Overview
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A. Ownership Structure
North Shore Investment Consulting LLC (“NSIC”) and/or the “firm”) was incorporated on
February 4, 2004, as a limited liability corporation under the laws of the state of Delaware. NSIC
is a private company that is majority-owned by Jeffrey R. Smith, president and senior advisor,
and his spouse. At the current time, NSIC does not have any subsidiary relationships.
B. Advisory Services Offered
NSIC is a level fee (“fee-only”) investment advisor providing investment management,
comprehensive financial planning, and consulting services. NSIC’s mission is to furnish objective
financial guidance to each client in a customized and cost-efficient manner.
Clients are required to enter into the NSIC Service Agreement prior to the firm providing
investment management, planning, and/or consulting services. The Service Agreement sets forth
the terms and conditions under which NSIC will render professional retainer services on the
behalf of clients.
NSIC gathers client information through a series of face-to-face discussions, interviews, and the
collection of a complete set of personal financial data. This initial in-take phase is critical as NSIC
endeavors to develop a holistic understanding of client cash flow patterns (income, expenses,
savings/investing patterns), current financial status (components of net worth), future goals and
objectives (retirement, education planning, charitable, etc.), and attitudes regarding risk. Specific
financial information and details may be derived by virtue of clients completing and submitting
a set of documents collectively entitled “Client Data Analysis,” as well as other supporting
documents, or by providing such details verbally. NSIC maintains data and copies of provided
documents and further applies these inputs into financial projection software and programs to
ascertain the efficacy of current strategies and to identify areas where improvements are
warranted. Development of a complete understanding is necessary in order for NSIC to adhere
to its fiduciary duties and to dispense appropriate financial planning guidance. In most cases,
such an understanding is a necessary condition prior to the identification and implementation of
a supportive investment program.
Clients may communicate preferences and impose certain restrictions on specific investment
options and/or asset classes that are utilized in the construction of their portfolios, consistent
with the personalized approach to planning that NSIC strives to employ.
After NSIC and the client concur on a specific portfolio and investment strategy to support client
goals and objectives, implementation will take place. Going forward, clients are then encouraged
to meet/speak with NSIC on a regular basis (preferably quarterly, as practical or on an ad hoc
basis as circumstances warrant). Such frequent communications are important as NSIC works to
assure that both client human capital (e.g., employment) and financial capital (e.g., investment
assets) remain well-balanced and supportive of goals and objectives.
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Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions that should
be imposed on the management of their portfolio, and should promptly notify the firm in
writing of any changes in such restrictions or in the client's personal financial circumstances,
investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. NSIC will remind clients of their obligation to
inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions that should be imposed on the
management of the client’s account. NSIC will also contact clients at least annually to determine
whether there have been any changes in a client's personal financial circumstances, investment
objectives and tolerance for risk.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
NSIC does not participate in wrap fee programs, where certain brokerage commissions and
transaction costs are included in the asset-based fee charged to the client.
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2022, NSIC managed $130 million in non-discretionary assets. Such assets
are held in custody at Fidelity Investments. NSIC also dispenses advice on assets not held in
custody at Fidelity Investments as well as employer-sponsored plans (“assets under advisory”).
Item 5: Fees and Compensation