Overview

Assets Under Management: $401 million
Headquarters: KINGWOOD, TX
High-Net-Worth Clients: 145
Average Client Assets: $2 million

Services Offered

Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients

Fee Structure

Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A)

MinMaxMarginal Fee Rate
$0 $3,000,000 1.00%
$3,000,001 $6,000,000 0.85%
$6,000,001 $10,000,000 0.75%
$10,000,001 and above Negotiable
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total AssetsAnnual FeesAverage Fee Rate
$1 million $10,000 1.00%
$5 million $47,000 0.94%
$10 million $85,500 0.86%
$50 million Negotiable Negotiable
$100 million Negotiable Negotiable

Clients

Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 145
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 88.08
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $2 million
Total Client Accounts: 725
Discretionary Accounts: 725

Regulatory Filings

CRD Number: 309814
Last Filing Date: 2025-02-10 00:00:00
Website: https://rothfinancialpartners.com

Form ADV Documents

Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A (2025-06-06)

View Document Text
ROTH FINANCIAL PARTNERS LLC ADV Part 2A - Disclosure Brochure Dated: June 6, 2025 Contact: Eric Johnson, Chief Compliance Officer 855 Rockmead Drive, Suite 703 Kingwood, TX 77339 This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Roth Financial Partners LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (281) 973-8816. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Additional information about Roth Financial Partners LLC also is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. References herein to Roth Financial Partners LLC as a “registered investment adviser” or any reference to being “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Item 2 Material Changes There have been no material changes made to our disclosure Brochure since our last Annual Amendment filing on February 29, 2024. Item 3 Table of Contents Item 1 Cover Page .................................................................................................................................... 1 Item 2 Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... 2 Item 3 Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 2 Item 4 Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................ 3 Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................ 8 Item 5 Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ............................................................ 9 Item 6 Item 7 Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................ 9 Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ..................................................... 9 Item 9 Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................ 12 Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 12 Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .............. 12 Item 12 Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 13 Item 13 Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 15 Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 15 Item 15 Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 16 Item 16 Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 16 Item 17 Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 17 Item 18 Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 17 2 Item 4 Advisory Business A. Roth Financial Partners LLC (the “Registrant”) is a limited liability company formed in the state of Texas on March 11, 2010. The Registrant became a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in August 2020. The Registrant is owned by James Roth Gift Trust, Eric Johnson (IDGT) Trust, and James Roth (IDGT) Trust. Eric Johnson and James Roth are the Registrant’s Co-Presidents. B. INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES The Registrant provides discretionary investment advisory services on a fee basis. Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee may include investment advisory services, and, to the extent specifically requested by the client, financial planning and consulting services. In the event that the client requires extraordinary planning and/or consultation services (to be determined in the sole discretion of the Registrant), the Registrant may determine to charge for such additional services, the dollar amount of which shall be set forth in a separate written notice to the client. The Registrant provides investment advisory services specific to the needs of each client. Before providing investment advisory services, an investment adviser representative will ascertain each client’s investment objectives. Thereafter, the Registrant will recommend that the client allocate investment assets consistent with the designated investment objectives. The Registrant primarily recommends that clients allocate investment assets among various individual equity (stocks), debt (bonds) and fixed income securities, mutual funds and/or exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) in accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s). Once allocated, the Registrant provides ongoing monitoring and review of account performance, asset allocation and client investment objectives. FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES (STAND-ALONE) The Registrant may provide financial planning and/or consulting services (including investment and non-investment related matters, including estate planning, insurance planning, etc.) on a stand-alone separate fee basis. Prior to engaging the Registrant to provide planning or consulting services, clients are generally required to enter into an agreement with Registrant setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the portion of the fee that is due from the client prior to Registrant commencing services. It remains the client’s responsibility to promptly notify the Registrant if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services. Miscellaneous Limitations of Financial Planning and Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation Services. As indicated above, to the extent requested by a client, Registrant may provide financial planning and related consulting services inclusive of its advisory fee as set forth at Item 5 below (exceptions may occur based upon assets under management, special projects, etc., for which the Registrant may charge a separate fee). However, neither the 3 Registrant nor its investment adviser representatives assist clients with the implementation of any financial plan, unless