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Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
Form ADV Part 2A – Disclosure Brochure
Effective: September 17, 2025
This Form ADV Part 2A (“Disclosure Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Minerva Planning Group, Inc. (“MPG” or the “Advisor”). If you have any questions about the content
of this Disclosure Brochure, please contact the Advisor at (404) 816-6688.
MPG is a registered investment advisor with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information
in this Disclosure Brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC or by any state securities authority.
Registration of an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training. This Disclosure
Brochure provides information about MPG to assist you in determining whether to retain the Advisor.
Additional information about MPG and its Advisory Persons is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with the Advisor’s firm name or CRD# 127263.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Item 2 – Material Changes
Form ADV 2 is divided into two parts: Part 2A (the "Disclosure Brochure") and Part 2B (the "Brochure
Supplement"). The Disclosure Brochure provides information about a variety of topics relating to an Advisor’s
business practices and conflicts of interest. The Brochure Supplement provides information about the Advisory
Persons of MPG. For convenience, the Advisor has combined these documents into a single disclosure
document.
MPG believes that communication and transparency are the foundation of its relationship with clients and will
continually strive to provide you with complete and accurate information at all times. MPG encourages all current
and prospective clients to read this Disclosure Brochure and discuss any questions you may have with the
Advisor.
Material Changes
The following material changes have been made to this Disclosure Brochure since the last annual amendment
filing on March 12, 2025:
• Effective September 1, 2025, Melanne Acker is the Advisor’s Chief Compliance Officer.
Future Changes
From time to time, the Advisor may amend this Disclosure Brochure to reflect changes in business practices,
changes in regulations or routine annual updates as required by the securities regulators. This complete
Disclosure Brochure or a Summary of Material Changes shall be provided to you annually and if a material
change occurs.
At any time, you may view the current Disclosure Brochure on-line at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public
Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with the Advisor’s firm name or CRD# 127263. You
may also request a copy of this Disclosure Brochure at any time by contacting the Advisor at (404) 816-6688.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 – Material Changes ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4 – Advisory Services .................................................................................................................................... 4
A. Firm Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
B. Advisory Services Offered .............................................................................................................................................. 4
C. Client Account Management .......................................................................................................................................... 5
D. Wrap Fee Programs ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
E. Assets Under Management ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ......................................................................................................................... 6
A. Fees for Advisory Services ............................................................................................................................................. 6
B. Fee Billing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
C. Other Fees and Expenses .............................................................................................................................................. 7
D. Advance Payment of Fees and Termination .................................................................................................................. 7
E. Compensation for Sales of Securities ............................................................................................................................ 8
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management .................................................................. 8
Item 7 – Types of Clients ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................................... 8
A. Methods of Analysis ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
B. Risk of Loss .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .......................................................................................................................... 9
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ......................................................................... 10
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ............... 10
A. Code of Ethics .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
B. Personal Trading with Material Interest ........................................................................................................................ 10
C. Personal Trading in Same Securities as Clients .......................................................................................................... 10
D. Personal Trading at Same Time as Client .................................................................................................................... 10
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices ............................................................................................................................ 10
A. Recommendation of Custodian[s] ................................................................................................................................ 10
B. Aggregating and Allocating Trades .............................................................................................................................. 11
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ............................................................................................................................. 11
A. Frequency of Reviews .................................................................................................................................................. 11
B. Causes for Reviews ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
C. Review Reports ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................ 12
A. Compensation Received by MPG ................................................................................................................................ 12
B. Compensation for Client Referrals ............................................................................................................................... 13
Item 15 – Custody ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ......................................................................................................................... 13
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ...................................................................................................................... 13
Item 18 – Financial Information .......................................................................................................................... 13
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement ...................................................................................................... 14
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement ...................................................................................................... 17
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement ...................................................................................................... 20
Privacy Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 3
Item 4 – Advisory Services
A. Firm Information
Minerva Planning Group, Inc. (“MPG” or the “Advisor”) is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Advisor is organized as a Corporation under the laws of the State of
Georgia. MPG was founded in November 1987 and became a registered investment advisor in July 2003. MPG
is owned and operated by Micah S. Porter (Chief Executive Officer). This Disclosure Brochure provides
information regarding the qualifications, business practices, and the advisory services provided by MPG.
B. Advisory Services Offered
MPG offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, estates and other
investment advisors (each referred to as a “Client”).
The Advisor serves as a fiduciary to Clients, as defined under the applicable laws and regulations. As a fiduciary,
the Advisor upholds a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards each Client and seeks to mitigate potential
conflicts of interest. MPG’s fiduciary commitment is further described in the Advisor’s Code of Ethics. For more
information regarding the Code of Ethics, please see Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading.
Investment Management Services
MPG provides customized investment advisory solutions for its Clients. This is achieved through continuous
personal Client contact and interaction while providing discretionary investment management and related
advisory services. MPG works closely with each Client to identify their investment goals and objectives as well as
risk tolerance and financial situation in order to create a portfolio strategy. MPG will then construct an investment
portfolio, consisting of low-cost, diversified mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) to achieve the
Client’s investment goals. MPG generally utilizes Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“DFA”) funds. DFA mutual
funds follow a passive asset class investment philosophy with low holdings turnover. The DFA fund fees are
generally lower than fees and expenses charged by other fund providers. The Advisor is under no obligation to
recommend DFA funds to Clients and will only do so only when it is believed to be in the Client’s best interest.
DFA funds are exclusively made available through a registered investment advisor, therefore a Client may not
invest in these funds in their independent capacity. The Advisor may also utilize individual stocks, bonds or
options contracts to meet the needs of its Clients. The Advisor may retain other types of investments from the
Client’s legacy portfolio due to fit with the overall portfolio strategy, tax-related reasons, or other reasons as
identified between the Advisor and the Client.
Due to specific custodial and/or mutual fund company constraints, material tax consideration, and/or systematic
investment plans, MPG will recommend and/or retain a mutual fund share class that does not have trading costs,
but do have higher internal expense ratios than institutional share classes. MPG will seek to select the lowest
cost share class available that is in the best interest of each Client and will ensure the selection aligns with the
Client’s financial objectives and stated investment guidelines.
