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Wealth & Investment Strategies
Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
June 20, 2025
2565 W. Maple Road, Troy, MI 48084
T: 248-414-1562 F: 248-414-1521
EMAIL:
SecureAMCompliance@sassetmgmt.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices
of Secure Asset Management, L.L.C. Being registered as a registered investment
adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
248-414-1562 or by email: SecureAMCompliance@sassetmgmt.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. Additional
information about Secure Asset Management, L.L.C. (IARD#144046) is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
Page 1
Secure Asset Management, L.L.C. | ADV Part 2A
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually or when material
changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure. In accordance with
amendment requirements, the firm is filing an updated Form ADV Part 1.
Material Changes since the Last Update
The material changes in this brochure from the last annual updating amendment of Secure
Asset Management, L.L.C.’s on February 4, 2025, are described below. Material changes
relate to Secure Asset Management, L.L.C.’s policies, practices or conflicts of interests.
• Secure Asset Management, L.L.C. updated Items 4 & 5 to disclose its relationship with Pontera.
• Secure Asset Management, L.L.C, has updated its fees for Held Away Assets. (Item 5)
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure, please contact
Compliance by telephone: 248-414-1562 or, by email: SecureAMCompliance@sassetmgmt.com.
2 Secure Asset Management, LLC
ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Firm Brochure ............................................................................................................................ 1
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES ................................................................................................... 2
ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... 3
ITEM 4: ADVISORY FIRM BUSINESS DESCRIPTION ................................................................. 4
ITEM 5: FEES AND COMPENSATION ......................................................................................... 6
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE BASED FEES ..................................................................................... 10
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS ..................................................................................................... 10
ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS .............. 10
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION .................................................................................. 14
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ............................ 15
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS &
PERSONAL TRADING ............................................................................................................... 16
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES ........................................................................................... 17
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS ............................................................................................ 18
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ................................................ 19
ITEM 15: CUSTODY ................................................................................................................... 20
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION ...................................................................................... 20
ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES .................................................................................... 21
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 21
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ITEM 4: ADVISORY FIRM BUSINESS
DESCRIPTION
Secure Asset Management, L.L.C., (“SAM”) was founded in 2007. Bryan Spencer is 100% owner.
SAM provides personalized confidential financial planning and investment management
primarily to individuals. Advice is provided through consultation with the client and may include,
identification of financial problems, cash flow
determination of financial objectives,
management, tax planning, insurance review, investment management, education funding,
retirement planning, and estate planning.
SAM is a fee-based financial planning and investment management firm. The firm does not sell
annuities, insurance, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited partnerships, or other commissioned
products. The firm’s managing member is affiliated with entities that sell insurance products;
Secure Investors Group, Inc., provides Tax Services; Secure Tax Service, and Mortgage Services,
Secure Mortgage Funding, and a Broker/Dealer; Aurora Securities, Inc. SAM does not act as a
custodian of client assets. The client always maintains asset control.
An evaluation of each client's situation is provided to the client, often in the form of an Investment
Policy Statement or similar documents. Annual reviews are also communicated to provide
reminders of the specific courses of action that need to be taken. More frequent reviews occur but
are not necessarily communicated to the client unless immediate changes are recommended.
Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly by the
client on an as-needed basis. Conflicts of interest will be disclosed to the client.
Types of Advisory Services
SAM provides investment supervisory services, also known as asset management services, referral
to third party money managers and pension consulting services.
Asset Management
SAM offers discretionary direct asset management services to advisory clients. SAM will offer clients
ongoing portfolio management services through determining individual investment goals, time
horizons, objectives, and risk tolerance. Investment strategies, investment selection, asset allocation,
portfolio monitoring, and the overall investment program will be based on the above factors. The
client will authorize SAM discretionary authority to execute investment transactions as stated within
the Investment Advisory Agreement. Clients may terminate asset management services with seven
days written notice.
SAM seeks to provide that investment decisions are made in accordance with the fiduciary duties
owed to its accounts and without consideration of SAM’s economic, investment or other financial
interests. To meet its fiduciary obligations, SAM attempts to avoid, among other things,
investment or trading practices that systematically advantage or disadvantage certain client
portfolios, and, accordingly, SAM’s policy is to seek fair and equitable allocation of investment
opportunities/transactions among its clients to avoid favoring one client over another over time.
It is SAM’s policy to allocate investment opportunities and transactions it identifies as being
appropriate and prudent that might have a limited supply, among its clients on a fair and
equitable basis over time.
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Held away account management – Pontera
We use a third-party platform to manage “held away” accounts. A held away account is an account
that you maintain that is not held with a broker-dealer or custodian where we do not have a
custodial relationship. For example, a 401(k)-account sponsored by your employer is a held away
account. Prior to us managing any held away account, you will be provided with a link allowing
you to connect one or more accounts to the platform. Once an account is connected to the
platform, we will review the current allocations, and when deemed necessary, we will rebalance
the account to the target asset allocation. When clients engage SAM in this capacity, they are
responsible to keep the Pontera platform link active, so that SAM will be able to access and
manage the respective account without delay. If SAM determines that an Order Management
System link has become inactive, SAM will use its best efforts to notify the client to resolve the
issue.
