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Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC
d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
4325 Verplanck Place NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-955-6734
https://raffaadvisers.com/
Date of Brochure: March 2026
____________________________________________________________________________________
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Raffa Wealth
Management, LLC doing business under the name Raffa Investment Advisers. If you have any questions
about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (202) 955-6734 or dennis@raffaadvisers.com.
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 Raffa
Investment Advisers
is also available on
the
Additional
Internet at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can view Raffa Investment Advisers’ information on this website by
searching for Raffa Investment Advisers. You may search by using the Firm’s name or by using the Firm’s
CRD number. The CRD number for Raffa Investment Advisers is 136971.
*Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Item 2 – Material Changes
We have made the following material changes since our last annual amendment filed in March 2025:
We updated our asset under management figures and revised disclosures relating to third-party
managers and our nonprofit benchmarking dashboard.
We no longer provide separate, standalone hourly-based investment consulting services.
We no longer participate in any solicitation agreements with third-parties.
We have added Juliana Salamone, CFP® as an investment adviser representative.
We will ensure that you receive a summary of material changes, if any, to this and subsequent disclosure
brochures within 120 days after our fiscal year ends. Our fiscal year ends on December 31 so you will
receive the summary of material changes, if any, no later than April 30 each year. At that time, we will
also offer a copy of the most current disclosure brochure. We may also provide other ongoing disclosure
information about material changes as necessary.
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Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3 – Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4 – Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 4
General Description of Primary Advisory Services ................................................................................... 4
Investment Supervisory Services .......................................................................................................... 4
Retirement Plan Consulting Services ................................................................................................... 4
Retirement Income Planning – .............................................................................................................. 4
Limits Advice to Certain Types of Investments. ........................................................................................ 4
Tailor Advisory Services to Individual Needs of Clients ............................................................................ 5
Client Assets Managed by Raffa ............................................................................................................... 5
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................. 5
Investment Supervisory Services .............................................................................................................. 5
Initial Implementation Fee ..................................................................................................................... 7
Ongoing Investment Advisory Fees ...................................................................................................... 7
Retirement Plan Consulting Services ....................................................................................................... 9
Initial Implementation Fee ..................................................................................................................... 9
Ongoing Retirement Plan Consulting Fees ........................................................................................... 9
Retirement Income Planning ................................................................................................................... 10
Retirement Income Planning Fees ...................................................................................................... 11
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management .......................................................... 11
Item 7 – Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................ 11
Minimum Investment Amounts Required ................................................................................................ 11
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ..................................................... 11
Receiving Economic Benefits from Mutual Fund Providers .................................................................... 14
Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................. 15
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................................... 15
Affiliated Companies and Principal’s Other Business Activities .............................................................. 16
Selection of other Investment Managers ................................................................................................ 16
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ............................... 17
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 17
Handling of Trade Errors. ........................................................................................................................ 19
Trading Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Item 13 – Review of Accounts..................................................................................................................... 19
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 20
Item 15 – Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 21
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 22
Item 18 – Financial Information ................................................................................................................... 22
Information Required by Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement ...................................................... 23
Dennis P. Gogarty, Managing Member, Chief Compliance Officer and Financial Advisor ..................... 23
Mark P. Murphy, Chief Investment Officer .............................................................................................. 24
Ryan A. Frydenlund, Director of Operations ........................................................................................... 25
Joseph Guest, Senior Portfolio Manager ................................................................................................ 26
Matthew Joseph O’Lone, Portfolio Manager ........................................................................................... 27
Juliana Salamone, CFP®, Senior Portfolio Manager .............................................................................. 28
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Raffa Investment Advisers (Raffa) is an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Maryland
and domiciled in Washington, D.C. Raffa Investment Advisers has been registered with the SEC as an
investment adviser since July 2005.
Raffa is owned by the following individuals:
Dennis Gogarty – Managing Member and Chief Compliance Officer
Thomas J. Raffa – Member
General Description of Primary Advisory Services
The following are brief descriptions of Raffa’s primary services. A detailed description of our services is
provided in Item 5 – Fees and Compensation so that clients and prospective clients can review the
services and description of fees in a side-by-side manner.
Investment Supervisory Services - Raffa provides advisory services in the form of Investment
Supervisory Services. Investment Supervisory Services involve providing clients with comprehensive
portfolio management and continuous and on-going supervision over client accounts. This means we will
continuously monitor a client’s account and make trades in client accounts when necessary.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services - Raffa provides several advisory services for qualified and
nonqualified retirement plans, separately or in combination. While the primary clients for these services
will be pension, profit sharing, and 401(k) plans, we will also offer these services, where appropriate, to
individuals and trusts, as well as charitable organizations.
Retirement Income Planning – While Raffa provides Retirement Income Planning services to clients
that are individuals or couples as part of the overall portfolio management process, Raffa does not charge
separately for this service. The fee for this service, which is provided on a client-by-client basis, is
included in the fee related to Raffa’s Investment Supervisory Services.
Limits Advice to Certain Types of Investments. Raffa provides investment advice on the following
types of investments.
No-Load (i.e., no trading fee) and Load-Waived (i.e. trading fee waived) Mutual Fund Shares
Exchange-listed securities (i.e., stocks)
Fixed income securities (i.e., bonds)
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Money market sweeps and funds
Certificates of deposit
Municipal securities
United States government securities
Raffa’s advice is primarily focused on open-ended mutual funds and exchanged traded funds that invest
in the security types outlined above. We may utilize unaffiliated third-party investment managers when
managing client portfolios and therefore will provide advice on other investment managers.
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We do not provide advice on foreign issue, warrants, commercial paper, variable life insurance products,
options, futures, and interests in partnerships investing in real estate or oil and gas interests.
Please refer to each program’s description at Item 5 – Fees for additional details regarding the types of
investments recommended specific to the program. Please also refer to Item 8 – Methods of Analysis,
Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss for more information.
Tailor Advisory Services to Individual Needs of Clients
Our services are always provided based on the individual needs of each client. This means, for example,
that you are given the ability to impose restrictions on the accounts we manage for you, including specific
investment selections and sectors. We work with each client on a one-on-one basis through interviews
and/or questionnaires to determine the client’s investment objectives and suitability information.
When managing client accounts through the Firm’s Investment Supervisory Services program, we may
manage a client’s account in accordance with one or more investment models. When client accounts are
managed using models, investment selections are based on the underlying model and we do not develop
customized (or individualized) portfolio holdings for each client. However, the determination to use a
particular model or models is always based on each client’s individual investment goals, objectives and
mandates.
Client Assets Managed by Raffa
As disclosed on Form ADV Part 1A, Item 5.F., the amount of client’s assets managed by Raffa
Investment Advisers totaled $1,698,115,468 as of 12/31/2025. $1,512,564,171 is managed on a
discretionary basis and $185,551,297 is managed on a non-discretionary basis. In addition, we provide
reporting or consulting services on an additional approximately $39,678,674 in assets.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
In addition to the information provide in Item 4 – Advisory Business, this section provides additional
details regarding our Firm’s services along with descriptions of each service’s fees and compensation
arrangements.
