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Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 1
Cover Page
The Wealth Group, LTD, DBA:
14850 Scenic Heights Road, Suite 100
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Tel: (952) 937-9423
Fax: (952) 937-9431
January 14, 2026
FORM ADV PART 2
FIRM BROCHURE
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of The Wealth
Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates. If you have any questions about the contents of this
brochure, please contact us at (952) 937-9423. 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 The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates is also available
on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The searchable IARD/CRD number for The
Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates is 311385.
The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates is a Registered Investment Adviser.
Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities
authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
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Form 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. Each year, we will ensure that
you receive a summary of any material changes to this and subsequent brochures by April 30th.
We will further provide you with our most recent brochure at any time at your request, without
charge. You may request a brochure by contacting us at (952) 937-9423.
Material Changes since the Last Update
The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates was established as a new Registered
Investment Advisor in January 2021 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”),
under the rules and regulations of the US Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Advisers Act"). The following material changes have occurred since the last filing on January
21, 2025:
• None.
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Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 3
Table of Contents
Advisory Business…………………………………………………………… 4
Fees and Compensation…………………………………………………….. 5
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management……………. 7
Types of Clients………………………………………………………………. 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss……… 8
Disciplinary Information…………………………………………………….. 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations……………………. 10
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading……………………………………………………………… 11
Brokerage Practices………………………………………………………….. 12
Review of Accounts………………………………………………………….. 13
Client Referrals and Other Compensation……………………………….. 13
Custody………………………………………………………………………… 14
Investment Discretion……………………………………………………….. 15
Voting Client Securities……………………………………………………… 15
Financial Information………………………………………………………… 15
Requirements for State-Registered Advisers…………………………… 16
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Form ADV Part 2A, Item 4
Advisory Business
The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates (hereinafter called “TWG”) is a Registered
Investment Adviser based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and incorporated under the laws of the
State of Minnesota. TWG is owned by Austin B. Colby. TWG is registered with the SEC and
subject to the rules and regulations of the US Advisers Act. Founded in January 2021, TWG
provides investment advisory services, which may include, but are not limited to, the review of
client investment objectives and goals, recommending asset allocation strategies of managed
assets among investment products such as cash, stocks, mutual funds and bonds, annuities,
and/or preparing written investment strategies. Our investment advice is tailored to meet our
clients’ needs and investment objectives. Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain
securities or types of securities (such as a product type, specific companies, specific sectors, etc.)
by providing a signed and dated written notification, of which an e-mail is also an acceptable
form of notification. TWG also provides financial planning consulting services including, but
not limited to, risk assessment/management, investment planning, estate planning, financial
organization, or financial decision making/negotiation and retirement planning.
TWG provides investment advisory and other financial services through its Investment Advisory
Representatives ("IAR") to accounts opened with TWG. Managed Accounts are available to
individuals and high net worth individuals.
TWG provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services to some of its
clients through various managed account programs. TWG will assist clients in determining the
suitability of the Managed Account Programs for the client. The IAR is compensated through a
comprehensive single fee and the account may be assessed other charges associated with
conducting a brokerage business. TWG and its IAR, as appropriate, will be responsible for the
following:
• Performing due diligence
• Recommending strategic asset and style allocations
• Providing research on investment product options, as needed
• Providing client risk profile questionnaire
• Obtaining investment advisory contract from client with required financial, risk tolerance,
suitability and investment vehicle selection information for each new account
• Performing client suitability check on account documentation, review the investment
objectives and evaluate the investment vehicle selections
• Providing Firm Brochure (this document)
Held Away Accounts
We may use a third-party platform (“Pontera,” formerly known as “FeeX”) to facilitate
discretionary management of held away assets such as defined contribution plan participant
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accounts. The platform will allow us to avoid being considered as having custody of Client funds
since we would not have direct access to Client log-in credentials to affect trades. We are not
affiliated with the platform in any way and receive no compensation from Pontera for using their
platform. A link will be provided to the Client allowing them to connect an account(s) to the
platform. Once Client account(s) is connected to the platform, Adviser will review the current
account allocations. When deemed necessary, Adviser will rebalance the account considering
client investment goals and risk tolerance, and any change in allocations will consider current
economic and market trends. The goal is to improve account performance over time and manage
internal fees that harm account performance. Client account(s) will be reviewed at least quarterly,
and allocation changes will be made as deemed necessary
TWG may recommend a Wrap Fee Program for the client’s account(s). A “wrap fee program”
for purposes of the SEC is a program under which investment advisory and brokerage execution
services are provided for a single “wrapped” fee that is not based on the transactions in a client
account. Clients with Wrap Fee Program accounts will be provided with TWG’s Wrap Fee
Brochure.