Selection of Other Adviser Arrangements
SAM solicits the services of Third Party Money Managers to manage some client accounts. In such
circumstances, SAM receives solicitor fees from the Third Party Manager. SAM will verify that all
recommended advisers are properly licensed, notice filed, or exempt in the states where SAM is
recommending the adviser to clients. This is detailed in Item 10 of this brochure.
The duties and responsibilities owed to the client by the Third Party Manager and by SAM are
detailed in the Third Party Manager's Investment Advisory Agreement. SAM will be responsible
for ensuring that the products and services offered by Third Party Manager are suitable and
appropriate for each individual SAM client in which the services of a Third Party Manager are
recommended.
Pension Consulting Services
SAM offers ongoing consulting services to pension or other employee benefit plans (including but
not limited to 401(k) plans) based on the demographics, goals, objectives, time horizon, and/or
risk tolerance of the plan’s participants.
Pension consulting services may involve the direct investment management of one or more 401(k)
participant accounts, provide the selection and monitoring process for the various mutual funds
offered to plan participants, develop and maintain an Investment Policy Statement for the plan,
and/or provide group and individual employee education on investment options, asset allocation,
and retirement planning.
Services Limited to Specific Types of Investments
SAM generally limits its investment advice to mutual funds, equities, fixed income securities,
ETFs (including ETFs in the gold and precious metal sectors), real estate funds and options. SAM
may use other securities as well to help diversify a portfolio when applicable.
Written Acknowledgement of Fiduciary Status
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual
retirement account, we are fiduciaries 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. The way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests, so we
operate under a special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest
ahead of yours. Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give
prudent advice);
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•
•
•
•
•
Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal
advice);
Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best
interest;
Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
The goals and objectives for each client are documented in our client files. Investment strategies
are created that reflect the stated goals and objective. Clients may impose restrictions on investing
in certain securities or types of securities. Arrangements may not be assigned without prior
written client consent.
Wrap Fee Programs
SAM does not participate in wrap fee programs.
Client Assets under Management
As of December 2024, SAM managed $ 890,034,531 in assets under management, $ 824,694,519 in
discretionary assets and $ 65,340,012 in non-discretionary assets.
As of December 2024, SAM has $ 2,182,539,495.41 in client assets under advisement.
ITEM 5: FEES AND COMPENSATION
General Information: Method of Compensation, Early Termination, and Fee Schedule
SAM bases its fees on a percentage of assets under management and solicitor fees from third party
money managers. Client may cancel via written notice to SAM within five (5) business days of
signing the advisory agreement for a full refund.
Asset Management
Fees for SAM Investment Management Services are negotiable and calculated as an annual
percentage of the total value of investments under SAM’s management. The max total annual fee
is 2%, or 0.50% quarterly.
3rd Party Money Managers Trading Signals
SAM at times will utilize trading signals from unaffiliated 3rd party money managers. In these
instances, SAM will utilize the knowledge, information, and recommendations of 3rd Party Money
Managers. SAM will gather this information and execute discretion over the account to implement
the 3rd Party Money Managers recommendations. These 3rd Party Money Managers do not have
access or control over client accounts. In this capacity, SAM will charge the following advisory fee:
Assets Under Management
Annual Fee
Quarterly Fee
All Assets
0.750%
0.1875%
A portion of the fee charged above will be paid to the Third-Party Money Managers. The fee to the
TPMM may be up to 0.50% depending on the specific third-party manager chosen.
The above fees are negotiable, and the final fee schedule will be set forth in the Investment
Management Services Agreement signed by the client. SAM bills both in advance and arrears as
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selected by the client. For fees charged in advance, SAM uses the value of the account as of the
last business day of the prior billing period. For fees charged in arrears, the fee will be calculated
based on the total market value of assets in the account managed by SAM as of the last business
day of the month or quarter, pursuant to the fee agreed to in Schedule C of the Advisory
Agreement. Monthly and/or Quarterly fees are calculated the last business day of that month and
for those accounts billed quarterly they will be on the last day of March, June, September, and
December. Accounts opened within a given month or quarter are charged a pro rata share at the
end of the current month or quarter, based on the number of days managed in that month or
quarter.
Fees will be adjusted for additions or withdrawals that are greater than $5000 in any given
quarter. The addition or withdrawal will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in
the quarter.
[Pro-rata is calculated by multiplying the Annual Fee by the Account Value divided by the number
of days in the month or quarter divided by 360 days. For example, if the Account value was
$100,000 and the account was open for 15 days of the quarter the calculation would be (2% x
100,000) x (15/360) = $80.00.] Client shall pay the investment advisory fee within ten (10) days
following the end of the quarter being billed. In the event of termination of the Account, SAM will
be entitled to a pro rata fee for the day’s service was provided in the final quarter. This final fee
will be deducted from the Account prior to transfer.
