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ITEM 1 - COVER PAGE
ADV PART 2A
BROCHURE
UPTICK PARTNERS, LLC
777 EAST AUSTIN
NACOGDOCHES, TX 75965
P: (936) 800-0800
W: WWW.UPTICKPARTNERS.COM
July 21, 2025
This brochure provides information about Uptick Partners, LLC's (“Uptick”) business practices and qualifications.
If you have any questions about this brochure's contents, please contact us at (936) 800-0800. The information
in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) or any state securities authority. Uptick is a Registered Investment Adviser (“RIA”). Registration as an
Investment Adviser with the SEC or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about Uptick is available on the Securities Exchange Commission website at
http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/. You can search this site by a unique identifying number called an IARD
number. The IARD number for Uptick is #324250.
ITEM 2 - MATERIAL CHANGES
SUMMARY OF MATERIAL CHANGES
Under federal and state law, fiduciaries must make full disclosure to Clients of all material facts relating to the
advisory relationship. This brochure provides Clients or prospective Clients with information and conflicts of
interest about Uptick Partners, LLC, (“Uptick”) that should be considered before or when obtaining our
investment advisory services. We are required to update this item to describe the material changes made to
this brochure on an annual basis and deliver to you, within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year, a free updated
brochure that includes or is accompanied by a summary of material changes; or a summary of material changes
and an offer to provide an updated brochure and how to obtain it. We will also provide interim disclosures
regarding material changes, as necessary.
Since our last annual amendment on March 28, 2024, this brochure has been amended as follows:
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Item 4 – removed Uptick NexGen Program Services.
Item 5 – removed Uptick NexGen Program Fee.
Item 5 – updated language to define hourly fee in Financial Planning and Investment Consulting &
Business Exit Consulting Services.
Item 7 – the firm no longer charges a minimum annual fee for investment advisory services
Item 12 – added Raymond James as a Custodian.
Item 14 – added Educational and Client Event Sponsorship
This brochure may be updated periodically for non-material changes to clarify and provide additional
information.
QUESTIONS & CONCERNS
We encourage you to read this document in its entirety. Our Chief Compliance Officer, Jason Barber, remains
available to address any questions or concerns regarding this Part 2A Brochure, including any material change
disclosure or information described below.
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ADV PART 2A.V7.2025
PAGE 2
ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 1 - COVER PAGE ___________________________________________________________________________ 1
ITEM 2 - MATERIAL CHANGES ____________________________________________________________________ 2
ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS ___________________________________________________________________ 3
ITEM 4 - ADVISORY BUSINESS ____________________________________________________________________ 4
ITEM 5 - FEES AND COMPENSATION ____________________________________________________________ 10
ITEM 6 - PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES & SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT _____________________________ 13
ITEM 7 - TYPES OF CLIENTS _____________________________________________________________________ 13
ITEM 8 - METHODS OF ANALYSIS, STRATEGIES, & RISK OF LOSS ___________________________________ 14
ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION ___________________________________________________________ 22
ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS _______________________________ 22
ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION & INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS, & PERSONAL
TRADING ______________________________________________________________________________________ 23
ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES _______________________________________________________________ 24
ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS _______________________________________________________________ 27
ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS & OTHER COMPENSATION _________________________________________ 28
ITEM 15 - CUSTODY ____________________________________________________________________________ 29
ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION _____________________________________________________________ 30
ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ___________________________________________________________ 31
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ____________________________________________________________ 31
UPTICK PARTNERS, LLC
ADV PART 2A.V7.2025
PAGE 3
ITEM 4 - ADVISORY BUSINESS
ABOUT OUR FIRM
Uptick Partners, LLC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an investment
adviser, with its principal business location in Texas. Our Firm currently has two office locations in Nacogdoches,
TX. Our Firm registered with the SEC as an investment adviser in December 2022.
Uptick Partners, LLC, principal owners are EagleStorm Inc., Pankratz Partners Inc., and Barber Family Ventures,
Inc. Jason M. Barber is the owner of EagleStorm, Inc. Taylor P. Pankratz is the owner of Pankratz Partners, Inc.
Steven W. Barber owns Barber Family Ventures, Inc.
This brochure is designed to provide detailed and precise information about each item noted in the table of
contents. Certain disclosures are repeated in one or more items; others are referred to throughout to be as
comprehensive as possible on the broad subject matters discussed.
Within this brochure, specific terms in either are used as follows:
•
“Uptick” refers to Uptick Partners, LLC.
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“Firm,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Uptick Partners, LLC.
•
“Advisor,” “Investment Advisor Representative,” and “IAR” refer to our professional representatives
who provide investment recommendations or advice on behalf of Uptick Partners, LLC.
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“You,” “yours,” and “Client” refer to Clients of Uptick Partners, LLC, and its advisors.
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“Code” refers to our Firm’s Code of Ethics.
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“CCO” refers to our Chief Compliance Officer.
ADVISORY SERVICES WE OFFER
Uptick offers various advisory services, including discretionary and non-discretionary investment management,
business planning, cash flow forecasting, financial planning, trust and estate planning, family office and
investment consulting, independent third-party money management, and retirement planning services.
While each of these services is available on a stand-alone basis, certain services can also be rendered in
conjunction with investment portfolio management as part of a comprehensive wealth management
engagement (described in more detail below). In addition, tax preparation and other accounting services can
be provided directly through the Firm or an affiliate. Before rendering any preceding advisory services, Clients
must enter into one or more written Investment Advisory Agreements (“Agreements”), setting forth the relevant
terms and conditions of the advisory relationship.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
We provide investment management and advisory services to multi-generational families using separately
managed accounts under a custodial relationship with an independent brokerage firm. We offer services to
individuals, high net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, and other business
entities, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans.
We engage with Clients on an initial and ongoing basis to assess key factors relevant to managing their
portfolios, including risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity constraints, and overall investment objectives.
Depending on the Client’s needs, we provide both discretionary and non-discretionary investment
management.
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To further refine our understanding of a Client’s risk tolerance, we utilize third-party tools designed to assess
and quantify investment risk preferences. These tools serve two primary purposes: (1) evaluating an investor’s
risk profile and (2) aligning portfolio recommendations with the Client’s stated risk tolerance.
The risk assessment process follows a structured methodology that assigns a numerical risk score based on the
Client’s preferences. These tools analyze historical data and statistical models to illustrate expected returns,
potential volatility, and investment variance. The resulting insights help ensure that our portfolio
recommendations are tailored to each Client’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.
With our discretionary relationship, we will change and rebalance the portfolio as appropriate to help meet
your financial objectives. We trade Client portfolios based on our Firm’s market views and the Client’s financial
goals.
With our non-discretionary relationship, we will provide recommendations to help meet your financial
objectives, but we must obtain your approval before making any transactions in your account.
We primarily allocate Client assets among cash, various mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”),
individual debt and equity securities, certificates of deposits, non-liquid alternative investments (including real
estate syndicates), private equity funds, insurance products such as annuities, and independent investment
managers (“Independent Managers”) in accordance with their stated investment objectives. A portion of the
account may be held in cash, cash equivalents, or money market funds as part of the overall investment strategy.
Cash balances may have a higher concentration and represent a significant portion of your overall portfolio,
depending on the current investment outlook or strategy. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on
investing in specific securities by notifying Uptick through written notification.
Uptick makes available to clients the Keep by StoneCastle cash management program (“Keep”) offered by
StoneCastle Network, LLC (“StoneCastle”), an affiliate of StoneCastle Cash Management, LLC. The Keep
Program allows customers to deposit funds in accounts at banks, savings institutions, and credit unions
(collectively, “Insured Depositories”) in a manner that maintains full insurance of the funds by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”), whichever is
applicable. Funds will be deposited within StoneCastle’s network of Insured Depositories (“Deposit Network”).
Uptick will assist clients in signing up for this program and facilitating the transfer of funds between the client’s
like-titled brokerage accounts and the Keep account.
Where deemed appropriate, we may recommend that our Clients invest in structured notes or other alternative
investments. While structured notes may have limited liquidity compared to traditional securities, they often
have a secondary market, though pricing and availability can vary. Although the Investment Advisory
Agreement with our Clients grants us broad investment authority, we do not anticipate investing in additional
asset classes unless they align with the unique needs of our Clients. A Client’s investment allocation and our
strategy will be based on their responses in review meetings, written questionnaires, stated goals, risk tolerance,
objectives, and personal preference for Impact Investing.
We may recommend that certain Clients utilize margin in the Client’s investment portfolio or other borrowing.
Uptick only recommends borrowing for non-investment needs, such as bridge loans and other financing needs.
The Firm’s fees are determined based on the value of the assets being managed gross of any margin or
borrowing.
Our Firm also provides advice about any type of legacy positions or other investments held in Client portfolios;
however, Clients should not assume that these assets are being continuously monitored or otherwise advised
on by the Firm unless expressly agreed upon.
Clients are advised to promptly notify Uptick if there are changes in their financial situation or if they wish to
place any limitations on managing their portfolios. Clients can impose reasonable restrictions or mandates on
the management of their accounts if Uptick determines, in its sole discretion, that the conditions will not
materially impact the performance of a management strategy or prove overly burdensome to the Firm’s
management efforts.
