FIRMDESCRIPTION Ares Financial Consulting LLC (AresFC) was founded in 2016 by Mr. Jeffrey Richter, who is the sole owner of the firm. AresFC provides personalized confidential financial planning and investment management to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and small businesses. Advice is provided through consultation with the client and may include determination of financial objectives, identification of financial challenges, cash flow management, tax planning, investment management, education funding, retirement planning, and estate planning. AresFC may also be hired to give educational seminars or workshops. AresFC operates on a fee-only basis, generally a flat dollar fee for services. No commissions in any form are accepted by AresFC. AresFC does not sell annuities, insurance, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited partnerships, or other commissioned products outside of a fee-based managed account. However, the firm is affiliated with other entities, such as Ares Insurance, that offers insurance products and services through individually licensed insurance agents. Investment Advisor Representatives (IARs) of AresFC may also be individually licensed insurance agents and accept commissions for insurance sales, away from AresFC, as an outside business activity. No finder’s fees are accepted at AresFC and AresFC does not benefit financially from insurance sales and services conducted by AresFC IARs away from AresFC. AresFC does not act as a custodian of client assets. The client always maintains asset control. AresFC places trades for clients under a limited power of attorney. Clients typically grant us limited discretionary powers for trading purposes, but it’s not mandatory. An evaluation of each client's situation may be provided to the client, often in the form of a portfolio analysis report or financial plan. Frequent reviews of the assets under management occur but are not necessarily communicated to the client unless immediate changes are recommended and the IAR does not have trading discretion. Other professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly by the client on an as-needed basis. Conflicts of interest will be disclosed to the client in the event they should occur. The initial meeting, which may be by telephone or video conference, is typically free of charge and is considered an exploratory interview to determine the extent to which financial planning and investment management services offered by AresFC may be beneficial to the client. PRINCIPALOWNERS AresFC is wholly owned by Mr. Jeffrey Richter, Founder and CEO. 7 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024 TYPESOFADVISORYSERVICES AresFC generally works with clients under two types of service arrangements – Limited Scope Services and Comprehensive Services. Additionally, AresFC offers Corporate Retirement Plan Consulting and Investment-Only Services. Limited Scope Services – Under this arrangement, AresFC furnishes advice to clients on- demand in a limited scope. Generally, this service can be divided into two subject matters – planning advice/education and investment analysis. Possible topics for planning advice/education matters are business owner consulting, cash flow and debt management, charitable giving strategies, college savings, employee benefits optimization (for a company or employee), educational workshops, estate planning, financial goal refinement, retirement planning, investment asset allocation and risk management, tax planning. Portfolio Analysis generally focuses on risk, performance, and fees. If applicable, an assessment report will be created and may be supplemented by a formal financial plan and/or performance reports, typically generated using a software program. In some cases, clients may hire us to spend time educating them on various financial concepts of their choosing. Comprehensive Services – Under this arrangement, AresFC furnishes advice to clients both on- demand and proactively on an on-going basis. A service plan will be customized for clients based on their needs for our time and expertise. Below represents a list of services we may provide to a client under this arrangement:  Financial planning and advice – The most important service we can offer to clients is to help them achieve peace of mind through proactive planning and quality advice. The following is a list of our advice offering: o Management of a financial plan - We take the time to get to know our clients’ needs, wants, and desires so that we can devise a plan for them to live the life that they want. When a client comes onboard with us, a formal financial plan is created to help a client chart out their priorities and prepare for the unknown result of life and risk-taking. Ongoing updates and goal management will be provided as directed by the client. o Financial Advice – Depending on the complexity of the client’s needs, we will provide advice in one or many of the following areas: retirement planning, college savings, estate planning, charitable giving, company benefits, risk management and insurance, cash flow and debt management, and financial goal management. o Investment advice – We will do an assessment that will help us advise you in the area of risk management and asset allocation. This will generally involve one or more meetings, an analysis of your current situation, and a risk tolerance questionnaire. AresFC will prepare an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for the client summarizing how investment management should be handled going forward. Whether or not a client hires AresFC to manage investments, this IPS is a valuable tool to guide clients through the potential challenges of investing. 8 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024 o Company Benefits – We can help clients navigate the many choices that come with working for or owning a company with employee benefits.  Discretionary management of investment portfolios – AresFC will manage a client’s investment accounts on a discretionary basis. This means that trades can be placed without discussing them with the client first. All portfolios are customized to match the client’s Investment Policy Statement (IPS). However, investment moves that are “non- routine” would likely result in a scheduled discussion with the client before proceeding.  Rebalancing – Rebalancing is a service to make sure a client’s portfolio stays within the bounds of their Investment Policy Statement (IPS). There are two types of rebalancing offered by AresFC: o Basic – AresFC will rebalance at an account level only, once a year in frequency. This is appropriate for clients with only one or two investment accounts and a relatively simple IPS. This is the default option if Enhanced Rebalancing is not elected in the client service agreement. o Enhanced – AresFC will look for household level optimizations and rebalance up to four times a year. This is appropriate for clients in a high tax bracket, over two investment accounts and a more complex IPS.  