other than the first day of a quarter or month, the fee will be prorated based on the number
of days remaining in the quarter or month. If this Agreement is terminated prior to the end
of the billing cycle, JA shall be entitled to a prorated fee based on the number of days during
the fee period services were provided or Client will be due a prorated refund of fees for
days services were not provided in the billing cycle.
The fee schedule, which includes compensation of JA for the services is described in detail
in Schedule A of the ERISA Plan Agreement. The Plan is obligated to pay the fees, however
the Plan Sponsor may elect to pay the fees. Client may elect to be billed directly or have fees
deducted from Plan Assets. JA does not reasonably expect to receive any additional
compensation, directly or indirectly, for its services under this Agreement. If additional
compensation is received, JA will disclose this compensation, the services rendered, and
the payer of compensation. JA will offset the compensation against the fees agreed upon
Client Payment of Fees
under the Agreement.
Asset management fees are billed quarterly in arrears, meaning we bill you after the three-
month billing period has ended.
Clients pay the TPM’s investment advisory fees. Prior to signing an investment advisory
agreement, the method of payment will be disclosed in the TPM’s Form ADV Part 2.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Fees are usually deducted from a designated Client account to facilitate billing. The Client
must consent in advance to direct debiting of their investment account.
Fees for financial plans are billed 50% in advance with the balance due upon delivery of the
Additional Client Fees Charged
financial plan.
Custodians may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of certain mutual funds,
equities and exchange-traded funds. These charges may include mutual fund transactions
fees, postage and handling and miscellaneous fees (fee levied to recover costs associated
with fees assessed by self-regulatory organizations). These transaction charges are usually
small and incidental to the purchase or sale of a security. The selection of the security is
more important than the nominal fee that the custodian charges to buy or sell the security.
Prepayment of Client Fees
For more details on the brokerage practices, see Item 12 of this brochure.
Fees for financial plans are billed 50% in advance with the balance due upon delivery of the
financial plan.
Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Fees for ERISA 3(21) services may be billed in advance.External
JA does not receive any external compensation for the sale of securities to Clients, however,
Investment Advisor Representatives of JA receive external compensation for the sale of
securities to clients as a registered representative of Gradient Securities, LLC, a broker-
dealer. This represents a conflict of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend
products based on the commission received. As registered representatives, they do not
charge advisory fees for the services offered through Gradient Securities, LLC. This conflict
is mitigated by disclosures, procedures, and JA’s fiduciary obligation to place the best
interest of the Client first and Clients are not required to purchase any products or services.
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.
JA does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential conflict of
interest. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the advisor to
recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the Client.
Item 7: Types of Clients
Description
JA generally provides investment advice to individuals, and high net worth individuals.
Account Minimums
Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
While JA does not require a minimum to open an account, some TPMs utilized by JA may
require a minimum.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Security analysis methods may include fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and
cyclical analysis. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared
to bear. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating a stock using real data such as company
revenues, earnings, return on equity, and profit margins to determine underlying value and
potential growth. Technical analysis involves evaluating securities based on past prices and
volume. Cyclical analysis involves analyzing the cycles of the market.
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating a stock using real data such as company
revenues, earnings, return on equity, and profits margins to determine underlying value
and potential growth. Technical analysis involves evaluating securities based on past prices
and volume. Cyclical analysis involves analyzing the cycles of the market.
When creating a financial plan, JA utilizes fundamental analysis to provide review of
insurance policies for economic value and income replacement. Technical analysis is used
to review mutual funds and individual stocks. The main sources of information include
Morningstar, Client documents such as tax returns and insurance policies.
In developing a financial plan for a Client, JA’s analysis may include cash flow analysis,
investment planning, risk management, tax planning and estate planning. Based on the
information gathered, a detailed strategy is tailored to the Client’s specific situation.
The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines, research
materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, annual reports, prospectuses, and
Investment Strategy
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The investment strategy for a specific Client is based upon the objectives stated by the
Client during consultations. The Client may change these objectives at any time. Each Client
executes an Investment Policy Statement or Risk Tolerance that documents their objectives
and their desired investment strategy.
Other strategies may include long-term purchases, short-term purchases, trading, and
Security Specific Material Risks
option writing (including covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies).
Fundamental analysis may involve interest rate risk, market risk, business risk, and
financial risk. Risks involved in technical analysis are inflation risk, reinvestment risk, and
market risk. Cyclical analysis involves inflation risk, market risk, and currency risk.