Investment Supervisory Services
Raffa provides investment supervisory services defined as giving continuous investment advice to a client
and making investments for the client based on the individual needs of the client. Through this service,
Raffa offers investment programs tailored to client objectives. Various investment strategies are provided
through this service; however, a specific investment plan is crafted for each client to focus on the specific
client’s goals and objectives (See Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
for more information).
Our service is implemented on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis as agreed to with the client (See
Item 16 – Investment Discretion for more information), managed by us and/or unaffiliated investment
managers we recommend, and primarily through mutual funds and exchange traded funds that invest in
equities, bonds, cash-equivalents, REITs, and other instruments.
When Raffa provides management services, the Firm typically requires clients to open an account
through the Institutional Division of Charles Schwab & Company, Inc (Schwab). However, upon approval
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of Raffa, clients may direct the Firm to manage an account at a broker-dealer or other qualified custodian
selected by the client. See Item 12 – Brokerage Practices for more information.
Raffa will provide investment advisory services that relate to matters such as allocation of assets among
different classes, portfolio diversification, managing portfolio risk, and other general economic and
financial topics. Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the client and all managed
accounts will be maintained with an independent custodian.
The Firm employs an asset allocation approach informed by principles of efficient markets and factor-
based investing, including concepts associated with the Fama-French framework.
Below are the guidelines that are followed when managing a client’s portfolio:
Individual client investment objectives are identified by assessing the client's risk tolerance based
upon their age, income, education, need for cash flows, investment goals, and emotional
tolerance for volatility. The information provided by the client will be collected during client
meetings, interviews, and/or questionnaires;
Institutional (nonprofit or association) client investment objectives are identified by assessing the
organization’s risk tolerance based upon the organization’s need for cash flows from the
investment portfolio, investment goals, and emotional tolerance for volatility. The information
provided by the client will be collected during client meetings, interviews, and/or questionnaires;
Strategies are developed and implemented primarily through a combination of stocks and bonds;
Client circumstances are monitored, and portfolio adjustments are made as appropriate to reflect
significant changes in any or all of the above variables.
Raffa primarily invests client assets in open-ended mutual funds and exchange traded funds based on
each client’s specific financial objectives, time frames, and tolerance for volatility. In order to meet client
preferences either to own securities directly instead of through mutual funds or to restrict investment in
companies that conflict with or promote the client’s values, Raffa recommends the use of third-party
managers: Dimensional Fund Advisors, Parametric, and Breckenridge. Raffa utilizes Schwab’s managed
account platform to conduct research on third-party managers. Raffa performs due diligence on our
recommended third-party managers. Our recommended third-party managers will have full investment
discretion, and trading authority, and shall have sole responsibility for the implementation of the
investment program with respect to the client’s account for which investment discretion has been
delegated by the client and accepted by the institutional investment managers. We will not place orders
for transactions in the client’s account or otherwise exercise trading authority over the account at any time
when the account is being managed by a third-party investment manager.
Once a client has agreed to one or more of the recommended investment managers, Raffa will assist with
the implementation of the portfolio, and continuously monitor the portfolio for performance, compliance
with the investment guidelines, and material changes relating to the investment manager. In connection
with this process, Raffa will review the initial assumptions made with respect to appropriate portfolio risk
levels. Raffa remains open to considering additional third-party managers and would conduct a search
for a third-party manager if we believed that our recommended third-party managers were failing to
perform within Raffa’s range of expectation, made material changes to their investment styles or
approach, or failed to meet Raffa’s standards related to operational execution, reasonableness of fees,
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manager skill, or regulatory deficiencies. Otherwise, we are not actively searching for third-party
managers. If the Firm believes that recommended third-party investment managers are performing
inadequately, we would either conduct a search for a suitable replacement or recommend clients move
from a third-party money manager to the appropriate mutual fund or exchange traded fund that Raffa
recommends. If the client agrees to move to a different third-party money manager, Raffa will implement
the retention of the investment manager, and then monitor that manager’s performance. Raffa’s process
related to the selection of Mutual Funds is outlined in Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies
and Risk of Loss.
Additional information about investment managers, investment strategies, advisory fees and other
pertinent information is available and provided in the Form ADV Part 2 Disclosure Brochure of the
investment managers. Clients should refer to the independent adviser’s disclosure document for a full
description of the services offered.
Neither Raffa nor any of its related persons receive any form of direct compensation from any
recommended investment manager. No investment manager will be recommended to a client unless that
manager is properly registered or exempt from registration in the client’s state of residence.
As part of our Investment Supervisory Services, we may provide advice or recommendations regarding
assets that are not held with our custodian or over which we do not have discretionary authority (“held-
away assets”). These assets may be included in our reporting and considered as part of the client’s
overall investment strategy.
In these cases, clients are responsible for implementing any recommended transactions, and we do not
have the ability to affect trades directly in those accounts.
We may include held-away assets in the calculation of advisory fees. In certain circumstances, these
assets may be billed at a reduced rate or excluded from billing at our discretion.
Upon request, Raffa will provide clients with quarterly reports that will address asset allocation, securities
holdings and account performance. Please refer to Item 13 – Review of Accounts for more information.
Initial Implementation Fee
Raffa Investment Advisers may charge an initial implementation fee of up to $5,000 to develop and refine
an investment policy statement and formulate a quantitatively driven asset allocation analysis and
recommendation. The compensation method is explained and agreed with the clients in advance before
any services are rendered.
Ongoing Investment Advisory Fees
Our compensation is derived as fee income based upon the percentage of the market value of all assets
in a client’s account on the last trading day of each calendar quarter. The maximum fee we charge is
1.25%. The actual fee you will be charged can be negotiable based on factors such as your financial
situation and circumstances, the amount of assets under management, and the complexity of the services
provided. The exact fee for services will be agreed upon and disclosed in the agreement for services prior
to services being provided.
In some cases, Raffa may propose a tiered-blended pricing schedule utilizing a blended, or average, rate.
For example:
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Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Asset Under Management
First $5,000,000
Next $5,000,000
Thereafter
Fee
1.00%
0.85%
0.70%
Tiered-Blended Pricing Schedule: The actual fees charged to a client are a blending of the rates above.
For example, a client with $12,000,000 of assets under management would pay $1.00% annually on the
first $5,000,000, 0.85% annually on the next $5,000,000, and 0.70% annually on the last $2,000,000. The
resulting blended fee would be about 0.89%.
Raffa Investment Advisers reserves the right to adjust fees as it deems appropriate. This can result in
different fees being charged for similar services and may be less than the stated fee schedule. However,
prior to increasing the investment advisory fees of a particular client, we will receive written
acknowledgment from the client of the increased fee.
Fees charged by Raffa Investment Advisers are separate and collected individually from fees charged by
independent investment managers or funds. Clients that have accounts managed by investment
managers will also be subject to a fee charged by the investment manager. The maximum annual fee for
investment supervisory services charged by Raffa Investment Advisers will never exceed 1.25% and
when including the fee charged by a recommended investment manager(s) or funds, the total combined
fee will not exceed a total annual fee of 2.0%.
