Strauss Wealth Advising, Inc., doing business as Strauss Financial Group, is an independent, fee-
based, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). As such, we have a fiduciary obligation to act solely
for the benefit of our Clients – with care, diligence, and objectivity. Arthur Strauss is the sole
owner. The company was formed in 2020 as the successor to Strauss Financial Group, Inc. that was
formed in 1988 and owned by John, Heidi, and Arthur Strauss. The firm is not publicly traded.
Our mission is to create and preserve wealth for our Clients by offering independent, personalized
financial advice. Our wealth management services include strategic financial, retirement, and estate
planning, investment portfolio management, small business and succession consulting, family
services, and insurance and long-term care.
Our firm strives to provide our Clients with a foundation of expertise, integrity, and superior Client
service.
Advisory Services Provided
Strauss Financial Group (“SFG”, “the Firm”, “Advisor”) is a Registered Investment Advisor
providing financial planning, consulting, wealth management, and investment management services
to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations,
corporations, and business entities. The Firm, depending upon the engagement, offers its services on
a fee basis which may include hourly fees, and/or fixed fees, as well as fees based upon assets under
management. SFG believes that their fees are reasonable for the services that they offer, but these
fees may be higher or lower than those charged by other Advisory firms.
Prior to engaging the Advisor to provide any of the foregoing investment advisory services, the
Client will be required to enter into one or more written agreements with the Firm setting forth the
terms, fees, scope, and conditions under which the Advisor shall render its services (collectively,
the “Agreement”), and this disclosure document will be given to Client at that time or prior.
Advisor may not increase the fees payable by client unless a thirty-day prior written notice is given
to Client at which time they may terminate the agreement by written notice without penalty. If the
written termination is not received by SFG within forty-five days from date of Advisor’s notice, the
new fees will become effective. The Client has a 5 day right to terminate agreement without
penalty, and with a full refund, if they do not receive a copy of the Disclosure Document at least 48
hours prior to entering the agreement. Either party may terminate the contract by written notice to
the address of record.
SFG may be engaged to provide investment management services in addition to or separate from
the financial and consulting services. SFG does not offer wrap-fee accounts. Client is advised that
certain assumptions are made regarding market and economic trends and performance, and past
performance is no way an indicator of future performance. SFG cannot offer any guarantee or
promise that a Clients’ financial goals and objectives will be met. Client hereby agrees to furnish
Advisor with all pertinent, current, and accurate information with respect to Client’s financial and
investment situation, so that Advisor may study and analyze the situation and make
recommendations within that context. Upon completion of said review and analysis, Advisor shall
meet with Client and suggest a plan of action and make recommendations using a custom
consultative process designed to fit each individual Client’s needs. In all cases, it is the
responsibility of the Client to keep Advisor informed of significant life events such as changes in
their health, financial situation, or investment objectives for reviewing, evaluating, or revising the
Advisor’s previous recommendations and/or investment services. It is strongly encouraged by SFG
that there is ongoing communication between Client and Advisor on a regular basis and as
circumstances dictate.
Neither the Firm nor the Client may assign the investment advisory services without the consent of
the other party. Transactions that do not result in a change of actual control or management at SFG
shall not be considered an assignment.
Financial Planning, Coaching and Consulting
SFG may provide its Clients with broad based and comprehensive financial planning, risk
management, pension, estate and trust consulting services (which may include tax-related and other
non-investment related matters.) In a comprehensive plan, certain variables can affect the cost
involved in the development of the plan such as the size of the estate, the information that the Client
provides, portfolio complexity, the sophistication of the corporate benefit plan, the number of
insurance policies for review, and the specific needs of the Client. Alternately, Client may request
only one or two specific areas to be analyzed (modular planning) such as college funding, debt
reduction, social security, or divorce planning. These services are narrowly focused and limited
based on the Client’s needs. If the Client engages SFG for additional investment advisory services,
the Advisor may at its discretion, offset all or a portion of its fees for the financial planning and/or
consulting services based upon the amount paid for the investment advisory services. The services
listed above are often not provided on a continual, ongoing basis. The client may need to seek the
services of other professionals such as an attorney, CPA, or insurance agent.
If a Client terminates a contract prior to completion, they will be charged only for the actual hours
worked.
In performing its services, SFG shall not be required to verify any information received from the
Client or from the Client’s other professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) and is expressly
authorized to rely on such information. SFG may recommend the services of itself and/or other
professionals to implement its recommendations. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest
exists if the Firm recommends its own services. The Client is under no obligation to act upon any of
the recommendations made by the Advisor under a financial planning/consulting engagement
and/or engage the services of any such recommended professional, including the Advisor itself.
