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Item 1
Cover Page
Destiny Wealth Partners, LLC
ADV Part 2A, Firm Brochure
Dated: March 24, 2025
SEC File No. 801-79789
Contact: Thomas H. Ruggie,
Chief Compliance Officer
2100 Lake Eustis Drive
Tavares, Florida 32778
Phone: 352-343-2700
Fax: 352-742-2607
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Destiny
Wealth Partners, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact
us at (352) 343-2700 or truggie@ruggiewealth.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 Destiny Wealth Partners, LLC also is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
References herein to Destiny Wealth Partners, LLC as a “registered investment adviser” or any
reference to being “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
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Item 2
Material Changes
Since the last Annual Amendment on March 14, 2024, this Disclosure Brochure has been materially revised.
Item 6 has been revised to indicate that Registrant charges performance-based fees.
ANY QUESTIONS: Destiny Wealth Partners, LLC’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie,
remains available to address any questions that an existing or prospective client may have regarding
this Brochure.
Item 3
Table of Contents
Item 1
Cover Page .................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 Material Changes .......................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4
Fees and Compensation .............................................................................................................. 15
Item 5
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management .......................................................... 22
Item 6
Types of Clients .......................................................................................................................... 22
Item 7
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................... 22
Item 9
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................. 26
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................... 26
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .............. 27
Item 12 Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 28
Item 13 Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 30
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 30
Item 15 Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Item 16
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 31
Item 17 Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 32
Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 32
Item 18
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Item 4 Advisory Business
Destiny Wealth Partners , LLC (the “Registrant”) is a limited liability company formed on November
6, 2012 in the State of Florida. The Registrant became registered as an Investment Adviser Firm in
May 2014. As of February 2, 2021, The Registrant has changed its legal name to Destiny Wealth
Partners, LLC. As of January 1, 2021, the Registrant is now owned by Panormos Capital, Inc.
Panormos Capital, Inc. is owned by Thomas H. Ruggie, as Trustee of the Thomas H. Ruggie
Revocable Trust, Dated January 18, 2001, As Amended and Robert L. Clark, Trustee of the Robert
L. Clark Revocable Trust, Dated September 29, 2014, As Amended. Registrant also conducts advisory
business under the following DBA names: Ruggie Wealth Management, Destiny 401(K), Destiny
401K, Destiny Family Office, Destiny Wealth Management, and Destiny Wealth Partners. Our firm
also offers services through our network of investment adviser representatives (“Advisor
Representatives” or “IARs”). Certain of our IARs may have their own legal business entities whose
trade names and logos are used for marketing purposes and may appear on marketing materials or
client statements. Clients should understand that the businesses are legal entities of the respective IAR
and not of Destiny Wealth Partners. The IARs are under the supervision of Destiny Wealth Partners
and the advisory services of the IAR are provided through our firm. Destiny Wealth Partners currently
maintains such an arrangement described above with Nichols Wealth Partners and their respective
representatives.
A. As discussed below, the Registrant offers to its clients (individuals, pension and profit sharing plans,
business entities and trusts, etc.) Registrant’s, investment advisory services, which services typically
include financial planning and related consulting services.
TYPES OF ADVISORY SERVICES
Wealth Management and Financial Planning Services
Registrant’s Wealth Management services consist of managing portfolios for its clients in accordance
with their investment objectives. The Registrant transacts business in mutual funds, ETF’s, stocks,
bonds, options, private and public partnerships, variable annuities, real estate investment trusts,
insurance and other investment products. The client can determine to engage Registrant to provide
discretionary or non-discretionary investment advisory services on a wrap or non-wrap fee basis. (See
discussion below). To the extent specifically requested by the client, financial planning and consulting
services will be included in our services. In the event that the client requires extraordinary planning
and/or consultation services (to be determined in the sole discretion of Registrant), Registrant may
determine to charge for such additional services, the dollar amount of which shall be set forth in a
separate written notice to the client.
If a client determines to engage Registrant on a wrap fee basis, the client will pay a single fee for
bundled services (i.e. investment advisory, brokerage, custody). The services included in a wrap fee
agreement will depend upon each client’s particular need. If the client determines to engage Registrant
on a non-wrap fee basis, the client will select individual services on an unbundled basis, paying for
each service separately (i.e. investment advisory, brokerage, custody).
To commence the investment advisory process, Registrant will ascertain each client’s investment
objective(s) and then allocate the client’s assets consistent with the client’s designated investment
objective(s). Once allocated, Registrant provides ongoing supervision of the account(s). Before
engaging Registrant to provide investment advisory services, clients are required to enter into an
Investment Advisory Agreement with Registrant setting forth the terms and conditions of the
engagement (including termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the fee
that is due from the client.
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Please Note: Registrant believes that it is important for the client to address financial planning issues
on an ongoing basis. Registrant’s advisory fee, as set forth at Item 5 below, will remain the same
regardless of whether or not the client determines to address financial planning issues with Registrant.
Destiny Family Office – Wealth Management and Financial Planning Services
Destiny Family Office (“DFO”) is offered by the Registrant to provide family office services to high-
net-worth families, which offering typically includes Registrant’s wealth management services. The
Registrant’s wealth management services consist of managing portfolios for its clients in accordance
with their stated investment objectives. The Registrant may oversee mutual funds, ETF’s, stocks,
bonds, options, private and public partnerships, variable annuities, real estate investment trusts,
insurance and other investment products. The DFO client can engage the Registrant to provide
discretionary investment advisory services on a wrap fee basis. (See discussion below). If a client
determines to engage Registrant on a wrap fee basis, the client will pay a single fee for bundled
services (i.e. investment advisory, brokerage, custody). The services included in a wrap fee agreement
will depend upon each client’s particular need. To the extent engaged to do so and specifically
requested by a client, financial planning and related consulting services will be provided as part of
the engagement. DFO offers its services as a counselor and investment specialist. By working closely
with family members, DFO designs a customized investment plan to suit the unique needs of each
client. When developing the investment strategy, DFO takes into account all of the objectives,
constraints and risk tolerances that are indicated by the clients. DFO’s goal is to provide substantial
value to its clients’ lives in specific areas. Registrant’s Family Office services include developing
asset allocation and diversification strategies, asset management, investment reporting, and certain
administrative duties.
Registrant believes that it is important for the client to address financial planning issues on an ongoing
basis. Registrant’s advisory fee, as set forth at Item 5 below, will remain the same regardless of
whether or not the client determines to address financial planning issues with Registrant.
Non-Wrap Fee Basis
The client can determine to engage the Registrant to provide discretionary and/or non-discretionary
investment advisory services on a fee basis. Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee shall be based
upon a percentage (%) of the market value and type of assets placed under Registrant’s management,
generally negotiable to 2.0% (See Fee Differential disclosure below)
Destiny Wealth Partners Wrap Fee Program
The Registrant provides investment management services on a wrap fee basis in accordance with
Registrant’s investment management wrap fee program (the “Program”). The services offered under,
and the corresponding terms and conditions pertaining to, the Program are discussed in the Wrap Fee
Program Brochure, a copy of which is presented to all prospective Program participants. Under the
Program, Registrant, as a wrap sponsor, is able to offer participants discretionary investment
management services for a single specified annual Program fee, inclusive of trade execution, custody,
reporting, and Registrant’s investment management fees. However, clients may incur additional fees
as set forth below. The current annual Program fee ranges from negotiable (see fee schedule below)
to 1.80% (See Fee Differential disclosure below), depending upon the amount and type of the Program
assets. The terms and conditions for client participation in the Program are set forth in detail in the
Wrap Fee Program Brochure, which is presented to all prospective Program participants in accordance
with the disclosure requirements of Part 2A, Appendix 1 of Form ADV. All prospective Program
participants should read both Registrant’s Brochure and the Wrap Fee Program Brochure, and ask any
corresponding questions that they may have, prior to participation in the Program.
Please Note: As indicated in the Wrap Fee Program Brochure, participation in the Program may cost
more or less than purchasing such services separately. As also indicated in the Wrap Fee Program
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Brochure, the Program fee charged by Registrant for participation in the Program may be higher or
lower than those charged by other sponsors of comparable wrap fee programs.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES (STAND-ALONE)
To the extent Requested by the Client, Registrant may be engaged to provide financial planning and/or
consulting services (regarding investment and non-investment related matters, including estate
planning, insurance planning, etc.) on a stand-alone separate fee basis. Registrant’s planning and
consulting fees are negotiable, but will generally be a minimum of $10,000 on a fixed fee basis,
depending upon the level and scope of the service(s) required and the professional(s) rendering the
service(s). Based upon the complexity of the engagement, additional fees may be charged based upon
an hourly rate ranging from $100 to $1500. Prior to engaging Registrant to provide planning or
consulting services, clients are generally required to enter into a Financial Planning and Consulting
Agreement with Registrant setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including
termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the portion of the fee that is due
from the client prior to Registrant commencing services. Neither the Registrant, nor its investment
adviser representatives, assist clients with the implementation of any financial plan, unless they have
agreed to do so in writing. In addition, the Registrant does not monitor a client’s financial plan, and
it is the client’s responsibility to revisit the financial plan with the Registrant, if desired If requested
by the client, Registrant may recommend the services of other professionals for implementation
purposes, including certain of the Registrant’s principals and representatives in their individual
capacities as licensed insurance agents. (See disclosure at Item 10.C). The client is under no obligation
to engage the services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion
over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from the
Registrant. Please Note: If the client engages any such recommended professional and a dispute arises
thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from and against
the engaged professional. At all times, the engaged licensed professional[s] (i.e. attorney, accountant,
etc.), and not the Registrant, shall be responsible for the quality and competency of the services
provided. Please Also Note: It remains the client’s responsibility to promptly notify the Registrant if
there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of
reviewing, evaluating or revising Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services.
EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
The Registrant also provides retirement plan consulting/management services, pursuant to which it
assists sponsors of self-directed retirement plans organized under the Employee Retirement Security
Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). The terms and conditions of the engagement shall be set forth in an
investment advisory agreement between the Registrant and the plan sponsor. Accordingly, investment
management and advisory services are also provided to qualified employer-sponsored retirement
plans where the Registrant may serve as a fiduciary under ERISA§3(21) or 3(38).