Investment advisory services begin with the effective date of the Agreement, which is the date the client
signs the Investment Advisory Agreement. With the exception of the first billing cycle, fees are billed
quarterly in advance based on the client’s total combined Account balance as of the end of the prior quarter.
The initial billing period begins the date the Agreement is signed. The initial fee is billed in arrears based
on the total combined Account balance as of the end of the initial quarter. The amount due will be deducted
pro-rata directly from the cash balance in the Account.
Fees will generally be deducted directly from the client's brokerage or custodial account pursuant to a
written agreement between Raffa and the client. Raffa has instituted the following safeguards when
advisory fees are deducted directly from a client’s brokerage or custodial account; (i) adviser will obtain
written authorization for the deduction of advisory fees from the client; the deduction of advisory fees will
be processed directly by Raffa; (ii) each time a fee is deducted Raffa will send the custodian notice of the
amount of the fee to be deducted and concurrently an invoice will be sent to the client indicating the
amount of the fee deducted from the account; (iii) Dennis Gogarty or Ryan Frydenlund will review three
randomly selected invoices each quarter to verify the invoiced fee amount, the account balance used to
calculate the invoiced fee amount, the account being billed, and that the invoice billing schedule matches
the client’s agreement.
At the discretion of Raffa, the Firm may prepare and send a quarterly invoice to the client for collection of
the fee in lieu of deducting the fee directly from the client’s account.
Either Raffa or the client may terminate the Agreement with 30 days’ notice. Notice of termination must
be given to the other party in writing. Upon termination, the fees charged for advisory services will be pro-
rated and a refund for any unearned fees will be issued. The client is responsible to pay for services
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rendered until the termination of the agreement. The client can cancel the Agreement without penalty
within the first five business days after the signing of the Agreement.
Clients should be aware of their responsibility to verify the accuracy of the fee calculation submitted to the
custodian by Raffa, as the custodian will not determine whether the fee has been properly calculated.
Raffa will not be compensated on the basis of a share of capital gains upon or capital appreciation of the
funds or any portion of the funds of the client. Advisory fees charged by the Firm are separate and
distinct from fees and expenses charged by mutual funds or exchange traded funds, which may be
recommended to clients. A description of these fees and expenses are available in each fund's
prospectus.
These fees are for advisory services only and do not include other costs that the Client may incur
including but not limited to transaction fees, commissions, or other custodial fees charged by the client’s
custodian.
Retirement Plan Consulting Services
Clients may engage Raffa to provide retirement plan consulting services. Retirement plan consulting
services include, but are not necessarily limited to, development and maintenance of model investment
portfolios, recommendations regarding investment selection, educational presentations to Plan
participants, and ability to consult on a one-on-one basis with Plan Participants. The exact suite of
services provided to a client will be listed and detailed in the Retirement Plan Consulting Agreement.
Raffa’s clients can choose to grant Raffa trading authority or choose to implement changes on their own.
In the event a client chooses to grant Raffa trading authority, Raffa will have limited power of attorney to
execute transactions on behalf of Client. Raffa will submit trade instructions to the designated third-party
administrator based upon consultation and agreement from the plan trustees for Client. Client funds and
assets will be held with a third-party broker/dealer that will serve as the client’s qualified custodian. See
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices for more information.
In the event a client contracts Raffa for one-on-one consulting services with Plan Participants, such
services are consulting in nature and do not involve the Firm implementing recommendations in individual
participant accounts. It will be the responsibility of each Participant to implement changes in their
individual accounts.
Initial Implementation Fee
Raffa may charge an initial implementation fee of up to $5,000. The compensation method is explained
and agreed with the clients in advance before any services are rendered.
Ongoing Retirement Plan Consulting Fees
Fees for retirement plan consulting services may be calculated and billed in advance or in arrears each
quarter. Fees are based on the total market value of the Plan at the close of the quarter. The maximum
fee we charge does not exceed 1.25%. The actual fee you will be charged can be negotiable based on
factors such as your financial situation and circumstances, the amount of assets under management, and
the complexity of the services provided. The exact fee for services will be agreed upon and disclosed in
the agreement for services prior to services being provided.
In some cases, Raffa may propose a tiered-blended pricing schedule utilizing a blended, or average, rate.
For example:
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Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Asset Under Management
First $5,000,000
Next $5,000,000
Thereafter
Fee
1.00%
0.85%
0.70%
Tiered-Blended Pricing Schedule: The actual fees charged to a client are a blending of the rates above.
For example, a client with $12,000,000 of assets under management would pay $1.00% annually on the
first $5,000,000, 0.85% annually on the next $5,000,000, and 0.70% annually on the last $2,000,000. The
resulting blended fee would be about 0.89%.
The actual fee charged to a client will be noted in the Qualified Retirement Plan Consulting Agreement.
Fees are generally deducted from the Plan by the custodian and paid to Raffa based upon the
custodian’s receipt of written authorization to have the fees deducted from the Client’s account and paid
to the Firm. If agreed to in advance and at the discretion of Raffa, the Firm will bill the Client directly
rather than have fees automatically deducted from the Plan. For any Clients that the Firm bills directly,
fees for our qualified retirement plan consulting services are due within 30 days after Client’s receipt of
the billing notice.
The Plan custodian will send statements to the Plan, at least quarterly, showing all disbursements from
the Plan, including the amount of the advisory fee paid and when such fee is deducted directly from the
Plan. Upon request, Raffa will send the Plan a fee billing notice showing the amount of the fee that will
be deducted, the manner in which the fee was calculated, any adjustments to the fee and an explanation
of such adjustments.
In addition to Raffa’s compensation, the Client will also incur charges imposed at the mutual fund level
(e.g., advisory fees and other fund expenses) and charges imposed by the Plan custodian and Third-
Party Administrator (if applicable). Brokerage commissions and/or transaction ticket fees charged by the
custodian will be billed directly to Client by the custodian. Raffa will not receive any portion of such
brokerage commissions or transaction fees from the custodian or Client. Service fees charged by Raffa
are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by investment company securities that
may be recommended to Clients. A description of these fees and expenses are available in each
investment company security’s prospectus.
Either Client’s authorized representative or Raffa may terminate the Qualified Retirement Plan Consulting
Agreement with 30 days written notice to the other party. A refund of any unearned fees will be made
based on the time expended by the Firm before termination. A full refund of any fees paid will be made if
the agreement is terminated within five business days. The Qualified Retirement Plan Consulting
Agreement terminates upon failure of the Client to pay Service Fees pursuant to the terms stated in that
Agreement.
Retirement Income Planning
Raffa provides Retirement Income Planning services, upon request, to clients that are individuals or
couples as part of the firm’s overall portfolio management process. Raffa does not charge separately for
this service. The fee for this service is included in the fee related to Raffa’s Investment Supervisory
Services.
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The purpose of Raffa’s retirement income planning service is to help clients identify and sustain a prudent
level of spending. We use financial planning software to stress test thousands of performance outcomes
using historical risk and return assumptions. In doing so, we can help identify the probability that a given
portfolio allocation and withdrawal rate will sustain the income necessary to last throughout a client’s
projected retirement.