For all asset-based fees paid in advance, the fee refunded will be equal to the balance of the fees
collected in advance minus the daily rate* times the number of days elapsed in the billing period
up to and including the day of termination. (*The daily rate is calculated by dividing the annual
asset- based fee by 365.)
In computing the market value of any investment of the Account, each security listed on any
national securities exchange or otherwise subject to current last-sale reporting shall be valued at
the last sale price on the valuation date. The investment advisory fee will be billed directly to the
client’s account at the Custodian, with an informational copy of the invoice to Client. The
Custodian will deduct the fee for the Account upon receipt of the invoice, or shortly thereafter.
SAM will not be compensated based on the basis of a share of capital gains or capital appreciation
of the assets in the Account.
Automatic Fee Withdrawal
1. The authorization or agreement will be limited to withdrawing contractually agreed upon
investment adviser fees as authorized in the Investment Advisory Agreement.
2. The frequency of fee withdrawal will be monthly or quarterly.
3. The custodian of the account will be advised in writing of the limitation of SAM's access to
the account. This requirement may be satisfied by furnishing to the custodian a copy of this
agreement.
4. The custodian will provide the client, not less than quarterly, a statement indicating all
amounts disbursed from the account including, separately, the amount of advisory fees paid.
This may be contained in the custodian's regular periodic report to the client.
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Held away account management – Pontera
The initial fee shall be charged from the date of inception of Investment Services through the end
of the first calendar period in which the Account is open. Thereafter, fees will be payable monthly
or quarterly, based upon the market value of assets at the end of each period in accordance the
executed fee agreement.
Selection of Other Adviser Fees
SAM at times will utilize the services of third-party money managers and receive a solicitor fee
for soliciting clients. SAM’s solicitor fee is typically 1.00% but like all SAM’s fees, are negotiable.
The third-party adviser fees typically may be up to 1.00% annually and the aggregate fee will not
exceed any limit imposed by any regulatory agency. The exact fee charged by the third-party
adviser will be memorialized in the third-party adviser’s contract signed by the client. Please see
Item 10 for further description.
These fees will be billed quarterly either in advance, arrears or as agreed upon by client and the
third-party advisory firm.
Pension Consulting/Retirement Plan Advisory Fees
Fees for each of the SAM Retirement Plan Advisory Services described above are negotiable and
calculated as a percentage of the total value of investments under SAM’s advisement at the rates
set forth in the Fee Schedule below and as set forth in each retirement plan client’s Retirement
Plan Fiduciary Investment Advisory and Management Services Agreement. In addition to this
advisory fee, there may be transactional fees and commissions charged by the account’s
custodian, depending upon the type of security. Administrative and servicing fees may also be
charged by third party broker-dealers and custodians.
ERISA Section 3(21) Plan Investment Advisory Services. Fees due Secure shall be calculated
in accordance with the following schedule and charged as specified in paragraph 7 of the ERISA
Retirement Plan Agreement:
Assets Under Advisement
From:
To:
Annual Fee % Quarterly Fee %
$0
$250,000
0.90
.2250
$250,001
$500,001
$500,000
$1,000,000
0.70
0.40
.1750
.1000
Over
$1,000,000
0.27
.0675
ERISA Section 3(38) Plan Investment Management Services. Fees due Secure shall be
calculated in accordance with the following schedule and charged as specified in paragraph 7 of
the ERISA Retirement Plan Agreement:
Assets Under
Advisement
From:
To:
Annual Fee %
Quarterly Fee %
$0
$1,000,000
1.000
.25
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$1,000,001
$3,000,000
0.750
.1875
$3,000,001
$5,000,000
0.650
.1625
Over
$5,000,000
0.550
.1375
Retirement Plan advisory fees may be paid quarterly in arrears, or in advance, as specified in the
Retirement Plan Fiduciary Investment Advisory and Management Services Agreement with the
client. Fees are calculated on the basis of the market value of investments in the account as
determined by the account custodian, including any balances held in money market funds. The
fee for the initial quarter is pro-rated for the period that services are provided. Subsequent fees
are based upon the market value of the account as of the last business day of the previous quarter.
Upon termination of the Retirement Plan Fiduciary Investment Advisory and Management
Services Agreement, any pre-paid advisory fees will be prorated to the date of termination and
refunded. If fees are being paid after services are provided, the client is responsible for payment
of the fees earned by SAM to the date of termination. The Retirement Plan Fiduciary Investment
Advisory and Management Services Agreement may be terminated by ten (10) days advance
written notice from either party to the other.
Additional Client Fees Charged
Clients are responsible for the payment of all third party fees (i.e., custodian fees, commissions,
brokerage fees, mutual fund fees, transaction fees, etc.). Those fees are separate and distinct from
the fees and expenses charged by SAM. Please see Item 12 of this brochure regarding broker-
dealer/custodian.