As of December 31, 2025, the firm has total client assets under management in the amount of
$711,016,621; that includes $707,397,181 in discretionary assets and $3,619,440 in non-
discretionary assets.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 5
Fees and Compensation
The following types of fees will be assessed:
Asset Management – Fees are charged quarterly in advance and are based primarily on asset
size and the level of complexity of the services provided. In individual cases, TWG has the sole
discretion to negotiate fees that are lower than the standard fee shown or to waive fees. Fees are
not based on the share of capital gains or capital appreciation of the funds or any portion of the
funds. Comparable services for lower fees may be available from other sources. Fees for the
initial quarter will be prorated based upon the number of calendar days in the calendar quarter
that the advisory agreement is in effect. Fees are based on the market value of the assets on the
last business day of the previous quarter. Annual fees range from .25% - 1.00%, depending on
the amount of assets under management (“AUM”) – See chart below. Consulting services are
included in these fees for asset management services with the exception of unique circumstances
that may require a separate agreement for financial planning services (description and fees are
discussed below). If the situation warrants separate financial planning fees, it will be discussed
upfront and a separate agreement will be negotiated.
Fee Schedule for Asset Management:
Maximum Annual Advisory Fee
Total Account Value
First $2,000,000 1.00%
Next $2,000,000 0.75%
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Next $6,000,000 0.50%
Over $10,000,000 0.25%
*Any household total portfolio that is <$1,000,000 can be charged up to 1.95%
As authorized in the client agreement, the account custodian withdraws The Wealth Group –
Austin B. Colby & Associates’ advisory fees directly from the clients’ accounts according to the
custodian’s policies, practices, and procedures. The custodial statement includes the amount of
any fees paid to TWG for advisory services. You should carefully review the statement from
your custodian/broker-dealer’s statement and verify the calculation of fees. Your
custodian/broker-dealer does not verify the accuracy of fee calculations.
Fees are charged in advance on a quarterly basis, meaning that advisory fees for a quarter are
charged on the first day of the quarter. Clients may terminate investment advisory services
obtained from TWG, without penalty, upon written notice within five (5) business days after
entering into the advisory agreement with TWG. The client is responsible for any fees and
charges incurred by the client from third parties as a result of maintaining the account such as
transaction fees for any securities transactions executed and account maintenance or custodial
fees. Thereafter, the client may terminate advisory services upon written notice delivered to and
received by TWG. Clients who terminate investment advisory services during a quarter are
charged a prorated advisory fee based on the date of TWG’s receipt of client’s written notice to
terminate. Any earned but unpaid fees are immediately due and payable, and any prepaid and
unearned fees will be immediately refunded.
Financial Planning – Financial planning services are charged in advance through a fixed fee
arrangement as agreed upon between the client and The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby &
Associates. There will never be an instance where $1,200 or more in fees is charged six or more
months in advance. Fixed fees are generally quoted to the client for longer term consulting
projects. Fees are negotiable and vary depending upon the complexity of the client situation and
services to be provided. Similar financial planning services may be available elsewhere for a
lower cost to the client. Fixed fees for longer-term consulting projects range from $250 to
$2,500 per project. An estimate for total charges is determined at the start of the advisory
relationship.
Typically, clients will be invoiced quarterly for all time spent by TWG as agreed upon by client
or upon completion of the services if less than a quarter. Clients who wish to terminate the
planning process prior to completion may do so with written notice. The client may obtain a
refund of a pre-paid fee if the advisory contract is terminated before the end of the billing period
by contacting Adam Colby at (952) 937-9423. Upon receipt of written notification, any earned
fee will immediately become due and payable, and any prepaid and unearned fees will be
immediately refunded. A client may terminate an advisory agreement without being assessed
any fees or expenses within five (5) days of its signing.
Additional Fees and Expenses
In addition to advisory fees paid to TWG as explained above, clients may pay custodial service,
account maintenance, transaction, and other fees associated with maintaining the account. These
fees vary by broker and/or custodian. Clients should ask TWG for details on transaction fees or
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other custodial fees specific to their account, as these fees are not included in the annual advisory
fee. TWG does not share any portion of such fees. Additionally, for any mutual funds
purchased, the client may pay their proportionate share of the funds’ distribution, internal
management, investment advisory and administrative fees. Such fees are not shared with TWG
and are compensation to the fund manager. Clients are urged to read the mutual fund prospectus
prior to investing.