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Our Firm does not require a minimum account size for advisory accounts.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY ADVYZON TECHNOLOGIES
Our Firm has contracted with Advyzon Technologies to utilize its technology platforms to support data
reconciliation, performance reporting, fee calculation, Client relationship maintenance, quarterly
performance evaluations, and other functions related to managing Client accounts' administrative tasks.
Due to this arrangement, Advyzon will have access to Client accounts, but Advyzon will not serve as an
investment advisor to our Clients or bill the accounts. Advyzon charges our firm an annual fee for each
account its software administers. Please note that Uptick’s annual fee to Advyzon will not increase the
Client's fee. Uptick will pay the annual fee from the portion of the management fee retained by Uptick.
Uptick and Advyzon are non-affiliated companies.
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
Our Firm offers financial planning services, which involve preparing a written financial plan covering specific or
multiple topics. We provide full written financial plans, which may address one or several topics: Investment
Planning, Retirement Planning, Insurance Planning, Tax Planning, Education Planning, Portfolios, and Allocation
Review.
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, the Client is solely responsible for determining whether to implement
our financial planning recommendations. Our financial planning services do not involve implementing
transactions on your behalf nor include active and ongoing monitoring or management of your investments or
accounts.
The Client must execute a separate written agreement if the Client elects to implement any of our investment
recommendations through our Firm or retain our Firm to monitor and manage investments actively.
TAX PLANNING & ANALYSIS SERVICES
Our Firm offers tax planning services through our affiliated entity, Holistic Tax Solutions, LLC. From time to
time, the firm may offer Clients advice or products from Holistic Tax Solutions, LLC, and Clients should be aware
that these services may involve a conflict of interest. Uptick always acts in the Client's best interest, and Clients
always have the right to decide whether to utilize the services of Uptick or any of its affiliates.
INVESTMENT CONSULTING SERVICES
Clients can engage in Uptick to manage and/or advise on certain investment products not maintained at their
primary custodian, such as variable life insurance and annuity contracts and assets held in employer-sponsored
retirement plans and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 529 plans). In these situations, Uptick directs or recommends
the allocation of Client assets among the various investment options available within the product. These assets
are generally maintained at the underwriting insurance company, or the custodian designated by the product’s
provider.
In certain situations, Uptick facilitates referrals to other agents or vendors for annuities and insurance when such
products align with a Client’s financial plan. Clients have the option to engage Uptick for advice and consulting
on insurance-related products, with associated fees outlined in their agreement. These services are structured
as part of either financial planning or portfolio management for products with underlying investments. When
needed, Uptick works with providers such as RetireOne or DPL Financial Partners, LLC, to support these
services.
Uptick is a member of DPL Financial Partners, LLC’s (“DPL”) platform. They are a third-party provider of a
platform of insurance consultation services to investment advisers and clients who need current or future
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insurance products. DPL offers Uptick membership to its platform for a fixed annual fee. Through its licensed
insurance agents and registered representatives of The Leaders Group, Inc., an unaffiliated SEC-Registered
Broker-Dealer and FINRA member, will offer members various services relating to commission-free insurance
products. These services include, among others, providing members with analyses of their current methodology
for evaluating Client insurance needs, educating, and acting as a resource to members regarding insurance
products generally and specific insurance products owned by their Clients or that their Clients are considering
purchasing and providing members access to, and marketing support for, commission free products that
insurers have agreed to offer to members’ Clients through DPL’s platform.
To provide platform services to investment advisers, DPL and RetireOne receive service fees from insurers
offering commission-free products through the platform. These service fees are based on the insurance
premiums received by the insurers from DPL members and RetireOne Clients. DPL and RetireOne pay a
consulting fee for Uptick for this service. As such, these companies' consulting fees incentivize Uptick to refer
advisory Clients needing insurance to these companies rather than other broker-dealers/insurance agencies or
insurers directly. However, by industry regulations, we must act in your best interest and not put our interests
ahead of yours.
DPL is licensed as an insurance producer in Kentucky and other jurisdictions where required to perform the
platform services. Its representatives are also licensed as insurance producers, appointed as insurance agents
of the insurers offering their products through the platform, and registered representatives of the Leaders
Group.
INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY MONEY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
When deemed appropriate, our Firm will utilize the services of an Independent Third-Party Manager (“ITPM”
or “Manager”), such as Advyzon Investment Management LLC (“AIM”), to manage your accounts. Investment
recommendations and securities trading will only be offered by or through the chosen ITPM. Our Firm will not
advise on any specific securities concerning this service.
Before referring you, our Firm will provide initial due diligence on ITPMs and ongoing reviews of their
management of your accounts. To assist in selecting an ITPM, our Firm will gather information about the Client’s
financial situation, investment objectives, and reasonable restrictions to be imposed upon the account
management.
Our Firm will periodically review the Manager's reports provided to the client. We will periodically contact the
Client to review their financial situation and objectives, communicate information to the Manager as warranted,
and assist you in understanding and evaluating the services provided. The Client will be expected to notify our
Firm of any changes in their financial situation, investment objectives, or account restrictions that could affect
their financial standing.
By executing an Investment Advisory Agreement with our Firm, the Client gives our Firm the discretionary
authority to hire or fire the Manager and to allocate assets among Managers without obtaining consent.
The services provided by the ITPM include:
Implementation of an asset allocation
• Assessment of your investment needs and objectives
•
• Delivery of suitable style allocations (e.g., Income, Large Cap, Small Cap, Growth, Value, etc.)
• Facilitation of portfolio transactions
• Ongoing monitoring of investment vehicles’ performance
• Review of accounts for adherence to policy guidelines and asset allocation
• Reporting of your portfolio activity.
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Each Manager generally has minimum account requirements that will vary among Managers. Account
minimums are usually higher for fixed-income accounts than for equity-based accounts. A complete description
of the Manager’s services, fee schedules, and account minimums will be disclosed in the Manager’s disclosure
brochure, which will be provided to you before or when an agreement for services is executed and the account
is established.
RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES - PARTICIPANT SERVICES
When providing any non-discretionary investment advisory services, we will solely be making investment
recommendations to the Sponsor, and the Sponsor retains full discretionary authority or control over assets of
the retirement plan. We agree to perform any non-discretionary investment advisory services to the retirement
plan as a fiduciary, as defined in ERISA Section 3(21)(A)(ii). We will act in good faith and with the degree of
diligence, care, and skill that a prudent person rendering similar services would exercise under similar
circumstances.
When providing administrative services, we may support the Sponsor with plan governance and committee
education, vendor management and service provider selection and review, investment education, or plan
participant non-fiduciary education services. We agree to perform any administrative services solely in a
capacity that would not be considered a fiduciary under ERISA or any other applicable law.
When offering investment models to plan sponsors, under certain circumstances, we will act as a “fiduciary” as
defined under Section 3(21) of ERISA and Section 4975I(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”).
PONTERA (FORMERLY FEEX)
Our Firm is engaged with Pontera, an unaffiliated third-party service provider, for Client accounts not
directly held with our recommended Custodian but where our team has discretion and leverages an
Order Management System to implement asset allocation or rebalancing strategies on behalf of the
Client. These are primarily 401(k) accounts, 403(b) accounts, 529 plans, variable annuities, and other
assets not held with the recommended Custodian. We regularly review the current holdings and
available investment options in these accounts, monitor the account, rebalance, and implement our
Firm’s strategies as necessary.
The platform allows us to avoid being considered to have custody of Client funds since we do 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 them for using their platform. A link will be provided to the
Client, allowing them to connect an account(s) to the platform. Once the Client account(s) is connected
to the platform, the Adviser will review the current account allocations and investment options. When
we are authorized with discretionary management, we 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, minimize loss during complex
markets, and manage internal fees that harm account performance. Client account(s) will be reviewed
quarterly, and allocation changes will be made as necessary.
ROLLOVER RECOMMENDATION DISCLOSURE
Our Firm is considered a fiduciary under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. When we provide
investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we
are also fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and
the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. We must act
in your best interest and not put our interests ahead of yours. At the same time, how we make money
conflicts with the Client's interests.
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A Client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement plan (and may
engage in a combination of these options):
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leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if permitted,
•
roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted,
•
rollover to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”), or
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cash out the account value (which, depending upon the Client’s age, could result in adverse
tax consequences).
Our Firm may recommend a Client rollover plan assets to an IRA for which our Firm provides investment
advisory services. As a result, our Firm and its advisors may earn an asset-based fee based on the rolled
assets. In contrast, a recommendation that a Client leave their plan assets with their previous employer
or rollover the assets to a plan sponsored by a new employer will generally result in no compensation
to our Firm. Therefore, our Firm has an economic incentive to encourage a Client to roll plan assets
into an IRA that our Firm will manage, which presents a conflict of interest. To mitigate the conflict of
interest, there are various factors that our Firm will consider before recommending a rollover, including
but not limited to:
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the investment options available in the plan versus the investment options available in an IRA,
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fees and expenses in the plan versus the fees and expenses in an IRA,
the services and responsiveness of the plan’s investment professionals versus those of our Firm,
required minimum distributions and age considerations, and
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• protection of assets from creditors and legal judgments,
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• employer stock tax consequences, if any.
The Chief Compliance Officer remains available to address Client questions regarding overseeing the
rollover and transfer of assets.
RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES - PLAN SERVICES
When applicable, our Firm accepts its appointment as an “Investment Manager” within the meaning of Section
3(38) of ERISA (but only concerning those plan assets constituting the portfolio models). We will not have any
authority or responsibility in the administration of the Plan (including the selection of portfolio models for the
Plan) or interpretation of any Plan document. Our Firm agrees it will act in a manner consistent with the
requirements of a fiduciary under ERISA and the Code. We further agree that all investment management
powers, duties, and responsibilities relating to the portfolio shall be exercised exclusively by our Firm per the
Plan.
WRAP FEE PROGRAM
Our Firm does not sponsor or participate in a Wrap Program.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
As of December 31, 2024, our Firm had $688,095,249 in assets under management, approximately
$688,095,249 of which was managed on a discretionary basis and no non-discretionary AUM to report.
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ITEM 5 - FEES AND COMPENSATION
In addition to the information provided in Item 4 – Advisory Business, this section details our Firm’s services
and each service’s fees and compensation arrangement. The Client and Uptick Partners, LLC’s Investment
Advisory Agreement will outline and agree upon the exact costs and other terms related to the Client’s
Accounts.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICE FEE
Our Firm offers investment management services for an annual fee based on the amount of assets under
management. Our maximum annual fee is 1.50%, and we do not impose a minimum account size. Our annual
fee is reasonable in relation to (1) the services provided and (2) the fees charged by other investment advisers
offering similar services/programs.
Our annual fee is prorated and charged monthly, in arrears, based on the average daily balance of the Client’s
assets under management as of the close of business market value on the last business day of the previous
month. Cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds, are subject to the agreed-upon advisory
fee. Clients should understand that the advisory fees charged on these balances may exceed the returns
provided by cash, cash equivalents, or money market funds, especially in low-interest rate environments.
Managed legacy positions are included within our Firm’s standard investment management fee and are outlined
in the executed investment management agreement.
Our Firm retains complete discretion to negotiate fees and may waive or impose different fees on any Client.
The investment advisory fees will be deducted from your account and paid directly to our Firm by the qualified
Custodian(s) of your account. The Client will authorize your account's qualified Custodian(s) to deduct fees
from the account and pay such fees directly to our Firm. All account assets, transactions, and advisory fees will
be shown on the monthly or quarterly statements provided by the Custodian. You should review your account
statements received from the qualified Custodian(s) and verify that appropriate investment advisory fees are
being deducted. The qualified Custodian(s) will not verify the accuracy of the investment advisory fees
deducted. We may aggregate related Client accounts to calculate the advisory fee applicable to the Client.
The investment management agreement will outline the fee charged to a Client and any breakpoints based on
the level of assets managed. The fees are subject to change with prior written notice to the Client.
Our annual investment advisory fee may be higher than that of other investment advisers that offer similar
services and programs. In addition to our compensation, you may incur charges imposed at the mutual fund
level (e.g., advisory fees and other fund expenses).
Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar month will generally be charged a prorated fee based on
the days the Client account was open during that month.
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICE FEE
Our investment management services typically include financial planning; however, Clients have the option to
engage us separately for financial planning services. These services are offered on a fixed-fee or hourly basis,
with fees mutually agreed upon in advance, typically $300 to $500 per hour.
For Clients who choose standalone financial planning services without asset management, fees range from
$2,000 to $20,000. These fees are negotiable and determined based on various factors, including the scope of
services requested, the complexity of the Client’s financial situation, the investment adviser representative
involved, the composition of the Client’s account, other advisory services provided, and the overall Client
relationship.
Additionally, Clients may engage Uptick for consulting on insurance as part of their financial planning services.
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The amount of the fee for your engagement is specified in your financial planning agreement with us. At our
sole discretion, the Client may be required to pay the fee when the agreement is executed with our Firm. The
fee is considered earned upon delivery of the financial plan, and any unpaid amount is immediately due.
The Client may pay the fees owed for the financial planning services by submitting payment directly via check
or by deducting the fee from an existing investment account. If the Client elects to pay by automatic deduction
from an existing investment account, they will provide written authorization to our Firm for such a charge.
If the Client terminates the financial planning services after executing an agreement with our Firm, the Client
will be invoiced and responsible for immediate payment of any hourly financial planning services performed by
us before receiving notice of termination. For financial planning services, our Firm performs under a fixed and
hourly fee arrangement; the Client will be responsible for paying a pro-rated fixed fee equivalent to the
percentage of work that our Firm completed. If there is a remaining balance of any fees paid in advance after
deducting fees from the final invoice, those remaining proceeds will be refunded to the Client.
TAX PLANNING & ANALYSIS SERVICE FEE
As mentioned in Item 4 above, our Firm offers tax planning services through our affiliated entity, Holistic Tax
Solutions, LLC. The tax planning fee depends on the complexity and work involved. The fee for a custom tax
analysis will be determined based on the complexity of the Client's situation. A fee will be quoted and agreed
upon before work commences. Both services' fees will be quoted and agreed upon before work commences.
The fee is collected ½ up front and ½ upon delivery and review of the plan. If the Client elects to pay by
automatic deduction from an existing investment account, they will provide written authorization to our Firm
for such a charge.
INVESTMENT & BUSINESS EXIT CONSULTING SERVICE FEE
Uptick charges a fixed fee for providing investment consulting and business exit consulting services under a
standalone engagement or when the Firm determines the fee is warranted within a wealth management
relationship. These fees are negotiable and range from $1,000 to $50,000, or typically $300 to $500 per hour,
depending on the scope and complexity of the services and the professional providing the services.
If a Client engages the Firm for additional investment advisory services, Uptick may offset a portion, or all of its
consulting fees based on the amount paid for consulting services.
The advisory agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the investment consulting or business exit
consulting engagement. For project-based services, Uptick requires half of the estimated or fixed fee to be
paid upon execution of the Advisory Agreement, with the remaining balance due upon delivery of the
consulting recommendations or completion of the agreed-upon services.
INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY MANAGER SERVICE FEE
A complete description of the ITPM’s services, fee schedules, and account minimums will be disclosed in
Manager's disclosure brochure, which will be provided to you before or when an agreement for services is
executed, and the account is established. Each third-party investment adviser is required under federal
securities laws to provide their Clients, including ITPM Clients, with a Form ADV Part 2A (“Adviser Brochure”
or “this Brochure”) that includes disclosures, and among other things, the fees charged to their Clients.
The actual fee charged to the Client will vary depending on the ITPM. All fees are calculated and collected by
the Manager, who will be responsible for delivering our Firm’s portion of the fee paid by the Client. With ITPMs,
you may incur additional charges, including but not limited to mutual fund sales loads, 12b-1 fees and surrender
charges, and IRA and qualified retirement plan fees. Uptick does not receive any portion of the ITPM additional
charges.
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There is a potential conflict of interest in using ITPM if they pay us a portion of their advisory fee and have met
the conditions of our Firm’s due diligence review. Our Firm is committed to continually working in the Client's
best interest. There may be other Managers not affiliated with our Firm that may be suitable for a Client or may
be more or less costly. As with any Advisor, no guarantees can be made that the ITPM will achieve your financial
goals or objectives. Further, no guarantees of performance can be offered.
Clients should review the ITPM’s Brochure in its entirety, along with this Brochure, to fully understand the
services, fees, agreements, and risks surrounding these arrangements and fully understand that these types of
arrangements have layers of fees that may or may not be apparent without reading the ITPM’s Brochure and
this Brochure, along with the offering document/prospectus for underlining investments.
ADVYZON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC (“AIM”)
If Uptick engages Advyzon Investment Management LLC (“AIM”) to manage all or a portion of your
assets, AIM receives an annual Program fee of 0.1% of your assets under management in the Program,
including cash and cash equivalents. In addition to AIM’s program fee, you will pay a maximum
investment strategy fee of up to 1%, depending on the investment strategy that Uptick chooses to
allocate your assets. AIM’s Program fee and the Investment Strategy fee are in addition to Uptick’s
advisory fee. Total fees will not exceed 2%. A complete description of the Manager’s services, fee
schedules, and account minimums will be disclosed in the Manager’s disclosure brochure, which will
be provided to you before or when an agreement for services is executed, and the account is
established.
RETIREMENT PARTICIPANT & PLAN FEE
For Retirement Plan Advisory Services compensation, Uptick charges a fixed project-based fee to provide
Clients with retirement plan consulting services. Each engagement is individually negotiated and tailored to
accommodate the needs of the individual plan sponsor, as memorialized in the Agreement. These fees vary
based on the scope of the services rendered.
Our Firm charges an advisory fee as negotiated with the Plan Sponsor and as disclosed in the Employer-
Sponsored Retirement Plans Consulting Agreement (“Plan Sponsor Agreement”).
Typically, the billing period for these fees is paid quarterly. This fee is generally negotiable, but the terms and
the advisory fee are agreed upon in advance and acknowledged by the Plan Sponsor through the Plan Sponsor
Agreement or Plan Provider’s account agreement. Fee billing methods vary depending on the Plan Provider.
Our Firm or the Plan Sponsor may terminate the Agreement upon 30 days written notice to the other party.
The Plan Sponsor is responsible for paying for the services rendered until the termination of the Agreement.
ADDITIONAL FEES & EXPENSES
In addition to the advisory fees paid to our Firm, Clients also incur certain charges imposed by other third
parties, such as broker-dealers, Custodians, trust companies, banks, and other financial institutions. These
additional charges include securities, transaction fees, custodial fees, fees charged by the ITPM, and Manager
charges imposed by a mutual fund or ETF in a Client’s account, as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund
management fees and other fund expenses), deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire
transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities
transactions. Our brokerage practices are described at length in Item 12 below. Neither our Firm nor its
supervised persons accept commission compensation for selling securities or other investment products.