MPG’s investment approach is primarily long-term focused, but the Advisor may buy, sell or re-allocate positions
that have been held for less than one year to meet the objectives of the Client or due to market conditions. MPG
will construct, implement and monitor the portfolio to ensure it meets the goals, objectives, circumstances, and
risk tolerance agreed to by the Client. Each Client will have the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on
the types of investments to be held in their respective portfolio, subject to acceptance by the Advisor.
MPG evaluates and selects investments for inclusion in Client portfolios only after applying its internal due
diligence process. MPG may recommend, on occasion, redistributing investment allocations to diversify the
portfolio. MPG may recommend specific positions to increase sector or asset class weightings. The Advisor may
recommend employing cash positions as a possible hedge against market movement. MPG may recommend
selling positions for reasons that include, but are not limited to, harvesting capital gains or losses, business or
sector risk exposure to a specific security or class of securities, overvaluation or overweighting of the position[s]
in the portfolio, change in risk tolerance of the Client, generating cash to meet Client needs, or any risk deemed
unacceptable for the Client’s risk tolerance.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 4
At no time will MPG accept or maintain custody of a Client’s funds or securities, except for the limited authority as
outlined in Item 15 – Custody. All Client assets will be managed within the designated account[s] at the
Custodian, pursuant to the terms of the advisory agreement. Please see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices.
Retirement Accounts – When the Advisor provides investment advice to Clients regarding ERISA retirement
accounts or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), the Advisor is a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”), as applicable,
which are laws governing retirement accounts. When deemed to be in the Client’s best interest, the Advisor will
provide investment advice to a Client regarding a distribution from an ERISA retirement account or to roll over
the assets to an IRA, or recommend a similar transaction including rollovers from one ERISA sponsored Plan to
another, one IRA to another IRA, or from one type of account to another account (e.g. commission-based
account to fee-based account). Such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if the Advisor will earn a
new (or increase its current) advisory fee as a result of the transaction. No client is under any obligation to roll
over a retirement account to an account managed by the Advisor.
Financial Planning Services
MPG will typically provide a variety of financial planning and consulting services to Clients, either as a
component of investment management services or pursuant to a written financial planning agreement. Services
are offered in several areas of a Client’s financial situation, depending on their goals, objectives and financial
circumstance.
Generally, such financial planning services involve preparing a formal financial plan or rendering a specific
financial consultation based on the Client’s financial goals and objectives. This planning or consulting may
encompass one or more areas of need, including but not limited to, investment planning, retirement planning,
personal savings, education savings, and other areas of a Client’s financial situation.
A financial plan developed for, or financial consultation rendered to the Client will usually include general
recommendations for a course of activity or specific actions to be taken by the Client. For example,
recommendations may be made that the Client start or revise their investment programs, commence or alter
retirement savings, establish education savings and/or charitable giving programs.
MPG may also refer Clients to an accountant, attorney or other specialists, as appropriate for their unique
situation. For certain financial planning engagements, the Advisor will provide a written summary of the Client’s
financial situation, observations, and recommendations. For consulting or ad-hoc engagements, the Advisor may
not provide a written summary. Plans or consultations are typically completed within six (6) months of contract
date, assuming all information and documents requested are provided promptly.
Financial planning and consulting recommendations pose a conflict between the interests of the Advisor and the
interests of the Client. For example, the Advisor has an incentive to recommend that Clients engage the Advisor
for investment management services or to increase the level of investment assets with the Advisor, as it would
increase the amount of advisory fees paid to the Advisor. Clients are not obligated to implement any
recommendations made by the Advisor or maintain an ongoing relationship with the Advisor. If the Client elects
to act on any of the recommendations made by the Advisor, the Client is under no obligation to implement the
transaction through the Advisor.
C. Client Account Management
Prior to engaging MPG to provide investment advisory services, each Client is required to enter into one or more
agreements with the Advisor that define the terms, conditions, authority and responsibilities of the Advisor and
the Client. These services may include:
• Establishing an Investment Strategy – MPG, in connection with the Client, will develop a strategy that
seeks to achieve the Client’s goals and objectives.
• Asset Allocation – MPG will develop a strategic asset allocation that is targeted to meet the investment
objectives, time horizon, financial situation and tolerance for risk of each Client.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 5
• Portfolio Construction – MPG will develop a portfolio for the Client that is intended to meet the stated
goals and objectives of the Client.
•
Investment Management and Supervision – MPG will provide investment management and ongoing
oversight of the Client’s investment portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
MPG does not manage or place Client assets into a wrap fee program. Investment management services are
provided directly by MPG.
E. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, MPG manages $198,248,921 in Client assets, $197,638,241 of which are managed
on a discretionary basis, and $610,680 of which are managed on a non-discretionary basis. Clients may request
more current information at any time by contacting the Advisor.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
The following paragraphs detail the fee structure and compensation methodology for services provided by the
Advisor. Each Client engaging the Advisor for services described herein shall be required to enter into a written
agreement with the Advisor.
A. Fees for Advisory Services
Investment Management Services
Investment advisory fees are paid in quarterly installments (three (3) month period), in advance of each quarter,
pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement. Investment advisory fees are based on the market
value of assets under management at the end of the prior quarter. Investment advisory fees are based on the
following schedule:
Assets Under Management ($) Annual Rate (%)
First $500,000
Next $500,000
Next $2,000,000
Above $3,000,000
1.00%
0.80%
0.65%
0.40%
Investment advisory fees commence from the inception date of the account[s] and will continue in quarterly
installments. Fees may be negotiable at the sole discretion of the Advisor. The Client’s fees will take into
consideration the aggregate assets under management with the Advisor. All securities held in accounts managed
by MPG will be independently valued by the Custodian. MPG will conduct periodic reviews of the Custodian’s
valuations to ensure accurate billing.