As an ERISA §3(21) fiduciary, the Registrant acts in a non-discretionary capacity making
recommendations to the plan sponsor regarding the plan investments, assisting in the development of
an investment policy statement based upon the plan’s goals and objectives; providing participant
education designed to assist participants in identifying the appropriate investment strategy for their
retirement plan accounts; advising the plan regarding its fiduciary obligations; and assisting with
ongoing plan operations, as needed. The Registrant will also assist with the selection and/or
monitoring of investment options from which plan participants shall choose in self-directing the
investments for their individual plan retirement accounts.
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Where the Registrant has been appointed an investment manager under ERISA §3(38), the Registrant
possesses discretionary authority to select, monitor and replace the investment options made available
to the plan participants according to the goals and investment objectives of the plan. The Registrant
will also design and maintain asset allocation model portfolios comprised of designated investment
alternatives available to the plan participants. Plan participants have the option to select an asset
allocation model portfolio or construct their own customized portfolio of funds. Registrant may also
provide the same services as described above, but may also create specific asset allocation models
that Registrant manages on a discretionary basis, which plan participants may choose in managing
their individual accounts. Registrant may also modify the investment options made available to plan
participants on a discretionary basis.
Trustee Directed Plans. Registrant may be engaged to provide investment advisory services to
ERISA retirement plans, whereby the Firm shall manage Plan assets consistent with the investment
objective designated by the Plan trustees. In such engagements, Registrant will serve as an investment
fiduciary as that term is defined under The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
(“ERISA”). Registrant will generally provide services on an “assets under management” fee basis per
the terms and conditions of an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Plan and the Firm.
MISCELLANEOUS
Limitations of Financial Planning and Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation Services
As indicated above, to the extent requested by the client, Registrant may provide financial planning
and related consulting services regarding non-investment related matters, such as estate planning tax
planning, insurance, etc. Registrant will generally provide such consulting services inclusive of its
advisory fee set forth at Item 5 below (exceptions may occur based upon assets under management,
special projects, etc. for which Registrant may charge a separate stand-alone fee). Neither Registrant,
nor any of its representatives, serve as an attorney or accountant and no portion of Registrant’s
services should be construed as same. Please Note: Registrant believes that it is important for the
client to address financial planning issues on an ongoing basis. Registrant’s advisory fee, as set forth
at Item 5 below, will remain the same regardless of whether or not the client determines to address
financial planning issues with Registrant.
Please Note: Registrant does not serve as an attorney or accountant and no portion of our services
should be construed as legal or accounting services. Accordingly, Registrant does not prepare estate
planning document or other legal documents, or tax returns, To the extent requested by a client,
Registrant may recommend the services of other professionals for certain non-investment
implementation purposes (i.e. attorneys, accountants, etc.), including representatives of Registrant in
their separate individual capacities as licensed insurance agents, the client is under no obligation to
engage the services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion
over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from
Registrant and/or its representatives.
Please Also Note: If the client engages any recommended unaffiliated professional, and a dispute
arises thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from and
against the engaged professional. Please Also Note- Conflict of Interest: The recommendation by
Registrant’s representative that a client purchase an insurance commission product through
Registrant’s representative in their separate and individual capacity as an insurance agent, presents a
conflict of interest, as the receipt of commissions may provide an incentive to recommend insurance
products based on commissions to be received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No client is
under any obligation to purchase insurance commission products through such a representative.
Clients are reminded that they may purchase insurance products recommended by Registrant through
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other, non-affiliated insurance agents. At all times, the engaged licensed professional[s] (i.e. attorney,
accountant, insurance agent, etc.), and not Registrant, shall be responsible for the quality and
competency of the services provided. If, and when, the Registrant is involved in a specific matter (i.e.
estate planning, accounting-related engagement, etc.), it is the engaged licensed professionals (i.e.
attorney, accountant, etc.), and not the Registrant, that is responsible for the quality and competency
of the services provided.
ANY QUESTIONS: Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the
potential for conflict of interest presented.
Use of Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds
While Registrant may recommend allocating investment assets to mutual funds and exchange traded
funds that are not available directly to the public, Registrant may also recommend that clients allocate
investment assets to publicly-available mutual funds or exchange traded funds that the client could
obtain without engaging Registrant as an investment advisor. However, if a client or prospective
client determines to allocate investment assets to publicly available mutual funds or exchange traded
funds without engaging Registrant as an investment advisor, the client or prospective client would
not receive the benefit of Registrant’s initial and ongoing investment advisory services. Please Note:
In addition to Registrant's investment advisory fee described below, and transaction and/or custodial
fees discussed below, clients will also incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded fund
purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g. management fees and other fund expenses). Please
Note-Use of DFA Mutual Funds: Other mutual funds, such as those issued by Dimensional Fund
Advisors (“DFA”), are generally only available through selected registered investment advisers.
Registrant may allocate client investment assets to DFA mutual funds. Therefore, upon the
termination of Registrant’s services to a client, restrictions regarding transferability and/or additional
purchases of, or reallocation among DFA funds will generally apply.
Borrowing Against Assets/Risks.
A client who has a need to borrow money could determine to do so by using Pledged Assets Loans.
In consideration for a lender (i.e., a bank, etc.) to make a loan to the client, the client pledges its
investment assets held at the account custodian as collateral. These collateralized loans are generally
utilized because they typically provide more favorable interest rates than standard commercial loans.
These types of collateralized loans can assist with a pending home purchase, permit the retirement of
more expensive debt, or enable borrowing in lieu of liquidating existing account positions and
incurring capital gains taxes. However, such loans are not without potential material risk to the
client’s investment assets. The lender (i.e. custodian, bank, etc.) will have recourse against the client’s
investment assets in the event of loan default or if the assets fall below a certain level. For this reason,
Registrant does not recommend such borrowing unless it is for specific short-term purposes (i.e. a
bridge loan to purchase a new residence). Registrant does not recommend such borrowing for
investment purposes (i.e. to invest borrowed funds in the market). Regardless, if the client was to
determine to utilize margin or a pledged assets loan, the following economic benefits would inure to
Registrant:
• by taking the loan rather than liquidating assets in the client’s account, Registrant continues
•
to earn a fee on such Account assets; and
if the client invests any portion of the loan proceeds in an account to be managed by
Registrant, Registrant will receive an advisory fee on the invested amount; and,
Please Note: The Client must accept the above risks and potential corresponding consequences
associated with the use of pledged assets loans.
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Variable Annuity Sub-Account Management
The Registrant offers management of a no-load fee-based RIA Variable Annuity (owned by the
client) which allows Registrant to manage client assets in the investment sub-accounts. Registrant,
through its IARs, manages variable annuity sub-accounts in accordance with strategies similar to its
other models. Registrant’s representatives may provide guidance to the client with respect to the
selection of an appropriate variable annuity. The insurance company that issues the variable annuity,
or its outside custodian, will maintain custody of the client’s funds and securities at all times.
Subsequent to purchase of the variable annuity product, the client has the option to have Registrant’s
representative provide investment management services on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis.
The type of discretionary authority authorized by the client will be reflected in the Registrant Client
Agreement. The IAR’s authority is limited to exchanges among the variable annuity investment sub-
accounts. At no time will the IAR have authority to withdraw funds and/or securities from the client’s
variable annuity account. The Client Agreement will specifically state which variable annuity policies
are being managed. Registrant’s IAR will not receive commission compensation with respect to
Client’s purchase of the variable annuity product. Registrant, however, will charge a separate
management fee with respect to the variable annuity assets.
Destiny Private Trust: Participation in National Advisors Trust Company (“NATC”) Trust
Services Program
Registrant participates in the NATC Private Trust program made available by NATC and its affiliate
National Advisors Trust of South Dakota (“NATSD”) through Destiny Private Trust. Registrant’s
clients who engage in this program receive trust administration services from NATC and NATSD.
NATC and NATSD are, respectively, federally- and state chartered trust companies that provide
corporate trustee and asset custody services to clients. NATC and NATSD are third party providers
and not affiliated with the Registrant. Registrant serves as the investment manager of the trust assets
through the NATC program where trust assets have been referred to NATCO for trust administration
services. Thus, Registrant remains responsible for asset management decisions regarding trust assets.
In connection with program participation, certain representatives of Registrant act as Trust
Representative Officers (“TROs”) of Destiny Private Trust. TROs serve as liaisons between NATC
and Registrant. While TROs do not serve in a trustee capacity, they may support the program by
introducing qualified clients to NATC and marketing the Destiny Private Trust program. TROS may
also assist NATC by providing various administrative support services to facilitate the delivery of
NATC trust services. NATC charges a trustee fee directly to participating clients and Registrant does
not share in this fee.
Use of Independent Managers
Registrant may allocate (and/or recommend that the client allocate) a portion of a client’s investment
assets among unaffiliated independent investment managers (“Independent Manager(s)”) in
accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s). In such situations, the Independent
Manager[s] shall have day-to- day responsibility for the active discretionary management of the
allocated assets. Registrant shall continue to render investment supervisory services to the client
relative to the ongoing monitoring and review of account performance, asset allocation and client
investment objectives. Factors which Registrant shall consider in recommending Independent
Manager[s] include the client’s designated investment objective(s), management style, performance,
reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research.
Please Note: The investment management fee charged by the Independent Manager[s]is separate
from, and in addition to, Registrant’s advisory fee as set forth in the fee schedule at Item 5 below and
which will be disclosed to the client before entering into the Independent Manager engagement and/or
subject to the terms and conditions of a separate agreement between the client and the Independent
Manager(s).
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Shareholder Servicing Provider to Closed-End Fund. The Registrant provides shareholder
services to Destiny Alternative Fund I, LLC, which is a closed end fund managed and sponsored by
First Trust Capital Management, L.P. (SEC No. 801122924), an unaffiliated investment adviser
registered under the Investment Adviser Act of 1940. In connection with this service, the Registrant
provides various shareholder supporting services, including educational support and fund
information, to fund investors who are also Registrant’s investment management clients and also
serves to address various fund investor inquiries and issues. Shareholder services may also include
assistance with subscription agreement support and handling related tender offers. Registrant will
also assist with distribution of performance reports to fund shareholders. Registrant is compensated
0.25% annually based upon assets under management within the fund. Registrant also includes this
fund, to the extent that it is maintained as a holding in managed client accounts, as asset under
management for purposes of advisory fee billing.