Interest-rate Risk
•
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Our investment
approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the following investment
risks and should discuss these risks with JA:
• Market 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.
: 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
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
•
external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances.
For example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market
Inflation Risk
events.
: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more
than a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of
• Currency Risk
inflation.
• Reinvestment Risk
: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of
the dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is
also referred to as exchange rate risk.
• Business Risk
: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may
have to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This
primarily relates to fixed income securities.
• Liquidity Risk
: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a
particular company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies
depend on finding oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can
generate a profit. They carry a higher risk of profitability than an electric
company which generates its income from a steady stream of customers who
buy electricity no matter what the economic environment is like.
• Financial 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.
• Non-Traded REITs Risk
: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases
the risk of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its
obligations in good times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability
to meet loan obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market
value.
•
: Absence of a public market, lack of liquidity, no
guarantee of a distribution and no connection between the share of price of the
REIT and the net asset value of the REIT until the assets are valued by the Board
Interval funds
of Directors.
: Essentially illiquid, especially compared to open-end mutual
funds. May have high overall fees, including front-end loads, brokerage fees,
redemption fees and annual management fees. No guarantee of redeeming all
shares during a redemption window.
•
The specific risks associated with financial planning include:
o
Risk of Loss
o
lifestyle and therefore plan
Client fails to follow the recommendations of JA resulting in market loss
in financial status or
Client has changes
recommendations are no longer valid
•
The risks associated with utilizing TPMs include:
Manager Risk
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
o
•
TPM fails to execute the stated investment strategy
o
Business Risk
•
TPM has financial or regulatory problems
The specific risks associated with the portfolios of the TPM’s which is disclosed in
the TPM’s Form ADV Part 2.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Criminal or Civil Actions
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
JA and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil action.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
JA and its management have not been involved in administrative enforcement proceedings.
JA and its management have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to
past or present investment Clients.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
JA is not registered as a broker-dealer, however investment advisor representatives of JA
Futures or Commodity Registration
are registered representatives of Gradient Securities, LLC, a FINRA/SIPC broker-dealer.
Neither JA nor its employees are registered or has an application pending to register as a
Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and Conflicts of Interest
futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading advisor.
Managing Member Nicholas Jones has a financial affiliated business as a licensed insurance
agent with Jones & Associates Insurance Solutions. Nicholas Jones is also registered
representative with Gradient Securities, LLC. From time to time, he offers Clients advice or
products from these activities. Approximately 25% of his time is spent in his insurance
practice.
These practices represent potential conflicts of interest because it gives the IARs an
incentive to recommend products based on the commission amount received. This conflict
is mitigated by disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to place the best
interest of the Client first and Clients are not required to purchase any products. Clients
have the option to purchase these products through another insurance agent or registered
representative of their choosing.
Additionally, Mr. Jones is the owner of N&L Properties LLC, a real estate entity used for
rental properties. Less than 1% of his time is spent on this activity. This does not create a
conflict of interest as clients are not solicited for this business.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisors and Conflicts of
Interest
JA may at times utilize the services of TPMs to manage Client accounts. In such
circumstances, JA will share in the TPM asset management fee. For more information see
Items 4 and 5 under Co-Advisor.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics Description
The employees of JA have committed to a Code of Ethics (“Code”). The purpose of our Code
is to set forth standards of conduct expected of JA employees and addresses conflicts that
may arise. The Code defines acceptable behavior for employees of JA. The Code reflects JA
and its supervised persons’ responsibility to act in the best interest of their Client.
One area which the Code addresses is when employees buy or sell securities for their
personal accounts and how to mitigate any conflict of interest with our Clients. We do not
allow any employees to use non-public material information for their personal profit or to
use internal research for their personal benefit in conflict with the benefit to our Clients.
JA’s policy prohibits any person from acting upon or otherwise misusing non-public or
inside information. No advisory representative or other employee, officer or director of JA
may recommend any transaction in a security or its derivative to advisory Clients or
engage in personal securities transactions for a security or its derivatives if the advisory
representative possesses material, non-public information regarding the security.
JA’s Code is based on the guiding principle that the interests of the Client are our top
priority. JA’s officers, directors, advisors, and other employees have a fiduciary duty to our
Clients and must diligently perform that duty to maintain the complete trust and
confidence of our Clients. When a conflict arises, it is our obligation to put the Client’s
interests over the interests of either employees or the company.
to Clients, or who have access
The Code applies to “access” persons. “Access” persons are employees who have access to
non-public information regarding any Clients' purchase or sale of securities, or non-public
information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, who are involved in
making securities recommendations
to such
recommendations that are non-public.