they have agreed to do so in writing. The Registrant does not monitor a client’s financial plan, unless specifically engaged to do so, and it is the client’s responsibility to revisit the financial plan with the Registrant, if desired. Furthermore, although the Registrant may provide recommendations regarding non- investment related matters, such as estate planning, tax planning and insurance, the Registrant does not serve as an attorney or accountant, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting services. Accordingly, the Registrant does not prepare estate planning documents or tax returns. Although Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Eric Johnson, is a CPA, Mr. Johnson does not provide tax preparation or accounting services or advice to Registrant’s clients. To the extent requested by a client, the Registrant may recommend the services of other professionals for certain non-investment implementation purposes (i.e., attorneys, accountants, insurance, etc.), including Mr. Roth in his individual capacity as a licensed insurance agent (See disclosure at Item 10.C below). The client is under no obligation to engage the services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from Registrant and/or its representatives. If the client engages any recommended unaffiliated professional, and a dispute arises thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from and against the engaged professional. At all times, the engaged licensed professional(s) (i.e., attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.), and not the Registrant, shall be responsible for the quality and competency of the services provided. investment assets among unaffiliated independent Independent Managers. Registrant may recommend that the client allocate a portion of a investment managers client’s (“Independent Manager(s)”) in accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s). In such situations, the Independent Manager(s) will have day-to-day responsibility for the active discretionary management of the allocated assets. Registrant will continue to render investment supervisory services to the client relative to the ongoing monitoring and review of account performance, asset allocation, and client investment objectives. The Registrant generally considers the following factors when recommending Independent Manager(s): the client’s designated investment objective(s), management style, performance, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research. The investment management fees charged by the designated Independent Manager(s) are exclusive of, and in addition to, Registrant’s ongoing investment advisory fee, subject to the terms and conditions of a separate agreement between the client and the Independent Manager(s). Registrant’s advisory fee is set forth in the fee schedule at Item 5 below. The Registrant will generally access Independent Managers in conjunction with the Raymond James Consulting Services (“RJCS”) wrap program. Each client will receive a copy of the separate RJCS wrap program brochure. As discussed in the RJCS wrap brochure, the client receives the services of the Independent Manager(s) and corresponding transactions fees and custody services provided by Raymond James & Associates Inc., Member NYSE/SIPC (“Raymond James”) for one combined fee. See Item 5.D. below 4 Use of Mutual and Exchange Traded Funds: Most mutual funds and exchange traded funds are available directly to the public. Therefore, a prospective client can obtain many of the funds that may be utilized by Registrant independent of engaging Registrant as an investment advisor. However, if a prospective client determines to do so, he/she will not receive Registrant’s initial and ongoing investment advisory services. In addition to Registrant’s investment advisory fee described below, and transaction and/or custodial fees discussed below, clients will also incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g., management fees and other fund expenses). Account Aggregation Reporting Services. Registrant uses account aggregation software, which can incorporate client investment assets that are not part of the assets that Registrant manages (the “Excluded Assets”). Unless agreed to otherwise, in writing, the client and/or their other advisors that maintain trading authority, and not Registrant, shall be exclusively responsible for the investment performance of the Excluded Assets. Unless also agreed to otherwise, in writing, Registrant does not provide investment management, monitoring or implementation services for the Excluded Assets. The client can engage Registrant to provide investment management services for the Excluded Assets pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and the client. Portfolio Activity. Registrant has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s best interest. As part of its investment advisory services, Registrant will review client portfolios on an ongoing basis to determine if any changes are necessary based upon various factors, including, but not limited to, investment performance, fund manager tenure, style drift, account additions/withdrawals, and/or a change in the client’s investment objective. Based upon these factors, there may be extended periods of time when Registrant determines that changes to a client’s portfolio are neither necessary nor prudent. Clients nonetheless remain subject to the fees described in Item 5 below during periods of account inactivity. Cash Positions. Registrant continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless determined to the contrary by Registrant, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall continue to be included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating Registrant’s advisory fee. At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived or anticipated market conditions/events (there being no guarantee that such anticipated market conditions/events will occur), Registrant may maintain cash positions for defensive purposes. In addition, while assets are maintained in cash, such amounts could miss market advances. Depending upon current yields, at any point in time, Registrant’s advisory fee could exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund. Cash Sweep Accounts. Certain account custodians can require that cash proceeds from account transactions or new deposits, be swept to and/or initially maintained in a specific custodian designated sweep account. The yield on the sweep account will generally be lower than those