The Registrant provides shareholder services to Destiny Target Outcome Fund, (open to accredited
investors) which is a private investment fund sponsored by First Trust Capital Management, L.P.
(SEC No. 801122924), an unaffiliated investment adviser registered under the Investment Adviser
Act of 1940. In connection with this service, the Registrant provides various shareholder supporting
services, including educational support and fund information, to fund investors (who are also
Registrant’s investment management clients) and also serves to address various fund investor
inquiries and issues. Shareholder services may also include assistance with subscription agreement
support and handling related tender offers. Registrant will also assist with distribution of performance
reports to fund shareholders. Registrant is compensated 1.25% annually based upon assets under
management within the fund.
Sub-Adviser to Private Investment Fund. The Registrant has been engaged as a sub-adviser to the
Destiny Alternative Fund II, LLC, (open to qualified purchasers) a private investment fund (the
“private fund”) sponsored by First Trust Capital Management, L.P. (SEC No. 801122924), an
unaffiliated investment adviser registered under the Investment Adviser Act of 1940. The Registrant,
on a non-discretionary basis, may recommend that eligible clients consider allocating a portion of
their investment assets to this private fund. The terms and conditions for participation in the private
fund, including management and incentive fees, conflicts of interest, and risk factors, are set forth in
the private fund’s offering documents. Persons and entities (the "Subscribers") wishing to subscribe
to the private funds are required to complete and sign the Subscription Agreement, Form W-9 and
Anti-Money Laundering Supplement. Clients who maintain fund positions in their managed account
will not be billed a separate management fee on those fund positions.
The Fund’s investment program aims to achieve capital appreciation by (i) investing in various hedge
funds, private equity funds, growth equity funds, venture capital funds, credit funds, real estate funds,
co-investment vehicles, managed accounts or other types of investment vehicles (collectively, the
“Underlying Funds”), each of which is managed by a third party investment advisor (including the
Sub-Advisor, if authorized by the Manager) or by the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager, each of
which is an investment adviser, (ii) acquiring an economic interest in one or more entities that engage
in the business of providing investment advisory services or asset management services (whether via
separately managed accounts, hedge funds, private equity funds, commodity pools, mutual funds,
closed-end funds or other similar public or private collective investment vehicles or otherwise) , each
entity being an asset manager, whether in the form of an equity interest in such asset manager, through
a revenue share arrangement with such asset manager or otherwise, and (iii) making such other
investments as the Fund Manager deems appropriate for the Private Fund. The Fund may invest
directly in the Underlying Funds, or indirectly through other private investment funds operated by the
Manager or its affiliates that invest in such Underlying Funds (each such other private investment
fund is considered an intermediary fund).
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The private fund will pay the Registrant, in its role as sub-adviser, a quarterly advisory fee (the “sub-
adviser fee”) with respect to each fund participant interest. The sub-adviser fee will be payable to the
sub-adviser in arrears, generally within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of each calendar
quarter, and will be calculated, with respect to each fund participant interest, based on such formula
and at such rate as specified in the applicable member’s subscription documents. The sub-adviser fee
will be appropriately prorated for partial periods and adjusted for any intra-quarter subscriptions,
withdrawals, and distributions. Additionally, the Registrant will be paid a performance fee that is
linked to specific investments and offered in separate share classes in the fund.
Unaffiliated Private Investment Funds
Registrant may also provide investment advice regarding unaffiliated private investment funds.
Registrant, on a non-discretionary basis, may recommend that certain qualified clients consider an
investment in unaffiliated private investment funds. Registrant’s role relative to the private
investment funds shall be limited to its initial and ongoing due diligence and investment monitoring
services. If a client determines to become a private fund investor, the amount of assets invested in the
fund(s) shall be included as part of “assets under management” for purposes of Registrant calculating
its investment advisory fee. Registrant’s clients are under absolutely no obligation to consider or
make an investment in a private investment fund(s).
Please Note Risk Factors: Private investment funds generally involve various risk factors, including,
but not limited to, potential for complete loss of principal, liquidity constraints and lack of
transparency, a complete discussion of which is set forth in each fund’s offering documents, which
will be provided to each client for review and consideration. Unlike liquid investments that a client
may own, private investment funds do not provide daily liquidity or pricing. Each prospective client
investor will be required to complete a Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which the client shall
establish that he/she is qualified for investment in the fund and acknowledges and accepts the various
risk factors that are associated with such an investment.
Please Also Note Valuation: In the event that Registrant references private investment funds owned
by the client on any supplemental account reports prepared by Registrant, the value(s) for all private
investment funds owned by the client shall reflect the most recent valuation provided by the fund
sponsor. However, if subsequent to purchase, the fund has not provided an updated valuation, the
valuation shall reflect the initial purchase price. If subsequent to purchase, the fund provides an
updated valuation, then the statement will reflect that updated value. The updated value will continue
to be reflected on the report until the fund provides a further updated value. Please Also Note: As
result of the valuation process, if the valuation reflects initial purchase price or an updated value
subsequent to purchase price, the current value(s) of an investor’s fund holding(s) could be
significantly more or less than the value reflected on the report. Unless otherwise indicated, the
client’s advisory fee shall be based upon the value reflected on the report.
Custodian Charges-Additional Fees
As discussed below at Item 12 below, when requested to recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for
client accounts, Registrant generally recommends that Fidelity Brokerage Services and National
Financial Services (collectively “Fidelity”), Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (“GSCS”) and or
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. and its affiliates (“Schwab”) serve as the broker- dealer/custodian for
investment management assets. . The specific broker-dealer/custodian recommended could depend
upon the scope and nature of the services required by the client. Broker-dealers such as Fidelity and
Schwab charge transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (i.e., including transaction
fees for certain mutual funds, and mark-ups and mark-downs charged for fixed income transactions,
etc.). The types of securities for which transaction fees, commissions, and/or other type fees (as well
as the amount of those fees) shall differ depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain
custodians, including Schwab, GSCS and Fidelity, do not currently charge fees on individual equity
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and ETF transactions, others do). There can be no assurance that Schwab, GSCS or Fidelity will not
change their transaction fee pricing in the future. When beneficial to the client, individual fixed‐
income and/or equity transactions may be effected through broker‐dealers with whom Registrant
and/or the client have entered into arrangements for prime brokerage clearing services, including
effecting certain client transactions through other SEC registered and FINRA member broker‐dealers
(in which event, the client generally will incur both the transaction fee charged by the executing
broker‐dealer and a “trade-away” fee charged by Schwab, GSCS and/or Fidelity). These fees/charges
are in addition to Registrant’s investment advisory fee at Item 5 below. Registrant does not receive
any portion of these fees/charges. In addition to Registrant’s investment advisory fee referenced in
Item 5 below, the client will also incur transaction fees to purchase securities for the client’s account
(i.e., mutual funds and fixed income securities, etc.). ANY QUESTIONS: Registrant’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to address any questions that a client
or prospective client may have regarding the above.
However, Schwab (as do its primary competitors that provide similar pricing arrangements) require
that cash proceeds to be automatically swept into a Schwab proprietary or affiliated money market
mutual funds or cash sweeps accounts, which proprietary/affiliated Schwab funds/accounts do not
provide the highest return available.
Exception: If Registrant executes transactions in conjunction with a wrap program, transaction fees
shall generally be included in the wrap advisory fee paid to the wrap program sponsor.
Please Note Non-Discretionary Service Limitations: Clients that determine to engage Registrant
on a non-discretionary investment advisory basis must be willing to accept that Registrant cannot
effect any account transactions without obtaining prior consent to any such transaction(s) from the
client. Thus, in the event that Registrant would like to make a transaction for a client’s account,
(including in the event of an individual holding or general market correction) and client is
unavailable, Registrant will be unable to effect the account transaction (as it would for its
discretionary clients) without first obtaining the client’s consent.
eMoney and Orion
In conjunction with the services provided by eMoney and Orion, Registrant may also provide its
clients access to account aggregation services, which can incorporate all of the client’s investment
assets, including those investment assets that are not part of the assets that we manage (the “Excluded
Assets”). The eMoney and Orion platforms allow a client to view their complete asset allocation,
including those assets that Registrant does not manage Excluded Assets. Registrant does not provide
investment management, monitoring, or implementation services for the Excluded Assets. Therefore,
Registrant shall not be responsible for the investment performance of the Excluded Assets. The client
and/or his/her/its other advisors that maintain trading authority, and not the Registrant, shall
be exclusively responsible for the investment performance of the Excluded Assets. Registrant
does not provide investment management, monitoring or implementation services for the Excluded
Assets. If Registrant is asked to make a recommendation as to any Excluded Assets, the client is
under absolutely no obligation to accept the recommendation, and Registrant shall not be responsible
for any implementation error (timing, trading, etc.) relative to the Excluded Assets. The client may
engage Registrant to provide investment management services for the Excluded Assets pursuant to
the terms and conditions of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and the client.
Finally, eMoney provides access to other types of information, including financial planning concepts,
which should not, in any manner whatsoever, be construed as services, advice, or recommendations
provided by Registrant. Registrant shall not be held responsible for any adverse results a client may
experience if the client engages in financial planning or other functions available on the eMoney
platform without Registrant’s assistance or oversight.
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Portfolio Activity
Registrant has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s best interest. As part
of its investment advisory services, Registrant will review client portfolios on an ongoing basis to
determine if any changes are necessary based upon various factors, including, but not limited to,
tenure, style drift, account
investment performance, market conditions, fund manager
additions/withdrawals, and/or a change in the client’s investment objective. Based upon these factors,
there may be extended periods of time when Registrant determines that changes to a client’s portfolio
are neither necessary nor prudent. Of course, as indicated below, there can be no assurance that
investment decisions made by Registrant will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Clients nonetheless remain subject to the fees described in Item 5 below during periods of account
inactivity.
Please Note-Cash Positions: Registrant continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless
determined to the contrary by Registrant, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall continue to
be included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating Registrant’s advisory fee.