The Client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or
reject any of the Firm’s recommendations.
Wealth & Family Services
For select Clients, we offer personalized and comprehensive financial management called “wealth
advisory and family services”. These services may include review, maintenance and retention of
documents including wills, trusts, contracts, corporate documents, and family records;
recommendations and actions pertaining to estate and retirement planning, generation planning
issues, corporate analysis, taxes, asset protection, and real estate; and coordination efforts with the
Client’s other advisors and professionals such as their attorney, accountant, insurance professional
and banker.
Upon completion of said review and analysis, Advisor shall meet with Client and suggest a plan of
action and make recommendations using a custom consultative process designed to fit each
individual Client’s needs. Solutions will be explored in close consultation with Client’s network of
professionals if so desired and requested; Advisor may also offer to bring in their own network of
professionals to ensure a well-rounded advisory team. It is understood that Advisor is not acting as
an attorney, accountant, or expert in many of the areas contemplated by this agreement and does not
provide such services. The role of Advisor is to act as a catalyst and as Client’s agent in dealing
with the matters contemplated in this agreement. Advisor is not responsible for the actions of
Client’s other advisors or for the advice given by them.
Client understands that the services contemplated by this agreement may not be delivered
proportionally throughout the year. Client has authorized Advisor to enter into such agreements and
make such representations as may be necessary or proper regarding the performance of its duties
under this agreement.
It is expressly agreed by and between parties that the Client is free to follow or disregard in whole
or in part, any recommendations, suggestions, or advice made by the Advisor to the Client. The
Client shall make and be fully responsible for all decisions relating to any advice given by the
Advisor.
Investment Advisory/ Asset Management Services
SFG provides investment advisory services on a discretionary basis and the services are tailored to
the individual needs of the Client. Such services are provided within guidelines formulated with
each Client, based upon mutually agreed upon investment objectives. Investment
selection/elimination is made by the Firm’s Investment Committee. These services may include the
recommendation of cash, money market instruments, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, debt
instruments, equity securities and other securities that are deemed appropriate for the Client based
upon a review by SFG of that Client’s investment circumstances, risk parameters, and financial
data.
SFG offers investment services through a fee-based advisory program listed below:
Custom Asset Management Program – This portfolio is a custom-designed investment portfolio
using a specific asset allocation of either Capital Preservation, Balanced or Capital Appreciation
and utilizing a variety of investments including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds,
REIT’s, and other alternative investments. It is recommended for accounts over $150,000.
Prior to engaging SFG to provide investment management services, the Client will be required to
enter into a formal Investment Advisory Agreement with the Firm setting forth the terms and
conditions under which the Advisor shall manage the Client’s assets and a separate Custodial
agreement with a designated Custodian.
SFG may recommend on a non-discretionary basis that certain
clients invest in alternative
investments (including private equity funds, venture funds, hedge funds, and direct private equity
investments) based on its appropriateness for the individual client, and applicability to the client’s
investment strategy parameters.
Both SFG’s Investment Advisory Agreement and the Custodial agreement may authorize the
Custodian to debit the account for SFG’s investment advisory fees and to directly remit that
management fee to the Firm in compliance with regulatory procedures. Billing will be sent to the
Custodian and to the client. In the limited event that the firm bills the Client directly, payment is
due upon receipt of SFG’s invoice. The Investment Advisory Agreement between SFG and the
Client will continue in effect until terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with
the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
Retirement Plan Rollovers
An employee generally has four (4) options for their retirement plan when they leave an employer:
1. Leave the money in his/her former employer’s plan, if permitted
2. Rollover the assets to his/her new employer’s plan if one is available and permitted
3. Rollover to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or
4. Cash out the account value, which has significant tax considerations
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages and before making a change we encourage
you to speak with your CPA and/or tax attorney. If you are considering rolling over your retirement
funds to an IRA for us to manage here are a few points to consider before you do so:
• Determine whether the investment options in your employer's retirement plan address your
needs or whether you might want to consider other types of investments.
• Employer retirement plans generally have a more limited investment menu than IRAs.
• Employer retirement plans may have unique investment options not available to the public
such as employer securities, or previously closed funds.
• Your current plan may have lower fees than our fees.
If you elect to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our management, we will charge you an
asset-based fee as set forth in the agreement you executed with our firm. This practice presents a
conflict of interest because Investment Advisor Representatives have an incentive to recommend a
rollover to you for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather than solely based on
your needs. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover.
Moreover, if you do complete the rollover, you are under no obligation to have the assets in an IRA
managed by our firm.
Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company plan.
