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Item 1: Cover Page
FAMILY FIDUCIARY SERVICES, INC.
900 Cummings Center, Suite 212U
Beverly, MA 01915
Telephone: (978) 922-0050 ♦ Fax: (978) 232-1112
DAVID L. GREY, PRESIDENT
Form ADV Part 2A – Brochure
March 26, 2025
Form ADV Part 2A (the “Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Family Fiduciary Services, Inc. (“FFSI” or the “Firm”). If you have any questions about the content of this
Brochure, please contact the Firm’s President and Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. David L. Grey at (978)-922-
0050 or at davidgrey@familyfiduciary.net. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified
by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or any state regulatory authority.
FFSI is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply
any level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser are designed to provide you
with information to assist you in deciding whether or not you would like to hire or retain an investment adviser.
Additional information about the Firm is also available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching by our Firm’s name or by a unique identifying number,
known as the CRD number. Our Firm’s CRD number is 146339.
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Item 2: Material Changes
Family Fiduciary Services, Inc. (“FFSI”) filed its last Form ADV Annual Updating Amendment (“Annual
Amendment) in March of 2024. Since its last annual filing. Since its last Annual Amendment, FFSI has the
following material changes to report:
• Mr. Stephen Wilchins has stepped down for his positions as Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chairman of the Investment Committee. He remains a shareholder of FFSI. Please see “Item 10 –
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations” for additional information.
• Mr. David L. Grey has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the
Investment Committee. Please see “Item 4 – Advisory Business” for additional information.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Item 4: Advisory Business............................................................................................................................................. 5
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................................... 7
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ................................................................................. 8
Item 7: Types of Clients ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ............................................................................. 8
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................................................. 16
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ....................................................................................... 16
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .................................. 17
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Item 13: Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..................................................................................................... 20
Item 15: Custody ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
Item 16: Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................................. 22
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................................ 22
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................... 22
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Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Firm Information
Family Fiduciary Services, Inc. (“FFSI” or the “Firm”) was organized in October 2007 as a
corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal office and place of business
located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“Massachusetts”). FFSI’s registration as an
investment adviser with Massachusetts became effective in April 2008; in July of 2020, the Firm
transition to registration as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission 1.
The Firm’s Principal Owner, Mr. David L. Grey, serves as FFSI’s Chief Compliance Officer, and
Chairman of the Board of Directors.
FFSI formulates its advice as part of its Investment Committee. The Investment Committee is
chaired by Mr. Grey and includes Dr. Lawrence Miller, Mr. Dan Rea III, and Mr. Cameron O’Neill.
The committee members meet quarterly. Its agenda generally consists of the economic outlook,
market performance, target allocations, and review of client accounts. Client accounts are
reviewed in relation to their asset allocation targets and performance.
Mr. Grey is the only committee member that has direct client contact and is responsible for the
day-to-day management of client accounts.
B. Description of Services
to
Investment Management Services (“IMS”)
individuals, high net worth,
FFSI provides
corporations, trusts, and foundations (collectively, “Client” or “Clients”). The Firm’s IMS is offered
on a discretionary basis. In connection with the Firm’s IMS offering, FFSI also offers Trustee
Services, Bill Paying and Related Services.
Discretionary Investment Management Services
FFSI provides customized Discretionary Investment Management Services. The Firm manages all client
assets on a discretionary basis, allowing FFSI to implement investment management decisions directly.
The Firm works closely with each Client to identify their investment objectives and risk tolerance to
construct the optimal asset allocation. Asset allocation consists of allocating Client assets amongst
various asset classes in attempt to seek the optimal return for a given level of risk. Once the optimal
asset allocation is agreed upon, the Firm will implement a portfolio through the purchase of mutual
funds, exchange-traded funds, and cash equivalents (e.g., money market funds, Treasury Bills).
The Firm’s investment strategies are primarily long-term focused, but the Firm may buy, sell or re-
allocate positions that have been held less than one year to meet the objectives of the Client or due
to market conditions. FFSI will construct, implement, and monitor the portfolio to ensure it meets
the goals, objectives, circumstances, and risk tolerance agreed to by the Client. Each Client will
have the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the types of investments to be held in their
respective portfolio, subject to agreement by FFSI2.
FFSI selects investments for inclusion in Client portfolios after a thorough evaluation process. The
Firm recommend, on occasion, redistributing investment allocations to diversify the portfolio. FFSI
may recommend specific positions to increase sector or asset class weightings. The Firm may
recommend selling positions for reasons that include, but are not limited to, harvesting capital gains
or losses, or change in risk tolerance. For the fees associated with Investment Management
Services, please see “Item 5 – Fees and Compensation”.
1 Registration as an investment Adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission is not intended to imply any level of skill or training.
2 As a fiduciary, the Firm must ensure that asset allocation or securities purchased are in the best interest of each Client.
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The Use of Sub-Advisors, Direct Indexing, and Discretionary Investment Management
As part of the Firm’s discretionary investment management offering, FFSI may incorporate a direct indexing
strategy for all or a portion of your assets managed. FFSI utilizes the direct indexing services of Fidelity
Institutional Wealth Adviser LLC (“FIWA”). In this capacity, FFSI engages FIWA as a sub-adviser, tasked
with discretionary investment management over the assets allocated to FIWA.
FIWA’s direct indexing strategy provides customized separately managed account portfolios that consider tax
effects for taxable clients. Taxable accounts generally invest in equity securities and are managed using
investing techniques that seek to enhance after-tax returns, including, without limitation, harvesting tax losses
and analyzing tax lots. FIWA seeks to provide, consistent with the client mandated investment guidelines,
improved returns over the designated benchmark on an after-tax basis.