Our effort to identify an appropriate spending level and asset allocation strategy involves analyzing a
client’s current level of assets, tolerance for risk and volatility, and the amount of any additional retirement
income sources (such as social security and any pension income). We consider scenarios that reflect
different potential savings rates, future spending levels, and possible retirement dates before making any
recommendations.
Clients receive the firm’s Retirement Income Planning service only upon request and the service is either
provided “one-time” or ongoing at Raffa’s discretion.
Retirement Income Planning Fees
Clients are not charged additional fees for Raffa’s Retirement Income Planning Service. The fees for this
service are paid as part of a client’s fee for portfolio management services as described in the Investment
Supervisory Services section.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Item 6 of the Form ADV Part 2 instructions is not applicable to this Disclosure Brochure because Raffa
Investment Advisers does not charge or accept performance-based fees which are defined as fees
based on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets held within a client’s account.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Raffa generally provides its investment advice to individuals, not-for-profit organizations, foundations and
other institutions, and retirement plans.
All clients are required to execute an agreement for services in order to establish a client arrangement
with Raffa and/or the sponsor of third-party money manager platforms.
Minimum Investment Amounts Required
Generally, the minimum dollar value of assets required to set up an investment advisory account
or provide retirement plan consulting services is $1,000,000. However, Raffa has discretion to
waive the account minimum.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Raffa uses the following methods of analysis in formulating investment advice.
Raffa’s approach to portfolio management is based on the importance of asset allocation in reflecting the
client’s willingness and ability to take risk. To make customized recommendations for the overall stock to
bond asset allocation targets within a client’s portfolio(s), Raffa seeks to ascertain the individual’s or
organization’s ability and willingness to take risk.
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With respect to selecting appropriate investment vehicles for inclusion in a fund line-up for a retirement
plan client, the Firm’s primary method of analysis begins with a proprietary ranking system that screens
available funds. The screening method evaluates different factors related to each fund’s holdings,
fundamental characteristics, and historical risk and return. Once this screening process identifies top
ranked funds in each asset class, the next step is a qualitative review of a fund’s strategy. The goal in
performing this analysis is to identify funds that will reliably deliver the performance of the asset class to
which they are selected to provide exposure.
Some of the risks involved with using this method include the risk that the analysis will not identify the
funds that perform best over any specific future time frame, that the funds fail to outperform the return of
their asset class benchmark, and the funds lose value.
With respect to the investment vehicles utilized for the firm’s continuous portfolio management clients,
Raffa primarily uses mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Raffa does not currently contract with any external consultant for manager research or due diligence.
Raffa maintains relationships with mutual fund and ETF managers and continues to perform due diligence
related to their operations, management, regulatory standing, investment style and performance. Raffa
regularly performs investment due diligence and would not hesitate to replace recommended funds if we
believed that they were failing to perform within Raffa’s range of expectation, made material changes to
their investment styles or approach, or failed to meet Raffa’s standards related to reasonableness of fees,
manager skill, or regulatory deficiencies. Raffa continues to evaluate a broad universe of mutual funds
and remains open to replacing any of the mutual funds currently held in client accounts with mutual funds
managed by a different provider if we believe doing so would be advantageous to the client.
Raffa uses the following investment strategies when managing client assets and/or providing
investment advice.
Raffa’s core strategy is to diversify completely so as to minimize unique business, sector, or country risks
and to use a mix of stocks and bonds to deliver the optimal level of risk for each client. In implementing
such a strategy, Raffa primarily uses broadly diversified mutual funds or exchange traded funds that seek
to deliver or exceed the returns of the asset class benchmark to which they are providing exposure.
Some of the risks involved with recommending mutual funds are general market risk. Some of the risks
involved in recommending exchange traded funds are general market risks as well as liquidity or
marketability risks in trading execution.
Raffa has developed investment model portfolios based on the Firm’s asset allocation approach. Four
central tenants form the basis for the approach:
1. Comprehensive market diversification minimizes the risks inherent in concentrating investments
in relatively few companies, industries, sectors, or countries.
2. A portfolio’s asset allocation determines its results. Emphasizing the risks inherent in small,
value-oriented, and relatively more profitable companies can increase expected returns –
commensurate with additional levels of risk.
3. The role of fixed income in a portfolio is to reduce overall volatility and high-quality, shorter-term
bonds perform this function most effectively.
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4.
Investment fees detract directly from investment results. In an effort to maximize the potential for
investment results, portfolios should reduce unnecessary expenses – meaning those associated
with speculation and market-timing.
Such a broadly diversified, precise, and efficient approach seeks to deliver the optimal level of risk for
each client in pursuit of their long-term investment goals.
The risks inherent in such a strategy are the risks of investing in general – which involve the potential for
market losses. Investing in small company stocks, stocks with a value orientation, stocks that have a
higher relative profitability factor, and stocks from emerging market countries carry additional risks and
may lose value more sharply and to a greater extent during down periods in the market. Investing in fixed
income securities involves credit risk including the risk of default and interest rate risk.
Given client preferences and risk tolerance, Raffa Investment Advisers may recommend a tactical sleeve
to complement our core strategy and provide exposure to tactical equity and fixed income management,
managed futures, and leverage. In implementing a tactical strategy, the Firm uses mutual funds or
exchange traded funds.
In addition to the risks outlined above, there are additional risks inherent in our tactical
strategy. Investments in lower-rated and non-rated debt securities present a greater risk of loss of
principal and interest than higher-rated securities. Leverage may cause the effect of an increase or
decrease in the value of the portfolio securities to be magnified and the portfolio to be more volatile than if
leverage was not used. Derivatives involve special risks including correlation, counterparty, liquidity,
operational, accounting and tax risks. These risks, in certain cases, may be greater than the risks
presented by more traditional investments
In addition, we use some of the following general investment strategies when providing advice and
managing accounts.
Long term purchases - Investments held at least a year.
Short term purchases - Investments sold within a year.
Tactical asset allocation. Allows for a range of percentages in each asset class (such as Stocks =
40-50%). These are minimum and maximum acceptable percentages that permit the investor to
take advantage of market conditions within these parameters. Thus, a minor form of market
timing is possible, since the investor can move to the higher end of the range when stocks are
expected to do better and to the lower end when the economic outlook is bleak.
Strategic asset allocation. Calls for setting target allocations and then periodically rebalancing
the portfolio back to those targets as investment returns skew the original asset allocation
percentages. The concept is akin to a “buy and hold” strategy, rather than an active trading
approach. Of course, the strategic asset allocation targets may change over time as the client’s
goals and needs change and as the time horizon for major events such as retirement and college
funding grow shorter.
Major strategic investment decisions are supported by the firm’s External Investment Committee (the
Committee), which is comprised of a group (5-7) of industry professionals and collegiate academics. The
Committee meets as a group on an as needed basis and specific members may be consulted throughout
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the year based on their area of expertise. The strategic recommendations made by the Committee are
not client specific but relate broadly to the firm’s overall investment strategy. This enables the Committee
to focus on generalized and impersonal investment decisions. Committee members not affiliated with
Raffa do not receive specific client information unless the client has authorized Raffa to share the client’s
information with the Committee. Committee members not affiliated with Raffa may or may not be
affiliated with other investment advisory firms, but they are not investment advisory representatives of
Raffa. Committee members are compensated by Raffa and therefore indirectly compensated by client
fees paid to Raffa. However, Raffa’s use of an external investment committee does not increase the
overall fees charged to clients.