available for other money market accounts. When this occurs, to help mitigate the corresponding yield dispersion Registrant shall (usually within 30 days thereafter) generally (with exceptions) purchase a higher yielding money market fund (or other type security) available on the custodian’s platform, unless Registrant reasonably anticipates that it will utilize the cash proceeds during the subsequent 30-day period to purchase additional investments for the client’s account. Exceptions and/or modifications can and will occur with respect to all or a portion of the cash balances for 5 various reasons, including, but not limited to the amount of dispersion between the sweep account and a money market fund, the size of the cash balance, an indication from the client of an imminent need for such cash, or the client has a demonstrated history of writing checks from the account. The above does not apply to the cash component maintained within a Registrant actively managed investment strategy (the cash balances for which shall generally remain in the custodian designated cash sweep account), an indication from the client of a need for access to such cash, assets allocated to an unaffiliated investment manager and cash balances maintained for fee billing purposes. The client shall remain exclusively responsible for yield dispersion/cash balance decisions and corresponding transactions for cash balances maintained in any Registrant unmanaged accounts. Retirement Rollovers-Potential for Conflict of Interest: A client or prospective client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement plan (and may engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s age, result in adverse tax consequences). If Registrant recommends that a client roll over their retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by Registrant, such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if Registrant will earn new (or increase its current) compensation as a result of the rollover. If Registrant provides a recommendation as to whether a client should engage in a rollover or not (whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA), Registrant is acting as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. No client is under any obligation to roll over retirement plan assets to an account managed by Registrant, whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA. When requested by the client, the Registrant may provide a recommendation as to whether it would be appropriate for the client to engage in a rollover. If the Registrant is able to obtain sufficient information and provides a recommendation to the client, Registrant shall provide to the client a copy of its written analysis with supporting documentation. Prior to assisting the client with completing the rollover, client will execute a written acknowledgement form detailing the Registrant’s recommendation. Although the Registrant endeavors to provide sufficient guidance to allow a client to make an educated decision as to whether they should engage in a rollover or not, there will be instances where the Registrant does not have access to enough information to make a determination. When the Registrant has completed its analysis and reasonably believes that a rollover is not in the client’s best interest the Registrant shall recommend that the client not engage in a rollover. However, if after completing its analysis the Registrant reasonably believes a rollover is in the client’s best interest, the Registrant will make the recommendation to the client that a rollover be completed. 6 Client Obligations. In performing its services, Registrant shall not be required to verify any information received from the client or from the client’s other professionals and is expressly authorized to rely thereon. Moreover, each client is advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify the Registrant if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services. Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that Registrant and its third-party service providers use to provide services to Registrant’s clients employ various controls that are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or unintentional actions that could cause significant interruptions in Registrant’s operations and/or result in the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public personal information. In accordance with Regulation S-P, the Registrant is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its clients' non-public personal information by implementing appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. Registrant has established processes to mitigate the risks of cybersecurity incidents, including the requirement to restrict access to such sensitive data and to monitor its systems for potential breaches. Clients and Registrant are nonetheless subject to the risk of cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or other adverse consequences. Although the Registrant has established processes to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be successful, especially considering that the Registrant does not control the cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third-party service providers, issuers of securities, broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchanges, and other financial market operators and providers. In compliance with Regulation S-P, the Registrant will notify clients in the event of a data breach involving their non-public personal information as required by applicable state and federal laws. Disclosure Statement. A copy of the Registrant’s written Brochure and CRS, as set forth on Parts 2 and 3 of Form ADV, respectively, shall be provided to each client prior to the execution of any new advisory agreement. to providing investment advisory services, an C. The Registrant shall provide investment advisory services specific to the needs of each investment adviser client. Prior representative will ascertain each client’s investment objective(s). Thereafter, the Registrant shall allocate and/or recommend that the client allocate investment assets consistent with the designated investment objective(s). The client may, at any time, impose reasonable restrictions, in writing, on the Registrant’s services. D. Registrant does not sponsor its own wrap fee program. However, as discussed above, the Registrant may access Independent Managers in conjunction with the RJCS wrap program. Each client will receive a copy of the separate RJCS wrap program brochure. As discussed