Trustee Services
In connection with IMS, the Firm also serves as trustee. A trustee is a person or entity that holds and
administers property or assets for the benefit of a third party. Trustees are trusted to make decisions in
the beneficiary’s best interest and have fiduciary responsibility to the trust beneficiaries.
A trustee is thus responsible for the proper management of all property and other assets owned by the
trust for the benefit of a beneficiary. A trustee’s specific duties are unique to the agreement of the trust
and dictated by the type of assets being held in trust. Trustees are also required to financially manage
and oversee accounts within a trust when it is made up of other investments, like equities in an
investment advisory account.
FFSI will serve as corporate trustee as needed. Mr. Grey will also serve as individual trustee as needed.
Bill Paying and Tax Organization Services
In connection with IMS, FFSI also offers bill paying and related services. Bill paying is a convenient and
secure way to ensure monthly bills and expense are paid correctly and on time with the goal of reducing
the burden and family stress. FFSI scrutinizes every bill for accuracy, identifies errors, and resolves any
issues on the client’s behalf. Advantages include:
●
bills paid correctly and on time based on a Client’s monthly budget
●
no longer a need to track bills
●
no more concerns over receiving late fees or penalties
●
personal service in the event a Client has questions
Tax Organization Services include organizing records for tax preparation and related tasks.
C.
IMS Tailored to the Individual Needs of Each Client and Imposition of Reasonable Restrictions
Investment management service offerings allow tailored solutions and reasonable restrictions.
Based on a client’s risk tolerance and goals, FFSI will develop a custom-tailored solution to help
clients meet their individual needs. Reasonable restrictions may include reducing or restricted the
allocation to certain asset classes (e.g., equity, debt, real estate, etc.) or sectors (e.g., tobacco
industry, auto industry, technology). Clients may also have a preference for holding individual
securities for tax purposes, or an overweighting in in ESG-related securities (environmental, social,
governance).
D. Wrap Fee Programs
The Firm does not participate nor offer wrap fee programs.
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E. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, FFSI managed $204,810,860 of client assets on a discretionary basis.
Please see “Item 16 – Investment Discretion” for more information.
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
5(A1) Description of Fees for Investment Management Services, Trustee Services, and Bill Paying
and Tax Organization Services
The annual fee for the Firm’s Investment Management Services is charged as a percentage of
assets under management, according to the fee table below. AUM is based on the account value
of FFSI “households” or combines accounts/assets of the same household for purposes of
calculating fees. Fees may be negotiable. Lower fees for comparable services may be available
from other investment advisers.
Investment Management
Assets
Under Management
Annualized Fee % without any
additional services
Annualized Fee %
Serving as a Trustee and/or Bill
paying and Tax Organization
Services
Up to $5 million
1.00%
1.50%
Over $5 million - $15 million
0.75%
1.50%
Over $15 million
0.50%
1.50%
5(A2) Description of Fees for Trustee Services and/or Bill Paying and Tax Organization
The annual fee for the Firm’s Trustee Services and/or Bill Paying and Tax Organization Services
(“Related Services”) is charged as a percentage of assets under management. The fee range for
Related Services is an additional 0.50% to 1% of assets under management. Fee may be
negotiable. Lower fees for comparable services may be available from other investment advisers
or Related Services providers.
5(B) Payment Methods
Fees for Investment Management Services and Related Services are payable quarterly in arrears.
Asset values are based upon account valuations on the last trading day of the quarter. Fee
deductions based on this valuation are generally within two weeks following the end of the quarter.
In any partial calendar quarter, the fee will be prorated based on the number of days that the account
was opened during the calendar quarter.
By utilizing FFSI’s required custodian, Fidelity Investments Institutional Services, Inc.3 (“Fidelity”)
fees are deducted directly from Client accounts. Clients will receive custody statements from Fidelity
on a quarterly basis. Custody statements should be reviewed carefully to ensure your fee is
calculated accurately. Should you believe your fee has been calculated inaccurately, please contact
FFSI promptly to resolve the issue.
3 Fidelity and FFSI are unaffiliated companies. In certain limited circumstances, FFSI may agree to manage assets held at other qualified
custodians. Please see Item 12 – Brokerage Practices and Item 15 – Custody for more information on exceptions to FFSI’s custodial
arrangements.
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5(C) Other Fees and Expenses
Note, the “annualized fee” excludes brokerage costs such as commissions, markups, markdowns,
ticket charges, and underlying mutual fund expenses. FFSI does not receive or share in any such
fees. The Firm may recommend the purchase of individual securities (e.g., stocks and bonds),
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), or mutual funds. If the Firm recommends the purchase of ETFs
or mutual funds, effectively Clients are subject to two (2) layers of fees:
1) Direct advisory fee according to the fee table in this section, and
2)
Indirect advisory fees (that is, the advisory fee paid by the mutual fund to the adviser of the
mutual fund. For a detailed treatment of brokerage costs, please carefully review “Item 12 –
Brokerage Practices”.
5(D) Timing of Fee Payment, Termination Provisions, and Refunds
Before providing Investment Management Services, a Client will be required to enter into a written
investment advisory agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement sets forth the terms and
conditions of the engagement and describes the scope of services to be provided. As stated
previously in “5(B) – Payment Methods”, fees are paid each calendar quarter in arrears. Clients
have the right to terminate the Agreement by providing 30-days written notice. The Agreement will
continue in effect until terminated by either party via written notice to the other party.
5(E) No Compensation for the Sale of Securities
Neither FFSI nor any of its supervised persons receive any compensation whatsoever from the
purchase or sale of securities.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
The Firm does not charge any performance-based fees.