Also, current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before they retire or
change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to the extent the
following options are available, you should consider the costs and benefits of each. An employee
will typically be investing only in mutual funds, you should understand the cost structure of the
share classes, available in your employer's retirement plan and how the costs of those share classes
compare with those available in an IRA. Clients should understand the various products and
services they might take advantage of at an IRA provider and the potential costs of those products
and services.
• Our strategy may have higher risk than the option(s) provided to you in your plan.
• Your current plan may also offer financial advice.
• If you keep your assets titled in a 401k or retirement account, participants could potentially
delay their required minimum distribution beyond age.
• A 401(k) may offer more liability protection than a rollover IRA; each state may vary.
• Participants may be able to take out a loan on your 401k, but not from an IRA.
• IRA assets can be accessed any time; however, distributions are subject to ordinary income
tax and may also be subject to a 10% early distribution penalty unless they qualify for an
exception such as disability, higher education expenses or the purchase of a home.
• If company stock is owned in a plan, participants may be able to liquidate those shares at a
lower capital gains tax rate.
• Plans may allow Advisor to be hired as the manager and keep the assets titled in the plan
name.
Generally, federal law protects assets in qualified plans from creditors. Since 2005, IRA assets have
been generally protected from creditors in bankruptcies. However, there can be some exceptions to
the general rules so you should consult with an attorney if you are concerned about protecting your
retirement plan assets from creditors.
It is important to understand the differences between these types of accounts and to decide whether
a rollover is the best option. Prior to proceeding, if you have questions contact your Investment
Adviser Representative, or call our main number as listed on the cover page of this brochure.
When SFG provides investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws
governing retirement accounts. The way we make money creates some conflicts with your
interests, so we operate under a special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not
put our interest ahead of yours. Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give
prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give
loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best
interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
SFG also provides educational services to retirement plan participants with assets that could
potentially be rolled-over to an IRA advisory account. Education is based on a particular Client’s
financial circumstances and best interests. Again, Advisor has an incentive to recommend such a
rollover based on the compensation received, which is mitigated by the fiduciary duty to act in a
Client’s best interest and acting accordingly.
Corporate Retirement Advisory Services
SFG provides Corporate Retirement Advisory services (Plan Partner) on a discretionary basis
and the services are tailored to the individual needs of the Client. Such services are provided
within guidelines formulated with each Client, based upon mutually agreed upon investment
objectives. Investment selection/elimination is made by the Firm’s Investment Committee and
the investment options offered by the plan. These services may include the recommendation of
cash, money market instruments, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, debt instruments, equity
securities and other securities that are deemed appropriate for a Client based upon a review by
SFG of that Client’s investment circumstances, risk parameters, and financial data.
If a client is a current SFG Investment Advisory client, Advisor will use the Client Profile and
Investment Policy on file.
Estate Services
When a client passes away, SFG can be engaged, for a fee, to assist the client's family, estate
executor, or beneficiaries in managing and handling the deceased client's investment accounts and
assets. The specific services provided at the death of a client vary depending on the circumstances
and the arrangements made in advance.
Account Review and Valuation
SFG can review the client's investment accounts, holdings, and financial situation to help
assess the account value and performance at the time of death.
Beneficiary Coordination
SFG can work with the deceased client's family and beneficiaries to ensure a smooth transfer
of assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to the client's estate planning documents.
Documentation Assistance
SFG can help the family and executor gather the necessary paperwork and documentation
required to manage and distribute the client's investments and assets.
Estate Planning Guidance
If the deceased client had an existing estate plan, SFG can offer guidance on how to carry
out the provisions related to investment accounts and assets.
Tax Planning and Reporting
SFG can assist the executor or family with understanding the tax implications of the client's
investments and provide guidance on tax planning for the estate and beneficiaries.
Asset Liquidation
If required, SFG can help the executor or family with the orderly liquidation of investment
assets as part of the estate settlement process.
Transfer of Ownership
SFG can facilitate the transfer of ownership of investment accounts to the designated
beneficiaries or the estate, as appropriate.
Asset Protection
During the transition period, the SFG can take steps to safeguard the deceased client's
investment assets and prevent any unauthorized access.
Investment Guidance for Beneficiaries
For beneficiaries who inherit investment assets, SFG can offer guidance on managing and
investing the inherited funds based on their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Communication and Support
The SFG can provide communication with the executor, beneficiaries, and other relevant
parties, offering support and guidance throughout the process.
The exact services provided will depend on the specific agreements, estate plans, and instructions
left by the deceased client. It's essential for the client to have clear and updated estate planning
documents, including a will and/or trust, to ensure their wishes are carried out smoothly after their
passing.