At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived or anticipated market conditions/events
(there being no guarantee that such anticipated market conditions/events will occur), Registrant may
maintain cash positions for defensive purposes. In addition, while assets are maintained in cash, such
amounts could miss market advances. Depending upon current yields, at any point in time,
Registrant’s advisory fee could exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund. Please
Further Note: When the account is holding cash positions, those cash positions will be subject to the
same fee schedule as set forth below. The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie,
remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the
above fee billing practice.
Please Note-Retirement Rollovers- No Obligation/ Conflict of Interest: A client or prospective
client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement plan (and may
engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in the former employer’s plan, if
permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is available and rollovers are
permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account
value (which could, depending upon the client’s age, result in adverse tax consequences). If the
Registrant provides a recommendation as to whether a client should engage in rollover or not, we are
acting as an ERISA fiduciary by making such recommendation. If the Registrant recommends that a
client roll over their retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by Registrant (whether it
is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA), such a recommendation creates a conflict of interest.
Registrant will earn new (or increase its current) compensation as a result of the rollover. No client
is under any obligation to rollover retirement plan assets to an account managed by Registrant,
whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA. ANY QUESTIONS: Registrant’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to address any questions that a client
or prospective client may have regarding the potential for conflict of interest presented by such
rollover recommendation.
Please Note Fee Differentials: As discussed below at Item 5, we shall generally price our retirement
plan advisory services up to 2.00% of assets under management based upon various objective and
subjective factors. As a result, our clients could pay diverse fees based upon the market value of their
assets, the representative assigned to the account, the complexity of the engagement, anticipated
additional assets to be managed and the level and scope of the overall investment advisory services
to be rendered, related or employee accounts, future additional assets and negotiations with the client.
As a result of these factors, similarly situated clients could pay diverse fees, and the services to be
provided by Registrant to any particular client could be available from other advisers at lower fees.
All clients and prospective clients should be guided accordingly. Before engaging Registrant to
provide investment advisory services, clients are required to enter into a discretionary or non-
4903-1054-1614, v. 1
discretionary Investment Advisory Agreement, setting forth the terms and conditions of the
engagement (including termination), which describes the fees and services to be provided. ANY
QUESTIONS: Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to
address any questions regarding Fee Differentials.
Structured Notes. Registrant may purchase Structured Notes for client accounts. A Structured Note
is a financial instrument that combines two elements, a debt security and exposure to an underlying
asset or assets. It is essentially a note, carrying counter party risk of the issuer. However, the return
on the note is linked to the return of an underlying asset or assets (such as the S&P 500 Index or
commodities). It is this latter feature that makes structured products unique, as the payout can be used
to provide some degree of principal protection, leveraged returns (but usually with some cap on the
maximum return), and be tailored to a specific market or economic view. Structured Notes will
generally be subject to liquidity constraints, such that the sale thereof before maturity will be limited,
and any sale before the maturity date could result in a substantial loss. There can be no assurance that
the Structured Notes investment will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), or
prove successful. Please Note: If the issuer of the Structured Note defaults, the entire value of the
investment could be lost. See additional Risk Disclosure at Item 8 below. In the event that a client
has any questions regarding the purchase of Structured Notes for their account, or would like to place
restrictions on the purchase of Structured Notes for their accounts, Registrant can address their
concerns. See additional disclosure at Item 8 below. In the event that he client seeks to prohibit or
limit the purchase of structured notes for the client’s account, the client can do so, in writing,
addressed to Registrant’ Chief Compliance Officer. In the event that a client has any questions
regarding structured notes, Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie,
remains available to address them. See Risks Associated with Structured Notes at Item 8 below.
Cash Sweep Accounts. Certain account custodians can require that cash proceeds from account
transactions or new deposits, be swept to and/or initially maintained in a specific custodian designated
sweep account. The yield on the sweep account will generally be lower than those available for other
money market accounts. When this occurs, to help mitigate the corresponding yield dispersion,
Registrant shall (usually within 30 days thereafter) generally (with exceptions) purchase a higher
yielding money market fund (or other type security) available on the custodian’s platform, unless
Registrant reasonably anticipates that it will utilize the cash proceeds during the subsequent 30-day
period to purchase additional investments for the client’s account. Exceptions and/or modifications
can and will occur with respect to all or a portion of the cash balances for various reasons, including,
but not limited to the amount of dispersion between the sweep account and a money market fund, the
size of the cash balance, an indication from the client of an imminent need for such cash, or the client
has a demonstrated history of writing checks from the account
Please Note: The above does not apply to the cash component maintained within the Registrant’s
actively managed investment strategy (the cash balances for which shall generally remain in the
custodian designated cash sweep account), an indication from the client of a need for access to such
cash, assets allocated to an unaffiliated investment manager, and cash balances maintained for fee
billing purposes. Please Also Note: The client shall remain exclusively responsible for yield
dispersion/cash balance decisions and corresponding transactions for cash balances maintained in any
of the Registrant’s unmanaged accounts.
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that Registrant and its third-
party service providers use to provide services to Registrant’s clients employ various controls that
are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or unintentional actions
that could cause significant interruptions in Registrant’s operations and/or result in the unauthorized
acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public personal information. In accordance with
Regulation S-P, the Registrant is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its clients' non-
4903-1054-1614, v. 1
public personal information by implementing appropriate administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards. Registrant has established processes to mitigate the risks of cybersecurity incidents,
including the requirement to restrict access to such sensitive data and to monitor its systems for
potential breaches. Clients and Registrant are nonetheless subject to the risk of cybersecurity
incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or other adverse
consequences. Although the Registrant has established processes to reduce the risk of cybersecurity
incidents, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be successful, especially considering
that the Registrant does not control the cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third-party
service providers, issuers of securities, broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental and other
regulatory authorities, exchanges, and other financial market operators and providers. In compliance
with Regulation S-P, the Registrant will notify clients in the event of a data breach involving their
non-public personal information as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Pontera. The Registrant uses Pontera, a third party platform to facilitate the management of held
away assets such as defined contribution plan participant accounts, with discretion. Those clients who
choose to engage the Registrant to service their held away accounts will be provided a link to connect
their outside accounts to the platform. Once the client’s account(s) is connected to the platform,
Registrant will review the client’s current account allocations. Registrant will rebalance the
connected outside accounts consistent with the client’s investment goals and risk tolerance. Client
account(s) will be reviewed at least quarterly Clients are not charged an additional fee in relation to
Pontera program usage.
Client Obligations
In performing its services, Registrant shall not be required to verify any information received from
the client or from the client’s other professionals and is expressly authorized to rely thereon.
Moreover, each client is advised that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify the Registrant
if there is ever any change in their financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of
reviewing, evaluating, revising Registrant’s previous recommendations and/or services.
Disclosure Statement
A copy of the Registrant’s written Brochure as set forth on Part 2A of Form ADV, along with Form
CRS, shall be provided to each client prior to, or contemporaneously with, the execution of the
Investment Advisory Agreement or Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement.
Please Note: Investment Risk. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and
it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy
(including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Registrant)
will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
C. Tailored Relationships: The Registrant shall provide investment management services specific to
the needs of each client. Prior to providing investment advisory services, an investment adviser
representative will ascertain each client’s investment objective(s). Thereafter, the Registrant shall
allocate and/or recommend that the client allocate investment assets consistent with the designated
investment objective(s). The client may, at any time, impose reasonable restrictions, in writing, on
the Registrant’s services.
D. There is no significant difference between how Registrant manages wrap fee accounts and non-wrap
fee accounts. However, as stated above, if a client determines to engage Registrant on a wrap fee
basis, the client will pay a single fee for bundled services (i.e. investment advisory, brokerage,
custody) (See Item 4.B). The services included in a wrap fee agreement will depend upon each
client’s particular need. If the client determines to engage Registrant on a non-wrap fee basis the
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client will select individual services on an unbundled basis, paying for each service separately (i.e.
investment advisory, separate account manager fees, brokerage, custody, etc.).
Wrap Program - Conflict of Interest: Under Registrant’s wrap program, the client generally
receives investment advisory services, the execution of securities brokerage transactions, custody and
reporting services for a single specified fee. Participation in a wrap program may cost the client more
or less than purchasing such services separately. The terms and conditions of a wrap program
engagement are more fully discussed in Registrant’s Wrap Fee Program Brochure. Conflict of
Interest: Because wrap program transaction fees and/or commissions are being paid by Registrant to
the account custodian/broker-dealer, Registrant could have an economic incentive to maximize its
compensation by seeking to minimize the number of trades in the client's account. See separate Wrap
Fee Program Brochure. Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding a wrap
fee arrangement and the corresponding conflict of interest.
E. As of December 31, 2024, the Registrant had $1,036,626,419 in assets under management on a
discretionary basis and $89,053,391 in assets under management on a non-discretionary basis.
Item 5
Fees and Compensation
A.
DESTINY WEALTH PARTNERS WRAP FEE PROGRAM
1) If a client determines to engage Registrant to provide investment management services on a wrap fee
basis in accordance with Registrant’s Program, the services offered under, and the corresponding
terms and conditions pertaining to, the Program are discussed in the Wrap Fee Program Brochure, a
copy of which is presented to all prospective Program participants. Under the Program, Registrant is
able to offer participants discretionary investment management services, for a single specified annual
Program fee, inclusive of trade execution, custody, reporting, and investment management fees. The
wealth management fee is based on all investment assets (including cash and cash equivalents)
regardless of where held, including investment assets held within insurance products, non-qualified
and qualified plans, trusts and other entities or vehicles. Please see Wrap Fee Brochure for the Wrap
Fee Program Fee Schedule. Please note that, in certain instances, a wrap fee negotiable up to 1.80%
may be negotiated with the client. This may depend upon the amount and type of program assets.
Please Note: Your account custodian, (Fidelity, GSCS or Schwab), stopped charging transaction fees
for the majority of individual equities (i.e., common stocks and ETFs). As the result of the custodian
decisions, total transaction fees paid by Registrant under the Registrant’s wrap program decreased.
Other custodial and transaction charges remain applicable to your account and are covered as part of
the wrap fee. Registrant did not alter its advisory fee schedule as result of this change.
The Firm’s policy is to not charge for intra-quarter additions or withdrawals-unless indicated to the
contrary on the Firm’s Investment Advisory Agreement executed by the client.