Further, we do not share any additional fees and expenses outlined above.
Our Firm’s investment strategies may include mutual and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Our policy is to
purchase institutional share classes of those mutual funds selected for the Client’s portfolio. The institutional
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share class generally has the lowest expense ratio. The expense ratio is the annual fee that all mutual funds or
ETFs charge their shareholders. It expresses the percentage of assets deducted each fiscal year for funds
expenses, including 12b-1 fees, management fees, administrative fees, operating costs, and all other asset-
based costs incurred by the fund. Some fund families offer different classes of the same fund, and one share
class may have a lower expense ratio than another. Mutual fund expense ratios are in addition to our fees; we
do not receive any portion of these charges. If an institutional share class is not available for the mutual fund
selected, the adviser will purchase the least expensive share class available for the mutual fund. As share classes
with lower expense ratios become available, we may use them in the Client’s portfolio or convert the existing
mutual fund position to the lower-cost share class. Clients who transfer mutual funds into their accounts with
our Firm would bear the expense of any contingent or deferred sales loads incurred upon selling the product.
If a mutual fund has a frequent trading policy, the policy can limit a Client’s transactions in fund shares (e.g., for
rebalancing, liquidations, deposits, or tax harvesting). All mutual fund expenses and fees are disclosed in the
respective mutual fund prospectus.
When selecting investments for our Clients’ portfolios, we might choose mutual funds from your account
Custodian’s Non-Transaction Fee (NTF) list. This means that your account Custodian will not charge a
transaction fee or commission associated with the purchase or sale of the mutual fund.
The mutual fund companies that choose to participate in the Client’s Custodial NTF fund program pay a fee to
the Custodian to be included in the NTF program. The mutual fund owners ultimately bear the fee that a
company pays to participate in the program, as captured in the fund’s expense ratio. When choosing a fund
from the Client’s Custodial NTF list, our Firm considers the expected holding period, position size, and expense
ratio versus alternative funds. Depending on our Firm’s analysis and future events, NTF funds might not always
be in the Client’s best interest.
ITEM 6 - PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES & SIDE-BY-SIDE
MANAGEMENT
Performance-based fees are based on a share of capital gains on or appreciation of the assets in a Client’s
account. Our Firm does not accept performance-based or other fees based on a share of capital gains or
appreciation of a Client's assets.
ITEM 7 - TYPES OF CLIENTS
TYPES OF CLIENTS
Uptick offers services to individuals, high net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations,
corporations, and other business entities, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans.
MINIMUM ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS
Uptick does not impose a minimum annual fee for investment management services. Fees are determined
based on a variety of factors, including the scope of services provided, the complexity of the Client’s financial
situation, the dollar amount of assets managed, related accounts, account composition, and the overall Client
relationship. In certain cases, fees may be adjusted based on factors such as anticipated future earning capacity,
potential additional assets, pre-existing Client relationships, account retention considerations, or pro bono
activities.
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ITEM 8 - METHODS OF ANALYSIS, STRATEGIES, & RISK OF LOSS
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
Uptick utilizes fundamental, technical, cyclical, and Behavioral finance analysis methods while employing an asset
allocation strategy based on a derivative of Modern Portfolio Theory (“MPT”). The methods and strategies can
depend on the investment adviser representative providing the services.
FUNDAMENTAL ANALYSIS
Fundamental analysis involves an evaluation of the fundamental financial condition and competitive
position of a particular fund or issuer. For Uptick, this process typically involves an analysis of an issuer’s
management team, investment strategies, style drift, past performance, reputation, and financial
strength in relation to the asset class concentrations and risk exposures of the Firm’s model asset
allocations. A substantial risk in relying upon fundamental analysis is that while a company's overall
health and position may be good, evolving market conditions may negatively impact security.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Technical analysis involves examining past market data rather than specific issuer information to
determine the recommendations made to Clients. Technical analysis may involve using mathematical-
based indicators and charts, such as moving averages and price correlations, to identify market patterns and
trends, which may be based on investor sentiment rather than the company's fundamentals. A substantial risk
in relying upon technical analysis is that spotting historical trends may not help predict such trends in
the future. Even if the trend eventually reoccurs, there is no guarantee that Uptick will be able to predict
such a recurrence accurately.
CYCLICAL ANALYSIS
Cyclical analysis is similar to technical analysis in that it involves the assessment of market conditions at
a macro (entire market or economy) or micro (company specific) level rather than focusing on the overall
fundamental analysis of the health of the particular company that Uptick recommends. The risks with
cyclical analysis are similar to those of technical analysis.
MODERN PORTFOLIO THEORY
Modern Portfolio Theory (“MPT”) is a mathematical-based investment discipline that seeks to quantify
expected portfolio returns in relation to corresponding portfolio risk. The basic premise of MPT is that
the risk of a particular holding is to be assessed by comparing its price variations against those of the
market portfolio. However, MPT disregards certain investment considerations and is based on
assumptions that may not reflect actual market conditions. As such, the factors for which MPT does not
account (e.g., tax implications, regulatory constraints, and brokerage costs) may negate the upside or
add to the actual risk of a particular allocation. Nevertheless, Uptick’s investment process is structured
to integrate those assumptions and real-life considerations that MPT analytics does not account for.
RISKS FOR ALL FORMS OF ANALYSIS
Our Firm’s securities analysis method assumes that the companies whose securities we purchase and sell, the
rating agencies that review these securities, and other publicly available sources of information about these
securities are providing accurate and unbiased data. While we are alert to indications that data may be
incorrect, there is always a risk that the analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
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INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Our Firm may use any of the following investment strategies when managing Client assets and providing
investment advice:
LONG-TERM HOLDING
Generally, our Firm purchases securities and intends to hold them in the Client's account for a long
time (longer than one year). In extreme circumstances, we may be forced to sell a fund entirely within
a year of buying it. An example would be a fund manager resigning, and we do not have confidence in
the new management. Also, fund positions may be trimmed occasionally to rebalance the portfolio.
A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that holding the security for this length of time may decline
in value before we decide to sell. We do not guarantee the future performance of the account or any
specific level of performance, the success of any investment decision or strategy we may use, or the
success of the overall account management. The Client understands that the investment decisions our
Firm makes for the Client’s account are subject to various market, currency, economic, political, and
business risks and that those investment decisions will not always be profitable. Clients are reminded
that investing in any security entails the risk of loss, which they should be willing to bear.
STRATEGIC ASSET ALLOCATION
The primary investment strategy used by our Firm is based on the diversification of the Client's assets
among various investment vehicles and asset classes, popularly termed "Asset Allocation." Our Firm's
recommendations focus primarily on achieving a diversified portfolio of investment assets with
desirable risk and return characteristics. We meet regularly to evaluate new and reevaluate existing
investment opportunities. During these meetings, we deliberate on issues regarding the proper
allocation of Client assets based on current conditions.
TACTICAL ASSET ALLOCATION
Tactical asset allocation is an active management portfolio strategy that shifts the percentage of assets
held in various categories to take advantage of market pricing anomalies or strong market sectors. This
strategy allows portfolio Managers to create extra value by taking advantage of certain situations in the
marketplace. It is a moderately active strategy since Managers return to the portfolio's original asset
mix once the desired short-term profits are reached.
VALUE INVESTING
Value investing is buying stocks that trade at a significant discount to their intrinsic value. Value investors
achieve this by looking for companies on cheap valuation metrics, typically low multiples of their profits
or assets, for reasons not justified over the longer term. This approach requires a contrarian mindset
and a long-term investment horizon.
Value investing seeks to exploit the irrational behavior of emotional investors. Emotion is a constant
feature of investment markets through time. While the companies available to stock market investors
change from decade to decade, the human nature of the investors doesn’t. Fear and greed remain
ever-present and frequently lead to poor investment decisions based on perception and emotion rather
than reality. Periodically, these prices can become extreme (e.g., the tech bubble of the 1990s or,
conversely, the great depression of the 1930s); however, they exist to a greater or lesser extent in most
markets. This creates an opportunity for long-term value investors.
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STRUCTURED PRODUCTS
Structured products are designed to facilitate highly customized risk-return objectives. While structured
products come in many forms, they typically consist of a debt security structured to make interest and
principal payments based upon various assets, rates, or formulas. Many structured products include an
embedded derivative component. Structured products may be structured in the form of a security, in
which case these products may receive benefits provided under federal securities law, or they may be
cast as derivatives, in which case they are offered in the over-the-counter market and are subject to no
regulation. Investment in structured products includes significant risks, including valuation, liquidity,
price, credit, and market risks. One common risk associated with structured products is a relative lack
of liquidity due to the highly customized nature of the investment. Moreover, the full extent of returns
from the complex performance features is often not realized until maturity. As such, structured products
tend to be more of a buy-and-hold investment decision rather than a means of getting in and out of a
position with speed and efficiency. Another risk with structured products is the credit quality of the
issuer. Although the cash flows are derived from other sources, the products are legally considered the
issuing financial institution’s liabilities. The vast majority of structured products are from high-
investment-grade issuers only. Also, there is a lack of pricing transparency. There is no uniform standard
for pricing, making it harder to compare the net-of-pricing attractiveness of alternative structured
product offerings than it is, for instance, to compare the net expense ratios of different mutual funds or
commissions among broker-dealers.