in the RJCS wrap brochure, the client receives the services of the Independent Manager(s) and corresponding transactions fees and custody services provided by Raymond James for one combined fee. These fees are generally based upon an annual percentage of assets under management and are calculated by the Independent Manager(s) either on a quarterly basis or a monthly basis. Independent Manager fees are separate and in addition the Registrant’s advisory fees. 7 E. As of December 31, 2024, the Registrant had $400,671,602 in assets under management on a discretionary basis. Item 5 Fees and Compensation A. INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES The Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee shall be based upon a blended percentage (%) rate, calculated using the market value and of assets placed under the Registrant’s management and the following fee schedule: Market Value of Portfolio On the First $3,000,000 On the Next $3,000,000 On the Next $4,000,000 All additional amounts % of Assets 1.00% 0.85% 0.75% Negotiable The Registrant, at its sole discretion, may charge a lesser investment management fee. As a result, similarly situated clients could pay different fees. In addition, similar advisory services may be available from other investment advisers for similar or lower fees. It is the Firm’s policy is to treat intra-quarter account additions and withdrawals equally. Specifically, in the event that a client, on a net basis, adds or withdraws more than $100,000 during any billing quarter, the Firm shall charge a pro-rated fee, and or issue a pro-rated credit, based upon the number of days remaining in the billing quarter. FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES (STAND-ALONE) The Registrant may provide financial planning and/or consulting services (including investment and non-investment related matters, including estate planning, insurance planning, etc.) on a stand-alone fee basis. Registrant’s planning and consulting fees are negotiable, but generally range from $2,000 to $5,000 on a fixed fee basis, and from $100 to $500 on an hourly rate basis, depending upon the level and scope of the service(s) required and the professional(s) rendering the service(s). B. Clients may elect to have the Registrant’s advisory fees deducted from their custodial account. Both Registrant’s Agreement and the custodial/clearing agreement may authorize the custodian to debit the account for the amount of the Registrant’s investment advisory fee and to directly remit that advisory fee to the Registrant in compliance with regulatory procedures. In the limited event that the Registrant bills the client directly, payment is due upon receipt of the Registrant’s invoice. C. As discussed below, unless the client directs otherwise or an individual client’s circumstances require, Registrant shall generally recommend that Raymond James serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for client investment management assets. Broker-dealers such as Raymond James charge transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions. 8 In addition to the Registrant’s investment management fee and/or transaction fees, clients will also incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g., management fees and other fund expenses). Clients engaging Independent Managers will incur additional investment advisory fees. D. Registrant's annual investment advisory fee shall be prorated and paid quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous month. With the exception of a financial planning engagement on a project basis, which may automatically terminate upon the completion of the project, agreements between the Registrant and the client will continue in effect until terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. Upon termination, the Registrant shall invoice the client for the value of services rendered based upon the number of days such services were rendered during the billing quarter. E. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives accept compensation from the sale of securities or other investment products. Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management Neither the Registrant nor any supervised person of the Registrant accepts performance- based fees. Item 7 Types of Clients The Registrant’s clients shall generally include individuals, business entities, trusts and estates. Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss A. The Registrant may utilize the following methods of security analysis: • Fundamental - (analysis performed on historical and present data, with the goal of making financial forecasts) • Technical – (analysis performed on historical and present data, focusing on price and trade volume, to forecast the direction of prices) The Registrant may utilize the following investment strategies when implementing investment advice given to clients: • Long Term Purchases (securities held at least a year) • Short Term Purchases (securities sold within a year) Investment Risk. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by the Registrant) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s). 9 All investment strategies have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Although there is no way to list all risks involved with investing, the following are common risks born by the majority of investors: Interest Rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Market Risk: Asset prices may drop in reaction to certain unforeseen events. Also referred to as exogenous risk, this type of risk is caused by external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying fundamentals or intrinsic value. For example, geo-political, economic, legislative, and/or societal events may amplify market risk. Inflation Risk: When inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation. Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as exchange rate risk. Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e., interest rate). This primarily relates to fixed income securities. Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular company within an industry. Some industries and/or companies may have historically demonstrated more stability than others. Economic factors and business functions are constantly changing. Past results are no guarantee of future performance. Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product. Financial Risk: Also referred to as leverage risk. Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations may lead to financial strain and the ability to generate profits or meet certain obligations. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value. Counterparty Risk: The risk that each party may not be able to meet its contractual obligations. This may also be referred to as default risk for fixed income investments. In rare circumstances, the underlying securities within registered investment products may become illiquid which may restrict the ability of investors to redeem shares at quoted prices. Execution Risk: The risk that buy/sell transactions may not be executed at favorable prices. This may occur during periods of abnormal market conditions. B. The Registrant’s methods of analysis and investment strategies do not present any significant or unusual risks. However, every method of analysis has its own inherent risks. To perform an accurate market analysis the Registrant must have access to current/new market information. The Registrant has no control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore, unbeknownst to the Registrant, certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information, severely limiting the value of the Registrant’s analysis. Furthermore, an accurate market analysis can only produce a forecast of the direction of 10 market values. There can be no assurances that a forecasted change in market value will materialize into actionable and/or profitable investment opportunities. The Registrant’s primary investment strategies - Long Term Purchases and Short Term Purchases are fundamental investment strategies. However, every investment strategy has its own inherent risks and limitations. For example, longer term investment strategies require a longer investment time period to allow for the strategy to potentially develop. Shorter term investment strategies require a shorter investment time period to potentially develop but, as a result of more frequent trading, may incur higher transactional costs when compared to a longer term investment strategy. Borrowing Against Assets/Risks. A client who has a need to borrow money could determine to do so by using: • Margin-The account custodian or broker-dealer lends money to the client. The custodian charges the client interest for the right to borrow money, and uses the assets in the client’s brokerage account as collateral; and, • Pledged Assets Loan- In consideration for a lender (i.e., a bank, etc.) to make a loan to the client, the client pledges its investment assets held at the account custodian as collateral; These above-described collateralized loans are generally utilized because they typically provide more favorable interest rates than standard commercial loans. These types of collateralized loans can assist with a pending home purchase, permit the retirement of more expensive debt, or enable borrowing in lieu of liquidating existing account positions and incurring capital gains taxes. However, such loans are not without potential material risk to the client’s investment assets. The lender (i.e., custodian, bank, etc.) will have recourse against the client’s investment assets in the event of loan default or if the assets fall below a certain level. For this reason, Registrant does not recommend such borrowing unless it is for specific short-term purposes (i.e., a bridge loan to purchase a new residence). Registrant does not recommend such borrowing for investment purposes (i.e., to invest borrowed funds in the market). Regardless, if the client was to determine to utilize margin or a pledged assets loan, the following economic benefits would inure to Registrant: • • • by taking the loan rather than liquidating assets in the client’s account, Registrant continues to earn a fee on such Account assets; and, if the client invests any portion of the loan proceeds in an account to be managed by Registrant, Registrant will receive an advisory fee on the invested amount; and, if Registrant’s advisory fee is based upon the higher margined account value, Registrant will earn a correspondingly higher advisory fee. This could provide Registrant with a disincentive to encourage the client to discontinue the use of margin. The Client must accept the above risks and potential corresponding consequences associated with the use of margin or a pledged assets loans. C. Currently, the Registrant primarily recommends that clients allocate investment assets among various individual equity (stocks), debt (bonds) and fixed income securities, mutual 11 funds, ETFs on a discretionary basis in accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s). Item 9 Disciplinary Information The Registrant has not been the subject of any disciplinary actions. Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations A. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer. B. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading advisor, or a representative of the foregoing. C. Licensed Insurance Agents. One of the Registrant’s representatives, Peter Roth, in his individual capacity, is a licensed insurance agent. He may recommend the purchase of certain insurance-related products on a commission basis. As referenced in Item 4.B above, clients can engage Mr. Roth to purchase insurance products on a commission basis. Conflict of Interest: The recommendation by Mr. Roth that a client purchase an insurance commission product presents a conflict of interest, as the receipt of commissions may provide an incentive to recommend insurance products based on commissions to be received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No client is under any obligation to purchase any commission products from Mr. Roth. Clients are reminded that they may purchase insurance products recommended by Registrant through other, non-affiliated insurance agents. D. The Registrant does not receive, directly or indirectly, compensation from investment advisors that it recommends or selects for its clients. Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading A. The Registrant maintains an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions. This investment policy is part of Registrant’s overall Code of Ethics, which serves to establish a standard of business conduct for all of Registrant’s Representatives that is based upon fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is available upon request. In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Registrant also maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material non-public information by the Registrant or any person associated with the Registrant. B. Neither the Registrant nor any related person of Registrant recommends, buys, or sells for client accounts, securities in which the Registrant or any related person of Registrant has a material financial interest. 