The Advisor’s fee is exclusive of, and in addition to any applicable securities transaction and custody fees, and
other related costs and expenses described in Item 5.C below, which may be incurred by the Client. However, the
Advisor shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Financial Planning Services
MPG offers financial planning services on an hourly basis ranging up to $250 per hour. Fees may be negotiable
based on the nature and complexity of the services to be provided and the overall relationship with the Advisor. An
estimate for total hours and overall costs will be provided to the Client prior to engaging for these services.
B. Fee Billing
Investment Management Services
Investment advisory fees are calculated by the Advisor or its delegate and deducted from the Client’s account[s] at
the Custodian. The Advisor shall send an invoice to the Custodian indicating the amount of the fees to be deducted
from the Client’s account[s] at the beginning of the respective quarter. The amount due is calculated by applying the
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 6
quarterly rate (annual rate divided by 4) to the total assets under management with MPG at the end of the prior
quarter. Clients will be provided with a statement, at least quarterly, from the Custodian reflecting deduction of the
investment advisory fee. It is the responsibility of the Client to verify the accuracy of these fees as listed on the
Custodian’s brokerage statement as the Custodian does not assume this responsibility. Clients provide written
authorization permitting advisory fees to be deducted by MPG to be paid directly from their account[s] held by the
Custodian as part of the investment advisory agreement and separate account forms provided by the Custodian.
Financial Planning Services
Financial planning fees may be invoiced up to fifty percent (50%) of the expected total fee upon execution of the
financial planning agreement. The balance shall be invoiced upon completion of the agreed upon deliverable[s].
C. Other Fees and Expenses
Clients may incur certain fees or charges imposed by third parties, other than MPG, in connection with
investments made on behalf of the Client’s account[s]. The Client is responsible for all custody and securities
execution fees charged by the Custodian. The Advisor's recommended Custodian does not charge securities
transaction fees for ETF and equity trades in a Client's account, provided that the account meets the terms and
conditions of the Custodian's brokerage requirements. However, the Custodian typically charges for mutual funds
and other types of investments. The fees charged by MPG are separate and distinct from these custody and
execution fees.
In addition, all fees paid to MPG for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the expenses
charged by mutual funds and ETFs to their shareholders, if applicable. These fees and expenses are described
in each fund’s prospectus. These fees and expenses will generally be used to pay management fees for the
funds, other fund expenses, account administration (e.g., custody, brokerage and account reporting), and a
possible distribution fee. Generally, Clients may be able to invest in these products directly, without the services
of MPG, but would not receive the services provided by MPG which are designed, among other things, to assist
the Client in determining which products or services are most appropriate for each Client’s financial situation and
objectives. However, Clients are unable to invest into DFA funds directly, without the services of a registered
investment advisor. If a Client chooses to terminate the relationship with the Advisor, the Client may hold the
DFA funds, but would not be able to purchase additional shares. Accordingly, the Client should review both the
fees charged by the fund[s] and the fees charged by MPG to fully understand the total fees to be paid.
Additionally, as noted above, the Advisor will select share classes which do not have trading costs, but do have
higher internal expense ratios. Please refer to Item 12 – Brokerage Practices for additional information.
D. Advance Payment of Fees and Termination
Investment Management Services
MPG may be compensated for its services in advance of the quarter in which investment management services are
rendered. Either party may terminate the investment advisory agreement, at any time, by providing thirty (30) days
advance written notice to the other party. The Client may also terminate the investment advisory agreement within
five (5) business days of signing the Advisor’s agreement at no cost to the Client. After the five-day period, the
Client will incur charges for bona fide advisory services rendered to the point of termination and such fees will be
due and payable by the Client. The Advisor will refund any unearned, prepaid investment advisory fees from the
effective date of termination to the end of the quarter. The Client’s investment advisory agreement with the Advisor
is non-transferable without the Client’s prior consent.
Financial Planning Services
MPG requires an advance deposit as described above. Either party may terminate the financial planning agreement
by providing thirty (30) days advance written notice to the other party. The Client may also terminate the financial
planning agreement within five (5) business days of signing the Advisor’s agreement at no cost to the Client. After
the five-day period, the Client will incur charges for bona fide advisory services rendered to the point of termination
and such fees will be due and payable by the Client. Upon termination, the Client shall be billed for actual hours
logged on the planning project times the contractual hourly rate. The Advisor will refund any unearned, prepaid
planning fees from the effective date of termination. The Client’s financial planning agreement with the Advisor is
non-transferable without the Client’s prior consent.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 7
E. Compensation for Sales of Securities
MPG does not buy or sell securities to earn commissions and does not receive any compensation for securities
transactions in any Client account, other than the investment advisory fees noted above.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
MPG does not charge performance-based fees for its investment advisory services. The fees charged by MPG
are as described in Item 5 above and are not based upon the capital appreciation of the funds or securities held
by any Client.
MPG does not manage any proprietary investment funds or limited partnerships (for example, a mutual fund or a
hedge fund) and has no financial incentive to recommend any particular investment options to its Clients.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
MPG offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, trusts, estates and other
investment advisors. MPG generally requires a minimum relationship size of $1,000,000 to effectively implement
its investment process. This relationship size minimum may only be waived at the Advisor’s sole discretion.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis
MPG primarily employs fundamental analysis in developing investment strategies for its Clients. Research and
analysis from MPG are derived from numerous sources, including financial media companies, third-party
research materials, Internet sources, and review of company activities, including annual reports, prospectuses,
press releases and research prepared by others.
Fundamental analysis utilizes economic and business indicators as investment selection criteria. These criteria
generally consist of ratios and trends that may indicate the overall strength and financial viability of the entity
being analyzed. Assets are deemed suitable if they meet certain criteria to indicate that they are a strong
investment with a value discounted by the market. While this type of analysis helps the Advisor in evaluating a
potential investment, it does not guarantee that the investment will increase in value. Assets meeting the
investment criteria utilized in the fundamental analysis may lose value and may have a negative investment
performance. The Advisor monitors these economic indicators to determine if adjustments to strategic allocations
are appropriate. More details on the Advisor’s review process are included below in Item 13 – Review of
Accounts.