The selection of the security is more important than the nominal fee that the custodian charges
to buy or sell the security. SAM, in its sole discretion, may waive its minimum fee and/or charge
a lesser investment advisory fee based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship, type of
assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amounts
of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, negotiations with clients, etc.).
There is an additional $15 per quarter fee for services provided by ORION. SAM pays this fee
initially and then charges the client.
Prepayment of Client Fees
Refunds for fees paid in advance will be returned within fourteen days (14) to the client via check
or, return deposit back into the client’s account. Calculation of refunds for different services are
described above under the specific service.
External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
SAM does not receive any external compensation for the sale of securities to clients; however,
affiliated persons may also be registered representatives of an affiliated broker dealer and receive
external compensation for the sale of securities to clients. This represents a conflict of interest
because it gives an incentive to recommend products based on the commission received. As a
registered representative, affiliated persons do not charge advisory fees for the services offered
through the unaffiliated broker dealer. This conflict is mitigated by the fact that SAM has a
fiduciary responsibility to place the best interest of the client first and clients always have the
right to purchase these products, should they wish to do so, through another broker dealer of
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their choosing.
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE BASED FEES
Sharing of Capital Gains
Fees are not based on a share of the capital gains or capital appreciation of managed securities.
SAM does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the conflict of interest.
Performance based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to recommend an
investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client.
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS
Description
SAM generally provides portfolio management and financial planning to individuals and pension
consulting to retirement plans. Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Account Minimums
SAM has no minimum to open an account.
ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS,
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK
OF LOSS
Methods of Analysis
Security analysis methods used may include fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and cyclical
analysis. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating a stock using real data such as company revenues,
earnings, return on equity, and profits margins to determine underlying value and potential
growth. Technical analysis involves evaluating securities based on past prices and volume.
Cyclical analysis involves analyzing the cycles of the market. The main source of information is
research materials prepared by others.
Investment Strategy
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the client
during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time. Each client executes an
Investment Policy Statement or Risk Tolerance that documents their objectives and their desired
investment strategy. Other strategies may include long-term purchases, short-term purchases,
trading, short sales, margin transactions and option writing (including covered options,
uncovered options, or spreading strategies).
Security Specific Material Risks
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Fundamental analysis may involve interest rate risk, market risk, business risk, and financial risk.
Risks involved in technical analysis are inflation risk, reinvestment risk, and market risk. Cyclical
analysis involves inflation risk, market risk, and currency risk.
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Our investment
approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the following investment risks:
❖ Fundamental Analysis:
Fundamental analysis concentrates on factors that determine a company’s value and
expected future earnings. This strategy would normally encourage equity purchases in
stocks that are undervalued or priced below their perceived value. The risk assumed is
that the market will fail to reach expectations of perceived value.
❖ Technical Analysis:
Technical analysis attempts to predict a future stock price or direction based on market
trends. The assumption is that the market follows discernible patterns and if these
patterns can be identified then a prediction can be made. The risk is that markets do not
always follow patterns and relying solely on this method may not work long term.
❖ Cyclical Analysis:
Cyclical analysis assumes that the markets react in cyclical patterns which, once
identified, can be leveraged to provide performance. The risks with this strategy are two-
fold: 1) the markets do not always repeat cyclical patterns and 2) if too many investors
begin to implement this strategy, it changes the very cycles these investors are trying to
exploit.
❖ Interest-Rate Risk:
Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate. For example,
when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive, causing their
market values to decline.
❖ Market Risk:
The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to tangible and
intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external factors
independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For example, political
economic and social conditions may trigger market events.
❖ Inflation Risk:
When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will buy more than a dollar next year,
because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of 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.
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❖ Business Risk:
These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular company within an
industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil and then refining it,
a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a higher risk of
profitability than an electric company which generates its income from a steady stream
of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic environment is like.
❖ Liquidity Risk:
Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Generally, assets are
more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product. For example,
Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
❖ Financial Risk:
Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk of profitability,
because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good times and bad.
During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may result in
bankruptcy and/or a declining market value.
Long term trading is designed to capture market rates of both return and risk. Due to its
nature, the long-term investment strategy can expose clients to various types of risk that will
typically surface at various intervals during the time the client owns the investments. These
risks include but are not limited to inflation (purchasing power) risk, interest rate risk,
economic risk, market risk, and political/regulatory risk.
Short term trading risks include liquidity, economic stability, and inflation, in addition to
the long-term trading risks listed above. Frequent trading can affect investment
performance, particularly through increased brokerage and other transaction costs and
taxes.
Short sales entail the possibility of unlimited loss. An increase in the applicable
securities’ prices will result in a loss, and, over time, the market has historically trended
upward.
Margin transactions use leverage that is borrowed from a brokerage firm as collateral.
Leverage enhances the ability to acquire assets, but also amplifies net profits and losses and
increases transaction costs. When losses occur, the value of the margin account may fall
below the brokerage firm’s threshold thereby triggering a margin call. This may force the
account holder to either allocate more funds to the account or sell assets on a shorter time
frame than desired.