Item 7: Types of Clients
FFSI offers Investment Management Services (“IMS”) to individuals, high net worth individuals, corporations, trusts
and foundations. IMS does not have a specified required minimum account size.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
FFSI utilizes a disciplined approach in adhering to fundamental investment principles. The Firm’s philosophy is
based in finance theory and common sense. FFSI embraces the philosophy that supports three long-term asset
allocation principles. These principles are:
●
The importance of equity ownership
Allocation to equity-like assets enhance portfolio characteristics as the superior returns
expected form high-risk positions ultimately produce greater wealth.
●
The efficacy of portfolio diversification
Commitments to a range of asset types that behave differently from one another improve
portfolio attributes, as the reduced risk associated with broadly diversified portfolios ultimately
produces more stable returns.
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●
The significance of tax sensitivity
Attention to the tax characteristics of asset classes and tax consequences of portfolio
strategies strengthen portfolio results, as the improved after-tax returns ultimately produce
more assets. The wealth-creating equity bias, the risk-reducing portfolio diversification and the
return-enhancing tax sensitivity combine to undergird the asset-allocation structure of effective
investment portfolios.
Methods of Analysis
Research and analysis from FFSI are derived from numerous sources, including financial media
companies, third-party research materials, Internet sources, and review of company activities, including
annual reports, prospectuses, press releases and research prepared by others.
Investment Strategies
The Firm utilizes a stringent process in order to construct and implement an investment portfolio for its
Clients. As part of the process each Client completes the Client Profile.
The Client Profile (the “Profile”)
The Profile helps determine the optimal risk tolerance based upon answers provided by the Client. This
information assists FFSI in understanding a Client’s risk tolerance, and generating a risk score.
Review and Discussion of the Profile
Following completion of the Profile, FFSI reviews and discusses all responses with the Client. The Firm
then utilizes this information to construct an investment portfolio that is consistent with a client’s
objectives and risk tolerance.
Model Portfolio Construction
Based upon the response to the Profile and discussion(s) with the client, FFSI will recommend one (1) of
three (3) model portfolio allocations:
●
Income Portfolio Allocation
● Moderate Portfolio Allocation
● Aggressive Portfolio Allocation
Each of the three (3) model portfolio allocations includes target ranges for each asset class based upon
the Client’s individual needs, including constraints and tax considerations.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Material Risks of Securities
● Business Risk
When purchasing equity securities or stocks, investors are purchasing a piece of ownership of
a company. With a bond, you are loaning money to a company. Returns from both types of
securities that the company stays in business. If a company goes bankrupt and its assets are
liquidated, common stockholders are the last in line to share in the proceeds. If there are
assets, the company’s bondholders will be paid first, then holders of preferred stock. If you are
a common stockholder, you get whatever is left which may be nothing.
● Volatility Risk
Even when companies are not in danger of failing, their stock price may fluctuate up or down.
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Market fluctuations can be unnerving to some investors. A stock’s price can be affected by
factors inside the company, such as a faulty product, or by events the company has no control
over, such as political or market events.
●
Inflation Risk
Inflation is a general upward movement of prices. Inflation reduces purchasing power, which
is a risk for investors receiving a fixed rate of interest. The principal concern for individuals
investing in cash equivalents is that inflation will erode returns.
●
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate changes can affect a bond’s value. If bonds are held to maturity the investor will
receive the face value, plus interest. If sold before maturity, the bond may be worth more or
less than face value. Rising interest rates will make newly issued bonds more appealing to
investors because the newer bonds will have a higher rate of interest than older ones. To sell
an older bond with a lower rate, you might have to sell it at a discount.
●
Liquidity Risk
This refers to the risk that investors will not find a market for their securities, potentially
preventing them from buying or selling when they want.
FFSI provides investment advice on equity securities, fixed income securities (e.g., corporate bonds and
government bonds), mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and foreign and securities. The following is
an overview of the primary risks associated with each type of investment product offered by the Firm:
● Equity Securities
investors
the greatest potential
Equity Securities or stocks offer
for growth (capital
appreciation) over the long haul. Investors willing to stick with stocks over long periods of time,
have generally been rewarded with positive returns. However, stock prices move down as well
as up. There is no guarantee that the company whose stock you hold will grow and do well. If
a company goes bankrupt and its assets are liquidated, common stockholders are the last in
line to share in the proceeds. The company’s bondholders will be paid first, then holders of
preferred stock. If you are a common stockholder, you get whatever is left, which may be
nothing. Market fluctuations can be unnerving to some investors. A stock’s price can be
affected by factors inside the company, such as a faulty product, or by events the company
has no control over, such as political or market events.
●
Fixed Income Securities
Bonds can provide a means of preserving capital and earning a predictable return. Bond
investments provide steady streams of income from interest payments prior to maturity.
However, as with any investment, bonds have risks. These risks include:
○ Credit risk
The issuer may fail to timely make interest or principal payments and thus default on its
bonds.
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○
Interest rate risk
Interest rate changes can affect a bond’s value. If bonds are held to maturity, the investor
will receive the face value, plus interest. IF sold before maturity, the bond may be worth
more or less than the face value. Rising interest rates will make newly issued bonds more
appealing to investors because the newer bonds will have a higher interest rate than older
ones. To sell an older bond with a lower interest rate, you might have to sell it at a discount.
○
Inflation risk
Inflation is a general upward movement in prices. Inflation reduces purchasing power,
which is a risk for investors receiving a fixed rate of interest.
○
Liquidity risk
This refers to the risk that investors will not find a market for the bond, potentially
preventing them from buying or selling when they want.
