West Financial Strategies, Inc.

Firm Brochure (Part 2A of Form ADV) WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. 301 COURT SQUARE SANFORD, NC 27330 919-774-8664 919-774-6617 (FAX) westfinancialstrategies.com leewest@leewestcpa.com This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at: 919- 774-8664, or by email at: leewest@leewestcpa.com. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority. Additional information about WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. is available on the SEC’s WEBSITE at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. May 8, 2026 West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Item 2. Material Changes Annual Update The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually when material changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure. Material Changes since the Last Annual Update In its last Form ADV annual updating amendment submitted on March 6, 2026, West Financial Strategies, Inc. reported regulatory assets under management in excess of $100 million. Accordingly, West Financial Strategies, Inc. is transitioning from registration as a registered investment adviser with the State of North Carolina to the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Full Brochure Available Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure, please contact us by telephone at: 919-774-8664 or by email at leewest@leewestcpa.com. i West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Item 3. Table of Contents Item 1. Cover Page Item 2. Material Changes .............................................................................................. i Annual Update ............................................................................................................ i Material Changes since the Last Annual Update ........................................................ i Full Brochure Available ............................................................................................... i Item 3. Table of Contents ............................................................................................. 1 Item 4. Advisory Business ........................................................................................... 4 Firm Description ......................................................................................................... 4 Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................ 4 Tailored Relationships ............................................................................................... 4 Types of Agreements ................................................................................................. 5 Financial Planning Agreement ................................................................................... 5 Retainer Agreement ................................................................................................... 5 Tax Preparation Agreement ....................................................................................... 5 Asset Management .................................................................................................... 5 Termination of Agreement ......................................................................................... 6 Item 5. Fees and Compensation.................................................................................. 6 Investment Management Services Agreement .......................................................... 6 Fee Billing .................................................................................................................. 6 Other Fees ................................................................................................................. 6 Expense Ratios .......................................................................................................... 7 Past Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement ................................................... 7 Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ........................... 7 Performance Fees ..................................................................................................... 7 Item 7. Types of Clients ............................................................................................... 7 Description ................................................................................................................. 7 Account Minimums ..................................................................................................... 7 Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................... 8 Methods of Analysis ................................................................................................... 8 Investment Strategies ................................................................................................ 8 - 1 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................... 8 Item 9. Disciplinary Information .................................................................................. 9 Legal and Disciplinary ................................................................................................ 9 Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................. 10 Financial Industry Activities ...................................................................................... 10 Affiliations ................................................................................................................ 10 Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ......................................................................................................... 10 Code of Ethics ......................................................................................................... 10 Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ......................................................... 11 Personal Trading ...................................................................................................... 11 Item 12. Brokerage Practices .................................................................................... 11 Selecting Brokerage Firms ....................................................................................... 11 Best Execution ......................................................................................................... 12 Soft Dollars .............................................................................................................. 12 Item 13. Review of Accounts ..................................................................................... 12 Periodic Reviews ..................................................................................................... 12 Review Triggers ....................................................................................................... 12 Regular Reports ....................................................................................................... 12 Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................. 12 Incoming Referrals ................................................................................................... 12 Referrals Out ........................................................................................................... 13 Other Compensation ................................................................................................ 13 Item 15. Custody......................................................................................................... 13 Account Statements ................................................................................................. 13 Direct Debiting of Advisory Fees .............................................................................. 13 Item 16. Investment Discretion.................................................................................. 