Mutual fund companies impose internal fees and expenses on clients. These fees are in addition
to the costs associated with the investment advisory services as described above. Complete
details of such internal expenses are specified and disclosed in each mutual fund company’s
prospectus. Clients are strongly advised to review the prospectus(es) prior to investing in such
securities.
Mutual funds purchased or sold in broker-dealer accounts may generate transaction fees that
would not exist if the purchase or sale were made directly with the mutual fund company.
Mutual funds held in broker-dealer accounts also charge management fees. These mutual fund
management fees may be more or less than the mutual fund management fees charged if the
client held the mutual fund directly with the mutual fund company.
Clients may purchase shares of mutual funds directly from the mutual fund issuer, its principal
underwriter, or a distributor without purchasing the services of TWG or paying the advisory fee
on such shares (but subject to any applicable sales charges). Certain mutual funds are offered to
the public without a sales charge. In the case of mutual funds offered with a sales charge, the
prevailing sales charge (as described in the mutual fund prospectus) may be more or less than the
applicable advisory fee. However, clients would not receive TWG’s assistance in developing an
investment strategy, selecting securities, monitoring performance of the account, and making
changes as necessary.
Please refer to Item 12 “Brokerage Practices” of this brochure for additional information.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates does not charge performance-based fees or
participate in side-by-side management. Side-by-side management refers to the practice of
managing accounts that are charged performance-based fees while at the same time managing
accounts that are not charged performance-based fees. Performance-based fees are fees that are
based on a share of capital gains or appreciation of the assets of a client. Our fees are calculated
as described in Fees and Compensation section above, and are not charged on the basis of
performance of your advisory account.
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Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 7
Types of Clients
TWG offers investment advisory services to individuals and high net worth individuals. There is
no minimum account size to open and maintain an advisory account.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
TWG’s methods of analysis and investment strategies incorporate the client’s needs and
investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. TWG is not bound to a specific
investment strategy for the management of investment portfolios, but rather consider the risk
tolerance levels pre-determined gathered at the account opening, as well as on an on-going basis.
Examples of methodologies that our investment strategies may incorporate include:
Asset Allocation – Asset Allocation is a broad term used to define the process of selecting a mix
of asset classes and the efficient allocation of capital to those assets by matching rates of return
to a specified and quantifiable tolerance for risk.
Dollar-Cost Averaging – Dollar-cost averaging is the technique of buying a fixed dollar amount
of securities at regularly scheduled intervals, regardless of the price per share. This will
gradually, over time, decrease the average share price of the security. Dollar-cost averaging
lessens the risk of investing a large amount in a single investment at the wrong time.
Technical Analysis – involves studying past price patterns and trends in the financial markets to
predict the direction of both the overall market and specific stocks.
Long-Term Purchases – securities purchased with the expectation that the value of those
securities will grow over a relatively long period of time, generally greater than one year.
Short-Term Purchases – securities purchased with the expectation that they will be sold within a
relatively short period of time, generally less than one year, to take advantage of the securities’
short term price fluctuations.
Our strategies and investments may have unique and significant tax implications. Regardless of
your account size or other factors, we strongly recommend that you continuously consult with a
tax professional prior to and throughout the investing of your assets.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. Although we
manage your portfolio with strategies and in a manner consistent with your risk tolerances, there
can be no guarantee that our efforts will be successful. You should be prepared to bear the risk
of loss.
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All investments involve the risk of loss, including (among other things) loss of principal, a
reduction in earnings (including interest, dividends, and other distributions), and the loss of
future earnings. These risks include market risk, interest rate risk, issuer risk, and general
economic risk. Regardless of the methods of analysis or strategies suggested for your particular
investment goals, you should carefully consider these risks, as they all bear risks.
TWG’s primary goal for investing is to help the client maintain purchasing power over the long
term. This may result in short term variability and loss of principal. Time horizon and risk
tolerance are key determinates of the proper asset allocation. TWG’s approach focuses on taking
appropriate risks for which clients are compensated (i.e. market risk) and seeking to limit or
eliminate risks that do not provide compensation over the long term (i.e. individual stock risk or
lack of portfolio risk).
Below are some more specific risks of investing:
Market Risk. The prices of securities in which clients invest may decline in response to certain
events taking place around the world, including those directly involving the companies whose
securities are owned by the client or an underlying fund; conditions affecting the general
economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic
instability; and currency, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. Investors should have a
long-term perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in market value.