○ Call risk
The possibility that a bond issuer retires a bond before its maturity date, something an
issuer might do if interest rates decline, much like a homeowner might refinance a
mortgage to benefit from lower interest rates.
● Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are investment companies that pool money from investors and invest it based on
specific investment goals of the fund. Mutual funds raise money by selling their own shares to
investors. The money is used to purchase a portfolio of stocks, bonds, money-market
instruments, other securities or assets, or some combination of these investments. Each share
represents an ownership piece in the fund and gives the investor proportional right, based on
the number of shares he or she owns, to income and capital gains that the fund generates from
its investments.
The particular investments a fund makes are determined by its objectives and, in the case of
an actively managed fund, by the investment style and skill of the fund’s professional manager
or managers. The holdings of the mutual fund are known as its underlying investments, and
the performance of those investments, minus fund fees, determines the fund’s investment
return.
While there are thousands of individual mutual funds, there are only a handful of major fund
categories:
○ Stock funds invest in stocks.
○ Bond funds invest in bonds.
○ Balanced funds invest in a combination of stocks and bonds.
○ Money market funds invest in very short-term investments and are sometimes described
as cash equivalents.
You can find all of the details about a mutual fund, including its investment strategy, risk profile,
performance history, management, and fees in a fund’s prospectus. You should always read the
prospectus carefully before investing in a fund.
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Mutual funds are equity investments just like individual stocks. When you buy shares of a fund, you
become part-owner of the fund. This is true of bond funds as well as stock funds, which means there is
an important distinction between owning an individual bond and owning a fund that owns the bond.
When you buy a bond, you are promised a specific rate of interest and return of your principal. That is
not the case with a bond fund, which owns a number of bonds with different rates and maturities. What
your equity ownership of the fund provides is the right to a share of what the fund collects in interest,
realizes in capital gains, and receives back if it holds a bond to maturity.
How Mutual Funds Work
If you own shares in a mutual fund you share in its profits. For example, when the fund’s underlying
stocks or bonds pay income from dividends or interest, the fund pays those profits, after expenses,
to its shareholders in payments known as income distributions. Also, when the fund has capital
gains from selling investments in its portfolio at a profit, it passes on those after-expense profits to
shareholders as capital gains distributions. You generally have the option of receiving these
distributions in cash or having them automatically reinvested in the fund to increase the number of
shares you own.
Of course, you have to pay taxes on the fund’s income distributions, and usually on its capital gains,
if you own the fund in a taxable account. When you invest in a mutual fund you may have a short-
term capital gain, which is taxed at the same rate as your ordinary income. You may also owe
capital gains taxes if the fund sells some investments for more than it paid to buy them, even if the
overall return on the fund is down for the year or if you became an investor of the fund after the fund
bought those investments in question.
However, if you own the mutual fund in a tax-deferred or tax-free account, such as an individual
retirement account, no tax is due on any of these distributions when you receive them. But you will
owe tax at your regular rate on all withdrawals from a tax-deferred account.
You may also make money from your fund share by selling them back to the fund, or redeeming
them if the underlying investments in the fund have increased in value since the time you purchased
shares in the funds. In that case, your profit will be the increase in the fund’s per-share value, also
known as its net asset value or NAV. Here, too, taxes are due the year you realize gains in a taxable
account, but not in a tax-deferred or tax-free account. Capital gains for mutual funds are calculated
somewhat differently than gains for individual investments, and the fund will let you know each year
your taxable share of the fund’s gains.
Active vs. Passive Management
Active funds employ a professional portfolio manager, or team of managers to decide which
underlying investments to choose for its portfolio. In fact, one reason you might choose a specific
fund is to benefit from the expertise of its professional managers. A successful fund manager has
the experience, the knowledge, and the time to seek and track investments, a key attribute that you
may lack.
The goal of an active manager is to beat the market, to get better returns by choosing investments
he or she believes to be top-performing selections. Which there is a range of ways to measure
market performance, each fund is measured against the appropriate market index or benchmark
based on the stated investment strategy and the types of investments it makes.
One of the challenges that portfolio managers face in providing stronger-than-benchmark returns is
that their funds’ performance needs to compensate for their operating costs. The returns of actively
managed funds are reduced first by the cost of hiring a professional fund manager and second by
the cost of buying and selling investments in the fund.
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In any given year, most actively managed funds do not beat the market. In fact, studies show that
very few actively managed funds provide stronger-then-benchmark returns over long periods of
time, including those with impressive short-term performance records. That is why many individuals
invest in funds that do not try to beat the market at all. These are passively managed funds,
otherwise known as index funds.
Passive funds seek to replicate the performance of their benchmarks instead of outperforming
them. For instance, the manager of an index fund that tracks the performance of the S&P 500
typically buys a portfolio that includes all of the stocks in that index in the same proportions as they
are represented in the index. Because index funds do not need to retain active professional
managers, and because their holdings are not as frequently traded, they normally have lower
operating costs than actively managed funds. However, the fees vary from index fund to index fund,
which means the return on these funds varies as well.
Fund Objectives
Within the major categories of mutual funds, there are individual funds with a variety of investment
objectives, or goals the fund wants to meet on behalf of its shareholders. Here is just a sampling of
the many you may find:
Stock Funds
● Growth funds invest in stocks that the fund’s portfolio manager believes have the
potential for significant price appreciation.
● Value funds invest in stocks that the fund’s portfolio manager believes are underpriced in
the secondary market.
● Equity income funds invest in stocks that regularly pay dividends.
● Stock index funds are passively managed funds, which attempt to replicate the
performance of a specific stock market index by investing in the stocks held by that index.