Options writing or trading involves a contract to purchase a security at a given price, not
necessarily at market value, depending on the market. This strategy includes the risk that an
option may expire out of the money resulting in minimal or no value and the possibility of
leveraged loss of trading capital due to the leveraged nature of stock options.
Solicitor Services / Selection of Other Advisers: Although SAM will seek to select only
money managers who will invest clients' assets with the highest level of integrity, SAM's
selection process cannot ensure that money managers will perform as desired, and SAM will
have no control over the day-to-day operations of any of its selected money managers. SAM
would not necessarily be aware of certain activities at the underlying money manager level,
12 Secure Asset Management, LLC
including without limitation a money manager's engaging in unreported risks, investment
“style drift” or even regulator breach or fraud.
SAM’s use of short sales, margin transactions, and options trading generally holds greater risk
of capital loss. Clients should be aware that there is a material risk of loss using any
investment strategy. The investment types listed below are not guaranteed or insured by the
FDIC or any other government agency.
Equity investment generally refers to buying shares of stocks in return for receiving a
future payment of dividends and capital gains if the value of the stock increases. The value
of equity securities may fluctuate in response to specific situations for each company,
industry market conditions and general economic environments.
Fixed Income investments generally pay a return on a fixed schedule, though the amount
of the payments can vary. This includes corporate and government debt securities,
leveraged loans, high yield, and investment grade debt and structured products, such as
mortgage and other asset- backed securities, although individual bonds may be the best
known type of fixed income security. In general, the fixed income market is volatile, and
fixed income securities carry significant interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices
usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term
securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk, liquidity risk, call risk and
credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. The risk of default on treasury
inflation protected/inflation linked bonds is dependent upon the U.S. Treasury defaulting,
but these bonds still carry a risk of losing share price value. Risks of investing in foreign
fixed income securities also include the general risks inherent in non-U.S. investing.
Mutual Funds: Investing in mutual funds carries the risk of capital loss and thus you may
lose money investing in mutual funds. All mutual funds have costs that lower investment
returns. The funds can be of bond (fixed income) nature or stock (equity) nature, or a mix
of multiple underlying security types.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): An ETF is an investment fund traded on stock exchanges,
similar to stocks. Investing in ETFs carries the risk of capital loss (sometimes up to a 100%
loss in the case of a stock holding bankruptcy). Areas of concern include the lack of
transparency in products and increasing complexity, conflicts of interest and the possibility
of inadequate regulatory compliance. Because ETFs use "authorized participants" (APs) as
agents to facilitate creations or redemptions (primary market), there is a risk that an AP
decides to no longer participate for a particular ETF; however, that risk is mitigated by the
fact that other APs can step in to fill the vacancy of the withdrawing AP [an ETF typically has
multiple APs] and ETF transactions predominantly take place in the secondary market
without need for an AP. Like other liquid securities, ETF pricing changes throughout the
trading day and there can be no guarantee that an ETF is purchased at the optimal time in
terms of market movements. Moreover, due to market fluctuations, ETF brokerage costs,
differing demand and characteristics of underlying securities, and other factors, the price of
an ETF can be lower that the aggregate market price of its cash and component individual
securities (net asset value – NAV). An ETF is subject to the same market risks as those of its
underlying individual securities, and also has internal expenses that can lower investment
returns.
Precious Metal ETFs (e.g., Gold, Silver, or Palladium Bullion backed “electronic shares”
not physical metal) specifically may be negatively impacted by several unique factors, among
them (1) large sales by the official sector which own a significant portion of aggregate world
13 Secure Asset Management, LLC
holdings in gold and other precious metals, (2) a significant increase in hedging activities by
producers of gold or other precious metals, (3) a significant change in the attitude of
speculators and investors.
Real Estate funds (including REITs) face several kinds of risk that are inherent in the real
estate sector, which historically has experienced significant fluctuations and cycles in
performance. Revenues and cash flows may be adversely affected by: changes in local real
estate market conditions due to changes in national or local economic conditions or changes
in local property market characteristics; competition from other properties offering the same
or similar services; changes in interest rates and in the state of the debt and equity credit
markets; the ongoing need for capital improvements; changes in real estate tax rates and
other operating expenses; adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies; adverse
changes in zoning laws; the impact of present or future environmental legislation and
compliance with environmental laws.
Options are contracts to purchase a security at a given price, risking that an option may
expire out of the money resulting in minimal or no value. An uncovered option is a type of
options contract that is not backed by an offsetting position that would help mitigate risk.
The risk for a “naked” or uncovered put is not unlimited, whereas the potential loss for an
uncovered call option is limitless. Spread option positions entail buying and selling multiple
options on the same underlying security, but with different strike prices or expiration dates,
which helps limit the risk of other option trading strategies. Option writing also involves
risks including but not limited to economic risk, market risk, sector risk, idiosyncratic risk,
political/regulatory risk, inflation (purchasing power) risk and interest rate risk.