Please Note: Conflict of Interest. Registrant shall generally compensate its representatives based upon
the revenues derived from accounts that they service. The representative generally maintains the
authority to determine/negotiate the percentage advisory fee. Thus, a conflict of interest is presented
because the higher the advisory fee, the greater the representative’s (and Registrant’s) compensation.
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Wrap Fee Schedule for Non-DFO Investment Advisory Services.
If a client determines to engage the Registrant to provide discretionary and/or non-discretionary
investment advisory services on a negotiable fee basis, the Registrant’s annual investment advisory
fee shall be based upon a percentage (%) of the market value of the assets placed under the
Registrant’s management, generally ranging between 0.50% and 1.80%
Wealth Management and Financial Planning
RWM Main Fee schedule
First $250,000
$250,000 - $1,000,000
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000
$3,000,000 - $5,000,000
$5,000,000 - $10,000,000
Over $10 Million
Annual % Fee
1.80%
1.45%
1.25%
1.00%
0.75%
Negotiated
Destiny Family Office Investment Advisory Services Fee Schedule
Standard DFO Discretionary Wrap Fee
Assets Under Management
Annual % Fee
Initial $1,000,000
1.00%
Next $2,000,000
Next $2,000,000
Next $5,000,000
Over $10,000,000
0.85%
0.75%
0.50%
Negotiable
In certain instances, the Registrant may also negotiate an annual flat fee payment, which is also offered
on a wrap fee basis where the Registrant charges quarterly specified program, fee inclusive of trade
execution, custody, reporting, and investment management fees. The flat fee amount is negotiated
between Registrant and the client.
The Registrant also maintains certain legacy wrap fee schedules for a small number of longstanding
clients. These fee schedules are generally not offered to the Registrant’s new clients. These fee
schedules were offered historically to certain long-term legacy clients of the firm. To the extent that
these clients have maintained their investment advisory relationship with the Registrant, they have
been grandfathered to remain on these respective fee schedules. In certain cases, legacy clients may
have negotiated a lower fee schedule than the ranges set forth in these legacy client fee schedules.
Legacy wrap program may also apply to smaller DFO client relationships.
RWM – 145 Schedule
First $2,000,000
$2,000,000 - $5,000,000
Over $5,000,000
Annual % Fee
1.45%
1.25%
1.00%
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RWM – 125 Schedule
First $1,000,000
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000
$3,000,000 - $5,000,000
$5,000,000 - $10,000,000
Over $10,000,000
Annual % Fee
1.25%
0.85%
0.75%
0.50%
Negotiable
If the Registrant elects to utilize separate account managers in a client’s portfolio, the client’s
combined fee for Registrant’s management services and the fees charges by any third party manager
shall not exceed 2.5% of the client’s assets under management.
Fee Dispersion: The Registrant’s investment advisory fee is negotiable at Registrant’s discretion,
depending upon objective and subjective factors including but not limited to: the amount of assets to
be managed; portfolio composition; the scope and complexity of the engagement; the anticipated
number of meetings and servicing needs; related accounts; future earning capacity; anticipated future
additional assets; the professional(s) rendering the service(s); prior relationships with the Registrant
and/or its representatives, and negotiations with the client. Certain legacy clients may have accepted
different pre-existing service offerings from Registrant and may therefore receive services under
different fee schedules than as set forth above. As a result of these factors, similarly situated clients
could pay different fees, the services to be provided by the Registrant to any particular client could
be available from other advisers at lower fees, and certain clients may have fees different than those
specifically set forth above. The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie,
remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
regarding the above fee determination.
NON-WRAP FEE BASIS
The client can determine to engage Registrant to provide discretionary and/or non-discretionary
investment advisory services to individual clients, or retirement plans on a fee basis. Registrant’s
annual investment advisory fee shall be based upon a percentage (%) of the market value and type of
assets placed under Registrant’s management or under advisement, generally negotiable to a
maximum fee of 2.00%. Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee shall be based upon various
objective and subjective factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of the assets placed under
Registrant’s direct management, the complexity of the engagement, and the level and scope of the
overall investment advisory services to be rendered. Other significant determinants are retirement
plan size and scope of services to be provided. (See also Fee Differential discussion above.) Before
engaging Registrant to provide investment advisory services, clients are required to enter into a
discretionary or non-discretionary Investment Advisory Agreement, setting forth the terms and
conditions of the engagement (including termination), which describes the fees and services to be
provided.
NICHOLS WEALTH PARTNERS INVESTMENT ADVISORY [NON WRAP] FEE
SCHEDULES
Separate non-wrap fee schedules (ranging to a maximum annual advisory fee of 1.80 of assets under
management) are made available to certain clients in the Registrant’s legacy Nichols Wealth Partners
Investment Advisory program. This fee schedule is no longer made available to new clients. The
Registrant maintains this legacy fee schedule for a small number of clients who continue to participate
in the Nichols Wealth Partners Investment Advisory program. This fee schedule is not offered to the
Registrant’s new clients. To the extent that these clients have determined to continue their investment
advisory relationship with the Registrant, they have been grandfathered to remain on this fee schedule.
4903-1054-1614, v. 1
Nichols Wealth Partners Fee Schedule Fee Dispersion. Registrant, in its discretion, may charge a
lesser investment advisory fee, charge a flat fee, waive its fee entirely, or charge fee on a different
interval, based upon certain criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future
additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition,
complexity of the engagement, anticipated services to be rendered, grandfathered fee schedules,
employees and family members, courtesy accounts, competition, negotiations with client, etc.). Please
Note: As result of the above, similarly situated clients could pay different fees. In addition, similar
advisory services may be available from other investment advisers for similar or lower fees.
EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLANS
The fee for services rendered to qualified employer-sponsored retirement plans are dependent on a
variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the size of the plan, location of the plan and whether
travel is required, number of requested meetings or participant education seminars, and the scope of
work required to onboard and implement the plan’s investment options. All compensation and specific
fee details will be predetermined and disclosed in the investment advisory agreement with the plan
sponsor at account inception. The Registrant’s fee may be priced up to 2.0%
When the Registrant serves as a plan’s investment manager and works jointly with independent
registered investment advisers who serve as the plan’s ERISA §3(21) fiduciary, the Registrant’s fees
will be separately negotiated with each plan sponsor, but will generally be based upon the assets under
management as of the end of the last day of the previous quarter.
The Registrant typically does not control the timing of fee calculations by a plan’s independent third
party administrator or record-keeper which may calculate the fees based upon account balances on a
date other than the end of a calendar quarter. The third party administrators to the plans are
independent from and not affiliated with the Registrant and are selected by each plan client to provide
administrative and/or record keeping services. The third party administrator pays fees to the Registrant
on behalf of the retirement plan. Fee may be deducted at the plan participant or the plan sponsor level.
Plan participants are furnished with a retirement plan fee disclosure statement which outlines plan
fees and costs. Thus, depending upon the fee deduction methodology employed by the third party
administrator, fees allocated to the registrant for its services might be deducted in advance or in
arrears, and on a monthly or quarterly basis.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES (STAND-ALONE)
The Registrant may be engaged to provide financial planning and/or consulting services (including
investment and non-investment related matters, including estate planning, insurance planning, etc.)
on a stand-alone fee basis. Registrant’s fee is generally a minimum of $10,000 on a fixed fee basis,
depending upon the level and scope of the service(s) required and the professional(s) rendering the
service(s). Based upon the complexity of the engagement, additional fees may be charged based upon
an hourly rate ranging from $100 to $1,500.
B. Clients may elect to have the Registrant’s advisory fees deducted from their custodial account. Both
Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement and the custodial/clearing agreement may authorize the
custodian to debit the account for the amount of the Registrant's investment advisory fee and to
directly remit that management fee to the Registrant in compliance with regulatory procedures. In the
limited event that the Registrant bills the client directly, payment is due upon receipt of the
Registrant’s invoice. The Registrant shall deduct fees and/or bill clients quarterly in advance, based
upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter. DFO Program
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Fees are payable quarterly in advance and are directly debited from the account. Advisory fees are
inclusive of execution costs. In as much as Adviser will pay these execution costs associated with
account transactions, a potential disincentive to trade may be presented. Clients should review and
understand Destiny Wealth Partners Wrap Fee Program Brochure fully (see Appendix I), prior to
engaging the Adviser’s services.
As noted above, retirement plan fees are received by the third party administrator, either from the
plan client or from the plan itself, depending upon the agreement between the plan and the third party
administrator. The third party administrator then remits the applicable portion representing the
advisory fee to the Registrant.
For purposes of calculating Account Fees, all accounts are billed on a calendar quarter basis. The
initial Account Fee will include a prorated fee amount for the partial quarter, in addition to the
standard quarterly fee for the upcoming quarter. Future account fee payments are due and assessed at
the beginning of each quarter based on the value of the assets under management as of the close of
business on the last business day of the preceding quarter as valued by the third-party custodian of
the account. Additional deposits and withdrawals will be added or subtracted from portfolio assets,
as the case may be, which may lead to an adjustment of the advisory fee. All Account Fees are
deducted from the account pursuant to Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement
Family Office Services
DFO’s annual Family Office fee as set forth in Section 5.A shall be calculated as a percentage of the
total assets placed under DFO’s management/advisement and shall be based upon various objective
and subjective factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the amount of the assets placed
under DFO’s management, the level and scope of the overall investment advisory services to be
rendered and the complexity of the engagement. Also, in limited circumstances DFO clients may
request advisory services related to accounts not managed by DFO. In these instances, DFO shall
determine its fee based upon assets under advisement. The Family Office Fee Schedule may vary
based upon client circumstances and will be more particularly described in the Family Office Client
Agreement.
Variable Annuity Services Fee
Variable Annuity management clients pay an annual fixed percentage fee that is calculated based
upon variable annuity subaccount assets under management and agreed upon in the written Client
Agreement. Fees are prorated and billed quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the
sub-account assets on the last day of the previous quarter. Billing adjustments may occur as advisory
fees are prorated when account management is initiated during a billing quarter. Clients may elect to
have advisory fees deducted directly from their variable annuity sub-account. The beneficial owner
of the variable annuity is responsible for additional product fees associated with the underlying
subaccount investments as a charge against Net Asset Value (“NAV”), which fees and costs are more
particularly described in the in the variable annuity product prospectus. All variable charges will be
deducted from the investment sub-account, as applicable, and retained by the variable annuity product
provider. Any additional fees assessed by the variable annuity product sponsor are set forth in the
product prospectus. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges
and expenses of any variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing.