As noted above, MPG generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its Clients, as consistent with their
financial goals. MPG will typically hold all or a portion of a security for more than a year, but may hold for shorter
periods for the purpose of rebalancing a portfolio or meeting the cash needs of Clients. At times, MPG may also
buy and sell positions that are more short-term in nature, depending on the goals of the Client and/or the
fundamentals of the security, sector or asset class.
B. Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves certain investment risks. Securities may fluctuate in value or lose value. Clients
should be prepared to bear the potential risk of loss. MPG will assist Clients in determining an appropriate
strategy based on their tolerance for risk and other factors noted above. However, there is no guarantee that a
Client will meet their investment goals.
While the methods of analysis help the Advisor in evaluating a potential investment, it does not guarantee that
the investment will increase in value. Assets meeting the investment criteria utilized in these methods of analysis
may lose value and may have a negative investment performance. The Advisor monitors these economic
indicators to determine if adjustments to strategic allocations are appropriate. More details on the Advisor’s
review process are included below in Item 13 – Review of Accounts.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 8
Each Client engagement will entail a review of the Client's investment goals, financial situation, time horizon,
tolerance for risk and other factors to develop an appropriate strategy for managing a Client's account. Client
participation in this process, including full and accurate disclosure of requested information, is essential for the
analysis of a Client's account[s]. The Advisor shall rely on the financial and other information provided by the
Client or their designees without the duty or obligation to validate the accuracy and completeness of the provided
information. It is the responsibility of the Client to inform the Advisor of any changes in financial condition, goals
or other factors that may affect this analysis.
The risks associated with a particular strategy are provided to each Client in advance of investing Client
accounts. The Advisor will work with each Client to determine their tolerance for risk as part of the portfolio
construction process. Following are some of the risks associated with the Advisor’s investment approach:
Market Risks
The value of a Client’s holdings may fluctuate in response to events specific to companies or markets, as well as
economic, political, or social events in the U.S. and abroad. This risk is linked to the performance of the overall
financial markets.
ETF Risks
The performance of ETFs is subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. The price of the ETFs
will fluctuate with the price of the underlying securities that make up the funds. In addition, ETFs have a trading
risk based on the loss of cost efficiency if the ETFs are traded actively and a liquidity risk if the ETFs have a large
bid-ask spread and low trading volume. The price of an ETF fluctuates based upon the market movements and
may dissociate from the index being tracked by the ETF or the price of the underlying investments. An ETF
purchased or sold at one point in the day may have a different price than the same ETF purchased or sold a
short time later.
Mutual Fund Risks
The performance of mutual funds is subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal. The price of
the mutual funds will fluctuate with the value of the underlying securities that make up the funds. The price of a
mutual fund is typically set daily therefore a mutual fund purchased at one point in the day will typically have the
same price as a mutual fund purchased later that same day.
Options Contracts
Investments in options contracts have the risk of losing value in a relatively short period of time. Option contracts
are leveraged instruments that allow the holder of a single contract to control many shares of an underlying
stock. This leverage can compound gains or losses.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in securities and other investments
involve a risk of loss that each Client should understand and be willing to bear. Clients are reminded to
discuss these risks with the Advisor.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
There are no legal, regulatory or disciplinary events involving MPG or its owner. MPG values the trust
Clients place in the Advisor. The Advisor encourages Clients to perform the requisite due diligence on any
advisor or service provider that the Client engages. The backgrounds of the Advisor and its Advisory Persons are
available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with the
Advisor’s firm name or CRD# 127263.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 9
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Patton Albertson Miller Group, LLC
As a fiduciary, Minerva Planning Group, Inc. has certain legal obligations, including the obligation to act in clients’
best interest. Minerva Planning Group, Inc. 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, Minerva Planning Group, Inc. has entered into a succession agreement with Patton Albertson
Miller Group, LLC, effective 08/18/21. Minerva Planning Group, Inc. can provide additional information to any
current or prospective client upon request to Micah S. Porter, Chief Executive Officer at (404) 816-6688
or msporter@minervapg.com.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics
MPG has implemented a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that defines the Advisor’s fiduciary commitment to each
Client. This Code applies to all persons associated with MPG (“Supervised Persons”). The Code was developed
to provide general ethical guidelines and specific instructions regarding the Advisor’s duties to each Client. MPG
and its Supervised Persons owe a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards each Client. It is the obligation
of MPG’s Supervised Persons to adhere not only to the specific provisions of the Code, but also to the general
principles that guide the Code. The Code covers a range of topics that address employee ethics and conflicts of
interest. To request a copy of the Code, please contact the Advisor at (404) 816-6688.
B. Personal Trading with Material Interest
MPG allows Supervised Persons to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended to and
purchased on behalf of Clients. MPG does not act as principal in any transactions. In addition, the Advisor does
not act as the general partner of a fund, or advise an investment company. MPG does not have a material
interest in any securities traded in Client accounts.
C. Personal Trading in Same Securities as Clients
MPG allows Supervised Persons to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended to and
purchased on behalf of Clients. Owning the same securities that are recommended (purchase or sell) to Clients
presents a conflict of interest that, as fiduciaries, must be disclosed to Clients and mitigated through policies and
procedures. As noted above, the Advisor has adopted the Code to address insider trading (material non-public
information controls); gifts and entertainment; outside business activities and personal securities reporting. When
trading for personal accounts, Supervised Persons have a conflict of interest if trading in the same securities.
The fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of its Clients can be violated if personal trades are made with more
advantageous terms than Client trades, or by trading based on material non-public information. This risk is
mitigated by MPG requiring reporting of personal securities trades by its Supervised Persons for review by the
Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or delegate. The Advisor has also adopted written policies and procedures to
detect the misuse of material, non-public information.