● Small-cap, mid-cap, or large-cap stock funds stick to companies within a certain size
range. Economic cycles tend to favor different sized companies at different times, so, for
example, a small-cap fund may be doing very well at a time when large-cap funds are
stagnant, and vice versa.
● Socially responsible funds invest according to political, social, religious, or ethical
guidelines, which you will fund described in the fund’s prospectus. Many socially
responsible funds also take an activist role in the companies where they invest by
representing their shareholders’ ethical concerns at meetings with company management.
● Sector funds specialize in stocks of particular segments of the economy. For example,
you may find funds that specialize solely in technology stocks, healthcare stocks, and so
on. Sector funds tend to be less diversified than funds that invest across sectors, but they
do provide a way to participate in a profitable segment of the economy without having to
identify specific companies.
●
International, global, regional, country-specific, or emerging market funds extend
their reach beyond the United States. International funds invest exclusively in non-U.S.
companies.
Bond Funds
●
The corporate, agency or municipal bond funds focus on bonds for a single type of
issuer, across a range of different maturities
● Short-term or intermediate-term bond funds focus on short or intermediate-term bonds
from a wide variety of issuers
●
Treasury bond funds invest in Treasury issues
● High-yield bond funds invest in lower-rated bonds with higher coupon rates
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Other Funds
● Balanced funds invest in a mixture of stocks and bonds to build a portfolio diversified
across both asset classes. The target percentages for each type of investment are stated
in the prospectus. Because stocks and bonds tend to do well during different phases of
an economic cycle, balanced funds may be less volatile than pure stock or bond funds.
●
Fund of funds is mutual funds that invest in other mutual funds. While these funds can
achieve much greater diversification than any single fund, their returns are affected by the
fees of both the fund itself and the underlying funds. There may also be redundancy, which
can cut down on diversification since several of the underlying funds may hold the
same investments.
●
Target-date funds, sometimes called lifecycle funds, are funds of funds that change their
investments over time to meet goals you plan to reach at a specific time, such as
retirement. Typically, target-date funds are sold by date, such as 2025 funds. The farther
way the date is, the greater the risk the fund usually takes. As the target date approaches,
the fund changes its balance of investments to emphasize conserving the value it has built
up to shift toward income-producing investments.
● Money market funds invest in short-term debt, such as Treasury bills and the very short-
term debt corporate debt known as commercial paper. These investments are considered
cash equivalents. Money market funds invest with the goal of maintaining a share price of
$1. They are sometimes considered an alternative to bank savings accounts although they
are not insured by the FDIC. Some funds have private insurance.
It is important to keep in mind that funds do not always invest 100% of their assets in line with the
strategy implied by their stated objectives. Some funds undergo what is called style drift when the
fund manager invests a portion of assets in a category that the fund would typically exclude. Fund
managers may make this type of adjustment to compensate for lagging performance, but it may
expose you to risks you were not prepared to take.
Exchange-Traded Funds
Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) combine aspects of mutual funds and conventional stocks.
Like a mutual fund, an ETF is a pooled investment fund that offers an investor an interest in a
professionally managed, diversified portfolio of investments. But unlike mutual funds, ETF
shares trade like stocks on stock exchanges and can be bought or sold throughout the trading
day at fluctuating prices.
The Mechanics of ETFs
Unlike mutual funds, ETFs do not sell shares to or redeem shares from, retail investors directly.
To make it possible for investors to buy and sell shares on an exchange, ETFs follow a unique
format. An ETF enters into contracts with financial institutions (typically large brokerage firms)
to act as Authorized Participants (APs). APs purchase and redeem shares directly with the
ETF in large blocks of shares called Creation Units. APs typically sell some or all of their shares
on an exchange. This enables investors to buy and sell ETF shares like the shares of any
publicly traded company.
Buying and Selling ETFs
Investors purchasing or selling shares in an ETF typically pay a brokerage commission on each
transaction. When you purchase or sell ETF shares, you receive the market price on the
exchange at the time the order is placed. This price may fluctuate throughout the trading day.
A mutual fund, on the other hand, determines its net asset value at the close of each trading
day. When you purchase or redeem mutual fund shares, you receive the price based on the
net asset value next computed after you submitted your order. The intraday pricing of ETFs
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tends to provide investors with greater trading flexibility because you can monitor how the price
is doing and do not have to wait until the end of the day to know your purchase or sale price.
As with other investments, you can make money with ETFs if you sell your shares for more
than you paid. You also benefit if the securities an ETF holds pay interest or dividends. That
income may either be reinvested or paid to shareholders quarterly or annually, depending on
the way the ETF is structured. An ETF may also decline in value. Of course, if the value falls
and you sell, you may have a loss.
ETF Expenses
In addition to any brokerage commission you may pay, ETFs have expense ratios, like mutual
funds, calculated as a percentage of the assets you have invested. ETFs do not have loads or
12b-1 fees (fees that are taken out of a mutual fund’s assets annually to cover the costs of
marketing and distributing the fund to investors).
In general, actively managed ETFs cost more than passively managed index ETFs. Before
purchasing ETF shares, carefully read all of an ETF’s available information, including its
prospectus. All ETFs will deliver a prospectus upon request.
ETFs and Taxes
You can own ETFs in taxable, tax-deferred or tax-free accounts. In taxable accounts, any
capital gains you realize from selling fund shares are taxed in the year you realize them, though
the rate that applies may be your long-term capital gains rate.
In contrast, in a tax-deferred account, any gains become part of the total assets in the account
and are taxed as ordinary income when you withdraw them at some point in the future. In a
tax-free account, any gains or income will not be taxed if you follow the rules for withdrawals.
