Preisz Financial is a fee-based investment advisor in Portland, Oregon. Preisz Associates was
founded in 1991 by Michael Preisz, was incorporated in 2000 to become Preisz Associates, Inc., and
in 2015 began operating under the assumed business name of Preisz Financial. Michael Preisz,
Thomas Davenport, William Preisz and Adriana Courts are the managing members and shareholders.
All Investment Advisory Services, Financial Planning/Consulting Services and Qualified Retirement
Plan Advisory Services are provided through our investment advisor representatives and are
personalized according to the individual needs of each client.
A summary of each service is provided below:
I. INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Investment advisory services include a review of the client’s current asset positions, investment
objectives, risk preferences, and overall financial plan. Advice is provided to clients regarding, but not
limited to: mutual fund shares, fixed and variable annuities, certificates of deposit, United Stated
government securities, corporate debt securities, and exchange-listed securities. Advice services may
include financial fundamentals, accumulation goals, basic insurance analysis, and asset allocation
management.
Advice is given on the appropriateness of investments and securities within the framework of a client’s
asset allocation model. Advice is not provided on the value of a specific security.
Account Descriptions:
We provide advisory services through certain programs sponsored by LPL Financial Corporation
(hereinafter, “LPL”), a registered investment advisor and our firm’s broker-dealer. Below is a brief
description of each LPL advisory program offered through Preisz Financial:
a) Strategic Wealth Management Program (SWM II)
Under the SWM II Program, we may purchase and sell on a discretionary or non- discretionary
basis no load and load waived mutual funds and ETFs pursuant to investment objectives
chosen by the client, liquidate previously purchased load mutual funds, and purchase and sell
separate accounts within variable annuities. Other securities approved for investment in
program accounts, including equities, fixed income securities, options, hedge funds, structured
products and managed futures, may be purchased and sold at client’s direction. In some
cases, the client may grant us discretionary authorization for equities, fixed income securities,
and options. Client may also elect for us to provide non-discretionary portfolio management
services.
There is no minimum account value required for SWM II.
b) Guided Wealth Portfolios (GWP)
Guided Wealth Portfolios (GWP) is an advisor-enhanced automated solution that couples a
digital investment platform with advisor oversight, review, and advice.
LPL is using FutureAdvisor’s turnkey platform to outsource some of the operations, service
support, and portfolio management overlay. We share fiduciary responsibility by providing an
initial review of asset allocation and model at account opening and on an ongoing basis with
a client review or after any updates that require a change in allocation occur. Also, client
advice, if investment related questions come up., and do not receive any trading services.
GWP has a minimum account value of $5,000 to enroll in the Managed Service.
c) Model Wealth Portfolios (MWP)
MWP offers clients a professionally managed mutual fund asset allocation
program. Preisz Financial will obtain the necessary financial data from the client, assist
the client in determining the suitability of the MWP program and assist the client in setting
an appropriate investment objective. Preisz Financial will initiate the steps necessary to
open an MWP account and have discretion to select a model portfolio designed by LPL’s
Research Department consistent with the client’s stated investment objective. LPL’s
Research Department, a third-party portfolio strategist and/or Advisor, through its IAR,
may act as a portfolio strategist responsible for selecting the mutual funds or ETFs within
a model portfolio and for making changes to the mutual funds or ETFs selected.
The client will authorize LPL to act on a discretionary basis to purchase and sell mutual
funds and ETFs and to liquidate previously purchased securities. The client will also
authorize LPL to effect rebalancing for MWP accounts.
MWP requires a minimum asset value for a program account to be managed. The
minimums vary depending on the portfolio(s) selected and the account’s allocation amongst
portfolios. The lowest minimum for a portfolio is $25,000. In certain instances, a lower
minimum for a portfolio is permitted.
d) Third Party Money Managers
In certain circumstances we also provide advisory services for clients that act as a guardian,
conservator or trustee. These accounts may require a court order for certain transactions and
might be considered “restricted” accounts for a protected person. These account programs
are currently sponsored by a Third Party Money Manager, Symmetry Partners.
II. FINANCIAL PLANNING/CONSULTING SERVICES
We provide clients a comprehensive evaluation of their current financial state. Through careful
analysis we will provide assistance to help clients reach their financial goals and objectives by
projecting future cash-flows, asset values and withdrawal plans. Clients purchasing this service from
us will receive written or electronic reports, or verbal directions for making financial decisions. In
general, financial planning may include the evaluation of family records, budgeting, personal liability,
estate information and financial goals. Educational, insurance and estate planning issues may also be
included in the financial plan. Tax and cash flow analysis may also be provided, as well as income tax
and spending analysis for past, current and future years. We may illustrate the impact of various in-
vestments on a client's current income tax and future tax liability.
We may also assist clients with retirement analysis by reviewing and proposing current strategies and
investment plans to help the client achieve their financial goals. During the planning process,
investments will be reviewed for the appropriateness, including standard and alternative investment
choices, and the impact these investments may have on the client’s financial plan. Additionally, advice
may be given to assist clients with death and disability situations, including cash needs at death,
income needs of surviving dependents, estate planning and disability income analysis.
We gather information through in-depth personal interviews and questionnaires. Information gathered
includes a client's current financial status, tax status, future goals, returns objectives and attitudes
towards risk. We carefully review documents and questionnaires completed by the client to prepare
the financial plan or recommendations. Should a client choose to implement the recommendations or
suggestions in the plan, we suggest they work closely with their attorney, accountant, insurance agent,
and/or other financial
services providers for execution of the plan. Implementation of financial plan
recommendations are entirely at the client's discretion. We do not provide any accounting or legal
advice or services.