D. Personal Trading at Same Time as Client
While MPG allows Supervised Persons to purchase or sell the same securities that may be recommended to and
purchased on behalf of Clients, such trades are typically aggregated with Client orders or traded afterward. At no
time will MPG, or any Supervised Person of MPG, transact in any security to the detriment of any Client.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
A. Recommendation of Custodian[s]
MPG does not have discretionary authority to select the broker-dealer/custodian for custody and execution
services. The Client will engage the broker-dealer/custodian (herein the "Custodian") to safeguard Client assets
and authorize MPG to direct trades to the Custodian as agreed upon in the investment advisory agreement.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 10
Furthermore, MPG does not have the discretionary authority to negotiate commissions on behalf of Clients on a
trade-by-trade basis.
Where MPG does not exercise discretion over the selection of the Custodian, it may recommend the Custodian
to Clients for custody and execution services. Clients are not obligated to use the recommended Custodian and
will not incur any extra fee or cost associated with using a custodian not recommended by MPG. However, the
Advisor may be limited in the services it can provide if the recommended Custodian is not engaged. MPG may
recommend the Custodian based on criteria such as, but not limited to, reasonableness of commissions charged
to the Client, services made available to the Client, and its reputation and/or the location of the Custodian’s
offices.
The Advisor will generally recommend that Clients establish their account[s] at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”), a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and member SIPC. Schwab will serve as the Client’s “qualified
custodian”. The Advisor maintains an institutional relationship with Schwab, whereby the Advisor receives
economic benefits. Please see Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation below.
Following are additional details regarding the brokerage practices of the Advisor:
1. Soft Dollars – Soft dollars are revenue programs offered by broker-dealers/custodians whereby an
advisor enters into an agreement to place security trades with a broker-dealer/custodian in exchange for
research and other services. MPG does not participate in soft dollar programs sponsored or offered
by any broker-dealer/custodian. However, the Advisor receives certain economic benefits from the
Custodian. Please see Item 14 below.
2. Brokerage Referrals – MPG does not receive any compensation from any third party in connection
with the recommendation for establishing an account.
3. Directed Brokerage – All Clients are serviced on a “directed brokerage basis”, where MPG will place
trades within the established account[s] at the Custodian designated by the Client. Further, all Client
accounts are traded within their respective account[s]. The Advisor will not engage in any principal
transactions (i.e., trade of any security from or to the Advisor’s own account) or cross transactions with
other Client accounts (i.e., purchase of a security into one Client account from another Client’s account[s]).
MPG will not be obligated to select competitive bids on securities transactions and does not have an
obligation to seek the lowest available transaction costs. These costs are determined by the Custodian.
B. Aggregating and Allocating Trades
The primary objective in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities for Client accounts is to obtain the
most favorable net results taking into account such factors as 1) price, 2) size of the order, 3) difficulty of
execution, 4) confidentiality and 5) skill required of the Custodian. MPG will execute its transactions through the
Custodian as authorized by the Client. MPG may aggregate orders in a block trade or trades when securities are
purchased or sold through the Custodian for multiple (discretionary) accounts in the same trading day. If a block
trade cannot be executed in full at the same price or time, the securities actually purchased or sold by the close
of each business day must be allocated in a manner that is consistent with the initial pre-allocation or other
written statement. This must be done in a way that does not consistently advantage or disadvantage any
particular Client accounts.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
A. Frequency of Reviews
Securities in Client accounts are monitored on a regular and continuous basis by Melanne Acker, Chief
Compliance Officer of MPG. Formal reviews are generally conducted at least annually or more frequently
depending on the needs of the Client.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 11
B. Causes for Reviews
In addition to the investment monitoring noted in Item 13.A., each Client account shall be reviewed at least
annually. Reviews may be conducted more frequently at the Client’s request. Accounts may be reviewed as a
result of major changes in economic conditions, known changes in the Client’s financial situation, and/or large
deposits or withdrawals in the Client’s account[s]. The Client is encouraged to notify MPG if changes occur in the
Client’s personal financial situation that might adversely affect the Client’s investment plan. Additional reviews
may be triggered by material market, economic or political events.
C. Review Reports
The Client will receive brokerage statements no less than quarterly from the Custodian. These brokerage
statements are sent directly from the Custodian to the Client. The Client may also establish electronic access to
the Custodian’s website so that the Client may view these reports and their account activity. Client brokerage
statements will include all positions, transactions and fees relating to the Client’s account[s]. The Advisor may
also provide Clients with periodic reports regarding their holdings, allocations, and performance.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Compensation Received by MPG
MPG is a fee-based advisory firm, that is compensated solely by its Clients and not from any investment product.
MPG does not receive commissions or other compensation from product sponsors, broker-dealers or any un-
related third party. MPG may refer Clients to various unaffiliated, non-advisory professionals (e.g. attorneys,
accountants, estate planners) to provide certain financial services necessary to meet the goals of its Clients.
Likewise, MPG may receive non-compensated referrals of new Clients from various third-parties.
Participation in Institutional Advisor Platform
MPG has established an institutional relationship with Schwab through its “Schwab Advisor Services” unit, a
division of Schwab dedicated to serving independent advisory firms like MPG. As a registered investment advisor
participating on the Schwab Advisor Services platform, MPG receives access to software and related support
without cost because the Advisor renders investment management services to Clients that maintain assets at
Schwab. Services provided by Schwab Advisor Services benefit the Advisor and many, but not all services provided
by Schwab will benefit Clients. In fulfilling its duties to its Clients, the Advisor endeavors at all times to put the
interests of its Clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits from a custodian
creates a conflict of interest since these benefits can influence the Advisor's recommendation of Schwab over a
custodian that does not furnish similar software, systems support, or services.
Services that Benefit the Client – Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of
investment products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of Client’s funds and securities. Through
Schwab, the Advisor may be able to access certain investments and asset classes that the Client would not be
able to obtain directly or through other sources. Further, the Advisor may be able to invest in certain mutual funds
and other investments without having to adhere to investment minimums that might be required if the Client were
to directly access the investments.