Receiving Economic Benefits from Mutual Fund Providers
As part of the institutional advisory services offered by mutual fund and ETF providers, Raffa receives
benefits that it would not receive if it did not utilize mutual funds and ETFs to invest client funds. While
there is no direct affiliation or fee sharing arrangement between any provider and Raffa, economic
benefits are received by Raffa which would not be received if we did not have a relationship with these
companies. These benefits include access to research and educational content related to investing and
practice management, utilization of asset allocation modeling software, and a dedicated support team or
individual. Although many of the resources and benefits we receive from providers benefit our clients or
benefit their accounts, accessing content related to practice management benefits only our firm because
it is intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise. Providers will provide some
of these services themselves. In other cases, they will arrange for third-party vendors to provide the
services to us. Providers give us other benefits such as occasional business entertainment of our
personnel.
The availability of these services from providers benefits us because we do not have to produce or
purchase them. This is a conflict of interest. However, Raffa has never made any commitment to direct
business to any provider. While it is understood that these resources would not be available in the event,
we didn’t maintain some allocation to funds managed by providers, no minimum level of assets has been
stated by any provider. We do not view having to maintain some minimal allocation to funds managed by
mutual fund and ETF providers as a material conflict of interest. Our investment selection is made in the
overall best interests of our clients and pursuant to our ongoing due diligence and investment selection
process. It is primarily supported by the approach, cost, and long-term track record of each of these
providers as previously described above.
Risk of Loss
Clients must understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Therefore, current and
prospective clients (including you) should never assume that future performance of any specific
investment or investment strategy will be profitable. Investing in securities (including stocks, mutual
funds, and bonds) involves risk of loss. Further, depending on the different types of investments there
may be varying degrees of risk. Clients and prospective clients should be prepared to bear investment
loss including loss of original principal.
Because of the inherent risk of loss associated with investing, Raffa is unable to represent, guarantee, or
even imply that our services and methods of analysis can or will predict future results, successfully
identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate you from losses due to market corrections or declines. There
are certain additional risks associated when investing in securities through our investment management
program.
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o Market Risk – Either the stock market as a whole, or the value of an individual
company, goes down resulting in a decrease in the value of client investments.
This is also referred to as systemic risk.
o Equity (stock) market risk – Common stocks are susceptible to general stock
market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market
confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. If you held common
stock, or common stock equivalents, of any given issuer, you would generally be
exposed to greater risk than if you held preferred stocks and debt obligations of
the issuer.
o Company Risk. When investing in stock positions, there is always a certain level
of company or industry specific risk that is inherent in each investment. This is
also referred to as unsystematic risk and can be reduced through appropriate
diversification. There is the risk that the company will perform poorly or have its
value reduced based on factors specific to the company or its industry. For
example, if a company’s employees go on strike or the company receives
unfavorable media attention for its actions, the value of the company may be
reduced.
o Fixed Income Risk. When investing in bonds, there is the risk that issuer will
default on the bond and be unable to make payments. Further, individuals who
depend on set amounts of periodically paid income face the risk that inflation will
erode their spending power. Fixed-income investors receive set, regular
payments that face the same inflation risk.
o ETF and Mutual Fund Risk – When our Firm invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it
will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETFs or mutual
fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management
fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of
owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. Clients will also
incur brokerage costs when purchasing ETFs.
o Management Risk – Your investment with our Firm varies with the success and
failure of our investment strategies, research, analysis and determination of
portfolio securities. If our investment strategies do not produce the expected
returns, the value of the investment will decrease.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
This item is not applicable to our brochure because there are no legal or disciplinary events listed at Item
9 of the Form ADV Part 2 instructions that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of
our business or integrity.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Raffa is an investment advisory firm and only provides investment advisory services. Raffa is not
engaged in any other business activities and offers no other services than those described in this
Disclosure Brochure. Raffa Investment Advisers is not and does not have a related company that is a (1)
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broker/dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities dealer or broker, (2) investment
company or other pooled investment vehicle (including a mutual fund, closed-end investment company,
unit investment trust, private investment company or “hedge fund,” and offshore fund), (3) other
investment adviser or financial planner, (4) futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or
commodity trading advisor, (5) banking or thrift institution, (6) lawyer or law firm, (7) pension consultant.
(8) real estate broker or dealer, or (9) sponsor or syndicator of limited partnerships.
Affiliated Companies and Principal’s Other Business Activities
Mr. Dennis P. Gogarty is licensed as an insurance agent.
Selection of other Investment Managers
As described in Item 5 – Fees and Compensation, Raffa can refer clients to third-party investment
managers depending on each client’s individual financial needs and circumstances.
Unlike many investment advisors that refer their clients to third-party managers, when we refer clients to a
third-party manager, we will not receive a referral or solicitor fee from the third-party manager. Nor will we
receive any portion of the fee charged by the third-party manager to the client. Therefore, our
recommendations of third-party managers are based solely on our evaluation criteria and each client’s
individual needs and not based on compensation we could receive.
The Study on Nonprofit Investing (SONI)
Raffa has conducted a peer benchmarking survey of nonprofit finance executives about their investment
policies, performance, and fees. First launched in 2012, the Study on Nonprofit Investing (SONI) survey
and reports seek to empower nonprofits by providing them with actionable peer benchmarking data so
they can make better informed decisions about their investments. The SONI results are segmented by
nonprofit type and further categorized by budget or investment reserve size. For example, SONI
examines the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
How do nonprofits segment total cash assets among short and longer-term objectives?
How much investment risk do nonprofits take with longer-term investments?
How much investment risk do nonprofits take with shorter-term investments?
How much do nonprofits pay for investment services?
How much are nonprofits earning from their investments?
How can nonprofits strengthen their investment policy to effectively guide decision-making?
In 2025, Raffa created the SONI Dashboard using IRS Form 990 filings and other publicly available data
to allow users to compare their organization’s financial metrics to their peers.
The views expressed in SONI are opinions reflecting the best professional judgment of Raffa. SONI is for
informational purposes only. SONI data is not verified or audited. The information contained has been
gathered from sources we believe to be reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness
of such information. The financial metrics and results shown are for informational purposes only and
should not be relied upon as the sole basis for financial, investment, or operational decisions. Data
analysis was performed by Raffa.
Raffa provides SONI data for free.