Management Risk. TWG’s investment approach may fail to produce the intended results. If our
perception of the performance of a specific asset class or underlying fund is not realized in the
expected time frame, the overall performance of client’s portfolio may suffer.
Equity Risk. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices. The value
of an individual mutual fund or ETF can be more volatile than the market as a whole. This
volatility affects the value of the client’s overall portfolio. Small- and mid-cap companies are
subject to additional risks. Smaller companies may experience greater volatility, higher failure
rates, more limited markets, product lines, financial resources, and less management experience
than larger companies. Smaller companies may also have a lower trading volume, which may
disproportionately affect their market price, tending to make them fall more in response to
selling pressure than is the case with larger companies.
Fixed Income Risk. The issuer of a fixed income security may not be able to make interest and
principal payments when due. Generally, the lower the credit rating of a security, the greater the
risk that the issuer will default on its obligation. If a rating agency gives a debt security a lower
rating, the value of the debt security will decline because investors will demand a higher rate of
return. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities is likely to decrease. A
nominal interest rate is the sum of a real interest rate and an expected inflation rate.
Municipal Securities Risk. The value of municipal obligations can fluctuate over time, and may
be affected by adverse political, legislative and tax changes, as well as by financial developments
that affect the municipal issuers. Because many municipal obligations are issued to finance
similar projects by municipalities (e.g., housing, healthcare, water and sewer projects, etc.),
conditions in the sector related to the project can affect the overall municipal market. Payment
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of municipal obligations may depend on an issuer’s general unrestricted revenues, revenue
generated by a specific project, the operator of the project, or government appropriation or aid.
There is a greater risk if investors can look only to the revenue generated by the project. In
addition, municipal bonds generally are traded in the “over-the-counter” market among dealers
and other large institutional investors. From time to time, liquidity in the municipal bond market
(the ability to buy and sell bonds readily) may be reduced in response to overall economic
conditions and credit tightening.
Investment Companies Risk. When a client invests in open end mutual funds or ETFs, the
client indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those
funds. Therefore, the client will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In
addition, the client’s overall portfolio may be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the
level of risk arising from the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of
derivatives). ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a
market price that is above or below their net asset value; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment
strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the
listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the
exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases
in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. TWG has no control over the risks taken by the
underlying funds.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Risk. Certain service providers utilized by the
Firm to service client accounts have artificial intelligence components. The use of artificial
intelligence and machine learning includes increased risk of data inaccuracies and security
vulnerabilities. Due to the rapid advancement of machine learning technologies, future risks
related to artificial intelligence are unpredictable. As a measure to mitigate these risks to our
clients, the Firm performs periodic due diligence of our service providers for assurance that the
service providers have appropriate controls in place to protect our clients’ information and to
limit data inaccuracies when artificial intelligence is used by the service provider.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 9
Disciplinary Information
The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates or its Principal Executive Officers have not
had any reportable disclosable events in the past ten years.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Austin B. Colby, owner of TWG, is not currently registered with any broker dealer.
Neither TWG nor its representatives are registered as a Futures Commission Merchant,
Commodity Pool Operator, or a Commodity Trading Advisor.
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Austin B. Colby and other representatives of the firm are also licensed insurance agents. From
time to time, they will offer clients advice or products from those activities. Clients should be
aware that these services pay a commission and involve a possible conflict of interest, as
commissionable products can conflict with the fiduciary duties of registered investment advisers.
TWG always acts in the best interest of the client; including the sale of commissionable products
to advisory clients. Clients are in no way required to implement the plan through any
representative of TWG in their capacity as an insurance agent. Not more than 30% of Austin B.
Colby’s time is spent on this activity.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
TWG’s Code of Ethics includes guidelines for professional standards of conduct for our
Associated Persons. Our goal is to protect client interests at all times and to demonstrate our
commitment to fiduciary duties of honesty, good faith, and fair dealing. All of TWG’s
Associated Persons are expected to strictly adhere to these guidelines. Persons associated with
The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates are also required to report any violations to
the Code of Ethics. Additionally, the firm maintains and enforces written policies reasonably
designed to prevent the misuse or dissemination of material, non-public information about our
clients or client accounts by persons associated with our firm.
TWG and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients. It is the expressed
policy of the advisor that no person employed by our firm purchase or sell any security prior to the
transaction being implemented for an advisory account; therefore, preventing such employees
from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of the advisory clients.
