Firm Description
Bennington Financial Planning Group (“BFPG”) is an S-Corp organized in the State of
Vermont, and has been in operation since January 25th, 1995.
Donald B. McKenna, CFP® is the principal owner of the firm.
Types of Advisory Services
Investment Supervisory Services
BFPG offers ongoing portfolio management services based on the individual goals,
objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance of each client. BFPG creates an Investment
Policy Statement for each client, which outlines the client’s current situation (income, tax
levels, and risk tolerance levels) and then constructs a plan (the Investment Policy
Statement) to aid in the construction of a portfolio that matches each client’s specific
situation. Investment Supervisory Services include, but are not limited to, the following:
➢ Investment strategy ➢ Personal investment policy
➢ Asset allocation ➢ Asset selection
➢ Risk tolerance ➢ Regular portfolio monitoring
BFPG evaluates the current investments of each client with respect to their risk tolerance
and time horizon. BFPG may use discretionary authority, if granted by the client, in order to
select securities and execute transactions without permission from the client prior to each
transaction. Risk tolerance levels are documented in the Investment Policy Statement,
which is given to each client.
Financial Planning
Financial plans and financial planning may include, but are not limited to: investment
planning; life insurance; tax concerns; retirement planning; college planning; and debt
planning. These services are based on hourly fees and the final fee structure is documented
in the Financial Planning Agreement.
Services Limited to Specific Types of Investments
BFPG generally limits its investment advice and/or money management to mutual funds,
stocks, bonds, fixed income, certificates of deposits, covered call options, ETFs, REITs,
insurance products including annuities, and government securities. BFPG may use other
securities as well to help diversify a portfolio when appropriate.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
BFPG offers the same suite of services to all of its clients. However, specific client financial
plans and their implementation are dependent upon the client Investment Policy
Statement, 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 construction of a
portfolio that matches objectives, needs, and targets. Clients may impose restrictions in
investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Wrap Fee Programs
A wrap fee program is an investment program where the investor pays one stated fee that
includes management fees, transaction costs, fund expenses, and any other administrative
fees. BFPG DOES NOT participate in any wrap fee programs.
Assets
Under Management
Discretionary Non-Discretionary Date Calculated
$175,439,097 $8,297,468 December 31, 2023
Termination of Agreement
A client may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by notifying
BFPG in writing. A prorated fee for the current period will be applied.
BFPG may terminate any of the aforementioned agreements at any time by notifying the
client in writing.
Fees & Compensation
Clients are charged for services at a standard rate. Fees are due at the completion of the
work. The current billing rate is $225 / hour. Other compensation includes fees based on
the percentage of assets under management.
Investment management clients are charged within a graduated percentage fee-based
model, based on the value of their assets, billed on a quarterly basis. While fees are
determined on a negotiated basis, they will not exceed 1.5% annually on the first $500,000;
1.25% on the second $500,000, and 1% on assets over $1,000,000. Accounts are held at
Raymond James Financial and trades are executed at the firm’s cost. D.B. McKenna & Co.,
Inc., the affiliated broker/dealer recommended to all BFPG clients (further discussed in a
section below), receives no commission.
All fees are negotiable.
Payment of Fees
Payment of Investment Supervisory Fees
Advisory fees are withdrawn directly from the client’s accounts with client written
authorization or clients can opt to pay via check. Fees are paid quarterly in arrears.
Payment of Financial Planning Fees
Hourly Financial Planning fees are paid via check reflecting work completed.
Clients Are Responsible For Third Party Fees
Clients are responsible for the payment of all third party fees (i.e. custodian fees, brokerage
fees, mutual fund fees, transaction fees, etc.). Those fees are separate and distinct from the
fees and expenses charged by BFPG. Please see page 12 of this brochure regarding
broker/custodian.
Prepayment of Fees
Clients are not expected to prepay any advisory fees.
Outside Compensation For the Sale of Securities to Clients
D.B. McKenna & Co., Inc. is the brokerage firm recommended to all BFPG clients utilizing
the company’s Investment Management Services. These are affiliated firms under common
ownership. Trades are executed at the brokerage firm’s cost, and no net commission is
retained. This relationship is discussed with the client. In addition, advisors are held to
the "fiduciary standard" as defined by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards.
This is an ethical responsibility of advisors holding the Certified Financial Planner®
designation, and is a standard to which all other firm employees must adhere.
Performance-Based Fees & Side-by-Side Management
BFPG does not accept performance-based fees or other fees based on a share of capital
gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a client.