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Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Raffa, its principals and employees may, on a limited basis, purchase securities for their personal
accounts which can also be recommended to clients. Although related persons invest in the same
securities that Raffa recommends to clients, the nature of the investment vehicles used by Raffa greatly
reduces the conflicts that arise in connection with personal trading. To further avoid any conflicts of
interest involving personal trades, Raffa has adopted a formal code of ethics (the “Code”) which includes
a personal securities transaction and insider trading policies and procedures. Raffa’s Code requires,
among other things, that employees:
Act with integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner with the public,
clients, prospective clients, employers, employees, colleagues in the investment profession, and
other participants in the global capital markets;
Place the integrity of the investment profession, the interests of clients, and the interests of Raffa
above one’s own personal interests;
Adhere to the fundamental standard that you should not take inappropriate advantage of your
position;
Avoid any conflicts of interest;
Conduct all personal securities transactions in a manner consistent with this policy;
Use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment when conducting
investment analysis, making investment recommendations, taking investment actions, and
engaging in other professional activities;
Practice and encourage others to practice in a professional and ethical manner that will reflect
credit on yourself and the profession;
Promote the integrity of, and uphold the rules governing, capital markets;
Maintain and improve your professional competence and strive to maintain and improve the
competence of other investment professionals.
Comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws.
Raffa’s Code also requires employees to 1) pre-clear personal securities transactions involving private
placements and initial public offerings, 2) report personal securities transactions on at least a quarterly
basis, and 3) provide Raffa with a detailed summary of certain holdings (both initially upon
commencement of employment and annually thereafter) over which such employees have a direct or
indirect beneficial interest.
This disclosure is provided to give all clients a summary of Raffa’s Code of Ethics. However, if a client or
a potential client wishes to review Raffa’s Code of Ethics in its entirety, a copy will be provided
promptly upon request.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
In the course of providing our services, Raffa will execute trades for our clients through broker-dealers
recommended by Raffa. Our general guiding principle is to trade through broker-dealers who offer the
best overall execution under the particular circumstances. With respect to execution, Raffa considers a
number of factors, including if the broker has custody of client assets, the actual handling of the order, the
ability of the broker-dealer to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial standing of the broker-
dealer, the ability of the broker-dealer to position stock to facilitate execution, our past experience with
similar trades, and other factors which may be unique to a particular order. Based on these judgmental
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factors, we may trade through broker-dealers that charge fees that are higher than the lowest available
fees.
Absent an existing brokerage relationship Raffa will assist the client with developing a relationship with
the Institutional Division of Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. (Charles Schwab).
In the event the client directs Raffa to use a particular broker dealer other than Schwab, Raffa and/or a
third party investment manager may be unable to negotiate commissions and to obtain volume discounts
or best execution. In such circumstances, Client is responsible for negotiating the terms and
arrangements for the Account with that broker or dealer. Raffa will not seek better execution services or
prices from other broker-dealers or be able to aggregate Client's transactions, for execution through other
brokers or dealers, with orders for other accounts advised or managed by Raffa. As a result, Raffa may
not obtain best execution on behalf of Client, who may pay materially disparate commissions, greater
spreads or other transaction costs, or receive less favorable net prices on transactions for the Account
than would otherwise be the case.
Raffa is not obligated to acquire for any account any security that we or our officers, partners, members
or employees may acquire for their own accounts or for the account of any other client, if in Raffa’s
absolute discretion it is not practical or desirable to acquire a position in such security.
Raffa recommends the use of Schwab based on the services provided by Schwab, such as ability to
execute trades, margin rates, on-line access to accounts, transaction charges duplicate monthly
statements, access to mutual funds.
As part of the institutional programs offered by Schwab, Raffa receives benefits that it would not receive if
it did not provide investment advice to clients. While there is no direct affiliation or fee sharing
arrangement between Schwab and Raffa, economic benefits are received by Raffa which would not be
received if we did not have an established relationship with these companies. These benefits do not
depend on the amount of transactions directed by Raffa to Charles Schwab. These benefits include: a
dedicated trading desk that services Raffa’s clients, a dedicated service group and an account services
manager dedicated to Raffa’s accounts, access to a real time order matching system, ability to block
client trades, electronic download of trades, access to an electronic interface, duplicate and batched client
statements, confirmations and year-end summaries, the ability to have advisory fees directly debited from
client accounts (in accordance with federal and state requirements), a quarterly newsletter, access to
mutual funds, ability to have loads waived for Raffa’s clients who invest in certain loaded funds when
certain conditions are met and maintained, and the ability to have custody fees waived.
Although many of the services and benefits we receive from Schwab benefit our clients or benefit their
accounts, there are some services that benefit only our firm because they are intended to help us
manage and further develop our business enterprise. These services include:
1. Educational conferences and events including those sponsored by Schwab such as their
IMPACT Conference; and
2. Publications, conferences, and direct training for staff or principals on practice
management and business succession.
Schwab may provide some of these services itself. In other cases, it will arrange for third-party vendors
to provide the services to us. Schwab may also discount or waive its fees for some of these services or
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pay all or a part of a third party’s fees. Schwab may also provide us with other benefits such as
occasional business entertainment of our personnel.
Our Interest in Schwab’s Services
The availability of these services from Schwab benefits us because we do not have to produce or
purchase them. We don’t have to pay for Schwab’s services so long as we keep a total of at least $10
million of client assets in accounts at Schwab. Beyond that, these services are not contingent upon us
committing any specific amount of business to Schwab in trading commissions or assets in custody. The
$10 million minimum results in an incentive for us to recommend or request that you maintain your
account with Schwab based on our interest in receiving Schwab’s services that benefit our business
rather than based on your interest in receiving the best value in custody services and the most favorable
execution of your transactions. This is a conflict of interest. We believe, however, that our selection of
Schwab as custodian and broker is made in the best interests of our clients. It is primarily supported by
the scope, quality and price of Schwab’s services as previously described above and not Charles
Schwab’s services that benefit only us. We have over $1.5 billion in client assets under management and
do not believe that maintaining at least $10 million of those assets at Schwab in order to avoid paying
Schwab quarterly service fees presents a material conflict of interest.
Handling of Trade Errors.
Raffa has implemented procedures designed to prevent trade errors; however, trade errors in client
accounts cannot always be avoided. Consistent with its fiduciary duty, it is the policy of Raffa to correct
trade errors in a manner that is in the best interest of the client. In cases where the client causes the
trade error, the client will be responsible for any loss resulting from the correction. Depending on the
specific circumstances of the trade error, the client may not be able to receive any gains generated as a
result of the error correction. In all situations where the client does not cause the trade error, the client
will be made whole and any loss resulting from the trade error will be absorbed by Raffa if the error was
caused by the Firm. If the error is caused by the broker-dealer, the broker-dealer will be responsible for
covering all trade error costs. If an investment gain results from the correcting trade, the gain will remain
in the client’s account unless the same error involved other client account(s) that should also receive the
gains and it is not permissible for all clients to retain the gain. Raffa may also confer with clients to
determine if the client should forego the gain (e.g., due to tax reasons). Raffa will never benefit or profit
from trade errors.