13 Discretionary Authority for Trading ........................................................................... 13 Limited Power of Attorney ........................................................................................ 14 Item 17. Voting Client Securities ............................................................................... 14 Proxy Votes ............................................................................................................. 14 - 2 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Item 18. Financial Information ................................................................................... 14 Financial Condition .................................................................................................. 14 - 3 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Item 4. Advisory Business Firm Description WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. was founded in 1997. M. Lee West is 100% stockholder. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. provides personalized confidential investment management to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and small businesses. Advice is provided through consultation with the client and may include: determination of financial objectives, identification of financial problems, cash flow management, tax planning, insurance review, investment management, education funding, retirement planning, and estate planning. The preparation of formal financial plans or income tax returns are referred to M. Lee West, CPA, P.A. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. is strictly a fee-only investment management firm. The firm does not sell annuities, insurance, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited partnerships, or other commissioned products. The firm is not affiliated with entities that sell financial products or securities. No commissions in any form are accepted. No finder’s fees are accepted. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not act as a custodian of client assets. The client always maintains asset control. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. places trades for clients under a limited power of attorney. Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly by the client on an as-needed basis. Conflicts of interest will be disclosed to the client in the unlikely event they should occur. The initial meeting is free of charge and is considered an exploratory interview to determine the extent to which financial planning and investment management may be beneficial to the client. Types of Advisory Services WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. provides investment supervisory services, also known as asset management services. As of December 31, 2025, WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. manages approximately $121,014,544 in client assets on a discretionary basis and $0 in client assets on a non-discretionary basis. Tailored Relationships The goals and objectives for each client are documented. Investment policy statements are created that reflect the stated goals and objective. Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. - 4 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Agreements may not be assigned without client consent. Types of Agreements The following agreements define the typical client relationships. Financial Planning Agreement A financial plan is designed to help the client with all aspects of financial planning. The financial plan may include, but is not limited to: a net worth statement; a cash flow statement; a review of investment accounts, including reviewing asset allocation and providing repositioning recommendations; strategic tax planning; a review of retirement accounts and plans including recommendations; a review of insurance policies and recommendations for changes, if necessary; one or more retirement scenarios; estate planning review and recommendations; and education planning with funding recommendations. Retainer Agreement WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. currently has no provision for retainers. Tax Preparation Agreement WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not prepare income tax returns. Asset Management Assets are invested primarily in no-load mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and securities. Fund companies charge each fund shareholder an investment management fee that is disclosed in the fund prospectus. Discount brokerages may charge a transaction fee for the purchase of some funds. Stocks and bonds may be purchased or sold through a brokerage account when appropriate. The brokerage firm charges a fee for stock and bond trades. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not receive any compensation, in any form, from fund companies or any brokerage firm. Investments may also include: equities (stocks), warrants, corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, municipal securities, investment company securities (variable life insurance, variable annuities, and mutual funds shares), U. S. government securities, options contracts, futures contracts, and interests in partnerships. Initial public offerings (IPOs) are not available through WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. - 5 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Termination of Agreement A Client may terminate without penalty an investment advisory contract by giving five (5) business days’ notice. West Financial Strategies, Inc. may terminate any investment advisory contract without penalty by giving the client notice. Any unearned fees will be returned on a pro-rata basis. Item 5. Fees and Compensation Investment Management Services Agreement Fees for investment management services are based upon a net percentage of assets under management at the beginning of the quarter. For other assignments a fee is negotiated. Due to the differing nature of each client’s needs, different fee amounts may be charged to different clients for the same or similar services. No performance fees are charged The following fee schedule is provided: Assets under management On the first $1,000,000 From $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 On assets over $2,000,000 Fee 0.25% Quarterly 0.20% Quarterly 0.125% Quarterly For clients that maintain investment account balances over $500,000, any fees due M. Lee West, CPA, P.A. for financial planning or income tax services are paid by West Financial Strategies, Inc. on behalf of the client. Fee Billing Investment management fees are billed quarterly, in advance, meaning that we invoice you before the three-month billing period has begun. Fees are usually deducted from designated client accounts to facilitate billing. The client must consent in advance to direct debiting of their investment account. Other Fees Custodians may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of certain mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. These transaction charges are usually small and incidental to the purchase or sale of a security. The selection of the security is more important than the nominal fee that the custodian charges to buy or sell the security. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC., in its sole discretion, may waive its minimum fee and/or charge a lesser investment advisory fee based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship, type of assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, negotiations with clients, etc.). - 6 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Expense Ratios Mutual funds generally charge a management fee for their services as investment managers. The management fee is called an expense ratio. For example, an expense ratio of 0.25 means that the mutual fund company charges 0.25% for their services. These fees are in addition to the fees paid by you to WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. Performance figures quoted by mutual fund companies in various publications are after their fees have been deducted. Past Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. reserves the right to stop work on any account that is more than 15 days overdue. In addition, WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. reserves the right to terminate any engagement where a client has willfully concealed or has refused to provide pertinent information about financial situations when necessary and appropriate, in WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC.’s judgment, to providing proper financial advice. Any unearned portion of fees collected in advance will be refunded within 15 days. Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management Performance Fees WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not use a performance-based fee structure because of the potential conflict of interest, and therefore does not engage in side-by-side management. Performance-based compensation may create an incentive for the adviser to recommend an investment that may carry a higher degree of risk to the client. Item 7. Types of Clients Description WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. generally provides investment advice to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, or charitable organizations, corporations or business entities. Client relationships vary in scope and length of service. Account Minimums The minimum account size is $100,000 of assets under management, which equates to an annual fee of $1,000. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. will renegotiate with the client if assets have diminished significantly below $100,000. - 7 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. has the discretion to waive the account minimum. Accounts of less than $100,000 may be set up when the client and the advisor anticipate the client will add additional funds to the accounts bringing the total to $100,000 within a reasonable time. Other exceptions will apply to employees of WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. and their relatives, or relatives of existing clients. Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss Methods of Analysis The main sources of information include financial newspapers and magazines, inspections of corporate activities, research materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, timing services, annual reports, prospectuses, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and company press releases. Other sources of information that WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. may use include Morningstar mutual fund information, stock and ETF research provided by Charles Schwab & Co. and various online resources. Investment Strategies The primary investment strategy used on most client accounts is strategic asset allocation utilizing a core and satellite approach. This means that we use passively-managed index and exchange-traded funds as the core investments, and then may add actively-managed funds and securities where there maybe greater opportunities to make a difference. Portfolios are globally diversified to control the risk associated with traditional markets. The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the client during consultations. The client may change these objectives at any time. Other strategies may include long-term margin transactions and option writing. Risk of Loss All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. Our investment approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind. Investors face the following investment risks: • Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive, causing their market values to decline. - 8 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  • Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to tangible and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying circumstances. For example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events. • Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation. • Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also referred to as exchange rate risk. • Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily relates to fixed income securities. • Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or a particular company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling companies depend on finding oil and then refining it, a lengthy process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a higher risk of profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the economic environment is like. • Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash. Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are not. • Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations increases the risk of profitability, because the company must meet the terms of its obligations in good times and bad. During periods of financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may result in bankruptcy and/or a declining market value. Item 9. Disciplinary Information Legal and Disciplinary We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of its management. Our firm and its employees have no reportable disciplinary events to disclose. - 9 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations Financial Industry Activities WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer, or a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor. Affiliations WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. has arrangements that are material to its advisory or its clients with M. Lee West, CPA, P.A. which is an accounting, financial planning and tax firm (a related person). Milton Lee West is President of both companies and divides his time between the companies. Charles Frederick Von Canon is an officer of both companies and also divides his time. Milton Lee West wholly owns both West Financial Strategies, Inc. and M. Lee West, CPA, P.A., an accounting firm providing accounting, tax, and financial planning services to businesses and individuals. Clients of M. Lee West, CPA, P.A. may become clients of WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. if significant investment advisory services are requested by the client. The preparation of formal financial plans or income tax returns are referred to M. Lee West, CPA, P.A. Services provided by M. Lee West CPA, P.A. are provided for separate and typical compensation. No client is obligated to use M. Lee West CPA, P.A. for any accounting services, and conversely, no accounting client is obligated to use the advisory services provided by WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. For clients of WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. that maintain investment account balances over $500,000, any fees due M. Lee West, CPA, P.A. for financial planning or income tax services are paid by West Financial Strategies, Inc. on behalf of the client. M. Lee West CPA, P.A.’s accounting services do not include the authority to sign checks or otherwise disburse funds on any of advisory client’s behalf. Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading Code of Ethics The employees of WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. have committed to a Code of Ethics that is available for review by clients and prospective clients upon request. The firm will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request. You may request a copy by email sent to leewest@leewestcpa.com or by calling us at 919-774-8664. - 10 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  Participation or Interest in Client Transactions WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. and its employees may buy or sell securities that are also held by clients. It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person employed by us may purchase or sell any security prior to a transaction being implemented for an advisory account in the same security, thereby preventing such employee(s) from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts. Personal Trading The Chief Compliance Officer of WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. is M. Lee West. He reviews all employee trades each quarter. His trades are reviewed by Fred Von Canon. The personal trading reviews ensure that the personal trading of employees does not affect the markets, and that clients of the firm receive preferential treatment. Since most of applicant’s personal investments and most recommendation are mutual funds (or widely-held securities) in amounts that unlikely to influence these transactions, this potential conflict is considered by the applicant to be minimal. The investment adviser will maintain a record of personal securities transactions. All applicable federal and state rules and regulations will be strictly enforced. From time to time, WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. may cross fixed income securities between client accounts. These transactions are affected if WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. independently determines that the cross transaction is in accordance with the investment objectives of all clients involved. Generally, due to lower transaction costs and a narrowing of the dealer spread, both the buyer and seller of the fixed income security involved in the cross transaction will receive a better execution. By written notice, a client may elect not to be involved in cross transactions. Item 12. Brokerage Practices Selecting Brokerage Firms WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not have any affiliation with product sales firms. Specific custodian recommendations are made to Clients based on their need for such services. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. recommends custodians based on the proven integrity and financial responsibility of the firm and the best execution of orders at reasonable commission rates. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. recommends Charles Schwab & Co. brokerage firm to service as custodian. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not receive fees or commissions from any of these arrangements. A client may select a brokerage house other than Charles Schwab & Co. We explain we may not - 11 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  be able to achieve most favorable execution of client transactions and could cost the client more money if the client directs the brokerage. Best Execution WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. reviews the execution of trades at each custodian as each trade is made. Trading fees charged by the custodians are also reviewed as each trade is made. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not receive any portion of the trading fees. Soft Dollars WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not receive a software maintenance credit from Charles Schwab & Company. All clients benefit from the software and research resources provided by Charles Schwab & Co. as it reduces the firm’s overall expenses. Item 13. Review of Accounts Periodic Reviews Account reviews are performed quarterly by advisors M. Lee West, President, and/or Charles Frederick Von Canon, Vice President. Account reviews are performed more frequently when market conditions dictate. Review Triggers Other conditions that may trigger a review are changes in the tax laws, new investment information, and changes in a client's own situation. Regular Reports Account reviewers are members of the firm's Investment Committee. They are instructed to consider the client's current security positions and the likelihood that the performance of each security will contribute to the investment objectives of the client. Investment Management clients receive written quarterly updates. The written updates may include portfolio statement, unrealized gains and losses and other statements as appropriate. Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation Incoming Referrals WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. has been fortunate to receive many client referrals over the years. The referrals came from current clients, estate planning attorneys, accountants, employees, personal friends of employees - 12 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  and other similar sources. The firm does not compensate referring parties for these referrals. Referrals Out WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not accept referral fees or any form of remuneration from other professionals when a prospect or client is referred to them. Other Compensation There are no other forms of compensation received by West Financial Strategies, Inc. Item 15. Custody Account Statements All assets are held at qualified custodians who send monthly account statements directly to clients. Direct Debiting of Advisory Fees WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. is deemed to have constructive custody of client funds solely because it has the ability to debit advisory fees when clients authorize us to instruct the custodian to deduct our advisory fees directly from the client’s account. Because the custodian does not calculate the amount of the fee to be deducted, it is important for clients to carefully review their custodial statements to verify the accuracy of the calculation, among other things. Clients are urged to compare the account statements received directly from their custodians to the performance report statements provided by WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. to ensure that all account transactions, holdings, and values are correct and current. Item 16. Investment Discretion Discretionary Authority for Trading WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. has the authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, the securities to be bought or sold, and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold. Discretionary trading authority facilitates placing trades in your accounts on your behalf so that we may promptly implement the investment policy that you have approved. Clients may limit this authority by giving us written - 13 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.  instructions. Clients may also change/amend such limitations by once again providing us with written instructions. Limited Power of Attorney A limited power of attorney is a trading authorization for this purpose. You sign a limited power of attorney so that we may execute the trades that you have approved. Item 17. Voting Client Securities Proxy Votes WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not vote proxies on securities. Clients are expected to vote their own proxies. When assistance on voting proxies is requested, WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. will provide recommendations to the Client. If a conflict of interest exists, it will be disclosed to the Client. Item 18. Financial Information Financial Condition WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not have any financial impairment that will preclude the firm from meeting contractual commitments to clients. A balance sheet is not required to be provided because WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. does not serve as a custodian for client funds or securities and does not require prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 per client six months or more in advance of services rendered. WEST FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, INC. has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten (10) years. - 14 - West Financial Strategies, Inc.