Destiny Alternative Funds sub-advisory fee
The private investment fund will pay the Registrant, in its role as sub-adviser, a quarterly advisory
fee (the “sub-advisor fee”) with respect to each fund participant interest. The sub-adviser fee will be
payable to the sub-adviser in arrears, generally within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of
4903-1054-1614, v. 1
each calendar quarter, and will be calculated, with respect to each fund participant interest, based on
such formula and at such rate as specified in the applicable member’s subscription documents. The
sub-advisor fee will be appropriately prorated for partial periods and adjusted for any intra-quarter
subscriptions, withdrawals and distributions.
The private investment fund is subject to a “layering” of fees and expenses. The private investment
fund is directly subject to its own asset- based fees (i.e., the management fee and/or administrative
fee), and other expenses as discussed herein and are indirectly subject, through its investments with
designated managers, to either asset-based and performance-based fees or allocations charged by the
designated managers, as well as the ongoing expenses of those designated managers.
Please note Fee Dispersion: DFO shall price its Family Office Services based upon various objective
and subjective factors. As a result, DFO’s clients could pay diverse fees based upon the market value
of their assets, the complexity of the engagement, and the level and scope of the overall planning
and/or consulting services to be rendered. The services to be provided by DFO to any particular client
could be available from other advisers at lower fees. All clients and prospective clients should be
guided accordingly.
C. As discussed below, unless the client directs otherwise, the Registrant shall generally recommend
that Fidelity, GSCS and Schwab, serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for investment management
assets. Broker-dealers such as Fidelity, GSCS and/or Schwab, which are unaffiliated with Registrant,
charge brokerage transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (i.e. transaction fees are
charged for certain no-load mutual funds and fixed income securities transactions). In addition to
Registrant’s investment management fee, brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees, clients will
also incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at the
fund level (e.g. management fees and other fund expenses).
With respect to retirement plan management, the plan sponsor, in conjunction with the third party
administrator, will typically determine which custodian shall maintain the plan assets. Each plan is
furnished with a retirement plan fee disclosure document which more particularly describes the
various plan level, or participant level, fees that will be charged.
Please Note: The brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees charged by each broker-
dealer/custodian may be higher or lower than those charged by other broker-dealers/custodians.
In addition to the Account Fee, the client may also incur certain asset based and flat fee charges in
connection with investments made through program platforms and custodians. Our recommendation
of outside strategies and managers may add additional asset based management fees to the account,
separate and apart from Registrant’s Advisory fee.
Other fees which may be imposed by third parties include, but are not limited to, the following:
custodial annual account fees, other transaction charges and account service fees, IRA and qualified
retirement plan fees, mutual fund or money market 12b-1, mutual fund, ETF or money market
management and administrative expenses, omnibus processing fees, sub transfer agent fees,
networking fees, certain deferred sales charges on previously purchased mutual funds transferred into
the account, administrative servicing fees for trust accounts, creation and development fees or similar
fees imposed by unit investment trust sponsors, hedge fund investment management fees,
participation fees from auction rate preferred securities, and other charges required by law. Further
information regarding charges and fees assessed by a mutual fund, ETF or variable annuity are
available in the appropriate prospectus.
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Account investment decisions are driven by security selection and anticipated market conditions and
not the amount of transaction fees payable by the client to the account custodian. The Registrant does
not receive any portion of the asset based transaction fees payable by the client to the account
custodian. The client can request at any time to switch from asset based pricing to transactions based
pricing, however, there can be no assurance that the volume of transactions will be consistent from
year-to-year given changes in market events and security selection. Thus, given the variances in
trading volume, any decision by the client to switch to transaction based pricing could prove to be
economically disadvantageous.
Please Note: Clients who engage the Registrant on a wrap fee basis will not incur brokerage
commissions and/or transaction or asset based custodial fees in addition to the Program fee.
D. Registrant’s annual investment advisory fee for DFO clients shall be prorated and paid quarterly, in
advance, based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter.
The Registrant does not require an annual minimum fee or asset level for investment services.
Registrant, in accordance with all applicable regulations and at its sole discretion, may charge a lesser
investment advisory fee based upon certain criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity,
anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, negotiations with client, etc.).
If the client determines to engage Registrant to provide investment advisory services, Registrant’s
annual investment advisory fee shall vary (generally, up to 1.25%) based upon various factors,
including the total amount of assets placed under management/advisement.
Please Note: Fee Differentials (Retirement Plan Services): Because we shall generally price our
advisory services based upon various objective and subjective factors, our clients could pay diverse
fees based upon a combination of factors , including but not limited to the market value of their assets,
the complexity of the engagement, the level and scope of the overall investment advisory services to
be rendered, and negotiations, similarly situated clients could pay diverse fees, and the services to be
provided by Registrant to any particular client could be available from other advisers at lower fees
(Also See Item 7 below) All clients and prospective clients should be guided accordingly. ANY
QUESTIONS: Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie remains available to
address any questions regarding Fee Differentials.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and the client will continue in effect until
terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory
Agreement. Upon termination, the Registrant shall refund the pro-rated portion of the advanced
advisory fee paid based upon the number of days remaining in the billing quarter.
E. Additional Compensation
Conflicts of interest may cause a supervised person an incentive to recommend insurance products
based on the compensation received, rather than on a client’s needs. These potential conflicts are
outlined below.
Conflict of interest: Associated persons of the Adviser may also be licensed insurance agents. In
their capacity as associated persons of the Adviser, representatives may recommend insurance or
other products, and receive compensation for those products separate from investment advisory
fees.
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Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Registrant can earn performance-based (incentive) compensation from the Destiny Alternative Fund
II, LLC as discussed in the private fund documents (see disclosure above at Item 4). Registrant may
also enter into performance fee arrangements with individual clients who qualify under Rule 205-3
of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (i.e., a client who has at least $1.1 million in portfolio assets
managed by Registrant, or who together with their spouse have a net worth of at least $2.2 million,
excluding their principal residence. Clients are advised that performance-based fees involve a sharing
of any portfolio gains between the client and the investment manager. Such performance-based fees
create an economic incentive for Registrant to take additional risks in the management of a client
portfolio that may be in conflict with the client’s current investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
Please Also Note: Conflict Of Interest. Because performance fee (incentive) arrangements permit
Registrant and/or its affiliates to earn compensation in excess of its standard asset based fee schedule
referenced in Item 5 above, the recommendation that a client enter into a performance fee
arrangement (or become a private fund investor) presents a conflict of interest. No client is under
any obligation to enter into a performance fee arrangement or become a Fund investor. Registrant’s
Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to address any questions
regarding this conflict of interest.
Item 7
Types of Clients
Account Minimums
The Registrant does not require a minimum account size or annual minimum fee level. Registrant, in
its sole discretion, may reduce or waive its investment advisory fee or account minimums based upon
certain criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, familial
relationship, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition,
negotiations with the client, etc.).
The Registrant’s clients generally include wealth management clients, retirement plans, and DFO
program participants. The Registrant does not generally require an annual minimum fee or asset level
for investment services. Registrant, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive its investment advisory
fee or account minimums based upon certain criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity,
anticipated future additional assets, familial relationship, dollar amount of assets to be managed,
related accounts, account composition, negotiations with the client, etc.). The Registrant, in its sole
discretion, may charge a lesser investment management fee based upon certain criteria (i.e.
anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be
managed, related accounts, account composition, negotiations with client, etc.). Please Note: As
result of the above, similarly situated clients could pay different fees. In addition, similar advisory
services may be available from other investment advisers for similar or lower fees. ANY
QUESTIONS: Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to
address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding advisory fees.
Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. The Registrant may utilize the following methods of security analysis:
• Fundamental - (analysis performed on historical and present data, with the goal of making
financial forecasts)
• Technical – (analysis performed on historical and present data, focusing on price and trade
volume, to forecast the direction of prices)
• Cyclical – (analysis performed on historical relationships between price and market trends,
to forecast the direction of prices)
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The Registrant may utilize the following investment strategies when implementing investment
advice given to clients:
• Long Term Purchases (securities held at least a year)
• Short Term Purchases (securities sold within a year)
Please Note Investment Risk: Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and
it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy
(including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by the
Registrant) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s). Investing in securities
involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
We manage client portfolios based on the research of its investment committee. This includes various
methods of research, investment style and management philosophy:
The Retirement Distribution Strategy is a method of allocating and investing to ensure income and
growth of investments over the life of our clients. The RDS utilizes the different Model Portfolio
Pools in varying percentages in accordance with the client’s income needs and risk tolerance levels
as discovered in our client meetings.
Fund and ETF selection is based on various performance criteria and on the continual research of all
investment opportunities. A point system is utilized for grading the funds for more specific review
and possible addition or deletion from our tracking. Performance returns, Financial Ratios, Quartile
Rankings, and Ratings are some of the considerations when grading funds and ETFs.
Registrant does not currently recommend any individual equity portfolios, but has a Sell strategy for
clients who transfer equities in under management where equities are graded and sold according to
their grade. Any quality positions will be kept and added to our stock tracking list. If a position falls
below standard, the position will be sold at that time.
B. The Registrant’s method of analysis and investment strategy does not present any significant or
unusual risks.
However, every method of analysis has its own inherent risks. To perform an accurate market
analysis, the Registrant must have access to current/new market information. The Registrant has no
control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore, unbeknownst to the Registrant,
certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information, severely limiting the value of
the Registrant’s analysis. Furthermore, an accurate market analysis can only produce a forecast of
the direction of market values. There can be no assurances that a forecasted change in market value
will materialize into actionable and/or profitable investment opportunities.
The Registrant’s primary investment strategies - Long Term Purchases and Short Term Purchases -
are fundamental investment strategies. However, every investment strategy has its own inherent
risks and limitations. For example, longer term investment strategies require a longer investment
time period to allow for the strategy to potentially develop. Shorter term investment strategies
require a shorter investment time period to potentially develop but, as a result of more frequent
trading, may incur higher transactional costs when compared to a longer term investment strategy.