12 C. The Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant may buy or sell securities that are also recommended to clients. This practice may create a situation where the Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of interest. Practices such as “scalping” (i.e., a practice whereby the owner of shares of a security recommends that security for investment and then immediately sells it at a profit upon the rise in the market price which follows the recommendation) could take place if the Registrant did not have adequate policies in place to detect such activities. In addition, this requirement can help detect insider trading, “front-running” (i.e., personal trades executed prior to those of the Registrant’s clients) and other potentially abusive practices. The Registrant has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal securities transactions and securities holdings of each of the Registrant’s “Access Persons”. The Registrant’s securities transaction policy requires that an Access Person of the Registrant must provide the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee with a written report of their current securities holdings within ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person. Additionally, each Access Person must provide or make available to the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee a list of reportable transactions each calendar quarter as well as a written annual report of the Access Person’s securities holdings; provided, however that at any time that the Registrant has only one Access Person, he or she shall not be required to submit any securities report described above. D. The Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant may buy or sell securities, at or around the same time as those securities are recommended to clients. This practice creates a situation where the Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of interest. As indicated above in Item 11 C, the Registrant has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal securities transaction and securities holdings of each of Registrant’s Access Persons. Item 12 Brokerage Practices A. In the event that the client requests that Registrant recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for execution and/or custodial services (exclusive of those clients that may direct Registrant to use a specific broker-dealer/custodian), Registrant recommends that investment management accounts be maintained at Raymond James. Prior to engaging Registrant to provide investment management services, the client will be required to enter into a formal advisory agreement with the Registrant setting forth the terms and conditions under which Registrant shall manage the client's assets, and a separate custodial/clearing agreement with each designated broker-dealer/custodian. Factors that Registrant considers in recommending Raymond James (or any other broker- dealer/custodian to clients) include historical relationship with Registrant, financial strength, reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. Although the commissions and/or transaction fees paid by Registrant's clients shall comply with Registrant's duty to seek best execution, a client may pay a commission that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where Registrant determines, in good faith, that the commission/transaction fee is reasonable. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full 13 range of a broker-dealer’s services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, although Registrant will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client account transactions. The brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by the designated broker-dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in addition to, Registrant's investment management fee. Registrant’s best execution responsibility is qualified if securities that it purchases for client accounts are mutual funds that trade at net asset value as determined at the daily market close. 1. Research and Additional Benefits Although not a material consideration when determining whether to recommend that a client utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, Registrant receives from Raymond James (or another broker-dealer/custodian, investment platform, unaffiliated investment manager, vendor, unaffiliated product/fund sponsor, or vendor) without cost (and/or at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which assist Registrant to better monitor and service client accounts maintained at such institutions. Included within the support services that may be obtained by Registrant may be investment-related research, pricing information and market data, software and other technology that provide access to client account data, compliance related and/or practice management related publications, discounted or gratis consulting services, discounted and/or gratis attendance at conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support, computer hardware and/or software and/or other products used by Registrant in furtherance of its investment advisory business operations. As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products received may assist Registrant in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not directly provide such assistance, but rather assist Registrant to manage and further develop its business enterprise. There is no corresponding commitment made by Registrant to Raymond James or any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement. As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products received may assist Registrant in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not directly provide such assistance, but rather assist Registrant to manage and further develop its business enterprise. There is no corresponding commitment made by Registrant to Raymond James or any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement. 2. Registrant does not receive referrals from broker-dealers. 