Trading Policy
Our trading policy is to implement all client orders on an individual basis but from time to time we may
aggregate or “block” client transactions. Considering the types of investments we hold in advisory client
accounts; we do not believe clients are hindered in any way because we primarily trade accounts
individually. This is because we develop individualized investment strategies for clients and holdings will
vary. Further, the investments we are responsible for trading in client accounts are typically limited to
mutual funds, ETFs, and other broadly traded positions. Our strategies are primarily developed for the
long-term and minor differences in price execution are not material to our overall investment strategy.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Investment Account Reviews and Reviewers
Client accounts are subject to ongoing monitoring by the Firm’s investment adviser representatives, under
the supervision of the Chief Investment Officer.
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Raffa utilizes a portfolio accounting and management system to continuously track asset allocation,
portfolio characteristics, and adherence to client-specific investment parameters. The system generates
alerts when portfolios deviate from established targets or when other predefined conditions occur,
including those resulting from market movements, client contributions or withdrawals, or other changes
affecting the account. These alerts prompt review and, where appropriate, rebalancing or other action.
Investment strategies and underlying investments are evaluated on an ongoing basis through the Firm’s
investment due diligence process, rather than at the individual account level, to ensure continued
appropriateness across client portfolios.
Retirement Income Planning Reviews
Clients receiving on-going retirement income planning services will receive updates to their income plan
upon request or as part of the regular review of their investment portfolio with Raffa. Raffa’s investment
adviser representatives are responsible for providing retirement income reviews.
Statements and Reports
Raffa sends clients an update of their portfolio activity and performance on a monthly basis. In addition,
clients can receive an additional performance evaluation report, upon request, which will address asset
allocation, securities holdings and account performance. Such reports are provided on a quarterly or as-
needed basis as determined by Raffa or requested by the client. Clients are able to include accounts not
managed by Raffa in reports. Under these situations, we will not have responsibility to review or provide
advice regarding the account and it is the client’s responsibility to inform us of additional accounts to be
included in the report.
Clients will also receive quarterly account statements directly from their qualified custodian (e.g.
broker/dealer). Raffa strongly urges all clients to closely review all account statements received from
qualified custodians. Further, clients are urged to compare the statements received from qualified
custodians against the statements and reports generated by Raffa.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Raffa does not directly or indirectly compensate any third-parties for client referrals.
Please refer to the description of benefits from broker/dealers described in Item 12 of this Disclosure
Brochure. Such benefits can be considered other compensation.
Raffa’s associated persons in their capacities as independent insurance agents can receive commissions
and other incentive awards for the recommendation/sale insurance products. The receipt of this
compensation can affect the judgment of Raffa’s associated persons when recommending products to its
clients. While Raffa’s associated persons endeavor at all times to put the interest of the clients first as a
part of Raffa’s fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that the receipt of commission and additional
compensation itself creates a conflict of interest and can affect the judgment of these individuals when
making recommendations.
Item 15 – Custody
Custody, as it applies to investment advisers, has been defined by the SEC as having access or control
over client funds and/or securities. In other words, custody is not limited to physically holding client funds
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and securities. If an investment adviser has the ability to access or control client funds or securities, the
investment adviser is deemed to have custody and must ensure proper procedures are implemented.
On February 21, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a ‘no-action’ letter
providing additional guidance on how the Custody Rule applies to third-party money movement authority.
As a result, we believe that any money movement between accounts that are not identically named or
registered represents a third-party money movement and would constitute custody. Raffa has custody of
client accounts and will maintain a list of each account for which it maintains custody based on this
definition. For all accounts Raffa deems it maintains custody based on this definition, Raffa will comply
with the SEC’s guidance allowing RIAs to avoid the annual surprise examination requirement of the
Custody Rule.
Raffa is given the authority from clients to deduct advisory fees directly from client accounts. Such
authority is deemed to be custody as defined by the SEC. Raffa has established procedures to ensure all
client funds and securities are held at a qualified custodian in a separate account for each client under
that client's name. Clients or an independent representative of the client (other than an affiliated person
of Raffa) are also notified, in writing of the qualified custodian's name, address and the manner in which
the funds or securities are maintained, promptly when the account is opened and following any changes.
Finally, account statements are delivered directly from the qualified custodian to each client, or the client's
independent representative (other than an affiliated person of Raffa), at least quarterly. Clients are
strongly urged to compare any statements or reports from Raffa against the account statements
received directly from qualified custodians.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Through its investment supervisory services and upon receiving written authorization from a client, Raffa
will maintain trading authorization over client accounts. Upon receiving written authorization from the
client, Raffa may implement trades on a discretionary basis. When discretionary authority is granted,
Raffa will have the authority to determine the type of securities and the amount of securities that can be
bought or sold for the client’s portfolio without obtaining the client’s consent for each transaction.
However, it is the policy of Raffa to consult with the client prior to making significant changes in the
account even when discretionary trading authority is granted by the client.
If you decide to grant trading authorization on a non-discretionary basis, we will be required to contact
you prior to implementing changes in your account. Therefore, you will be contacted and required to
accept or reject our investment recommendations including:
The security being recommended
The number of shares or units
Whether to buy or sell
Once the above factors are agreed upon, we will be responsible for making decisions regarding the timing
of buying or selling an investment and the price at which the investment is bought or sold. If your
accounts are managed on a non-discretionary basis, you need to know that if you are not able to be
reached or are slow to respond to our request, it can have an adverse impact on the timing of trade
implementations and we may not achieve the optimal trading price.
All clients have the ability to place reasonable restrictions on the types of investments that may be
purchased in an account. Clients may also place reasonable limitations on the discretionary power
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granted to Raffa so long as the limitations are specifically set forth or included as an attachment to the
client agreement.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
Raffa will not vote proxies on behalf of your account. While there are some investment advisors that will
vote proxies and other corporate decisions on behalf of their clients, we have determined that taking on
the responsibility for voting client securities does not add enough value to the services provided to clients
to justify the additional compliance and regulatory costs associated with voting client securities.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to vote all proxies for securities held in accounts managed by Raffa.
Clients will receive proxies directly from their custodian or transfer agent and such documents will not be
delivered by our Firm. Although we do not vote client proxies, if you have a question about a particular
proxy feel free to contact us.
Item 18 – Financial Information
This item is not applicable to this brochure. Raffa does not require or solicit prepayment of more than
$1200 in fees per client, six months or more in advance. Therefore, we are not required to include a
balance sheet for our most recent fiscal year. We are not subject to a financial condition that is
reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet contractual commitments to clients. Finally, we have not
been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time.
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Information Required by Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement
Dennis P. Gogarty, Managing Member, Chief Compliance Officer and Financial Advisor
Item 1 – Cover Page
This brochure supplement provides information about Dennis Gogarty that supplements the information
previously provided in this brochure. Please contact him at (202) 955-6734 if you have any questions
about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information Dennis Gogarty is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Born: 1970
Formal Education After High School:
Frostburg State University, BS in Marketing, 1992
Business Experience for the Preceding Five Years:
July 2005 to Present: Raffa Investment Advisers – Managing Member/Chief Compliance Officer
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Mr. Gogarty has never been subject to a legal or disciplinary event required to be reported by the Form
ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement instructions.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mr. Gogarty is independently licensed as an insurance agent. Although licensed, Mr. Gogarty’s practice
does not actively involve selling insurance products to clients. Instead, Mr. Gogarty will refer clients in
need of insurance products to an insurance agent that is independent of Raffa Investment Advisers. Mr.