Publicly traded master limited partnerships (MLPs) own pipelines, storage tanks, and
other cash-generating energy infrastructure and give practically all their income to
shareholders in the form of distributions. They are structured differently from typical
corporations and operate in a highly technical industry, and in some cases may use
management incentive payments that encourage executives to take on more debt, which may
increase the risk to investors. Furthermore, because production from shale drilling declines
faster than that of crude from traditional wells, the high value and return of MLPs may not be
sustained, and investors could lose money.
Closed-end funds and business development companies are registered investment
companies, like mutual funds. They carry the risk of capital loss and thus you may lose money.
Like mutual funds, they have costs that lower investment returns. They can be of bond “fixed
income” nature or stock “equity” nature (also discussed herein). They have liquidity risks that
mutual funds do not.
An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) is a negotiable security that represents securities
of a non-US company that trades in the US financial markets, which has certain of the same
risks as investing directly in non-U.S. securities.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in securities involves a risk of
loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to bear.
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Criminal or Civil Actions
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The firm and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil action.
Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
The firm and its management have not been involved in administrative enforcement
proceedings.
Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
The firm and its management have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events related to
past or present investment clients.
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL
INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND
AFFILIATIONS
Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
The firm is not a Broker-Dealer, nor does it have an application in to become one. Some
investment advisor representatives are registered representatives of the affiliated broker/dealer,
Aurora Securities, Inc. Individuals registered as representatives with a broker-dealer will only
offer and/or sell products in states where they are properly licensed.
Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither SAM nor its employees are registered or has an application pending to register as a
futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or a commodity trading advisor.
Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and Conflicts of Interest
SAM itself is not an insurance agency, but individual representatives may be licensed as
insurance agents in their capacity outside of SAM. Individual representatives who are licensed to
sell insurance, will only offer and/or sell products in states where they are properly licensed.
Clients should be aware that these services pay a commission or other compensation and involve
a conflict of interest, as commissionable products conflict with the fiduciary duties of a registered
investment adviser. SAM always acts in the best interest of the client; including the sale of
commissionable products to advisory clients. Clients always have the right to decide whether or
not to utilize the services of any SAM representative in such individuals outside capacities.
Affiliated persons of SAM may also be registered representatives of an affiliated broker dealer
and receive external compensation for the sale of securities to clients. This represents a conflict
of interest because it gives an incentive to recommend products based on the commission
received. This conflict is mitigated by the fact that SAM has a fiduciary responsibility to place the
best interest of the client first and clients always have the right to purchase these products, should
they wish to do so, through another insurance of their choosing.
SAM has affiliations with Secure Mortgage Funding, L.L.C, Secure Investors Group, and Secure
Tax Service, LLC.
Some employees of SAM may be tax preparers and mortgage brokers for Secure Tax Service, LLC,
Secure Mortgage Funding, L.L.C, or Secure Investors Group. From time to time, these employees
may offer clients advice or products from those activities and clients should be aware that these
services may involve a conflict of interest. SAM always acts in the best interest of the client and
clients are in no way required to the services of any representative of SAM in connection with
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such individual’s activities outside of SAM.
Selection of Other Investment Advisors and Conflicts of Interest
SAM may at times utilize the services of Third Party Money Managers, to manage client accounts.
SAM will verify that all recommended advisers are properly licensed, notice filed, or exempt in
the states where SAM is recommending the adviser to clients. In such circumstances, SAM will
share in the Third Party asset management fee. This creates a conflict of interest in that SAM has
an incentive to direct clients to the third-party investment advisers that provide SAM with a
larger fee split. However, when referring clients to a Third Party Money Manager, the client’s
best interest will be the main determining factor of SAM. These fees do not include brokerage
fees that may be assessed by the custodial broker dealer. Fees for these services will be based on
a percentage of assets under management not to exceed any limit imposed by any regulatory
agency. The final fee schedule will be reflected in Schedule C of SAM's Investment Advisory
Agreement.
This relationship will be disclosed in the client contract. SAM does not charge additional
management fees for Third Party managed account services. Client's signature is required to
confirm consent for services within Third Party Investment Agreement. Client will sign SAM's
Investment Advisory Agreement to acknowledge receipt of Third Party fee Schedule and required
documents including ADV Part 2 disclosures.
Beacon Capital Management-Final Fees as part of the program management fee and solicitor fee
will be disclosed to the client through Beacon's Investment Advisory Agreement.
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS,
PARTICIPATION, OR INTEREST IN
CLIENT TRANSACTIONS & PERSONAL
TRADING
Code of Ethics Description
The employees of SAM have committed to a Code of Ethics. The purpose of our Code of Ethics is
to ensure that when employees buy or sell securities for their personal account, they do not create
actual or potential conflict with our clients. We do not allow any employees to use nonpublic
material information for their personal profit or to use internal research for their personal benefit
in conflict with the benefit to our clients.
One area the Code addresses is when employees buy or sell securities for their personal accounts
and how to mitigate any conflict of interest with our clients. We do not allow any employees to
use non-public material information for their personal profit or to use internal research for their
personal benefit in conflict with the benefit to our clients.