Typically our recommendations or financial plan will be presented to the client within 90 days of the
contract date, provided that all information needed to prepare the financial plan has been provided by
the client.
III. QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN (QRP) ADVISORY SERVICES
The firm provides Qualified Retirement Plan Advisory Services to pension, profit sharing and 401(k)
plans. The services provided to a retirement plan will vary depending upon the depth of services
desired and are comprised of Plan Sponsor and Plan Participant Services. These services are
described on the next few pages:
QRP: PLAN SPONSOR SERVICES
One Time Platform/Vendor Search Service
The firm will initiate and manage a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to obtain proposals from
several national record-keeping platforms. We will prepare a summary and comparison of up to four
record-keeper responses. The summary will assist Plan Sponsors in identifying the cost of record-
keeping services, plan administration services, investment management services and advisory
services.
One Time Platform/Vendor Transfer Service
If a decision is made to change platforms, the firm can be engaged to manage and implement the
transfer. Transfer services include assisting with selecting a transfer methodology, distributing
required employee notices, hosting employee education meetings and fielding participant/employee
inquiries.
The firm does not provide plan administration services. Plan Sponsors should retain the services of
an experienced plan administrator before initiating a transfer of plan assets.
Investment Policy Statement Preparation and/or Review
We will assist in the design and preparation of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) based upon
consultation with the client reflecting the investment objectives, policies, and risk tolerance for the
Plan. The IPS is then used to monitor the plan investments on an ongoing basis. We can also assist
in the review, and modification as needed, of an existing IPS.
Investment Selection and Ongoing Monitoring and Replacement Services
We screen the Plan’s investment options using qualitative and quantitative criteria outlined in the
clients IPS. We will make recommendations for the initial selection of investments offered by the
plan based on the screening. We will deliver a report based on the Investment Policy Statement
detailing fund quality and performance on a quarterly basis along with commentary on watch list
funds, fund additions, and fund removals. In addition, we will provide ongoing investment monitoring
services using the methodology outlined in the IPS.
Education Services to Plan Trustees/Committee
We will provide education and/or training for the trustees and/or plan committee members with regard
to understanding and meeting their fiduciary duties and responsibilities. Plan Sponsor Education
Services are educational in nature. This service does not constitute legal advice.
Plan Design Consulting
The advisor will review the current plan design. Recommendations for modifications/amendments will
be provided based on the needs of the plan. Plan Sponsors should consult legal counsel before
making any changes to their Plan Document.
Fiduciary Services
Fiduciary relief services are available according to the scope of authority delegated to the firm. Under
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) §3(21)(a), co-fiduciary services are
provided on a non-discretionary basis. Therefore, while the firm will be primarily liable for investment-
related decisions, Preisz and the plan sponsor are co-fiduciaries and will jointly share in the
responsibility to prudently select and monitor investment options. Plan Sponsors must adopt an
Investment Policy Statement prior to engaging the firm as a §3(21)(a) co-fiduciary.
Under ERISA §3(38), fiduciary services are offered on a discretionary basis. As such, full discretion
over plan investments is delegated to the firm and the plan sponsor will only be liable for demonstrating
that it prudently selected and periodically monitors the firm.
Plan Sponsor Service Reporting
As Plan Sponsor services are provided, the Retirement Plan Service Department tracks each contact
with the client and employees. A service report containing a summary of contacts will be provided
annually.
Development of Asset Allocation Models
We will provide advice related to the construction and/or monitoring of risk-based asset allocation
models using Modern Portfolio Theory. We will provide employees with educational materials related
to the use of asset allocation models.
QRP: PLAN PARTICIPANT SERVICES
Participant Enrollment and Education Group Meetings
We will assist the client in educating and enrolling employees into the Plan. An agreed upon number
of enrollment meetings and/or investment education seminars for employees and participants will be
presented with an education focus on participant income.
Individual Participant 401(k) Check-Ins and Retirement Readiness Projections
This service provides employees with an opportunity to meet one-on-one with our registered
financial advisors, in a confidential setting, such as the Plan Sponsor’s place of business. Financial
advisors will assist participants with reviewing their account balance, current investment selection
and a personalized risk assessment. In addition, a retirement income gap analysis will be completed.
Ongoing Employee Phone and Email Support
Our team of Retirement Plan Service Specialists is available to provide guidance and support to plan
sponsors and employees. Retirement Plan Service Department team members can help with
questions related to distributions, loans, investment allocation and general account inquiries and are
available by email or phone.
ERISA Plan Services
Preisz Financial is a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended (ERISA) with respect to investment management services and investment advice provided
to ERISA plan clients, including ERISA plan participants. Preisz Financial is also a fiduciary under
the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) with respect to investment management services and investment
advice provided to ERISA plans, ERISA plan participants, IRAs and IRA owners (collectively,
“Retirement Account Clients”). As such, Preisz Financial is subject to specific duties and obligations
under ERISA and the IRC that include, among other things, prohibited transaction rules which are
intended prohibit fiduciaries from acting on conflicts of interest. When a fiduciary gives advice in
which it has a conflict of interest, the fiduciary must either avoid or eliminate the conflict or rely upon
a prohibited transaction exemption (PTE).
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2023, Preisz Financial manages approximately $277,193,787 & 85 accounts on a
discretionary basis and $275,698,348 & 390 accounts on a non-discretionary basis.