While ETFs held in a taxable account will generally result in less tax liability than if you held a
similarly invested mutual fund in the same account, there can be exceptions. For example,
certain emerging market funds and funds that invest in precious metals, which are considered
“collectibles” by the IRS, taxed as ordinary income for short-term gains and 28 percent for long-
term gains. For more information about the tax treatment of a particular ETF, make sure to
read the prospectus.
International or Foreign Securities
Investors in the United States have access to a wide selection of investment opportunities. These
opportunities include international investments that give investors international exposure. The two main
reasons individuals invest in international investments and investments with international exposure are:
○ Diversification (spreading investment risk among foreign companies and markets in addition
to U.S. companies and markets); and
○ Growth (taking advantage of the potential for growth in some foreign economies, particularly
in emerging markets).
International or foreign investment returns may move in a different direction, or at a different pace, than
U.S. investment returns. In that case, including exposure to both domestic and foreign securities in a
portfolio may reduce the risk that an investor will lose money if there is a drop in U.S. investment returns
and a portfolio’s overall investment returns over time may have less volatility. Keep in mind, though, that
this is not always true and that with globalization, markets are increasingly intertwined across brokers.
While investing in any security requires careful consideration, international investing raises some special
issues and risks. These include:
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○ Access to different information
In some jurisdictions, the information provided by foreign companies is different than the
information provided by U.S. companies.
○ Costs of international investments
International investing can be more expensive than investing in U.S. companies.
○ Changes in currency exchange rates and currency controls
Foreign investment also has foreign currency exchange risk. When the exchange rate between
the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar changes, it can increase or reduce an investment
return in a foreign security.
○ Changes in market value
All securities markets can experience dramatic changes in market value, whether foreign or
domestic.
○ Political, economic and social events
Depending on the country or region, it can be more difficult for investors to obtain information
about and comprehensively analyze all the political, economic and social factors that influence
a particular foreign market.
○ Different levels of liquidity
Some foreign markets may have lower trading volumes for securities, or fewer listed
companies than U.S. markets.
○
Legal remedies
The jurisdiction in which investors purchase a security can affect whether they have, and where
they can pursue legal remedies against foreign companies, or any other foreign-based entities
involved in a transaction.
○ Different market operations
Foreign markets may operate differently from the major U.S. trading markets. For
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in securities and other investments
involve a risk of loss that each Client should understand and be willing to bear. Clients are reminded to
discuss these risks with FFSI.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
There are no legal, regulatory or disciplinary events involving FFSI, its principal owner, Mr. David L.
Grey, or any of its Investment Committee Members.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer Registration Status
The Firm is not registered as a broker or dealer, nor does it have an application pending to register
as a broker or dealer.
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B. Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, Commodity Trading Adviser, and
Non-U.S. Registrations
FFSI is not registered with the U.S. Commodities and Futures Trading Commission as a Commodity
Pool Operator (“CPO”) or Commodity Trading Advisor (“CTA”).
C. Material Relationships
Mr. Stephen Wilchins, a shareholder of FFSI, provides business and estate planning services via his
law firm, Wilchins, Cosentino & Novins, LLP. FFSI may identify the need for business and estate
planning, or legal services (the “Services”) and recommend Mr. Wilchins or his law firm. Additionally,
Mr. Wilchins may refer his legal clients to FFSI for investment management services. This represents a
material conflict of interest. We attempt to mitigate this conflict of interest by generally providing clients
with more than one recommendation, and also providing full disclosure to clients. Clients have no
obligation to utilize the Services of Mr. Wilchins or his law firm.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics
As a fiduciary, the Firm has an affirmative duty to render continuous, unbiased investment advice, and
at all times, act in the Clients’ best interest. To maintain this ethical responsibility to Clients, the Firm
has adopted a Code of Ethics (“COE”) that establishes the fundamental principles of conduct and
professionalism expected by all other officers, directors, and employees in discharging their duties.
A copy of the Firm’s COE is made available upon request. Requests may be made via telephone,
regular mail, or email address using the contact information provided on the Cover Page.
The FFSI’s COE is designed to deter inappropriate behavior and heighten awareness as to what is
fair and equitable by promoting:
● Honest and ethical conduct
●
Full, fair and accurate disclosure
● Compliance with applicable rules and regulations
● Reporting of any violations of the COE
● Accountability
B. Personal Trading with Material Interest
While FFSI allows access persons 4 to buy and sell open-end mutual funds, ETFs, and individual
stocks, the Firm does not act as a principal in any transaction. Furthermore, FFSI does not act as the
general partner of a fund or advise an investment company. The Firm does not have a material
interest in any securities traded in Client accounts.
C. Personal Trading in Same Securities as Clients
As previously stated, FFSI allows access persons to buy and sell open-end mutual funds, ETFs, and
individual securities recommended to Clients. However, the Firm has adopted a Code of Ethics to
address various conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest addressed include trading ahead of clients
information controls), gifts and
trading (material non-public
in
the same securities,
insider
4 “Access Persons” are defined as any of the Firm’s supervised persons who have access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’
purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund, or who is involved in
making securities recommendations to clients, or who have access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.
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entertainment, outside business activities, and personal securities reporting. Our fiduciary duty to
act is to act in the best interest of its Clients, and it could be violated if any of our access persons
purchase securities on more advantageous terms than Client trades, or by trading based on
material non-public information. We attempt to mitigate this risk by enforcing and adhering to FFSI’s
Code of Ethics.