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of
JA will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any Client or prospective Client upon request.
Interest
JA and its employees do not recommend to Clients securities in which we have a material
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of
financial interest.
Interest
JA and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by Clients. In order to
mitigate potential conflicts of interest such as front running of Client trades, employees are
required to disclose all reportable securities transactions as well as provide JA with copies
of their brokerage statements.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
The Chief Compliance Officer of JA is Nicholas Jones. 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 over
Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory Firm
employee transactions.
Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
JA does not maintain a firm proprietary trading account and does not have a material
financial interest in any securities being recommended and therefore no conflicts of
interest exist. However, employees may buy or sell securities at the same time they buy or
sell securities for Clients. In order to mitigate conflicts of interest such as front running,
employees are required to disclose all reportable securities transactions as well as provide
JA with copies of their brokerage statements.
The Chief Compliance Officer of JA is Nicholas Jones. 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 over
employee transactions.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
• Directed Brokerage
JA may recommend the use of a particular broker-dealer or may utilize a broker-dealer of
the Client's choosing. JA will select appropriate brokers based on a number of factors
including but not limited to their relatively low transaction fees and reporting ability. JA
relies on its broker to provide its execution services at the best prices available. Lower fees
for comparable services may be available from other sources. Clients pay for any and all
custodial fees in addition to the advisory fee charged by JA.
• Best Execution
In circumstances where a Client directs JA to use a certain broker-dealer, JA still has
a fiduciary duty to its Clients. The following may apply with Directed Brokerage: JA's
inability to negotiate commissions, to obtain volume discounts, there may be a
disparity in commission charges among Clients and conflicts of interest arising from
brokerage firm referrals.
JA will recommend the use of a particular broker-dealer based on their duty to seek
best execution for the client, meaning they have an obligation to obtain the most
favorable terms for a client under the circumstances. The determination of what
may constitute best execution and price in the execution of a securities transaction
by a broker involves a number of considerations and is subjective. Factors affecting
brokerage selection include the overall direct net economic result to the portfolios,
the efficiency with which the transaction is affected, the operational facilities of the
broker-dealer, the value of an ongoing relationship with such broker and the
financial strength and stability of the broker. JA will select appropriate brokers
based on a number of factors including but not limited to their relatively low
transaction fees and reporting ability. JA relies on its broker to provide its execution
services at the best prices available. Lower fees for comparable services may be
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
• Soft Dollar Arrangements
available from other sources. Clients pay for any and all custodial fees in addition to
the advisory fee charged by JA. JA does not receive any portion of the trading fees.
Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
JA utilizes the services of custodial broker dealers. JA does not receive any soft
dollars, but does receive execution benefits which would not be received if JA did
not give investment advice to Clients. These benefits include: A dedicated trading
desk, a dedicated service group and an account services manager dedicated to JA's
accounts, ability to conduct "block" Client trades, electronic download of trades,
balances and positions, duplicate and batched Client statements, and the ability to
have advisory fees directly deducted from Client accounts.
JA is authorized in its discretion to aggregate purchases and sales and other transactions
made for the account with purchases and sales and transactions in the same securities for
other Clients of JA. All Clients participating in the aggregated order shall receive an average
share price with all other transaction costs shared on a pro-rated basis. If aggregation is
not allowed or infeasible and individual transactions occur (e.g., withdrawal or liquidation
requests, odd-lot trades, etc.) an account may potentially be assessed higher costs or less
favorable prices than those where aggregation has occurred.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and Advisory
Persons Involved
Account reviews are performed quarterly by Nicholas Jones, Chief Compliance Officer.
Account reviews are performed more frequently when market conditions dictate. Financial
Plans are considered complete when recommendations are delivered to the Client and a
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
review is done only upon request of Client.
Other conditions that may trigger a review of Clients accounts are changes in the tax laws,
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency
new investment information, and changes in a Client's own situation.
Clients receive written account statements no less than quarterly for managed accounts.
Account statements are issued by the custodian. Client receives confirmations of each
transaction in account from Custodian and an additional statement during any month in
which a transaction occurs.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and
Conflicts of Interest
JA receives a portion of the annual management fees collected by the Third Party Money
Managers to whom JA refers Clients.
In addition, financial consultants may be eligible for cash and non-cash compensation
including bonuses, recognition trips and other benefits. Some of these programs may be
financed in whole or in part by unaffiliated third parties, including third party money
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
managers, which may influence some representatives to favor those managers. See the
prior sections entitled “Fees and Compensation” and “Other Financial Industry Activities
and Affiliations” for more details regarding compensation and conflicts of interests.