3. Registrant does not generally accept directed brokerage arrangements (when a client requires that account transactions be effected through a specific broker-dealer). In such client directed arrangements, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for their account with that broker-dealer, and Registrant will not seek better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to “batch” the client's transactions for execution through other broker-dealers with orders for other accounts managed by Registrant. As a result, client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or 14 receive less favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. In the event that the client directs Registrant to effect securities transactions for the client's accounts through a specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly acknowledges that such direction may cause the accounts to incur higher commissions or transaction costs than the accounts would otherwise incur had the client determined to effect account transactions through alternative clearing arrangements that may be available through Registrant. Higher transaction costs adversely impact account performance. Transactions for directed accounts will generally be executed following the execution of portfolio transactions for non-directed accounts. B. To the extent that the Registrant provides investment management services to its clients, the transactions for each client account generally will be effected independently, unless the Registrant decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. The Registrant may (but is not obligated to) combine or “bunch” such orders to seek best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates or to allocate equitably among the Registrant’s clients differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and will be allocated among clients in proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client account on any given day. The Registrant shall not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of such aggregation. Item 13 Review of Accounts A. For those clients to whom Registrant provides investment supervisory services, account reviews are conducted on an ongoing basis by the Registrant’s representatives. All investment supervisory clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to advise the Registrant of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation. All clients (in person or via telephone) are encouraged to review financial planning issues (to the extent applicable), investment objectives and account performance with the Registrant on an annual basis. B. The Registrant may conduct account reviews on an other than periodic basis upon the occurrence of a triggering event, such as a change in client investment objectives and/or financial situation, market corrections and client request. C. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction confirmation notices and regular written summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian and/or program sponsor for the client accounts. The Registrant may also provide a written periodic report summarizing account activity and performance. Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation A. As referenced in Item 12.A.1 above, the Registrant receives an economic benefit from broker-dealers. The Registrant, without cost (and/or at a discount), receives support services and/or products from broker-dealers. 15 There is no corresponding commitment made by the Registrant to a broker-dealer or any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement. B. The Registrant does not compensate, directly or indirectly, any person, other than its representatives/employees, for client referrals. Item 15 Custody The Registrant shall have the ability to have its advisory fee for each client debited by the custodian on a quarterly basis. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction confirmation notices and regular written summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian and/or program sponsor for the client accounts. The Registrant may also provide a written periodic report summarizing account activity and performance. To the extent that the Registrant provides clients with periodic account statements or reports, the client is urged to compare any statement or report provided by the Registrant with the account statements received from the account custodian. The account custodian does not verify the accuracy of the Registrant’s advisory fee calculation. The Registrant engages in other practices and services on behalf of its clients that require disclosure at ADV Part 1, Item 9. In particular, certain clients have signed asset transfer authorizations which permit the qualified custodian to rely upon instructions from the Registrant to transfer client funds to “third parties.” These arrangements are reflected at ADV Part 1, Item 9, but in accordance with the guidance provided in the SEC’s February 21, 2017 Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter, the affected accounts are not subjected to an annual surprise CPA examination. Item 16 Investment Discretion The client can determine to engage the Registrant to provide investment advisory services on a discretionary basis. Prior to the Registrant assuming discretionary authority over a client’s account, the client shall be required to execute an Investment Advisory Agreement, naming the Registrant as the client’s attorney and agent in fact, granting the Registrant full authority to buy, sell, or otherwise effect investment transactions involving the assets in the client’s name found in the discretionary account. Clients who engage the Registrant on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions, in writing, on the Registrant’s discretionary authority (i.e., limit the types/amounts of particular securities purchased for their account, exclude the ability to purchase securities with an inverse relationship to the market, limit or proscribe the Registrant’s use of margin, etc.). 16 Item 17 Voting Client Securities A. The Registrant does not vote client proxies. Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining to the client’s investment assets. B. Clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian. Clients may contact the Registrant to discuss any questions they may have with a particular solicitation. Item 18 Financial Information A. The Registrant does not require clients to pay fees of more than $1,200, per client, six months or more in advance. B. The Registrant is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain client accounts. C. The Registrant has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition. The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Eric Johnson, remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the disclosures in this Brochure. 17