D. Personal Trading at Same Time as Client
As already addressed, the Firm allows the purchase and sales of open-end mutual funds, ETFs,
and individual securities by access persons.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Selection and Recommendation for Client Transactions
We seek to select broker-dealer(s) who execute transactions on terms that are, overall, most
advantageous when compared to other service providers. We consider a wide range of factors,
including, among others:
● Combination of transaction execution services and assets custody services (generally
without a separate fee for custody)
● Capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for your account)
● Capability to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers, check
requests, bill payment, etc.)
● Breadth of available investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs)
● Availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment decisions
● Quality of services
● Competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates,
other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate the prices
● Reputation, financial strength, and stability
● Prior service to us and our other Clients
● Availability of other products that may benefit FFSI (Please see “Item 14 – Client Referrals
and
● Other Compensation”)
1. Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
FFSI does not participate in soft dollar programs sponsored or offered by any broker-dealer.
However, the Firm does receive certain economic benefits when utilizing its recommended broker-
dealer / custodian, Fidelity. “Please see Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation.”
2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
FFSI does not receive any Client referrals for directing Client transactions to broker-dealers for
trade execution.
3. Directed Brokerage
A. FFSI Directed Brokerage
The Firm generally recommends Fidelity as the custodian for safeguarding Client assets. Fidelity
is a registered broker-dealer, and all securities purchases and sales (e.g., equity, debt, exchange-
traded funds, and mutual funds will be directed to Fidelity for execution. Not all advisers require
their Clients to direct securities transactions to a single broker-dealer for execution. By directing
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the most favorable
all brokerage transactions to Fidelity, Clients may be unable to achieve
execution, and this practice may cost Clients more money.
Exception to Custodial Arrangements: While FFSI generally exclusively requires all client
accounts to be held at Fidelity, the Firm may, on a case-by-case basis, agree to manage certain
accounts that are held at other qualified custodians. These exceptions are evaluated individually
based on specific client circumstances. In such cases, FFSI’s ability to directly deduct advisory
fees may be limited, and certain other operational differences may apply. Clients with assets held
away from Fidelity should discuss the specific arrangements and limitations with FFSI.
B. Client Directed Brokerage
The Firm does not permit Clients to direct securities transactions to the broker of their choice.
4.
Investment Management Services
As part of its Investment Management Services offering, the Firm also serves as trustee for clients. As
part of its process as a fiduciary, FFSI may recommend business and estate planning, or legal services
of Mr. Stephen N. Wilchins, ESQ 5. This represents a material conflict of interest in that Mr. Wilchins is
also shareholder of FFSI. Additionally, Mr. Wilchins may also refer his legal clients to FFSI for
investment management services. Clients are under no obligation to use Mr. Wilchins’ legal services
and may seek independent legal counsel of their choice.
B. Aggregating and Allocating Trades
Due to the personal attention that each Client receives, FFSI generally does not allocate Client
transactions or orders. Trade aggregation is the process of bunching orders for multiple Client
accounts. This practice attempts to obtain more favorable pricing and or reduced transaction costs
(e.g., commissions) by placing larger orders. Since the Firm does not generally aggregate orders, this
may result in less favorable pricing and or increased costs (e.g., commissions) for Client accounts.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Frequency of Reviews
Client accounts are reviewed monthly during normal market conditions.
B. Non-Periodic Review of Client Accounts
During periods of extreme market volatility, accounts are monitored on a daily basis. Non-periodic
reviews may also be triggered by material market, economic or political events, or by changes in a
Client’s financial situation such as a change in investment objective or risk tolerance, retirement,
termination of employment, relocation, inheritance, or any other concern that may be prompted by
the Client.
C. Quarterly Activities and Client Communications
Investment Committee Meetings
FFSI also employees an Investment Committee consisting of three highly experienced members. The
committee members consist of Mr. David Grey, Dr. Larry Miller, and Dan Rea III. Members meet
quarterly, and its agenda generally consists of:
● Economic outlook
5 Mr. Wilchins is a Partner of Wilchins, Cosentino & Novins LLP.
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● Market performance
●
Target asset allocations
● Review of client accounts
The Investment Committee reviews client accounts in relation to its asset allocation targets and
performance.
Performance and Account Summaries
Clients may access their account summaries and performance reports by logging into their Black
Diamond account, which is accessible through the Firm’s website at www.familyfiduciary.net.
In addition to the reports provided by FFSI via Black Diamond (“Black Diamonds’ Reports”), the Firm’s
custodian, Fidelity, generates quarterly custody statements. Clients are urged to carefully compare
Black Diamonds’ Reports to Fidelity’s quarterly custody statements. Should there be a discrepancy,
Fidelity’s custody statements takes precedency. Clients are urged to contact FFSI promptly to resolve
any discrepancy.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits of Utilizing Fidelity Platform
FFSI has established an institutional relationship with Fidelity, a division of Fidelity (“Fidelity”) is
dedicated to serving independent investment advisers. As an investment adviser utilizing Fidelity’s
platform, the Firm receives access to software and related support without cost because of FFSI’s
Clients custody of assets at Fidelity and utilize Fidelity as its sole executing broker-dealer. Services
provided by Fidelity benefit many, but not all, Fidelity Clients. The receipt of economic benefits from
Fidelity custodian creates a potential conflict of interest since these benefits influence FFSI’s
recommendation of Fidelity as its custodian and sole executing broker-dealer.
B. Referral Arrangements and Compensation
1. Services Provider Referrals
FFSI does not receive any compensation for Client referrals to service providers such as attorneys, tax
preparers, accountants, estate planners, real estate agents, and loan officers (“Service Providers”). In
turn, these Service Providers may refer Clients to FFSI. While FFSI does not receive or pay any direct
compensation for these referrals, this reciprocal referral arrangement presents a potential conflict of
interest. FFSI may have an incentive to refer Clients to certain Service Providers in the expectation of
receiving future referrals from them, rather than basing the referral solely on the Client’s needs. To
mitigate this conflict, FFSI maintains a policy of referring Clients only to Service Providers that we
believe are qualified to meet the Client’s needs, and we inform Clients that they are under no obligation
to engage the services of any referred Service Provider.