Services that May Indirectly Benefit the Client – Schwab provides participating advisors with access to technology,
research, discounts and other services. In addition, the Advisor receives duplicate statements for Client accounts,
the ability to deduct advisory fees, trading tools, and back-office support services as part of its relationship with
Schwab. These services are intended to assist the Advisor in effectively managing accounts for its Clients, but
may not directly benefit all Clients.
Services that May Only Benefit the Advisor – Schwab also offers other services and financial support to MPG that
may not benefit the Client, including: educational conferences and events, financial start-up support, consulting
services and discounts for various service providers. Additionally, Schwab has agreed to pay for certain services
rendered by third parties for which the Advisor would otherwise have to pay. This amount is covered once the
value of Client assets in accounts at Schwab reaches a certain size. Clients do not pay more for assets maintained
at Schwab as a result of these arrangements. However, the Advisor does benefit from the arrangement because
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 12
the cost of these services would otherwise be borne directly by the Advisor. Access to these services and financial
support creates a financial incentive for the Advisor to recommend Schwab, which results in a conflict of interest.
MPG believes, however, that the selection of Schwab as Custodian is in the best interests of its Clients. Clients
should consider these conflicts of interest when selecting a custodian.
B. Compensation for Client Referrals
The Advisor does not compensate, either directly or indirectly, any persons who are not supervised persons, for
Client referrals.
Item 15 – Custody
MPG does not accept or maintain custody of any Client accounts, except for the limited circumstances outlined
below:
Deduction of Advisory Fees - To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements associated with the deduction
of advisory fees, all Clients for whom MPG exercises discretionary authority must hold their assets with a
"qualified custodian." Clients are responsible for engaging a “qualified custodian” to safeguard their funds and
securities and must instruct MPG to utilize that Custodian for securities transactions on their behalf. Clients are
encouraged to review statements provided by the Custodian and compare to any reports provided by MPG to
ensure accuracy, as the Custodian does not perform this review. For more information about custodians and
brokerage practices, see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices.
Money Movement Authorization - For instances where Clients authorize MPG to move funds between their
accounts, MPG and the Custodian have implemented safeguards to ensure that all money movement activities
are conducted strictly in accordance with the Client’s documented instructions.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
MPG generally has discretion over the selection and amount of securities to be bought or sold in Client accounts
without obtaining prior consent or approval from the Client. However, these purchases or sales may be subject to
specified investment objectives, guidelines, or limitations previously set forth by the Client and agreed to by
MPG. Discretionary authority will only be authorized upon full disclosure to the Client. The granting of such
authority will be evidenced by the Client's execution of an investment advisory agreement containing all
applicable limitations to such authority. All discretionary trades made by MPG will be in accordance with each
Client's investment objectives and goals.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
MPG does not accept proxy-voting responsibility for any Client. Clients will receive proxy statements directly from
the Custodian. The Advisor will assist in answering questions relating to proxies, however, the Client retains the
sole responsibility for proxy decisions and voting.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Neither MPG, nor its management, have any adverse financial situations that would reasonably impair the ability
of MPG to meet all obligations to its Clients. Neither MPG, nor any of its Advisory Persons, have been subject to
a bankruptcy or financial compromise. MPG is not required to deliver a balance sheet along with this Disclosure
Brochure as the Advisor does not collect advance fees of $1,200 or more for services to be performed six
months or more in the future.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 13
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement
for
Micah S. Porter, CFA® CFP®
Chief Executive Officer
Effective: September 17, 2025
This Form ADV 2B (“Brochure Supplement”) provides information about the background and qualifications of
Micah S. Porter (CRD# 47801339) in addition to the information contained in the Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
(“MPG” or the “Advisor”, CRD# 127263) Disclosure Brochure. If you have not received a copy of the Disclosure
Brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of the MPG Disclosure Brochure or this Brochure
Supplement, please contact the Advisor at (404) 816-6688.
Additional information about Mr. Porter is available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with his full name or his Individual CRD# 4780133.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 14
Item 2: Educational Background and Business Experience
Micah S. Porter, CFA® CFP®, born in 1969, is dedicated to advising Clients of MPG as the Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Porter earned a Masters in International Business from University of South Carolina in 1993. Mr.
Porter also earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies from University of South
Carolina in 1991. Additional information regarding Mr. Porter’s employment history is included below.
Chief Executive Officer, Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
Regional Sales Director; XO Communications
09/2025 to Present
06/2003 to 09/2025
12/1997 to 05/2003
Chartered Financial Analyst™ (“CFA®”)
The Chartered Financial Analyst™ (“CFA®”) charter is a professional designation established in 1962 and
awarded by CFA® Institute. To earn the CFA® charter, candidates must pass three sequential, six-hour
examinations over two to four years. The three levels of the CFA® Program test a wide range of investment
topics, including ethical and professional standards, fixed-income analysis, alternative and derivative
investments, and portfolio management and wealth planning. Also, CFA® charter holders must have at least four
years of acceptable professional experience in the investment decision-making process and must commit to
abide by, and annually reaffirm their adherence to the CFA® Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of
Professional Conduct. CFA® is a trademark owned by CFA® Institute.
Certified Financial Planner™ (“CFP®”)
The Certified Financial Planner™, CFP®, and federally registered CFP® (with flame design) marks (collectively,
the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United States by Certified Financial
Planner™ Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP® Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation 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. Currently, more than 71,000 individuals have
obtained CFP® certification in the United States.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the 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 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 Standards of Professional Conduct, a set of 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:
• Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years, including two
hours on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of Professional Conduct, to maintain
competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and
• Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards
prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 15
care. This means CFP® professionals must provide financial planning services in the best interests of
their clients.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP®
Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP®.
Item 3: Disciplinary Information
There are no legal, civil or disciplinary events to disclose regarding Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter has never been
involved in any regulatory, civil or criminal action. There have been no client complaints, lawsuits, arbitration
claims or administrative proceedings against Mr. Porter.