USE OF NON-LIQUID ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS
If appropriate for a Client’s portfolio, our Firm may recommend alternative investments as part of a
diversified investment strategy. These may include, but are not limited to, hedge funds, private equity,
venture capital, registered publicly traded securities, interval funds, digital asset-based ETFs, and
private real estate investment trusts (REITs). Alternative investments involve unique risks and are
generally intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who understand and can bear the
associated risks. These risks may include limited liquidity, as many alternative investments do not have
a secondary market and may restrict redemptions or transfers. Additionally, these investments may
involve higher risks due to strategies such as leverage and short selling, which can result in substantial
or total loss of capital. Returns can be highly volatile depending on market conditions and investment
concentration, and pricing may be less transparent due to infrequent or complex valuation methods.
Clients should also be aware that alternative investments may involve delayed tax reporting and
complex tax implications, making proper planning essential. These investments are often subject to
less regulatory oversight than traditional securities and may carry higher fees. Under SEC regulations,
certain alternative investments are available only to accredited investors who meet specific income or
net worth requirements. Clients should carefully consider these factors and consult with their financial,
tax, and legal advisors before investing in alternative assets.
RISK OF LOSS
A Client’s investment portfolio is affected by general economic and market conditions, such as interest rates,
availability of credit, inflation rates, economic conditions, changes in laws, and national and international
political circumstances.
Investing in securities involves certain investment risks. Securities may fluctuate in value or lose value. Clients
should be prepared to bear the potential risk of loss. Our Firm will assist Clients in determining an appropriate
strategy based on their tolerance for risk.
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While we are alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that our analysis may be
compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
ACTIVE MANAGEMENT RISK
Due to its active management, a portfolio could underperform other portfolios with similar investment
objectives or strategies.
ALLOCATION RISK
A portfolio may use an asset allocation strategy to pursue its investment objective. There is a risk that
a portfolio’s allocation among asset classes or investments will cause a portfolio to lose value or cause
it to underperform other portfolios with a similar investment objective or strategy or that the
investments themselves will not produce the returns expected.
ALTERNATIVE RISK
Alternative investments include other additional risks. Lock-up periods and other terms obligate Clients
to commit their capital investment for a minimum period, typically no less than one or two years and
sometimes up to 10 or more years. Illiquidity is considered a substantial risk and will restrict the ability
of a Client to liquidate an investment early, regardless of the success of the investment. Alternative
investments are difficult to value within a Client’s total portfolio. There may be limited availability of
suitable benchmarks for performance comparison; historical performance data may also be limited.
In some cases, there may be a lack of transparency and regulation, providing an additional layer of risk.
Some alternative investments may involve the use of leverage and other speculative techniques. As a
result, some alternative investments may carry substantial additional risks, resulting in the loss of some
or all the investment. Using leverage and certain other strategies will result in adverse tax consequences
for tax-exempt investors, such as the possibility of unrelated business taxable income, as defined under
the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
CAPITALIZATION RISK
Small-cap and mid-cap companies may be hindered due to limited resources or less diverse products
or services. Their stocks have historically been more volatile than the stocks of larger, more established
companies.
CALL RISK
Some bonds allow the issuer to redeem the bond before its maturity date. If an issuer exercises this
option during declining interest rates, the proceeds from the bond may have to be reinvested in an
investment offering a lower yield and may not benefit from an increase in value due to declining rates.
Callable bonds are also subject to increased price fluctuations during market illiquidity or rising interest
rates. Finally, the capital appreciation potential of a bond will be reduced because the price of a callable
bond may not rise much above the price at which the issuer may call the bond.
COMPANY RISK
The risk is related to a Firm’s business plans, stock valuation, profitability, accounting practices, growth
strategy, and other factors particular to a company rather than the overall market. Some of these risks
cannot be predicted, such as the retirement or death of a senior executive, which may lead to negative
performance in the future.
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REAL ESTATE SECURITIES RISK
The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in REITs, common, preferred, and
convertible securities of issuers in real estate-related industries. Each of these types of investments is
subject to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including loss to casualty
or condemnation, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, zoning law amendments,
changes in interest rates, overbuilding, and increased competition, variations in market value, and
possible environmental liabilities.
REITs are subject to management fees and other expenses, and so the Fund, when investing in REITs,
will bear its proportionate share of the costs of the REITs’ operations. An investment in a REIT or a real
estate-linked derivative instrument that is linked to the value of a REIT is subject to additional risks,
such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT, adverse changes to the tax laws or failure by
the REIT to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code. In addition, some REITs have
limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area,
or a single type of property. Furthermore, REITs are not diversified because they only operate in the
real estate business and are heavily dependent on cash flow. Also, the organizational documents of a
REIT may contain provisions that make changes in control of the REIT difficult and time-consuming.
CONCENTRATION RISK
Strategies concentrated in only a few securities, sectors or industries, regions or countries, or asset
classes could expose a portfolio to greater risk. They may cause the portfolio value to fluctuate more
widely than a diversified portfolio. Overexposure to certain sectors or asset classes (e.g., MLPs, REITs,
etc.) may be detrimental to an investor if there is a negative sector move.
CREDIT RISK
The credit rating of an issuer of a security is based on, among other things, the issuer’s historical
financial condition and the rating agencies’ investment analyses at the time of rating. An actual or
perceived deterioration of the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations would harm the value of the
issuer’s securities.
CYBERSECURITY RISK
Increased Internet use makes a portfolio susceptible to operational and informational security risks. In
general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyberattacks include
but are not limited to infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code, gaining
unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices through “hacking” or other means to
misappropriate assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption.
Cybersecurity failures or breaches of third-party service providers may cause disruptions at third-party
service providers and impact our business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the
inability to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, or
penalties, reputational damage; unanticipated expenses or other compensation costs; or additional
compliance costs. Our Firm has an established business continuity and disaster recovery plan and
related cybersecurity procedures designed to prevent or reduce the impact of such risks; there are
inherent limitations in such plans and systems due in part to the evolving nature of technology and
cyberattack tactics.
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EQUITY RISK
Equity instruments are subject to equity market risk, the risk that common stock prices fluctuate over
short or extended periods. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed-income
securities. The market price of equity securities may increase or decrease, sometimes rapidly or
unpredictably. Equity securities may decline in value due to factors affecting markets generally,
industries, sectors or geographic regions represented in those markets, or individual security concerns.
EVENT RISK
The possibility is that an unforeseen event will negatively affect a company or industry and, thus,
increase security volatility.
FIXED INCOME & DEBT RISK
Debt securities are affected by changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of debt
securities is likely to decrease. Conversely, when interest rates fall, the values of debt securities are
likely to increase. The values of debt securities may also be affected by changes in the issuing entities'
credit rating or financial condition.
FREQUENT TRADING RISK
A portfolio Manager may actively and frequently trade investments in a portfolio to carry out its
investment strategies. Frequent trading of investments increases the possibility that a portfolio, as
relevant, will realize taxable capital gains (including short-term capital gains, which are generally taxable
at higher rates than long-term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes), which could reduce
a portfolio's after-tax return. Frequent trading can also mean higher brokerage and other transaction
costs, which could reduce a portfolio's return. The trading costs and tax effects of portfolio turnover
can adversely affect its performance.
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION RISK
If an account concentrates its investments in a particular geographic region or country, its performance
is closely tied to the market, currency, social, political, economic, environmental, and regulatory
conditions within that country or region. These conditions include anticipated or actual government
budget deficits or other financial difficulties, levels of inflation and unemployment, fiscal and monetary
controls, and political and social instability in such countries and regions. As a result, the account is
likely to be more volatile than an account with more geographically diverse investments.
INDUSTRY OR SECTOR RISK
An account that focuses its investments on specific industries or sectors is more susceptible to
developments affecting those industries and sectors than a more broadly diversified fund. Issuers in a
single industry can react similarly to market, economic, industry, social, political, regulatory, and other
conditions. For example, suppose an account has significant investments in technology companies. In
that case, the account may perform poorly during a downturn in one or more industries or sectors that
heavily impact technology companies.
INTEREST RATE RISK
When interest rates increase, the value of the account’s investments may decline, and the account’s
share value may decrease. This effect is typically more pronounced for intermediate and longer-term
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obligations. This effect is also typically more pronounced for mortgages and other asset-backed
securities since the value may fluctuate more significantly in response to interest rate changes. When
interest rates decrease, the account’s current income may decline.
LEGACY HOLDING RISK
Investment advice may be offered on any Client's investment at the start of the advisory relationship.
Depending on tax considerations and Client sentiment, these investments will be sold over time, and
the assets will be invested in the appropriate strategy. As with any investment decision, there is the risk
that timing with respect to the sale and reinvestment of these assets will be less than ideal or even
result in a loss to the Client.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Low trading volume, large positions, or legal restrictions are some conditions that could limit or prevent
a portfolio from selling securities or closing positions at desirable prices. Securities that are relatively
liquid when acquired could become illiquid over time. The sale of any such illiquid investment might
be possible only at substantial discounts or might not be possible at all. Further, such investments may
take more work to value.