The advisor does not have, nor plans to have, an interest or position in a security which is then also
recommended to the client. As these situations may present a conflict of interest, the advisor has
established the following restrictions in order to ensure its fiduciary responsibilities should this
issue ever arise:
1. A director, officer or employee of the advisor shall not buy or sell a security for their
personal portfolio(s) where their decision is substantially derived, in whole or part, by
reason of his or her employment, unless the information is also available to the investing
public. No owner/employee of TWG shall prefer their own interest to that of the client.
2. The advisor maintains a list of all securities held by the company and all directors, officers,
and employees. These holdings are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the principal of the
firm.
3. The advisor requires that all employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal
and State regulations governing registered investment advisors.
4. The advisor may block personal trades with those of clients but will ensure that clients are
not at a disadvantage.
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TWG’s Code of Ethics is available to you upon request. You may obtain a copy of our Code of
Ethics by contacting Adam Colby at (952) 937-9423.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 12
Brokerage Practices
In order for TWG to provide asset management services, we request you utilize the brokerage
and custodial services of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (“Raymond James”), for which we have
an existing relationship. TWG and Raymond James are not affiliated companies. In considering
which independent qualified custodian will be the best fit for TWG’s business model, we are
evaluating the following factors, which is not an all-inclusive list:
Financial strength
Reputation
Reporting capabilities
Execution capabilities
Pricing, and
Types and quality of research
While you are free to choose any broker-dealer or other service provider, we recommend that
you establish an account with a brokerage firm with which we have an existing relationship.
Such relationships may include benefits provided to our firm, including, but not limited to
research, market information, and administrative services that help our firm manage your
account(s). We believe that recommended broker-dealers provide quality execution services for
our clients at competitive prices. Price is not the sole factor we consider in evaluating best
execution. We also consider the quality of the brokerage services provided by the recommended
broker-dealers, including the value of research provided, the firm’s reputation, execution
capabilities, commission rates, and responsiveness to our clients and our firm.
You may direct us in writing to use a particular broker-dealer to execute some or all of the
transactions for your account. If you do so, you are responsible for negotiating the terms and
arrangements for the account with that broker-dealer. We may not be able to negotiate
commissions, obtain volume discounts, or best execution. In addition, under these circumstances
a difference in commission charges may exist between the commissions charged to clients who
direct us to use a particular broker or dealer and other clients who do not direct us to use a
particular broker or dealer.
TWG does not receive client referrals from broker-dealers in exchange for cash or other
compensation, such as brokerage services or research.
TWG does not have any formal soft dollar arrangements.
When TWG buys or sells the same security for two or more clients (including our personal
accounts), we may place concurrent orders to be executed together as a single “block” in order to
facilitate orderly and efficient execution. Each client account will be charged or credited with
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the average price per unit. We receive no additional compensation or remuneration of any kind
because we aggregate client transactions. No client is favored over any other client. If an order
is not completely filled, it is allocated pro-rata based on an allocation statement prepared by
TWG prior to placing the order. Because of an order’s aggregation, some clients may pay higher
transaction costs, or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices on transactions than
would otherwise be the case if the order had not been aggregated.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 13
Review of Accounts
Client accounts are reviewed at least semi-annually by Adam Colby, Chief Compliance Officer
of the firm. Adam Colby, the advisor, or support advisor reviews clients’ accounts with regards
to their investment policies and risk tolerance levels. All accounts at TWG are assigned to Adam
Colby, an advisor, or a support advisor.
All financial planning accounts are reviewed upon financial plan creation and plan delivery by
Adam Colby, Chief Compliance Officer, the advisor, or support advisor. There is only one level
of review and that is the total review conducted to create the financial plan.
Reviews may be triggered by material market, economic or political events, or by changes in
client's financial situations (such as retirement, termination of employment, physical move, or
inheritance).
Each client will receive at least quarterly a written report that details the clients’ account which
may come from the custodian. Clients are encouraged to review these statements to verify
accuracy and calculation correctness.