This situation creates a conflict of interest because JA and/or its Investment Advisor
Representative have an incentive to decide what Third Party Money Managers to use
because of the higher referral fees to be received by JA. However, when referring Clients to
a third party money manager, the Client’s best interest will be the main determining factor
of JA.
bona fide,
As part of a Client’s entire portfolio, a portion may be allocated to alternative investments
from various companies. JA is not affiliated with any of the alternative investments
companies and JA provides no services other than referring appropriate Clients to invest.
In connection with investing in alternative investments, JA may use marketing materials to
inform Clients about these investment options with the various companies. JA may receive
reasonable
marketing support payments in the form of reimbursements for
marketing expenses incurred in connection with marketing the Shares. The amount of any
bona fide
marketing support payments, if any, shall be determined by the alternative investment
company, in its sole discretion, but in any event, may not be greater than the
reasonable expenses incurred by JA and in no event shall be excessive or lavish, or
otherwise call into question the propriety of the payments.
The payment of marketing support, or the determination of the amount paid pursuant
thereto, if any, shall not be conditioned upon any specific generation requirement or
investment in the Shares, nor shall any such payment be made in recognition of prior
business generation. This represents a conflict of interest because it gives an incentive to
market this investment. The conflict is mitigated by disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s
Fiduciary obligation and by the fact that Clients are not required to invest in this product
and may invest with another investment advisor of their choosing.
JA’s investment advisor representatives may receive certain benefits from Gradient
Investments, LLC (and/or its affiliated companies) based on achieving certain production
thresholds. These thresholds are not based on the sale of any specific product or specific
product type. These incentives include marketing assistance, access to technology, office
support, and business trainings and trips. While some of these benefit the client, such as
technology and training, some do not. This creates a conflict of interest because it gives an
incentive to the representative to meet this threshold. This conflict is mitigated by
disclosures, procedures and the firm’s fiduciary obligation to place the best interest of the
Client first. Clients are not required to use Gradient Investments, LLC or any of its affiliated
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
companies.
JA does not compensate for Client referrals.
Item 15: Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians, which means the custodians provide account
statements directly to Clients at their address of record at least quarterly. Clients are urged
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
to compare the account statements received directly from their custodians to the
performance report statements prepared by JA.
JA is deemed to have indirect custody solely because advisory fees are directly deducted
from Client’s accounts by the custodian on behalf of JA.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Authority for Trading
JA accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of Clients. JA
will obtain prior Client approval for discretion on the client agreement.
JA has discretion to select appropriate portfolios for clients as a co-advisor, but does not
have the discretion to select specific securities.
The Client approves the custodian to be used and the commission rates paid to the
custodian. JA does not receive any portion of the transaction fees or commissions paid by
the Client to the custodian on certain trades.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
JA does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own proxies. The
Client will receive their proxies directly from the custodian of their account or from a
transfer agent.
Item 18: Financial Information
Balance Sheet
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because JA does not serve as a custodian for
Client funds or securities and JA does not require prepayment of fees of more than $1200
Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability to Meet
per Client and six months or more in advance.
Commitments to Clients
JA has no condition that is reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet contractual
Bankruptcy Petitions during the Past Ten Years
commitments to our Clients.
Neither JA nor its management has had any bankruptcy petitions in the last ten years.
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Supervised Person Brochure
Part 2B of Form ADV
Nicholas Ehren Jones CFP® CLU®
260 N 3rd Street
Jacksonville, OR 97530
PHONE: 541-500-4321
EMAIL: nickj@jones-associates.net
WEBSITE: www.jones-associates.net
This brochure supplement provides information about Nicholas Ehren Jones, and
supplements Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions’ brochure. You should
have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact Nicholas Ehren Jones, if you
did not receive Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions’ brochure or if you
have any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Nicholas Ehren Jones (CRD#4767525) is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
February 2, 2026
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
Brochure Supplement (Part 2B of Form ADV)
Supervised Person Brochure
Principal Executive Officers and Management Persons
Nicholas Ehren Jones CFP®, CLU®
•
Year of birth: 1978
Educational Background:
®
•
•
•
Chico State University; BA; 2001
CFP
CLU
; 2008
®
; 2015
Business Experience:
•
•
•
•
•
N&L Properties LLC; Owner; 10/2023 - Present
Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions, LLC; Managing Member/Investment
Advisor Representative; 01/2022-Present
Jones & Associates Insurance Solutions LLC; Managing Member/Insurance Agent;
01/2022-Present
Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions, LLC; Vice President/Investment
Advisor Representative; 09/2020-01/2022
Jones & Associates Premier Insurance Solutions; Vice President/Insurance Agent;
07/2020-01/2022
•
•
Professional Certifications
Gradient Securities; Registered Representative; 10/2020-Present
Principal Financial Group; Internal Sales Manager; 01/2006-07/2020
Employees have earned certifications and credentials that are required to be explained in
further detail
®
, CFP
®
and federally registered CFP (with flame
marks”) are professional certification marks granted
™
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
design) marks (collectively, the “CFP
in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
®
®
certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation
The CFP
requires financial planners to hold CFP
certification. It is recognized in the United States
and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2)
stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that
govern professional engagements with Clients.