MANAGEMENT RISK
An account is subject to the risk that judgments about the attractiveness, value, or potential
appreciation of the account’s investments may prove to be incorrect. If the selection of securities or
strategies fails to produce the intended results, the account could underperform other accounts with
similar objectives and investment strategies.
MARKET RISK
Even a long-term investment approach cannot guarantee a profit. Economic, political, and issuer-
specific events will cause the value of securities to rise or fall. Because the value of investment portfolios
will fluctuate, there is the risk that you will lose money, and your investment may be worth less upon
liquidation. Due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors, an account may only be able
to sell some or all the investments promptly or may only be able to sell assets at desired prices.
MUNICIPAL BOND RISK
Investments in municipal bonds are affected by the municipal market as a whole and the various factors
in the cities, states, or regions where the strategy invests. Issues such as legislative changes, litigation,
business, and political conditions relating to a particular municipal project, municipality, state, or
territory, as well as fiscal challenges, can impact the value of municipal bonds. These matters can also
impact the ability of the issuer to make payments. Also, the public information about municipal bonds
is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds. Additionally, supply and demand imbalances
in the municipal bond market can cause deterioration in liquidity and a lack of price transparency.
MUTUAL FUND OR ETF RISK
Our models and accounts may use certain ETFs and mutual funds to invest primarily in alternative
investments or strategies. Investing in these alternative investments and strategies may only be suitable
for some of our Clients. These include special risks, such as those associated with commodities, real
estate, and leverage, selling securities short, use of derivatives, potential adverse market forces,
regulatory changes, and potential ill-liquidity. Special risks are associated with ETFs that invest
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principally in real estate securities, such as sensitivity to changes in real estate values or changes in
interest rates and price volatility due to the ETF’s concentration in the real estate market.
The risks with mutual funds include the costs and expenses within the fund that can impact
performance, change of Managers, and the fund straying from its objective (i.e., style drift). Mutual
funds have certain costs associated with underlying transactions and operating costs, such as marketing
and distribution expenses and advisory fees. Mutual fund costs and expenses vary from fund to fund
and will impact a mutual fund’s performance. Additionally, mutual funds typically have different share
classes, as further discussed below, that trade at different Net Asset Values (“NAV”) as determined at
the daily market close and have different fees and expenses.
STRUCTURED PRODUCTS
Structured products are designed to facilitate highly customized risk-return objectives. While structured
products come in many forms, they typically consist of a debt security structured to make interest and
principal payments based upon various assets, rates, or formulas. Many structured products include an
embedded derivative component. Structured products may be structured in the form of a security, in
which case these products may receive benefits provided under federal securities law, or they may be
cast as derivatives, in which case they are offered in the over-the-counter market and are subject to no
regulation. Investment in structured products includes significant risks, including valuation, liquidity,
price, credit, and market risks. One common risk associated with structured products is a relative lack
of liquidity due to the highly customized nature of the investment. Moreover, the full extent of returns
from the complex performance features is often not realized until maturity. As such, structured products
tend to be more of a buy-and-hold investment decision rather than a means of getting in and out of a
position with speed and efficiency. Another risk with structured products is the credit quality of the
issuer. Although the cash flows are derived from other sources, the products are legally considered the
issuing financial institution’s liabilities. The vast majority of structured products are from high-
investment-grade issuers only. Also, there is a lack of pricing transparency. There is no uniform standard
for pricing, making it harder to compare the net-of-pricing attractiveness of alternative structured
product offerings than it is, for instance, to compare the net expense ratios of different mutual funds or
commissions among broker-dealers.
NON-LIQUID ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT RISK
From time to time, our Firm will recommend to certain qualifying Clients that a portion of such Clients’
assets be invested in private funds, private fund-of-funds, or other alternative investments (collectively,
“Non-liquid Alternative Investments”). Non-liquid Alternative Investments are not suitable for all of our
Firm’s Clients. They are offered only to those qualifying Clients for whom our Firm believes such an
investment is suitable and in line with their overall investment strategy. Non-liquid Alternative
Investments typically are available to only a limited number of sophisticated investors who meet the
definition of “accredited investor” under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), or “qualified Client” under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or “qualified
purchaser” under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Non-liquid Alternative Investments present
special risks for our Firm’s Clients, including, without limitation, limited liquidity, higher fees and
expenses, volatile performance, no assurance of investment returns, heightened risk of loss, limited
transparency, additional reliance on underlying management of the investment, special tax
considerations, subjective valuations, use of leverage and limited regulatory oversight. When a Non-
liquid Alternative Investment invests part or all of its assets in real estate properties, there are additional
risks that are unique to real estate investing, including but not limited to limitations of the appraisal
value, the borrower’s financial conditions (if a loan has obtained the underlying property), including the
risk of foreclosures on the property; neighborhood values; the supply of and demand for properties of
like kind; and specific city, state or federal regulations.
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Additionally, real estate investing is also subject to possible loss due to uninsured losses from natural
and artificial disasters. The above list is not exhaustive of all risks related to an investment in Non-liquid
Alternative Investments. A more comprehensive discussion of the risks associated with a particular Non-
liquid Investment is set forth in that fund’s offering documents, which will be provided to each Client
subscribing to a Non-liquid Alternative Investment for review and consideration. It is important that
each potential, qualified investor carefully read each offering or private placement memorandum
before investing.
PERFORMANCE OF UNDERLYING MANAGER RISK
We select the mutual funds and ETFs in the asset allocation portfolios. However, we depend on the
Manager of such funds to select individual investments in accordance with their stated investment
strategy.
TIMING RISK
The risk is that the investment needs to perform better after its purchase or sale. Moreover, if the Client
requires redemption, the Client may face a loss due to poor overall market performance or security
performance at that time.
ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Registered investment advisers must provide information about all disciplinary information that would be
material to a Client’s evaluation of our Firm or the integrity of its management. Clients should refer to the
Advisor’s Form ADV Part 2B Brochure Supplement. If the Client did not receive the Advisor’s Form ADV Part
2B Brochure Supplement, the Client should contact the Chief Compliance Officer using the information
provided Item 2 in this Brochure. Our Chief Compliance Officer is available to address any questions a Client
or prospective Client may have regarding the above or any information outlined in this Brochure.
Our Firm or IARs have no legal or disciplinary events that are material to a Client or prospective Client,
evaluation of our advisory business, or the integrity of our management services.
ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES &
AFFILIATIONS
DISCLOSURE
Clients should review our IARs Form ADV Part 2B Brochure Supplement to determine whether the Client’s IAR
is engaged in any of the activities described below that may create a conflict of interest. If the Client did not
receive the Advisor’s Form ADV Part 2B Brochure Supplement, the Client should contact the Firm’s Chief
Compliance Officer using the information in Item 2 of this Brochure. The Chief Compliance Officer is available
to address any questions a Client or prospective Client may have regarding any of the below conflicts of interest
or any other information outlined in this Brochure.
OTHER FINANCIAL AFFILIATIONS
Our Firm is under common ownership with the following companies:
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HOLISTIC TAX SOLUTIONS, LLC
Uptick is affiliated with Holistic Tax Solutions, LLC, an accounting firm providing tax advice and
preparation services. From time to time, the firm may offer Clients advice or products from Holistic Tax
Solutions, LLC, and Clients should be aware that these services may involve a conflict of interest. Uptick
always acts in the Client's best interest, and Clients always have the right to decide whether to utilize
the services of Uptick or any of its affiliates.
OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES
Our Firm and our IARs do not have a related company that is a (1) broker-dealer, municipal securities dealer,
government securities dealer or broker, (2) investment company or other pooled investment vehicle (including
a mutual fund, closed-end investment company, unit investment trust, private investment company or “hedge
fund,” and offshore fund), (3) other investment adviser or financial planner, (4) futures commission merchant,
commodity pool operator, or commodity trading advisor, (5) banking or thrift institution, (6) accountant or
accounting firm, (7) lawyer or law firm, (8) insurance company or agency, (9) pension consultant, (10) real estate
broker or dealer, or (11) sponsor or syndicator of limited partnerships.
ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION & INTEREST IN
CLIENT TRANSACTIONS, & PERSONAL TRADING
Our Firm maintains a Code of Ethics to reinforce the fiduciary principles governing it and its employees. The
Code, among other things, requires all employees to act with integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
Policies against overreaching, self-dealing, insider trading, and conflicts of interest are outlined in our Code.
Our Code forbids employees from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, based on non-public
material information or communicating non-public material information to others, violating the law.
Additionally, our Code sets forth restrictions and quarterly attestations on receiving gifts, outside business
activities, personal trading activity, maintenance of personal brokerage accounts, and other matters. The Code
is appropriately designed and implemented to prevent or eliminate potential conflicts of interest between our
Firm, our employees and IARs, Clients, and investors. We always strive to make decisions in our Client's best
interest should a conflict arise.
Clients should be aware that no set of rules, policies, or procedures can anticipate, avoid, or address all
potential conflicts of interest.
PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS & PERSONAL TRADING
Our employees, IARs, and our associated persons are not prohibited from owning or trading securities bought,
sold, and recommended to our Clients, provided such personal trading activity complies with the parameters,
limitations, and requirements of the Code. Employees, IARs, and associated persons must receive approval
from our Firm’s CCO when engaging in reportable securities transactions. Our CCO is responsible for reviewing
all employees', IARs, and associated persons' trading when they occur and periodically reviewing trading
activity. Our CCO has broad discretion to reject employee trading for any reason. Our Firm’s policies and
procedures related to the personal trading activity of employees aim to demonstrate our commitment to
placing Clients’ interests ahead of our trading interests.