Gogarty may receive a portion of the commissions earned from insurance products sold to his clients
through a referral. The receipt of compensation can affect the judgment of Mr. Gogarty when
recommending an agent and providing insurance advice, in general, to his clients. While Mr. Gogarty
endeavors at all times to put the interest of his clients first as a part of Raffa Investment Advisers’ overall
fiduciary duty to clients, clients should be aware that the receipt of commissions itself creates a conflict of
interest and can affect Mr. Gogarty’s decision making process when making recommendations. Clients
are never obligated or required to purchase insurance products from or through a referral and may
choose any independent insurance agent and insurance company to purchase insurance products.
Regardless of the insurance agent selected, the insurance agent or agency will receive normal
commissions from the sale.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mr. Gogarty does not receive compensation in addition to the fees described in Item 5 and benefits
described in Item 14 of this Disclosure Brochure. As disclosed in Item 4 above, Mr. Gogarty will receive a
portion of the insurance commissions earned by a qualified insurance agent to whom insurance business
is referred.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mr. Gogarty is the Chief Compliance Officer of Raffa Investment Advisers and ultimately responsible for
supervising activities and services provided by the Firm. Investment accounts and investment programs
are reviewed as frequently as weekly.
23
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Mark P. Murphy, Chief Investment Officer
Item 1 – Cover Page
This brochure supplement provides information about Mark Murphy that supplements the information
previously provided in this brochure. Please contact him (202) 955-6734 if you have any questions about
the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Mark Murphy is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Born: 1982
Formal Education After High School:
University of Richmond, BSBA with concentrations in Finance and Accounting, 2004
University College Dublin, One Semester
Business Experience for the Preceding Five Years:
June 2004 to November 2006: Cambridge Associates LLC – Investment Performance Analyst
July 2010 to Present: Raffa Investment Advisers – Chief Investment Officer
November 2006 to July 2010: CapitalSource Bank - Senior Account Executive
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Mr. Murphy has never been subject to a legal or disciplinary event required to be reported by the Form
ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement instructions.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mr. Murphy is not engaged in any business activities outside of his role with Raffa Investment Advisers.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mr. Murphy does not receive compensation in addition to the fees described in Item 5 and benefits
describes in Item 14 of this Disclosure Brochure.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mr. Murphy is Chief Investment Officer and he is supervised directly by the Firm’s Chief Compliance
Officer, Dennis Gogarty who may be reached at (202) 955-6734.
24
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Ryan A. Frydenlund, Director of Operations
Item 1 – Cover Page
This brochure supplement provides information about Ryan Frydenlund that supplements the information
previously provided in this brochure. Please contact him at (202) 955-6734 if you have any questions
about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Ryan Frydenlund is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Born 1992:
Formal Education after High School:
Wake Forest University, BS in Finance, 2014
Business Experience for the Preceding Five Years:
February 2017 to Present: Raffa Investment Advisers – Director of Operations
December 2014 – January 2017: Cambridge Associates, LLC – Investment Operations Analyst
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Mr. Frydenlund has never been subject to a legal or disciplinary event required to be reported by the
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement instructions.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mr. Frydenlund is not engaged in any business activities outside of his role with Raffa Investment
Advisers.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mr. Frydenlund does not receive compensation in addition to the fees described in Item 5 and benefits
described in Item 14 of this Disclosure Brochure.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mr. Frydenlund is an Investment Adviser Representative and he is supervised directly by the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Dennis Gogarty who may be reached at (202) 955-6734.
25
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Joseph Guest, Senior Portfolio Manager
Item 1 – Cover Page
This brochure supplement provides information about Joseph Guest that supplements the information
previously provided in this brochure. Please contact him at (202) 955-6734 if you have any questions
about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Joseph Guest is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Born 1982:
Formal Education after High School:
Depaul University, BS in Economics and Accounting, 2011
Southern Illinois University, no degree attained, 9/2000 – 08/2001
Business Experience for the Preceding Five Years:
June 2020 to November 2020: Unemployed
December 2020 to Present: Raffa Investment Advisers – Senior Portfolio Manager
December 2013 to May 2020 – Fairhaven Wealth Management – Head of Operations
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Mr. Guest has never been subject to a legal or disciplinary event required to be reported by the Form
ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement instructions.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mr. Guest is not engaged in any business activities outside of his role with Raffa Investment Advisers.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mr. Guest does not receive compensation in addition to the fees described in Item 5 and benefits
described in Item 14 of this Disclosure Brochure.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mr. Guest is an Investment Adviser Representative and he is supervised directly by the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Dennis Gogarty who may be reached at (202) 955-6734.
26
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Matthew Joseph O’Lone, Portfolio Manager
Item 1 – Cover Page
This brochure supplement provides information about Matthew O’Lone that supplements the information
previously provided in this brochure. Please contact him at (202) 955-6734 if you have any questions
about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Matthew O’Lone is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Born 1996:
Formal Education after High School:
University of Maryland, BS in Economics, 2018
Business Experience for the Preceding Five Years:
April 2022 to Present: Raffa Investment Advisers – Portfolio Manager
June 2018 to April 2022: Cambridge Associates – Project Analyst
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Mr. O’Lone has never been subject to a legal or disciplinary event required to be reported by the Form
ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement instructions.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mr. O’Lone is not engaged in any business activities outside of his role with Raffa Investment Advisers.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mr. O’Lone does not receive compensation in addition to the fees described in Item 5 and benefits
described in Item 14 of this Disclosure Brochure.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mr. O’Lone is an Investment Adviser Representative and he is supervised directly by the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Dennis Gogarty who may be reached at (202) 955-6734.
27
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure
Juliana Salamone, CFP®, Senior Portfolio Manager
Item 1 – Cover Page
This brochure supplement provides information about Juliana Salamone that supplements the information
previously provided in this brochure. Please contact her at (202) 955-6734 if you have any questions
about the contents of this supplement.
Additional information about Juliana Salamone is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
Born 1987:
Formal Education after High School:
Silliman University, BS in Communication, 2009
Business Experience for the Preceding Five Years:
March 2026 to Present: Raffa Investment Advisers – Senior Portfolio Manager
January 2022 to February 2026: Fidelity Investments – Financial Consultant
September 2016 to December 2021: Bridgewater Associates – Client Services Coordinator
Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Mrs. Salamone has never been subject to a legal or disciplinary event required to be reported by the
Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement instructions.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Mrs. Salamone is not engaged in any business activities outside of his role with Raffa Investment
Advisers.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Mrs. Salamone does not receive compensation in addition to the fees described in Item 5 and benefits
described in Item 14 of this Disclosure Brochure.
Item 6 – Supervision
Mrs. Salamone is an Investment Adviser Representative and she is supervised directly by the Firm’s
Chief Compliance Officer, Dennis Gogarty who may be reached at (202) 955-6734.
28
Raffa Wealth Management, LLC d/b/a Raffa Investment Advisers
Form ADV Part 2A Disclosure Brochure