Securities laws require an advisor to disclose any instances where the advisor or its advisory persons have been
found liable in a legal, regulatory, civil or arbitration matter that alleges violation of securities and other statutes;
fraud; false statements or omissions; theft, embezzlement or wrongful taking of property; bribery, forgery,
counterfeiting, or extortion; and/or dishonest, unfair or unethical practices. As previously noted, there are no
legal, civil or disciplinary events to disclose regarding Mr. Porter.
However, the Advisor does encourage you to independently view the background of Mr. Porter on the Investment
Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with his full name or his Individual
CRD# 4780133.
Item 4: Other Business Activities
Mr. Porter is dedicated to the investment advisory activities of MPG’s Clients. Mr. Porter does not have any other
business activities.
Item 5: Additional Compensation
Mr. Porter is dedicated to the investment advisory activities of MPG’s Clients. Mr. Porter does not receive any
additional forms of compensation.
Item 6: Supervision
Mr. Porter serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MPG and is supervised by Melanne Acker, the Chief
Compliance Officer. Mrs. Acker can be reached at (404) 816-6688.
MPG has implemented a Code of Ethics, an internal compliance document that guides each Supervised Person
in meeting their fiduciary obligations to Clients of MPG. Furthermore, MPG is subject to regulatory oversight by
various agencies. These agencies require registration by MPG and its Supervised Persons. As a registered entity,
MPG is subject to examinations by regulators, which may be announced or unannounced. MPG is required to
periodically update the information provided to these agencies and to provide various reports regarding the
business activities and assets of the Advisor.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 16
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement
for
Amy Mawson, CFP®
Associate Advisor
Effective: September 17, 2025
This Form ADV 2B (“Brochure Supplement”) provides information about the background and qualifications of
Amy Mawson, CFP®, (CRD# 7136326) in addition to the information contained in the Minerva Planning Group,
Inc. (“MPG” or the “Advisor”, CRD# 127263) Disclosure Brochure. If you have not received a copy of the
Disclosure Brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of the MPG Disclosure Brochure or this
Brochure Supplement, please contact the Advisor at (404) 816-6688.
Additional information about Ms. Mawson is available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with her full name or her Individual CRD# 7136326.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 17
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Amy Mawson, CFP®, born in 1982, is dedicated to advising Clients of MPG as an Associate Advisor. Ms.
Mawson earned an MSc Globalisation and Development from University of Manchester, Institute for
Development Policy and Management in 2005. Ms. Mawson also earned a BA Economic and Social Studies
from University of Manchester in 2004. Additional information regarding Ms. Mawson’s employment history is
included below.
Employment History:
Associate Advisor, Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
Homemaker
Associate Director, Princeton University, Innovations for Successful Societies
Research Specialist, Princeton University, Innovations for Successful Societies
Fellow, Overseas Development Institute
08/2017 to Present
01/2011 to 08/2017
07/2010 to 12/2010
10/2009 to 06/2010
09/2007 to 06/2009
Certified Financial Planner (“CFP®”)
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks
(collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United States by Certified CFP
Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation 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.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the 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 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 Standards of Professional Conduct, a set of 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:
• Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years, including two
hours on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of Professional Conduct, to maintain
competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and
• Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards
prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of
care. This means CFP® professionals must provide financial planning services in the best interests of
their clients.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP
Board’s enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP®
certification.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 18
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
There are no legal, civil or disciplinary events to disclose regarding Ms. Mawson. Ms. Mawson has never
been involved in any regulatory, civil or criminal action. There have been no client complaints, lawsuits,
arbitration claims or administrative proceedings against Ms. Mawson.
Securities laws require an advisor to disclose any instances where the advisor or its advisory persons have been
found liable in a legal, regulatory, civil or arbitration matter that alleges violation of securities and other statutes;
fraud; false statements or omissions; theft, embezzlement or wrongful taking of property; bribery, forgery,
counterfeiting, or extortion; and/or dishonest, unfair or unethical practices. As previously noted, there are no
legal, civil or disciplinary events to disclose regarding Ms. Mawson.
However, the Advisor does encourage you to independently view the background of Ms. Mawson on the
Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with her full name or her
Individual CRD# 7136326.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Ms. Mawson is dedicated to the investment advisory activities of MPG’s Clients. Ms. Mawson does not have any
other business activities.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Ms. Mawson is dedicated to the investment advisory activities of MPG’s Clients. Ms. Mawson does not receive
any additional forms of compensation.
Item 6 – Supervision
Ms. Mawson serves as an Associate Advisor of MPG and is supervised by Melanne Acker, the Chief Compliance
Officer. Mrs. Acker can be reached at (404) 816-6688.
MPG has implemented a Code of Ethics, an internal compliance document that guides each Supervised Person
in meeting their fiduciary obligations to Clients of MPG. Furthermore, MPG is subject to regulatory oversight by
various agencies. These agencies require registration by MPG and its Supervised Persons. As a registered
entity, MPG is subject to examinations by regulators, which may be announced or unannounced. MPG is
required to periodically update the information provided to these agencies and to provide various reports
regarding the business activities and assets of the Advisor.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 19
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement
for
James C. Brown, CFP®
Paraplanner
Effective: September 17, 2025
This Form ADV 2B (“Brochure Supplement”) provides information about the background and qualifications of
James C. Brown, CFP® (CRD# 5246062) in addition to the information contained in the Minerva Planning Group,
Inc. (“MPG” or the “Advisor”, CRD# 127263) Disclosure Brochure. If you have not received a copy of the Disclosure
Brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of the MPG Disclosure Brochure or this Brochure
Supplement, please contact us at (404) 816-6688.
Additional information about Mr. Brown is available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with his full name or his Individual CRD# 5246062.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 20
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
James C. Brown, CFP®, born in 1981, is dedicated to advising Clients of MPG as a Paraplanner. Mr. Brown earned
a B.S. - Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University in 2004. Additional information regarding Mr.
Brown’s employment history is included below.