SAM’s policy prohibits any person from acting upon or otherwise misusing non-public or inside
information. No advisory representative or other employee, officer or director of SAM may
recommend any transaction in a security or its derivative to advisory clients or engage in personal
securities transactions for a security or its derivatives if the advisory representative possesses
material, non-public information regarding the security. SAM’s Code is based on the guiding
principle that the interests of the client are our top priority. SAM’s officers, directors, advisors,
and other employees have a fiduciary duty to our clients and must diligently perform that duty
to maintain the complete trust and confidence of our clients. When a conflict arises, it is our
obligation to put the client’s interests over the interests of either employees or the company.
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The Code applies to “access” persons. “Access” persons are employees who have access to
nonpublic information regarding any clients' purchase or sale of securities, or non-public
information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, who are involved in making
securities recommendations to clients, or who have access to such recommendations that are
non- public. The firm will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client
upon request.
Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflict of Interest
SAM and its employees do not recommend to client’s securities in which we have a material
financial interest.
Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of Interest
SAM and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients. To mitigate
conflicts of interest such as heading away of client trades, employees are required to disclose all
reportable securities transactions as well as provide SAM with copies of their brokerage
statements. The Chief Compliance Officer of SAM reviews employee trades on a quarterly basis.
The personal trading reviews ensure that the personal trading of employees does not affect the
markets and that clients of the firm are not disadvantaged by personal trading of SAM’s
representatives.
Client Securities Recommendations, Trades & Concurrent Advisory Firm Securities
Transactions & Conflicts of Interest
SAM does not maintain a firm proprietary trading account and does not have a material
financial interest in any securities being recommended and therefore no conflicts of interest
exist.
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES
Factors Used to Select Custodian/Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
SAM may recommend the use of a particular custodian or may utilize a custodian of the client's
choosing. SAM will select appropriate custodians based on a number of factors including but not
limited to their relatively low transaction fees and reporting ability. SAM relies on the
custodian/broker-dealer to provide its execution services at the best prices available. Lower fees
for comparable services may be available from other sources. Clients pay for any and all custodial
fees in addition to the advisory fee charged by SAM. SAM will only recommend custodian/Broker-
Dealers that are properly licensed, notice filed, or exempt in the states where SAM is recommending
them to clients.
SAM recommends SAM recommends Axos Clearing, LLC (CRD# 117176), Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc. Advisor Services, and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (CRD# 7784).
❖ Research and Other Soft Dollar Arrangements
While SAM has no formal soft dollar program in which soft dollars are used to pay for
third party services, SAM may receive research, products, or other services from
custodians and broker-dealers in connection with client securities transactions
(“additional benefits”). SAM may enter into soft-dollar arrangements consistent with (and
not outside of) the safe harbor contained in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended. There can be no assurance that any client will benefit from soft dollar
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research, whether or not the client’s transactions paid for it, and SAM does not seek to
allocate benefits to client accounts proportionate to any soft dollar credits generated by
the accounts. SAM benefits by not having to produce or pay for the research, products or
services, and SAM will have an incentive to recommend a broker-dealer based on receiving
research or services. Clients should be aware that SAM’s acceptance of additional
benefits may result in higher commissions charged to the client.
❖ Brokerage for Client Referrals
SAM receives no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that
broker-dealer or third party.
❖ Directed Brokerage
In circumstances where a client directs SAM to use a certain broker-dealer, SAM still
has a fiduciary duty to its clients. The following may apply with Directed Brokerage:
SAM's inability to negotiate commissions, to obtain volume discounts, there may be a
disparity in commission charges among clients, and conflicts of interest arising from
brokerage firm referrals.
❖ Best Execution
Investment advisors who manage or supervise client portfolios have a fiduciary
obligation of best execution. The determination of what may constitute best execution
and price in the execution of a securities transaction by a broker involves a number of
considerations and is subjective. Factors affecting brokerage selection include the
overall direct net economic result to the portfolios, the efficiency with which the
transaction is effected, the ability to effect the transaction where a large block is
involved, the operational facilities of the broker-dealer, the value of an ongoing
relationship with such broker and the financial strength and stability of the broker. The
firm does not receive any portion of the trading fees.
Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
SAM is authorized in its discretion to aggregate purchases and sales and other transactions made for
the account with purchases and sales and transactions in the same securities for other Clients of
SAM. If SAM buys or sells the same securities on behalf of more than one client, it might, but
would be under no obligation to, aggregate or bunch, to the extent permitted by applicable law
and regulations, the securities to be purchased or sold for multiple clients in order to seek more
favorable prices, lower brokerage commissions or more efficient execution. In such case, SAM
would place an aggregate order with the broker on behalf of all such clients in order to ensure
fairness for all clients; provided, however, that trades would be reviewed periodically to ensure
that accounts are not systematically disadvantaged by this policy. SAM would determine the
appropriate number of shares to place with brokers and will select the appropriate brokers
consistent with SAM’s duty to seek best execution, except for those accounts with specific
brokerage direction (if any). All clients participating in the aggregated order shall receive an
average share price with all other transaction costs shared on a pro-rated basis. When SAM does
not or cannot aggregate trades, clients may receive less favorable prices, pay higher brokerage
commissions, or experience less efficient trade execution.