®
marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the
•
To attain the right to use the CFP
following requirements:
Education – Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the
financial planning subject areas that CFP Board’s studies have determined as
necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services,
and attain a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or
university (or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s financial
planning subject areas include insurance planning and risk management, employee
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
•
®
•
Standards of Professional Conduct
•
, a set of
®
benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning,
and estate planning;
Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP
Certification Examination. The
examination includes case studies and Client scenarios designed to test one’s ability
to correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply one’s knowledge of
financial planning to real world circumstances;
Experience – Complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related
experience (or the equivalent, measured as 2,000 hours per year); and
Ethics – Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s
documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP
professionals.
®
•
Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and
ethics requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP
marks:
Standards of
Code of Ethics
Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two
Professional Conduct
years, including two hours on the
and other parts of the
, to maintain competence and keep up with developments in the
Standards of Professional Conduct.
•
Standards
prominently require that CFP
®
professionals provide financial
professionals
®
®
certification.
financial planning field; and
Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the
®
The
planning services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP
must provide financial planning services in the best interests of their Clients.
professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements
CFP
may be subject to CFP Board’s enforcement process, which could result in
suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP
®
): Chartered Life Underwriter is a designation granted by
®
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU
the American College. CLU
designation requirements:
®
•
•
coursework: five required and three elective courses.
•
•
®
designation, you must complete 30 hours of continuing
Disciplinary Information
Successfully complete CLU
Meet the experience requirements: Three years of business experience immediately
preceding the date of the use of the designation are required. An undergraduate or
graduate degree from an accredited education institution qualifies as one year of
business experience.
Take the Professional Ethics Pledge.
When you achieve the CLU
education credit every two years.
Other Business Activities Engaged In
None to report.
Nicholas Jones has a financial industry affiliated business as an insurance agent with Jones
& Associates Insurance Solutions LLC and is a registered representative with Gradient
Securities, LLC. From time to time, he offers Clients advice or products from these activities.
These practices represent conflicts of interest because it gives him an incentive to
recommend products based on the commission and/or fee amount received. This conflict is
mitigated by disclosures, procedures, and the firm’s Fiduciary obligation to place the best
interest of the Client first and the Clients are not required to purchase any products or
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions
services. Clients have the option to purchase these products and services through another
insurance agent or registered representative of their choosing.
Additionally, Mr. Jones is the owner of N&L Properties LLC, a real estate entity used for
rental properties. Less than 1% of his time is spent on this activity. This does not create a
Additional Compensation
conflict of interest as clients are not solicited for this business.
Nicholas Jones receives additional compensation in his capacity as an insurance agent, but
he does not receive any performance-based fees.
Mr. Jones may receive certain benefits from Gradient Investments, LLC (and/or its affiliated
companies) based on achieving certain production thresholds. These thresholds are not
based on the sale of any specific product or specific product type. These incentives include
marketing assistance, access to technology, office support, and business trainings and trips.
While some of these benefit the client, such as technology and training, some do not. This
creates a conflict of interest because it gives an incentive to the representative to meet this
threshold. This conflict is mitigated by disclosures, procedures and the firm’s fiduciary
obligation to place the best interest of the Client first. Clients are not required to use
Supervision
Gradient Investments, LLC or any of its affiliated companies.
Mr. Nicholas Jones is the Chief Compliance Officer of Jones & Associates Premier Financial
Solutions, therefore, he is solely responsible for all supervision and formulation and
monitoring of investment advice offered to Clients. Nicholas Jones can be reached at 541-
500-4321 or nickj@jones-associates.net
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Jones & Associates Premier Financial Solutions