Employment History:
Paraplanner, Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
Managing Member, Vaughan-Brown Wealth Management, LLC
05/2024 to Present
04/2011 to 04/2024
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (“CFP®”)
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP®, and federally registered CFP® (with flame design) marks
(collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United States by CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP® Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation 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. Currently, more than 87,000 individuals have
obtained CFP® certification in the United States.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the 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 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 Standards of Professional Conduct, a set of 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:
• Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years, including two
hours on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of Professional Conduct, to maintain
competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and
• Ethics – Renew an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards
prominently require that CFP® professionals provide financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of
care. This means CFP® professionals must provide financial planning services in the best interests of their
clients.
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP Board’s
enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP®.
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
There are no legal, civil or disciplinary events to disclose regarding Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown has never been
involved in any regulatory, civil or criminal action. There have been no client complaints, lawsuits, arbitration claims
or administrative proceedings against Mr. Brown.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 21
Securities laws require an advisor to disclose any instances where the advisor or its advisory persons have been
found liable in a legal, regulatory, civil or arbitration matter that alleges violation of securities and other statutes;
fraud; false statements or omissions; theft, embezzlement or wrongful taking of property; bribery, forgery,
counterfeiting, or extortion; and/or dishonest, unfair or unethical practices. As previously noted, there are no
legal, civil or disciplinary events to disclose regarding Mr. Brown.
However, we do encourage you to independently view the background of Mr. Brown on the Investment Adviser
Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with his full name or his Individual CRD#
5246062.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mr. Brown is dedicated to the investment advisory activities of MPG’s Clients. Mr. Brown does not have any other
business activities.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mr. Brown is dedicated to the investment advisory activities of MPG’s Clients. Mr. Brown does not receive any
additional forms of compensation.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mr. Brown serves as a Paraplanner of MPG and is supervised by Melanne Acker, the Chief Compliance Officer.
Mrs. Acker can be reached at (404) 816-6688.
MPG has implemented a Code of Ethics, an internal compliance document that guides each Supervised Person
in meeting their fiduciary obligations to Clients of MPG. Further, MPG is subject to regulatory oversight by various
agencies. These agencies require registration by MPG and its Supervised Persons. As a registered entity, MPG is
subject to examinations by regulators, which may be announced or unannounced. MPG is required to periodically
update the information provided to these agencies and to provide various reports regarding the business activities
and assets of the Advisor.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 22
Privacy Policy
Effective: September 17, 2025
Our Commitment to You
Minerva Planning Group, Inc. (“MPG” or the “Advisor”) is committed to safeguarding the use of personal
information of our Clients (also referred to as “you” and “your”) that we obtain as your Investment Advisor, as
described here in our Privacy Policy (“Policy”).
Our relationship with you is our most important asset. We understand that you have entrusted us with your
private information, and we do everything that we can to maintain that trust. MPG (also referred to as "we", "our"
and "us”) protects the security and confidentiality of the personal information we have and implements controls to
ensure that such information is used for proper business purposes in connection with the management or
servicing of our relationship with you.
MPG does not sell your non-public, personal information to anyone. Nor do we provide such information to others
except for discrete and reasonable business purposes in connection with the servicing and management of our
relationship with you, as discussed below.
Details of our approach to privacy and how your personal, non-public information is collected and used are set
forth in this Policy.
Why you need to know?
Registered Investment Advisors (“RIAs”) must share some of your personal information in the course of servicing
your account. Federal and State laws give you the right to limit some of this sharing and require RIAs to disclose
how we collect, share, and protect your personal information.
What information do we collect from you?
Driver’s license number
Date of birth
Social security or taxpayer identification number Assets and liabilities
Name, address and phone number[s]
Income and expenses
E-mail address[es]
Investment activity
Account information (including other institutions)
Investment experience and goals
What Information do we collect from other sources?
Custody, brokerage and advisory agreements
Other advisory agreements and legal documents
Transactional information with us or others
Account applications and forms
Investment questionnaires and suitability
documents
Other information needed to service account
How do we protect your information?
To safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access and use we maintain physical, procedural and
electronic security measures. These include such safeguards as secure passwords, encrypted file storage and a
secure office environment. Our technology vendors provide security and access control over personal
information and have policies over the transmission of data. Our associates are trained on their responsibilities to
protect Client’s personal information.
We require third parties that assist in providing our services to you to protect the personal information they
receive from us.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 23
How do we share your information?
An RIA shares Client personal information to effectively implement its services. In the section below, we list some
reasons we may share your personal information.
Basis For Sharing
Do we share?
Can you limit?
Yes
No
No
Not Shared
Yes
Yes
No
Not Shared
Servicing our Clients
We may share non-public, personal information with non-affiliated third
parties (such as administrators, brokers, custodians, regulators, credit
agencies, other financial institutions) as necessary for us to provide
agreed upon services to you, consistent with applicable law, including but
not limited to: processing transactions; general account maintenance;
responding to regulators or legal investigations; and credit reporting.
Marketing Purposes
MPG does not disclose, and does not intend to disclose, personal
information with non-affiliated third parties to offer you services. Certain
laws may give us the right to share your personal information with
financial institutions where you are a customer and where MPG or the
client has a formal agreement with the financial institution. We will only
share information for purposes of servicing your accounts, not for
marketing purposes.
Authorized Users
Your non-public, personal information may be disclosed to you and
persons that we believe to be your authorized agent[s] or
representative[s].
Information About Former Clients
MPG does not disclose, and does not intend to disclose, non-public
personal, information to non-affiliated third parties with respect to persons
who are no longer our Clients.
Changes to our Privacy Policy
We will send you a copy of this Policy annually for as long as you maintain an ongoing relationship with us.
Periodically, we may revise this Policy and will provide you with a revised Policy if the changes materially alter
the previous Privacy Policy. We will not, however, revise our Privacy Policy to permit the sharing of non-public,
personal information other than as described in this notice unless we first notify you and provide you with an
opportunity to prevent the information sharing.
Any Questions?
You may ask questions or voice any concerns, as well as obtain a copy of our current Privacy Policy by
contacting us at (404) 816-6688.
Minerva Planning Group, Inc.
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave, Suite 915, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 816-6688 * Fax: (419) 821-2646
www.minervaplanninggroup.com
Page 24