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
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Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and Advisory Persons Involved
Account reviews are performed quarterly by the Chief Compliance Officer or the assigned
investment advisor representative. Account reviews are performed more frequently when market
conditions dictate. A review is done only upon request of client.
Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
Other conditions that may trigger a review of client’s accounts are changes in the tax laws, new
investment information, and changes in a client's own situation.
Content of Client Provided Reports and Frequency
Clients receive account statements no less than quarterly for managed accounts. Account
statements are issued by the Advisor’s custodian. Client receives confirmations of each
transaction in account from Custodian and an additional statement during any month in which a
transaction occurs.
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND
OTHER COMPENSATION
Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources and Conflicts of Interest
SAM receives a portion of the annual management fees collected by the Third-Party Money
Managers to whom SAM refers clients. This situation creates a conflict of interest because SAM
and/or its Investment Advisor Representative have an incentive to decide what Third-Party
Money Managers to use because of the higher solicitor fees to be received by SAM. However, when
referring clients to a third-party money manager, the client’s best interest will be the main
determining factor of SAM’s recommendation.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services provides SAM with access to Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc. Advisor Services’ institutional trading and custody services, which are typically not available
to Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services retail investors. These services generally are
available to independent investment advisers on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so long
as a total of at least $10 million of the adviser’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services includes
brokerage services that are related to the execution of securities transactions, custody, research,
including that in the form of advice, analyses and reports, and access to mutual funds and other
investments that are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require
a significantly higher minimum initial investment. For SAM client accounts maintained in its
custody, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services generally does not charge separately for
custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions or other
transaction-related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services or that settle into Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services
accounts.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services also makes available to SAM other products and
services that benefit SAM but may not benefit its clients’ accounts. These benefits may include
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national, regional or SAM specific educational events organized and/or sponsored by Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services. Other potential benefits may include occasional business
entertainment of personnel of SAM by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services personnel,
including meals, invitations to sporting events, including golf tournaments, and other forms of
entertainment, some of which may accompany educational opportunities. Other of these products
and services assist SAM in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These include software
and other technology (and related technological training) that provide access to client account
data (such as trade confirmations and account statements), facilitate trade execution (and
allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts, if applicable), provide research,
pricing information and other market data, facilitate payment of SAM’s fees from its clients’
accounts (if applicable), and assist with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping
and client reporting. Many of these services generally may be used to service all or some
substantial number of SAM’s accounts. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services also makes
available to SAM other services intended to help SAM manage and further develop its business
enterprise. These services may include professional compliance, legal and business consulting,
publications and conferences on practice management, information technology, business
succession, regulatory compliance, employee benefits providers, and human capital consultants,
insurance and marketing. In addition, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services may make
available, arrange and/or pay vendors for these types of services rendered to SAM by independent
third parties. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services may discount or waive fees it would
otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees of a third-party
providing these services to SAM. SAM is independently owned and operated and not affiliated
with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Advisor Services.
Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
SAM does not compensate non-advisory personnel (solicitors/promoters) for client referrals.
ITEM 15: CUSTODY
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians, which means the custodians provide account
statements directly to clients at their address of record at least quarterly. Clients are urged to
compare the account statements received directly from their custodians to the performance
report statements prepared by SAM. SAM does not have physical custody of client funds or
securities, but is deemed to have indirect custody solely because advisory fees are directly
deducted from client’s accounts by the custodian on behalf of SAM. Please see Item 5 above.
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Discretionary Authority for Trading
SAM requires discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients. SAM has
the authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, the securities to be bought
or sold, and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold. SAM will also have discretionary
authority to choose the broker-dealer used when trading fixed income securities. Clients will
execute a limited power of attorney to evidence discretionary authority. The client approves the
custodian to be used and the commission rates paid to the custodian. SAM does not receive any
portion of the transaction fees or commissions paid by the client to the custodian on certain
trades. In some instances, SAM’s discretionary authority in making these determinations may be
limited by conditions imposed by a client (in investment guidelines or objectives, or client
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instructions otherwise provided to SAM).
ITEM 17: VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Proxy Votes
SAM does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own proxies. The client
will receive their proxies directly from the custodian of their account or from a transfer agent.
When assistance on voting proxies is requested, SAM will provide recommendations to the client.
If a conflict of interest exists, it will be disclosed to the client.
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Balance Sheet
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because SAM does not serve as a custodian for
client funds or securities and SAM does not require prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per
client and six months or more in advance.
Financial Conditions
Neither SAM nor its management has any financial condition that is likely to reasonably impair
SAM’s ability to meet contractual commitments to clients.
Bankruptcy
Neither SAM nor its management has had any bankruptcy petitions in the last ten years.
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