If clients select a one-time financial plan concerning their financial situation, they will receive
the presentation of the plan. After this initial delivery, there are no further reports. Clients may
request additional plans or reports for a fee.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
TWG advertises their investment advisory services on the website of The Lampo Group, LLC
d/b/a Ramsey Solutions™ (“RS”), which operates a program known as SmartVestor™. As the
Securities and Exchange Commission deems RS to be a third-party promoter within the meaning
of Rule 206(4)-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, TWG makes the following
disclosure: SmartVestor™ is an advertising service for investing professionals. When a
consumer provides contact information through the SmartVestor™ website, the program
introduces the consumer to up to five (5) investing professionals (“Pros”) in their geographic
area. It is up to the consumer to interview the Pros and decide whether to directly retain them. As
a SmartVestor™ Pro, TWG pays RS a flat monthly membership and advertising fee to advertise
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their services in the SmartVestor™ Program. In return, TWG receives contact information for
prospective investment advisory clients. Consumers entering a zip code corresponding to TWG’s
advertising markets can view their profile, and other Pros in the same markets, on the
SmartVestor™ website. The advertising fee is based upon criteria including market size (small,
medium, large or premium) and historic volume of web traffic to RS’s SmartVestor™ website.
The fees paid by TWG are irrespective of whether someone becomes a client, and the fees are
not passed on to the client. The fees paid are not based upon the number of leads, contacts, or
referrals which TWG may receive from RS or the SmartVestor™ website. TWG do not pay to or
share with RS or SmartVestor™ any portion of the investment advisory fees a client is charged.
Neither RS nor its affiliates are engaged in providing investment advice. RS does not receive,
control, access or monitor client funds, accounts, or portfolios of TWG. Any services rendered
by TWG are solely their services and not those of RS or SmartVestor™.
TWG may enter into solicitation agreements pursuant to which it compensates third-party
intermediaries for client referrals that result in the provision of investment advisory services
by TWG. TWG will disclose these solicitation arrangements to affected investors, and any
cash solicitation agreements will comply with Rule 206(4)-3 under the Advisers Act.
Promotors introducing clients to TWG may receive compensation from TWG, such as a
retainer, a flat fee per referral and/or a percentage of introduced capital. Such compensation
will be paid pursuant to a written agreement with the promotor and generally may be
terminated by either party from time to time. The cost of any such fees will be borne entirely
by TWG and not by any affected client.
TWG does not receive compensation for referring clients to other professional service providers.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 15
Custody
TWG does not have physical custody of any client funds and/or securities, and does not take
custody of client accounts at any time. Client funds and securities will be held with a bank,
broker dealer, or other independent qualified custodian. However, by granting TWG written
authorization to automatically deduct fees from client accounts, TWG is deemed to have limited
custody. You will receive account statements from the independent, qualified custodian holding
your funds at least quarterly. The account statement from your custodian will indicate the
amount of advisory fees deducted from your account(s) each billing cycle. Clients should
carefully review statements received from the custodian.
Standing Letters of Authorization. Some clients may execute limited powers of attorney or
other standing letters of authorization that permit the firm to transfer money from their account
with the client’s independent qualified Custodian to third-parties. This authorization to direct the
Custodian may be deemed to cause our firm to exercise limited custody over your funds or
securities and for regulatory reporting purposes, we are required to keep track of the number of
clients and accounts for which we may have this ability. We do not have physical custody of any
of your funds and/or securities. Your funds and securities will be held with a bank, broker-dealer,
or other independent, qualified custodian. You will receive account statements from the
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independent, qualified custodian(s) holding your funds and securities at least quarterly. The
account statements from your custodian(s) will indicate any transfers that may have taken place
within your account(s) each billing period. You should carefully review account statements for
accuracy.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 16
Investment Discretion
Before TWG can buy or sell securities on your behalf, you must first sign our discretionary
management agreement, a limited power of attorney, and/or trading authorization forms. By
choosing to do so, you may grant the firm discretion over the selection and amount of securities
to be purchased or sold for your account(s) without obtaining your consent or approval prior to
each transaction. Clients may impose limitations on discretionary authority for investing in
certain securities or types of securities (such as a product type, specific companies, specific
sectors, etc.), as well as other limitations as expressed by the client. Limitations on discretionary
authority are required to be provided to the IAR in writing. Please refer to the “Advisory
Business” section of this Brochure for more information on our discretionary management
services.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 17
Voting Client Securities
We do not vote proxies on behalf of your advisory accounts. At your request, we may offer you
advice regarding corporate actions and the exercise of your proxy voting rights. If you own
shares of common stock or mutual funds, you are responsible for exercising your right to vote as
a shareholder.
In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in
the event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them
directly to you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in
which case, we would forward any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.
Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 18
Financial Information
TWG is not required to provide financial information to our clients because we do not require or
solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 six or more months in advance.
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Form ADV, Part 2A, Item 19
Requirements for State-Registered Advisers
This section is not applicable as TWG is SEC registered and not state registered.
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