Investment Strategies
The Investment Policy Committee is also responsible for oversight of our investment selection
process, and for reviewing and approving certain products to be offered in any managed account,
including, but not limited to hedge funds, alternative investments, REITs, and Structured
Investments. The members of the Investment Policy Committee will be the registered advisory
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personnel of Registrant. Registrant may also implement the use of margin and options strategies
which have a high level of inherent risk.
Margin Transactions
A margin transaction strategy, in which an investor uses borrowed assets to purchase financial
instruments, involves a high level of inherent risk. The investor generally obtains the borrowed
assets by using other securities as collateral for the borrowed sum. The effect of purchasing a
security using margin is to magnify any gains or losses sustained by the purchase of the financial
instruments on margin. Please note: To the extent that a client authorizes the use of margin, and
margin is thereafter employed by Registrant in the management of the client’s investment portfolio,
the market value of the client’s account and corresponding fee payable by the client to Registrant
may be increased. As a result, in addition to understanding and assuming the additional principal
risks associated with the use of margin, clients authorizing margin are advised of the potential
conflict of interest whereby the client’s decision to employ margin may correspondingly increase
the management fee payable to Registrant.
Option Strategies
The use of options transactions as an investment strategy involves a high level of inherent risk.
Option transactions establish a contract between two parties concerning the buying or selling of an
asset at a predetermined price during a specific period of time. During the term of the option contract,
the buyer of the option gains the right to demand fulfillment by the seller. Fulfillment may take the
form of either selling or purchasing a security depending upon the nature of the option contract.
Generally, the purchase or the recommendation to purchase an option contract by Registrant shall
be with the intent of offsetting/”hedging” a potential market risk in a client’s portfolio. Although
the intent of the options-related transactions that may be implemented by Registrant is to hedge
against principal risk, certain of the options-related strategies (i.e. straddles, short positions, etc.),
may, in and of themselves, produce principal volatility and/or risk. Thus, a client must be willing to
accept these enhanced volatility and principal risks associated with such strategies.
Risks Associated With Structured Notes
A Structured Note is a financial instrument that combines two elements, a debt security and exposure
to an underlying asset or assets. It is essentially a note, carrying counter party risk of the issuer.
However, the return on the note is linked to the return of an underlying asset or assets (such as the
S&P 500 Index or commodities).
Structured notes do not pay interest, dividend payments, provide voting rights or guarantee any
return of principal at maturity unless specifically provided through products that are designed with
this purpose in mind. Most Structured Note payments are based on the performance of an underlying
index or commodity (i.e., S&P 500, etc.)) and if the underlying index were to decline 100% then the
payment may result in a loss of a portion or all of a client’s principal. Notes are not insured through
any governmental agency or program and the return of principal and fulfillment of the terms
negotiated by CP on behalf of clients is dependent on the financial condition of the third party issuing
the note and the issuer’s ability to pay its obligations as they become due.
Structured Notes will generally be subject to liquidity constraints, such that the sale thereof before
maturity can be limited. Structured Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. There may
be no secondary market for such Structured Notes. The price, if any, at which an issuer will be
willing to purchase Structured Notes from clients in a secondary market transaction, if at all, will
likely be lower than the original issue price and any sale before the maturity date could result in a
substantial loss. Structured Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments, so clients
should be willing to hold any notes to maturity.
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The issuer can generally choose to redeem Structured Notes before maturity. In addition, the
maximum potential payment on Structured Notes will typically be limited to the redemption amount
applicable for a payment date, regardless of the appreciation in the underlying index associated with
the note. Since the level of the underlying index at various times during the term of the Structured
Notes held by clients could be higher than on the valuation dates and at maturity, clients may receive
a lower payment if redeemed early or at maturity than if a client would have invested directly in the
underlying index.
Structured Notes are not insured through any governmental agency or program and the return of
principal and fulfillment of the terms negotiated by CP on behalf of clients is dependent on the
financial condition of the third party issuing the note and the issuer’s ability to pay its obligations
as they become due.
Please Note: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Different types of investments
involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the future performance of
any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment
strategies recommended and/or undertaken by will be profitable, equal any historical performance
level(s), or prove successful. Please Also Note: If the issuer of the Structured Note defaults, the
entire value of the investment could be lost
C. Currently, the Registrant primarily allocates client investment assets among various exchange traded
funds and mutual funds, individual equities (stocks) and debt instruments (bonds) on a discretionary
basis in accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s).
The Registrant may also allocate investment management assets of its client accounts, on a
discretionary basis, among one or more of its asset allocation programs (i.e. Aggressive, Moderately
Aggressive, Moderate, and Conservative) as designated on the Investment Advisory Agreement.
Registrant’s asset allocation strategies have been designed to comply with the requirements of Rule
3a-4 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Rule 3a-4 provides similarly managed investment
programs, such as Registrant’s asset allocation programs, with a non-exclusive safe harbor from the
definition of an investment company. In accordance with Rule 3a-4, the following disclosure is
applicable to Registrant’s management of client assets:
1. Initial Interview – at the opening of the account, the Registrant, through its designated
representatives, shall obtain from the client information sufficient to determine the client’s
financial situation and investment objectives;
2. Individual Treatment - the account is managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation
and investment objectives;
3. Quarterly Notice – at least quarterly the Registrant shall notify the client to advise the
Registrant whether the client’s financial situation or investment objectives have changed, or
if the client wants to impose and/or modify any reasonable restrictions on the management
of the account;
4. Annual Contact – at least annually, the Registrant shall contact the client to determine
whether the client’s financial situation or investment objectives have changed, or if the client
wants to impose and/or modify any reasonable restrictions on the management of the account;
5. Consultation Available – the Registrant shall be reasonably available to consult with the
client relative to the status of the account;
6. Quarterly Report – the client shall be provided with a quarterly report for the account for the
preceding period;
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7. Ability to Impose Restrictions – the client shall have the ability to impose reasonable
restrictions on the management of the account, including the ability to instruct the Registrant
not to purchase certain securities;
8. No Pooling – the client’s beneficial interest in a security does not represent an undivided
interest in all the securities held by the custodian, but rather represents a direct and beneficial
interest in the securities which comprise the account;
9. Separate Account - a separate account is maintained for the client with the Custodian;
10. Ownership – each client retains indicia of ownership of the account (e.g. right to withdraw
securities or cash, exercise or delegate proxy voting, and receive transaction confirmations).
The Registrant believes that its annual investment management fee is reasonable in relation to: (1)
the advisory services provided under the Investment Advisory Agreement; and (2) the fees charged
by other investment advisers offering similar services/programs. However, Registrant’s annual
investment advisory fee may be higher than that charged by other investment advisers offering
similar services/programs. In addition to Registrant’s annual investment management fee, the client
will also incur charges imposed directly at the mutual and exchange traded fund level (e.g.,
management fees and other fund expenses). Please Note: Registrant’s investment programs may
involve above-average portfolio turnover which could negatively affect upon the net after-tax gain
experienced by an individual client in a taxable account
Item 9
Disciplinary Information
Neither the Registrant nor any of its supervised persons have been the subject of a disciplinary action.
Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to
register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Neither the Registrant, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to
register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading advisor,
or a representative of the foregoing.
C.
Affiliated Investment Adviser Firm. One of Registrant’s investment adviser representatives is the
principal of Sterling Newton, Inc. (“SNI”), an affiliated, Florida registered investment adviser firm
(CRD#:139772). SNI and the investment adviser representative Bill Newton (CRD#:2062531)
generally provide discretionary investment management services to high net worth individuals.
Licensed Insurance Agents. Certain of the Registrant’s representatives, in their individual
capacities, are licensed insurance agents and may recommend the purchase of certain insurance-
related products on a commission basis. Neither the Registrant nor its representatives shall
recommend the purchase of an insurance commission product to any retirement plan client. No client
is under any obligation to purchase any insurance product from the Registrant’s representatives.
Conflict of Interest The recommendation by Registrant’s representatives that a client purchase a
securities or insurance commission product presents a conflict of interest, as the receipt of
commissions may provide an incentive to recommend investment products based on commissions
received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No client is under any obligation to purchase any
4903-1054-1614, v. 1
commission products from Registrant’s representatives. Clients are reminded that they may
purchase securities or insurance products recommended by Registrant through other, non-affiliated
insurance agents or broker-dealers. The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H.
Ruggie, remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may
have regarding the above conflict of interest.
National Advisors Trust Company
Thomas Ruggie has a less than one percent (1.00%) ownership interest in a savings and loan company,
National Advisors Holdings, Inc. (“NAH”) that has formed a federally chartered trust company,
National Advisors Trust Company (“NATC”). NAH and NATC are regulated by the Office of Thrift
Supervision. The trust company intends to provide a low-cost alternative to traditional trust service
providers, and Registrant intends to refer clients to NATC for trust services. The recommendation by
Mr. Ruggie that a client engage the trust services of NATC presents a conflict of interest, as the
receipt of residual compensation, by Mr. Ruggie, as an indirect owner of NATC, may provide an
incentive to recommend NATC’s trust services for clients in need of trust services. No client is
obligated to engage NATC’s trust services and clients are reminded that they may engage the trust
services of other, non-affiliated trust companies.
Board Affiliations
Thomas Ruggie currently serves as President of the Tom and Kim Ruggie Family Foundation, Inc.
This is a non-profit charitable foundation established to raise funds and direct contributions to
worthwhile charities. Several clients serve on the board of this foundations committee. No fees or
monies are generated to us from this affiliation.
Licensed Attorney. Nicholas Guerra is licensed to practice law and is the managing partner at Guerra
Tax and Wealth Planning, P.A., located Boca Raton, Florida. Mr. Guerra will provide general counsel
the Registrant, however, he will, in his role as general counsel, not provide any guidance directly to
Registrant’s clients. It is expected that Mr. Guerra will recommend Registrant’s services to certain of
his law firm clients. The law office is not involved in providing investment advice on behalf of
Registrant, nor does the law office hold itself out as providing advisory services on behalf of
Registrant. No client of Registrant is under any obligation to use the services of Guerra Tax and
Wealth Planning, P.A.
D. The Registrant does not recommend or select other investment advisors for its clients for which it
receives a fee.
Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
A. The Registrant maintains an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions. This
investment policy is part of Registrant’s overall Code of Ethics, which serves to establish a standard
of business conduct for all of Registrant’s Representatives that is based upon fundamental principles
of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is available upon request.
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Registrant also
maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material non-
public information by the Registrant or any person associated with the Registrant.
B. Neither the Registrant nor any related person of Registrant recommends, buys, or sells for client
accounts, securities in which the Registrant or any related person of Registrant has a material financial
interest.
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As disclosed above, the Registrant has a material financial interest in certain private funds. The terms
and conditions for participation in the private funds, including management fees, conflicts of interest,
and risk factors, are set forth in the private funds’ offering documents.
C. The Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant may buy or sell securities that are also
recommended to clients. This practice may create a situation where the Registrant and/or
representatives of the Registrant are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or purchase of
those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a potential conflict of interest. Practices such as
“scalping” (i.e., a practice whereby the owner of shares of a security recommends that security for
investment and then immediately sells it at a profit upon the rise in the market price which follows
the recommendation) could take place if the Registrant did not have adequate policies in place to
detect such activities. In addition, this requirement can help detect insider trading, “front-running”
(i.e., personal trades executed prior to those of the Registrant’s clients) and other potentially abusive
practices.
The Registrant has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal securities
transactions and securities holdings of each of the Registrant’s “Access Persons.” The Registrant’s
securities transaction policy requires that Access Person of the Registrant must provide the Chief
Compliance Officer or his/her designee with a written report of their current securities holdings
within ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person. Additionally, each Access Person must
provide the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee with a written report of the Access Person’s
current securities holdings at least once each twelve (12) month period thereafter on a date the
Registrant selects; provided, however that at any time that the Registrant has only one Access Person,
he or she shall not be required to submit any securities report described above.
D. The Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant may buy or sell securities, at or around the
same time as those securities are recommended to clients. This practice creates a situation where the
Registrant and/or representatives of the Registrant are in a position to materially benefit from the sale
or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a potential conflict of interest. As
indicated above in Item 11C, the Registrant has a personal securities transaction policy in place to
monitor the personal securities transaction and securities holdings of each of Registrant’s Access
Persons.
Item 12
Brokerage Practices
In the event that the client requests that the Registrant recommend a broker- dealer/custodian for
execution and/or custodial services (exclusive of those clients that may direct the Registrant to use a
specific broker-dealer/custodian), Registrant generally recommends that investment management
accounts be maintained at Fidelity, GSCS or Schwab. Prior to engaging Registrant to provide
investment management services, the client will be required to enter into a formal Agreement setting
and a separate custodial/clearing agreement with each designated broker-dealer/ custodian.
Factors that the Registrant considers in recommending Fidelity, GSCS Schwab (or any other broker-
dealer/custodian to clients) include historical relationship with the Registrant, financial strength,
reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. To the extent that commissions
and/or transaction fees are paid by Registrant's clients, such commissions and transaction fees shall
be evaluated in connection with the Registrant's duty to obtain best execution. A a client may pay
a commission that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same
transaction where the Registrant determines, in good faith, that the commission/transaction fee is
reasonable. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but
whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full
4903-1054-1614, v. 1
range of broker-dealer services, including the value of research provided, execution capability,
commission rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, although Registrant will seek competitive rates,
it may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client account transactions.
The brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by the designated broker- dealer/custodian
are exclusive of, and in addition to, Registrant's investment management fee. The Registrant’s best
execution responsibility is qualified if securities that it purchases for client accounts are mutual funds
that trade at net asset value as determined at the daily market close.
1. Research and Additional Benefits
Although not a material consideration when determining whether to recommend that a client
utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, Registrant may receive from Schwab,
GSCS or Fidelity (or another broker- dealer/custodian, investment platform, unaffiliated
investment manager, vendor, unaffiliated product/fund sponsor, or vendor) without cost (and/or
at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which assist the Registrant to better
monitor and service client accounts maintained at such institutions. Included within the support
services that may be obtained by the Registrant may be investment- related research, pricing
information and market data, software and other technology that provide access to client account
data, compliance and/or practice management- related publications, discounted or gratis
consulting services, discounted and/or gratis attendance at conferences, meetings, and other
educational and/or social events, marketing support, computer hardware and/or software and/or
other products used by Registrant in furtherance of its investment advisory business operations.
As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products that may be received may
assist the Registrant in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not directly
provide such assistance, but rather assist the Registrant to manage and further develop its
business enterprise.
Registrant’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets
maintained at Fidelity, GSCS or Schwab as a result of this arrangement. There is no
corresponding commitment made by the Registrant to Fidelity, GSCS or Schwab or any other
entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds,
securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement.
The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to
address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
arrangement and the corresponding conflict of interest such arrangement creates.
2. The Registrant does not receive referrals from broker-dealers.
3. The Registrant does not generally accept directed brokerage arrangements (when a client
requires that account transactions be effected through a specific broker-dealer). In such client
directed arrangements, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for their account with
that broker-dealer, and Registrant will not seek better execution services or prices from other
broker-dealers or be able to "batch" the client's transactions for execution through other broker-
dealers with orders for other accounts managed by Registrant. As a result, client may pay higher
commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices,
on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case.
Please Note: In the event that the client directs Registrant to effect securities transactions for
the client's accounts through a specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly acknowledges
that such direction may cause the accounts to incur higher commissions or transaction costs than
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the accounts would otherwise incur had the client determined to effect account transactions
through alternative clearing arrangements that may be available through Registrant. Higher
transaction costs adversely impact account performance. Please Also Note: Transactions for
directed accounts will generally be executed following the execution of portfolio transactions
for non-directed accounts.
The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to
address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
arrangement.
To the extent that the Registrant provides investment management services to its clients, the
transactions for each client account generally will be effected independently, unless the Registrant
decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. The
Registrant may (but is not obligated to) combine or “bunch” such orders to obtain best execution, to
negotiate more favorable commission rates or to allocate equitably among the Registrant’s clients
differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had
such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price
and will be allocated among clients in proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client
account on any given day. The Registrant shall not receive any additional compensation or
remuneration as a result of such aggregation.
Item 13
Review of Accounts
A. For those clients to whom Registrant provides investment supervisory services, account reviews are
conducted on a periodic basis by the Registrant’s representatives, at least annually. All investment
supervisory clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to advise the Registrant of any
changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation. All clients (in person or via
telephone) are encouraged to review financial planning issues (to the extent applicable), investment
objectives and account performance with the Registrant on an annual basis.
B. The Registrant may conduct account reviews on an other than periodic basis upon the occurrence of
a triggering event, such as a change in client investment objectives and/or financial situation, market
corrections and client request.
C. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction confirmation notices and regular
written summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian and/or program
sponsor for the client accounts. Those clients to whom Registrant provides investment supervisory
services may also receive a quarterly report from the Registrant summarizing account activity and
performance.
Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. As referenced in Item 12.A.1 above, the Registrant may receive an economic benefit from Fidelity
or Schwab. The Registrant, without cost (and/or at a discount), may receive support services and/or
products from Fidelity, GSCS or Schwab.
Registrant’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets maintained at
Fidelity or Schwab as a result of this arrangement. There is no corresponding commitment made by
the Registrant to Fidelity, GSCS or Schwab or any other entity to invest any specific amount or
percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as a
result of the above arrangement.
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The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above arrangement
and the corresponding conflict of interest any such arrangement creates.
B. Referral Fees
If a client is introduced to Registrant by either an unaffiliated or an affiliated promoter, Registrant
may pay that promoter a referral fee in accordance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and any corresponding state securities law requirements. Any such
referral fee shall be paid solely from Registrant’s investment management fee, and shall not result in
any additional charge to the client. If the client is introduced to Registrant by an unaffiliated promoter,
the promoter, at the time of the solicitation, shall disclose the nature of his/her/its solicitor
relationship, and shall provide each prospective client with a copy of Registrant’s written Brochure
with a copy of the written disclosure statement from the promoter to the client disclosing the terms
of the solicitation arrangement between Registrant and the promoter, including the compensation to
be received by the promoter from the Registrant.
Item 15
Custody
The Registrant shall have the ability to have its advisory fee for each client debited by the custodian
on a quarterly basis. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction confirmation
notices and regular written summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian
and/or program sponsor for the client accounts. The Registrant may also provide a written periodic
report summarizing account activity and performance.
Please Note: To the extent that the Registrant provides clients with periodic account statements or
reports, the client is urged to compare any statement or report provided by the Registrant with the
account statements received from the account custodian.
Please Also Note: The account custodian does not verify the accuracy of the Registrant’s advisory
fee calculation.
Please Also Note Custody Situations: Registrant engages in other practices and/or services on
behalf of its clients that require disclosure at ADV Part 1, Item 9, but which practices and/or
services are not subject to an annual surprise CPA examination in accordance with the guidance
provided in the SEC’s February 21, 2017 Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter.
Item 16
Investment Discretion
The Registrant provides investment advisory services, directly and through sub-advisory
relationships, on a discretionary basis. Prior to the Registrant assuming discretionary authority over
an account, the client shall be required to execute an Agreement, naming the Advisor as the client’s
attorney and agent in fact, granting the Advisor full authority to buy, sell, or otherwise effect
investment transactions involving the assets in the client’s name found in the discretionary account.
Clients who engage the Registrant on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions, in
writing, on the Registrant’s discretionary authority. (i.e. limit the types/amounts of particular
securities purchased for their account, exclude the ability to purchase securities with an inverse
relationship to the market, limit or proscribe the Registrant’s use of margin, etc.).
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Item 17
Voting Client Securities
A. The Registrant does not vote client proxies. Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) directing
the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially owned by the client shall
be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy
proceedings or other type events pertaining to the client’s investment assets.
B. Clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian. Clients may
contact the Registrant to discuss any questions they may have with a particular solicitation.
Item 18
Financial Information
A. The Registrant does not solicit fees of more than $1,200, per client, six months or more in advance.
B. The Registrant is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to
meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain client accounts.
C. The Registrant has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
ANY QUESTIONS: The Registrant’s Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas H. Ruggie, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the
above disclosures and arrangements.
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