While our Firm does not maintain a proprietary trading account and, therefore, does not have a direct material
financial interest in any securities, it recommends to Clients, in certain situations, our Firm’s employees and
associated persons may purchase interests in the same securities at the same or different portfolio percentages
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or risk levels, in which one or more Clients is investing or has invested. Conversely, a Client may purchase
interests in security where our employees, IARs, and associated persons are investing or have invested.
Any exceptions to the Code require the prior approval of the CCO. We will provide a copy of the Code to any
Client or prospective Client upon such written or verbal request. Such requests should be directed to our firm’s
CCO using the contact information in Item 2 of this Brochure.
ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Clients must maintain assets in an account with a “qualified Custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or bank. If
our Firm is asked to give a recommendation, our recommendation is generally based on the broker’s cost and
fees, skills, reputation, dependability, and compatibility with the Client. The Client may obtain lower
commissions and fees from other brokers.
QUALIFIED CUSTODIANS
Uptick recommends that Clients utilize the custody, brokerage, and clearing services of Pershing Advisor
Solutions (“Pershing”), Altruist Financial LLC (“Altruist”), Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) and Raymond
James (“Raymond James”) for investment management accounts. The final decision to custody assets with
Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James is at the Client's discretion, including those accounts under ERISA
or IRA rules and regulations, in which case the Client acts as the plan sponsor or IRA accountholder. Uptick is
independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James.
Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James provide Uptick with access to its institutional trading and custody
services, which are typically unavailable to retail investors.
Uptick considers factors in recommending Pershing, Altruist, Schwab, Raymond James or any other broker-
dealer to Clients, including their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research, and
service. Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James enables the Firm to obtain many mutual funds without
transaction charges and other securities at nominal charges. Reimbursement is only available for a certain
amount for all the Firm’s Clients over a twelve-month period. Fees are reimbursed on a first-come-first-served
basis so that no Clients are favored. The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by Pershing, Altruist,
Schwab or Raymond James may be higher or lower than those charged by other Financial Institutions.
The commissions paid by Uptick’s Clients to Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James comply with the
Firm’s duty to obtain the “best execution.” Clients may pay commissions higher than another qualified Financial
Institution might charge to effect the same transaction, where Uptick determines that the commissions are
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking the best
execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost but whether the transaction represents the best
qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a Financial Institution’s services, including, among
others, the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. Uptick seeks
competitive rates but may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for Client transactions.
Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions are directed to certain broker-dealers in return
for investment research products and/or services that assist Uptick in its investment decision-making process.
Such research will be used to service all the Firm’s Clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one Client may
be used to pay for research not used in managing that Client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research
products and/or services and the allocation of the benefit of such investment research products and/or services
poses a conflict of interest because Uptick does not have to produce or pay for the products or services.
Uptick periodically and systematically reviews its policies and procedures regarding its recommendation of
Financial Institutions, considering its duty to obtain the best execution.
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SOFTWARE AND SUPPORT PROVIDED BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Uptick receives, without cost, from Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James, administrative support,
computer software, related systems support, as well as other third-party support as further described below
(together "Support"), which allows Uptick to better monitor Client accounts maintained at Pershing, Altruist,
Schwab or Raymond James and otherwise conduct its business. Uptick receives support without cost because
the firm renders investment management services to Clients who maintain assets at Pershing, Altruist, Schwab
or Raymond James.
Support is not provided for Clients' securities transactions (i.e., not “soft dollars”). The Support benefits Uptick
but not its Clients directly. Clients should be aware that Uptick’s receipt of economic benefits, such as Support
from a broker-dealer, creates a conflict of interest since these benefits will influence the Firm’s choice of broker-
dealer over another that does not furnish similar software, systems support, or services, mainly because the
support is contingent upon Clients placing a certain level(s) of assets at Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond
James. In fulfilling its duties to its Clients, Uptick always endeavors to put its Client's interests first and has
determined that Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James 's recommendation is in the Client's best interest
and satisfies the Firm's duty to seek the best execution.
Specifically, Uptick receives the following benefits from Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James : 1)
receipt of duplicate Client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; 2) access to a trading desk that
exclusively services its institutional traders; 3) access to block trading, which provides the ability to aggregate
securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares to Client accounts; and iv) access to an
electronic communication network for Client order entry and account information.
In addition, the Firm can receive assistance from Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James through
payments for eligible third-party vendor services and services provided by Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or
Raymond James affiliates. The support can be for marketing, technology, consulting, or research expenses.
Payments are distributed, and the amount is based on an assumed amount of assets under management that
are being brought to Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James. Should the Firm not bring over the agreed-
upon amount of assets, the Firm will be obligated to pay a platform fee to Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or
Raymond James for ongoing services. This results in a conflict of interest for the Firm to continue
recommending Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James and to recommend Clients allocate additional
assets for management to reach and remain at the threshold.
These other services are generally available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no
charge, so long as a certain amount of the advisor’s Clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at Pershing,
Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James. Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James’s services include 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 Client accounts maintained in its custody, Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James 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 the broker-dealer or that
settle into broker-dealer accounts.
Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James also makes available to the Firm other products and services that
benefit the Firm but may not benefit its Clients’ accounts. These benefits may include national, regional, or
specific educational events organized and/or sponsored by Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James
Other potential benefits may include occasional business entertainment of personnel of Uptick by broker-dealer
personnel, including meals, invitations to sporting events, golf tournaments, and other forms of entertainment,
some of which may accompany educational opportunities.
Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James will also provide numerous benefits to IARs that are new to the
Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James to assist with the costs associated with transitioning their business
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to the one of their platforms. The amount of the benefits is often significant in relation to the overall revenue
earned or compensation received by the IAR at their prior firm. Such payments are based on the size of the
IARs business established at their prior firm or assets under management with Uptick. Please refer to the
relevant Part 2B brochure supplement for more information about the specific benefits your IAR receives.
Other products and services assist Uptick 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), provide research, pricing information and other market data, facilitate payment of the Firm's fees from its
Client’s accounts, and assist with back-office training and support functions, recordkeeping and Client reporting. Many
of these services may be used to service all or some substantial number of the Firm’s accounts, including those not
maintained at Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James. Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James
makes other services available to Uptick to help the Firm 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, human capital consultants, insurance, and marketing. In addition, broker-dealers may make
available, arrange, and/or pay vendors for these services rendered to the Firm by independent third parties.
Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James 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 the Firm. While, as
a fiduciary, Uptick endeavors to act in its Client’s best interests, the Firm's recommendation that Clients maintain
their assets in accounts at Pershing, Altruist, Schwab or Raymond James may be based in part on the benefits
received and not solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by the broker-
dealer, which creates a potential conflict of interest.
BROKERAGE FOR CLIENT REFERRALS
Uptick does not consider whether the firm receives Client referrals from financial institutions or other third
parties when selecting or recommending broker-dealers.
DIRECTED BROKERAGE
The Client may direct Uptick in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute some or all transactions
for the Client. In that case, the Client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the account with that Financial
Institution and the Firm will not seek better execution services or prices from other Financial Institutions or be
able to “batch” Client transactions for execution through other Financial Institutions with orders for other
accounts managed by Uptick (as described above). As a result, the Client may pay higher commissions or other
transaction costs, greater spreads, or may receive less favorable net prices on transactions for the account than
would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best execution, Uptick may decline a Client’s request to
direct brokerage if, in the Firm’s sole discretion, such directed brokerage arrangements would result in
additional operational difficulties.
TRADE AGGREGATION
Transactions for each Client will be executed independently unless Uptick decides to purchase or sell the same
securities for several Clients at approximately the same time. Uptick may (but is not obligated to) combine or
“batch” such orders to obtain the best execution, negotiate more favorable commission rates, or allocate
equitably among the Client’s differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might not
have been obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be
averaged as price and allocated among Uptick’s Client's pro rata to each Client's purchase and sale orders on
any given day. To the extent that the Firm determines to aggregate Client orders for the purchase or sale of
securities, including securities in which Uptick’s Supervised Persons may invest, the Firm does so in accordance
with applicable rules promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action guidance provided by the staff of the
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Uptick does not receive additional compensation or remuneration
due to the aggregation.
In the event that the Firm determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the particular
circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which include: (i) when only a
small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the account with the smallest order or
the smallest position or to an account that is out of line with respect to security or sector weightings relative to
other portfolios, with similar mandates; (ii) allocations may be given to one account when one account has
limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other securities which are expected to
produce similar investment results and can be purchased by other accounts; (iii) if an account reaches an
investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an allocation, shares may be reallocated to other accounts
(this may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed); (iv) with respect to sale
allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash; (v) in cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential
execution would result in a de minimis allocation in one or more accounts, the Firm may exclude the account(s)
from the allocation; the transactions may be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi)
in cases where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may be allocated to one or
more accounts on a random basis.
TRADE ERRORS
We have implemented procedures designed to prevent trade errors; however, trade errors in client accounts
cannot always be avoided. Consistent with our fiduciary duty, it is our policy to correct trade errors in a manner
that is in the best interest of the client. In cases where the client causes a trade error, the client will be
responsible for any loss resulting from the correction. In all situations where the client does not cause the trade
error, we would absorb any loss resulting from the trade error if the firm caused the error. If the broker-dealer
causes the error, the broker-dealer will be responsible for covering all trade error costs. If an investment gain
results from the correcting trade, Uptick will not benefit from the error.
ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
CLIENT REVIEWS
Our Firm reviews Client accounts and financial plans periodically. Our IARs will monitor Client accounts regularly
and offer to perform annual reviews with each Client. All accounts are reviewed for consistency with Client
investment strategy, asset allocation, risk tolerance, and performance. More frequent reviews may be triggered
by changes in an account holder’s personal, tax, or financial status. Geopolitical and macroeconomic-specific
events may also trigger reviews. Our recommendations depend on the information provided by the Client.
Our Client must notify our Firm of any situation that would impair our ability to manage our Client accounts
properly.
ACCOUNT STATEMENTS & REPORTS
The Client receives a copy of each trade confirmation (unless the Client has authorized the Custodian to
suppress the confirmations) and the standard written account statement from the qualified account Custodian
every quarter.
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ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS & OTHER COMPENSATION
BROKERAGE PRACTICES
As disclosed under Item 12 Brokerage Practices, we participate in the Custodian’s institutional customer
programs, and we may recommend a Custodian to our Clients for custody and brokerage services. There is no
direct link between our participation in the program and the investment advice we give to our Clients. However,
we receive economic benefits through our participation in the program that are typically not available to any
other independent advisors participating in the program. These benefits include the following products and
services (provided without cost or at a discount):
• Receipt of duplicate Client statements and confirmations.
• Research-related products and tools.
• Consulting services.
• Access to a trading desk serving adviser participants.
• Access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions for execution
and then allocate the appropriate shares to Client accounts);
• The ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from Client accounts.
• Access to an electronic communications network for Client order entry and account information.
• Access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and certain institutional money Managers.
• Discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or
services provided to us by third-party vendors.
Custodians may also have paid for business consulting and professional services received by some of our IARs.
Some of the products and services made available by Custodians through the program may benefit us but may
not benefit your account. These products or services may assist us in managing and administering Client
accounts, including accounts not maintained at our recommended Custodian. Other services made available
by the Custodian are intended to help us manage and further develop our business enterprise. The benefits
our Firm or our IARs receive through participation in the program do not depend on the amount of brokerage
transactions directed to the Custodian. Due to these arrangements, our Client does not pay more for assets
maintained at Schwab. As part of our fiduciary duties to Clients, we constantly endeavor to put our Clients'
interests first. Clients should be aware, however, that receiving economic benefits from our Firm or our IARs in
and of itself creates a conflict of interest because the cost of these services would otherwise be borne directly
by us. These arrangements could indirectly influence our choice of Custodian for custody and brokerage
services. Clients should consider these conflicts of interest when selecting a Custodian. The products and
services provided by the Custodian, how they benefit us, and the related conflicts of interest are described
above.
OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Our Firm may refer business to estate planning attorneys, insurance brokers, and other professionals. However,
we do not receive monetary or other material compensation for referring Clients to such professionals. We also
do not pay any person or firm commissions or other items of material value when referring Clients to us. If we
receive or offer an introduction to a Client, we do not pay or earn a referral fee, nor are there established quid
pro quo arrangements. Each Client can accept or deny such referral or subsequent services.
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CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Firm sometimes recommends a certified public accountant if a Client requires accounting services. At
times, the Firm recommends the services of a certified public accounting firm (“CPA Firm”) with whom the Firm
has a relationship. The relationship includes i) CPA Firms where the Firm has entered into a relationship where
it engages the CPA Firm to provide accounting services to Clients. In those scenarios, the Firm can negotiate
the price and services for Clients, but the Client will pay for the services. ii) CPA Firms that will pay a referral fee
to the Firm for referring Firm Clients. This results in a conflict of interest for the Firm when choosing either of
these CPA firms. The Firm will disclose any conflicting recommendations to Clients. Clients are not required to
utilize the recommendation services provided by Uptick.
HOLISTIC TAX SOLUTIONS, LLC SERVICES
Our Firm offers tax planning services through our affiliated entity, Holistic Tax Solutions, LLC. From time to
time, the firm may offer Clients advice or products from Holistic Tax Solutions, LLC, and Clients should be aware
that these services may involve a conflict of interest. Uptick always acts in the Client's best interest, and Clients
always have the right to decide whether to utilize the services of Uptick or any of its affiliates.
EDUCATIONAL & CLIENT EVENT SPONSORSHIP
From time to time, our Firm may receive economic benefits in the form of sponsorships or reimbursements from
investment managers, custodians, or product providers whose services or investment products we may
recommend to our clients. For example, certain providers may contribute to educational, or client appreciation
events hosted by our firm. These contributions are modest in nature and not tied to any specific client accounts
or level of investment, but they do present a potential conflict of interest. We mitigate this conflict by
maintaining a policy of selecting investment products and providers solely in the best interests of our clients,
without regard to any sponsorships or event support received.
ITEM 15 - CUSTODY
Regulators have defined custody as having access or control over Client funds or securities. As it applies to our
Firm, we do not have physical custody of funds or securities.
FEE DEDUCTION
Our Firm is deemed to have constructive custody over accounts where we are able to deduct our fees directly
from the Client's account. As long as we comply with specific regulatory requirements, constructive custody
does not mandate that our Firm undergo a surprise audit of those accounts. Our Clients receive account
statements directly from the qualified Custodian at least quarterly. Our Firm may send Clients quarterly reports
that our Firm produces using our portfolio accounting system, Advyzon Technologies.
We strongly urge our Clients to compare such reports with the statements received from the qualified
Custodian. Furthermore, when our Firm calculates our investment management fees and instructs the Custodian
to remit these fees to us directly from Clients’ accounts, the Custodian does not verify our calculation of fees.
Our Firm performs quarterly testing to ensure that our fees are charged per the Client’s Investment Advisory
Agreement on file with our Firm.
STANDING LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION (“SLOA”)
Additionally, our Firm is deemed to have custody of the Client’s funds or securities when you have standing
authorizations with their Custodian to move money from your account to a third party (“SLOA”) and, under that
SLOA, it authorizes us to designate the amount or timing of transfers with the Custodian. The SEC has set forth
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standards to protect your assets in such situations, which we follow. We do not have a beneficial interest in any
of the accounts we are deemed to have Custody of where SLOAs are on file. In addition, account statements
reflecting all activity on the account(s) are delivered directly from the qualified Custodian to each Client or the
Client’s independent representative at least monthly. You should carefully review those statements and are
urged to compare the statements against reports received from us. If you have questions about your account
statements, contact us, your advisor, or the qualified custodian who will prepare the statement.
HOLISTIC TAX SOLUTIONS, LLC SERVICES
Holistic Tax Solutions, LLC is not deemed to have custody of any Uptick Client funds or securities.
ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION
DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
Upon receiving written authorization from the Client, our Firm provides discretionary investment advisory
services for Client accounts. For discretionary accounts, before engaging our Firm to provide investment
advisory services, you will enter into a written Investment Advisory Agreement with us granting our Firm the
authority to supervise and direct, on an ongoing basis, investments per the Client's investment objective and
guidelines. In addition, our Client will need to execute additional documents required by the Custodian to
authorize and enable our Firm, in its sole discretion, without prior consultation with or ratification by our Client,
to purchase, sell, or exchange securities in and for your accounts. We are authorized, at our discretion and
without prior consultation with the Client, to (1) buy, sell, exchange, and trade any stocks, bonds, or other
securities or assets and (2) determine the amount of securities to be bought or sold and (3) place orders with
the Custodian. Any limitations to such discretionary authority will be communicated to our Firm in writing by
you, the Client.
The limitations on investment and brokerage discretion held by our Firm are:
• For discretionary accounts, we must be given the authority to determine which securities and amounts will
be bought or sold.
• Any limitations on this discretionary authority shall be in writing as indicated in the Investment Advisory
Agreement. Clients may change or amend these limitations as required.
NON-DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
In some instances, we may not have discretionary authority. For non-discretionary accounts, our Firm will
discuss all transactions with our Client before execution, or the Client will be required to make the trades in an
employer-sponsored account.
ADVYZON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC (“AIM”)
When we engage AIM to provide investment management of all or a portion of your assets, we have the
discretion to choose the Investment Strategy. Once the Investment Strategy is selected, AIM has discretionary
authority over the management of your account. We no longer have the discretion to implement transactions
in your account.
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ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
PROXY VOTING
Our Firm cannot vote for Client securities. Clients will receive proxies or other solicitations directly from the
Custodian or a transfer agent. Clients are responsible for obtaining and voting proxies for all securities
maintained in their portfolios. We may advise you regarding your voting of proxies. Clients can contact our Firm
with any questions or concerns about a particular solicitation.
CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS
Our Firm does not advise or instruct Clients on whether to participate as a member of class action lawsuits and
will not automatically file claims on the Client’s behalf. However, if a Client notifies us that they wish to
participate in a class action, we will provide the Client with transaction information about the Client’s account
that is required to file a proof of claim in a class action.
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Our Firm has no financial commitment that impairs its ability to meet Client contractual and fiduciary obligations
and has not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding. We do not require or solicit prepayment of more
than $1,200 in fees per Client six months or more in advance. Therefore, we are not required to include a
balance sheet for the most recent fiscal year.
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