Description of Advisory Firm
Laufer Wealth Management, LLC is registered as an Investment Adviser with the State of New York. We
were founded in October of 2014. Laufer, LLP, whose principal owner is Andrew Laufer, is the sole owner
of Laufer, LLP. As of December 31, 2023, the firm managed $122,667,971 on a discretionary basis, which
represents 136 accounts.
Investment Management Services
We offer investment management services by employing, where appropriate, to third-party money
managers (“Outside Managers”) for portfolio management services. We assist clients in selecting an
appropriate allocation model, completing the Outside Manager’s investor profile questionnaire, interacting
with the Outside Manager and reviewing the Outside Manager. Our review process and analysis of outside
managers is further discussed in Item 8 of this Form ADV Part 2A. Additionally, we will meet with the client
on a periodic basis to discuss changes in their personal or financial situation, suitability, and any new or
revised restrictions to be applied to the account. Fees pertaining to this service are outlined in Item 5 of
this brochure. Currently, we use J.J. Burns & Company, LLC, an unaffiliated investment adviser, as the
Outside Manager.
Financial Planning
We provide financial planning services on topics such as retirement planning, risk management, college
savings, cash flow, debt management, work benefits, and estate and incapacity planning.
Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state by using
currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal plans. The key defining
aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions, information and
analysis will be considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the
client. Clients purchasing this service will receive a written or an electronic report, providing the client with
a detailed financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas of concern. The client and advisor
will work together to select the specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Business Planning: We provide consulting services for clients who currently operate their own
business, are considering starting a business, or are planning for an exit from their current business.
Under this type of engagement, we work with you to assess your current situation, identify your
objectives, and develop a plan aimed at achieving your goals.
• Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to
determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus should
be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be provided on
which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt and any income
tax ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an appropriate cash reserve that
should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals, along with a review of accounts
(such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies to save desired amounts.
• College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other
post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired
amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review your
financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to
grandchildren (if appropriate).
• Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an
employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a
business owner, we will consider and/or recommend
the various benefit programs that can be
structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals.
• Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your current
estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts and other related
documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes
by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts.
We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or
complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys
who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From time-
to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with your
approval or request.
• Financial Goals: We will help clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them. We
will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen, how
much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
• Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term
care, liability, home and automobile.
• Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet clients’
financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies,
reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment
account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we may
recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure.
• Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your
likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the
primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may make
recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting certain
variables (i.e., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with investments).
If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution
strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter spending
during your retirement years.
• Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major risks
that could have a significant adverse impact on your financial picture, such as premature death,
disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long-term care planning. Advice may be
provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing insurance
versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing insurance (“self-
insuring”).
• Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes as
a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make recommendations on
which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based in part on their “tax
efficiency,” with consideration that there is always a possibility of future changes to federal, state
or local tax laws and rates that may impact your situation.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
We offer the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client recommendation and their
implementation are dependent upon the client’s Personal Investment Policy which outlines each client’s
current situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels) and is used to construct a client specific plan
to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions, needs, and targets.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do not participate in wrap fee programs.