2. Online Matching Platform Referrals
FFSI has entered into agreement with SmartAsset Advisors LLC (“SmartAsset”) to receive client
referrals through their lead generation programs. SmartAsset is independent of and unaffiliated with
FFSI. SmartAsset acts as a promoter for FFSI, providing endorsements as defined in the SEC’s
Marketing Rule (Rule 206(4)-1).
SmartAsset operates an online platform that match prospective clients with investment advisers based
on self-reported information. FFSI compensates SmartAsset FFSI compensates SmartAsset through a
fixed monthly subscription fee. The fees paid by FFSI to SmartAsset do not increase the fees paid by
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clients.
These arrangements present potential conflicts of interest:
1. SmartAsset has a financial incentive to refer potential clients to FFSI, as they receive
compensation for referrals regardless of whether a prospective client engages in FFSI’s services.
2. The subscription arrangement could potentially influence which advisers receive referrals.
FFSI has procedures in place to ensure that all clients, including those referred by SmartAsset, receive
objective investment advice and are treated equitably. Prospective clients are under no obligation to engage
FFSI for advisory services.
C. Services that May Only Benefit FFSI
Fidelity also offers other services to FFSI that may not benefit FFSI Clients. These services include
educational conferences and events, ongoing support, consulting services, and discounts for
various service providers. Access to these services creates an incentive for the Firm to recommend
Fidelity, which represents a conflict of interest.
D. Compensation Client Referrals
FFSI compensates SmartAsset for client referrals as described in section B.2 above.
E. Direct Indexing and Compensation Paid to FIWA as a Sub-Adviser
As disclosed in “Item 4 – Advisory Services,” under the heading of “The Use of Sub-Advisers, Direct
Indexing, and Discretionary Investment Management,” the Firm utilizes the direct indexing services
(“Services”) of Fidelity Institutional Wealth Advisor LLC (“FIWA”). As compensation for its Services,
FFSI pays FIWA quarterly in arrears based on the following schedule:
FFSI Client Assets Managed by FIWA Annualized Fee
First $25 million
Next $25 million
Next $50 million
Over $100 million
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.13%
As a result of the benefits to FFSI and the compensation paid to FIWA, this arrangement represents a
material conflict of interest. Note, Clients do not pay an additional fees as a result of this relationship.
FFSI shares a portion of its investment management fee, and this fee is not passed on to Clients.
Item 15: Custody
Investment Management Accounts in Which FFSI Does Not Serve as Trustee
As disclosed in “Item 5 – Fees and Compensation”, FFSI directly debits advisory fees directly from client
accounts. As part of the billing process, the client’s custodian, Fidelity, is advised of the amount of
the fee to be deducted from that client’s account. On a quarterly basis, Fidelity is required to provide each
client with a statement which displays all trading activity and the deduction of the quarterly fee.
Investment Management Accounts in Which FFSI Serves as Trustee
When FFSI serves as trustee on investment management accounts held at Fidelity, the Firm is deemed
to have custody of client assets. All accounts in which the Firm is deemed to have custody are subject to
an annual surprise examination by an independent accounting firm registered with the Public Accounting
Company Oversight Board.
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Importance of Verification of the Fee Calculation
Since Fidelity does not calculate the amount of the fee deduction, it is important for clients to carefully
review their custody statements to verify the accuracy of the calculation. Clients should contact FFSI
directly if they believe that there is an error in their statement.
Custody Arrangements for Accounts at Other Qualified Custodians
For accounts held at custodians other than Fidelity under the exceptions described in Item 12, clients will
receive statements directly from those custodians and should review them carefully. The same importance
of fee verification applies to these accounts, and clients should contact FFSI promptly with any questions
regarding fee calculations or account statements.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
FFSI Investment Management Services
FFSI manages client assets on a discretionary basis. All Clients are required to execute a discretionary
investment management agreement. Discretionary investment management agreements authorize the Firm
first obtaining permission 6. Discretionary
to buy and sell securities on a client’s behalf without
Investment Management and the Use of Sub-Advisers
As disclosed in “Item 4 – Advisory Services,” under the heading of “The Use of Sub-Advisers, Direct
Indexing, and Discretionary Investment Management,” the Firm utilizes the direct indexing services
(“Services”) of Fidelity Institutional Wealth Advisor LLC (“FIWA”). Under this arrangement, the Client
executes a discretionary investment management agreement with FFSI. FFSI and the Client grant
discretionary authority to FIWA to manage all or a portion of assets allocated. In this relationship, FFSI acts
as the adviser to the client, and FIWA acts as a sub-adviser to FFSI.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
The Firm does not vote proxies for securities held in client accounts. Clients retain the responsibility for
receiving and voting proxies for all securities maintained in client portfolios.
Proxies are sent by the custodian or transfer agent directly to the client. And, although the Firm will not
vote client proxies, FFSI will assist the client with general questions regarding the proxies.
Item 18: Financial Information
The Firm does not require the payment of fees in the amount of $1,200 or more six months or more in
advance. No financial condition of which the Firm is currently aware that would impair the Firm’s ability
to meet its contractual commitment to its Clients. The Firm has not been the subject of a bankruptcy
petition within the past ten years.
6 This includes rebalancing client portfolios which is accomplished through buying and selling securities.
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