Description of Advisory Firm
Brooklyn FI, LLCis registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). We
were founded in November 2017 and became a state-registered investment adviser in 2018. We became
SEC-registered in April, 2021. Shane Mason and Ally-Jane Ayers are managing members of Brooklyn FI, LLC; John
Owens is a member of Brooklyn FI, LLC.
Brooklyn FI reports $227,519,078 in discretionary, and $0 in non-discretionary Assets Under Management as of
December 31, 2023.
Types of Advisory Services
Investment Management Services
We are in the business of managing individually tailored investment portfolios. Our firm provides continuous
advice to a Client regarding the investment of Client funds based on the individual needs of the Client. We
manage assets on a household basis (rather than an individual basis), unless specifically requested by the Client.
Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based on a Client's particular circumstances are
established, we develop a Client's personal investment policy or an investment plan with an asset allocation
target and create and manage a portfolio based on that policy and allocation targets. We will also review and
discuss a Client’s prior investment history, as well as family composition and background.
Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the Client (e.g., maximum capital appreciation, growth,
income, or growth, and income), as well as tax considerations. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on
investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors. Fees pertaining to this service are outlined
in Item 5 of this brochure.
In cases where the Client chooses to have Brooklyn FI advise on assets that are not held at a qualified custodian
in which Brooklyn FI has an advisory relationship (See Item 12 of this Brochure) referred to as “held-away
accounts,” Brooklyn FI is able to provide investment management services of those held-away accounts through
a third-party order management system, Pontera Solutions, Inc (“Pontera”). These held-away accounts include
401(k) accounts, 529 plans, variable annuities, and other similar accounts.
Access to held-away accounts is achieved by the Client giving permission via a provided link through Pontera for
the Advisor to make asset allocation changes via the Client’s online login credentials. Access is restricted and
Advisor will only have permissions to make changes to the allocation of funds or other securities in the account
and will not at any time be able to adjust, add to or subtract from investment options, or any other plan policies
or fees assessed by the plan or the fund providers, access the financial assets in the account, make deposits,
withdrawals or distributions. These assets will be monitored using third party account aggregation software
where the account values and holdings are transmitted and viewed from the account aggregation software.
These assets are included in calculating the total assets under management when assessing the annual advisory
fee.
Use of Outside Managers
When appropriate, we utilize the services of third-party investment advisers (“Outside Managers”) to
assist with the management of Client accounts. We assist Clients in completing the Outside Managers’
investor profile, selecting an appropriate asset allocation model, interacting with the Outside Managers
and conducting an ongoing review of the Outside Managers’ investment offerings and investment
selection. Our review process and analysis of Outside Managers is further discussed in Item 8 of this
Brochure. 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.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
This service involves working one-on-one with a planner over an extended period of time. By paying a fixed
monthly fee, clients get to work with a planner who will work with them to develop and implement their plan.
The planner will monitor the plan, recommend any changes and ensure the plan is up to date.
Upon desiring a comprehensive plan, a client will be taken through establishing their
goals and values around
money. They will be required to provide information to help complete the following areas of analysis: net worth,
cash flow, insurance, credit scores/reports, employee benefit, retirement planning, insurance, investments,
college planning and estate planning. Once the client’s information is reviewed, their plan will be built and
analyzed, and then the findings, analysis and potential changes to their current situation will be reviewed with
the client. Clients subscribing to 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. If a follow up
meeting is required, we will meet at the client's convenience. The plan and the client’s financial situation and
goals will be monitored throughout the year and follow-up phone calls and emails will be made to the client to
confirm that any agreed upon action steps have been carried out. On an annual basis there will be a full review
of this plan to ensure its accuracy and ongoing appropriateness. Any needed updates will be communicated at
that time. Client is responsible for implementing any recommendations made by Planner during the financial
planning process.
Educational Seminars and Speaking Engagements
We may provide seminars on an “as announced” basis for groups seeking general advice on investments and
other areas of personal finance. The content of these seminars will vary depending upon the needs of the
attendees. These seminars are purely educational in nature and do not involve the sale of any investment
products. Information presented will not be based on any individual’s person’s need, nor doesBrooklyn FI
provide individualized investment advice to attendees during these seminars.
Employee Benefit Plan Services - Advisement on 401(k) Plans
Our firm provides employee benefit plan services to employer plan sponsors on an ongoing basis. Generally, such
services consist of assisting employer plan sponsors in establishing, monitoring and reviewing their company's
participant-directed retirement plan. As the needs of the plan sponsor dictate, areas of advising could include:
investment options, plan structure, and participant education. In providing employee benefit plan services, our
firm does not provide any advisory services with respect to the following types of assets: employer securities,
real estate (excluding real estate funds and publicly traded REITS), participant loans, non-publicly traded
securities or assets, other illiquid investments, or brokerage window programs (collectively, “Excluded Assets”).
Retirement Account Advice
When we provide investment advice to Clients regarding Client’s 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 Client’s 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.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
We offer the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client financial plans and their
implementation are dependent upon the client investment policy and/or investment plan 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.