Formal review meetings – Clients will be entitled to a formal annual review meeting but may choose to have more frequent meetings. The number of meetings per year will be agreed upon in the AresFC Client Service Agreement. AresFC offers to hold client meetings in person (at one of our offices or at another mutually agreed upon location), over the phone, or over the internet via web-meeting.  Telephone and email access to advisory team – Things come up during the year in between formal meetings. AresFC is dedicated to respond to client requests and questions in a timely manner throughout the year.  Access to and management of non-commission insurance products – Insurance is a key component of a comprehensive financial plan. AresFC has access to products that do not pay a commission and may provide an advantage for the client over commission- based insurance products. AresFC helps clients understand their insurance needs, assists in the purchasing process, and assists with the ongoing management needs of the insurance products owned by the client.  Access to non-commission alternative investment products – Alternative investments may be desired by the client and/or presented by AresFC. By accessing these investments through AresFC, clients may gain an advantage over commission-based products, typically in the form of a discounted purchase price, a share class with lower internal costs, or an increase in the number of shares bought for the same investment amount.  Business owner consulting – Clients that are business owners may wish to consult with AresFC on a wide variety of issues pertaining to running a business. AresFC consultants will have varying degrees of experience working with businesses of different sizes and in different industries. This consulting service may be appropriate when AresFC can leverage the firm’s cumulative experience and expertise to advise on operational or economic efficiencies for the client’s business. 9 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024  Online tools o Subscription to the AresFC monthly newsletter and other timely articles proactively sent by AresFC o Client portal with access to consolidated client account information, performance reporting tools, and a secure document vault Note: AresFC does not typically provide investment management services as a stand-alone service. We believe that successful management of a portfolio is directly tied to the client’s goals and circumstances (i.e. their financial plan). Only under special circumstances will an exception be made (see Investment-Only Services section). Corporate Retirement Plan Consulting – Under this arrangement, AresFC provides consulting services for companies with regards to their retirement plan benefits. Services are tailored to the needs of the client and may include the following services: Fiduciary Services: 

Review Plan and recommend Plan vendors Non-Fiduciary Services:  Provide educational presentations to participants, either in person, via conference call, or via webinar.  During established times (“Office Hours”), advisor will (in person or by telephone) respond to general questions from participants regarding Plan features, general investment concepts (but in no event will AresFC or the Investment Adviser Representative provide investment advice to participants), or general financial planning concepts.  Manage the implementation of changes in Plan design and/or investment options as directed by the Plan Sponsor, but in no event will AresFC or the Investment Adviser Representative provide any advice with respect to selection of investment options for the Plan or otherwise provide advice with respect to performance of investment options. AresFC acknowledges its role as a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) as it pertains to the Fiduciary Services performed above. Neither AresFC nor the Investment Adviser Representative shall render “investment advice” to the Plan or participants in the Plan, including without limitation investment advice under ERISA § 3(21) or ERISA § 3(38), advice regarding investment policies or strategy or the allocation of assets among the options in the Plan. Further, neither AresFC nor the Investment Adviser Representative is responsible for plan administration. In performing the Non-Fiduciary Services above, AresFC is not acting as a fiduciary of the Plan as defined in ERISA. These services, which are outside the scope of “investment advice”, include the dissemination of plan information or general financial, investment and retirement information. 10 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024 In performing both Non-Fiduciary Services and Fiduciary Services, AresFC does not act as, nor has AresFC agreed to assume the duties of a trustee or the Plan Administrator, as defined in ERISA. Third Party Money Managers - AresFC may determine that opening an account with a professional independent third- party money manager is in our clients’ best interests. If so, we will provide you with information about the money manager, including the services they provide and the fees they charge. You may approve or disapprove the use of the independent money manager for your account. Any money manager selected to manage an account for you will have discretion to determine the securities to buy and sell for the account, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by you. You will be provided with the money manager’s ADV Disclosure Brochure, which you should carefully review for important details about the manager and their fees and services. If we recommend the use of an independent money manager, AresFC will:
• Assist in the identification and ongoing review of your investment objectives
• Recommend and assist in the selection of appropriate money managers
• Recommend specific investment strategies offered by the money managers
• Assist in the review of performance and progress toward your investment objectives
• Recommend any appropriate changes to your investment strategy
• Recommend the hiring and firing of money managers, as needed. Investment-Only Services – AresFC offers these two options: 1. Betterment – For clients that have relatively simple financial goals and seek a lower cost option for investment management as the primary service, AresFC may recommend that the Client appoint Betterment LLC as an investment sub-advisor and use Betterment Securities as the custodian. Betterment uses algorithms to advise clients and manage their accounts. These algorithms are developed, overseen, and monitored by Betterment’s investment advisory personnel. Clients inform Betterment of their financial goals and personal information through Betterment’s online applications, thereby establishing an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). The algorithm then recommends and builds a portfolio of exchange traded funds for each of the client’s financial goals and account types. In the absence of a contrary direction, Betterment periodically rebalances client portfolios so that in the face of fluctuating market prices each Client’s portfolio remains within a range of the target allocation, keeping within the bounds of the IPS. Betterment also offers optional tax loss harvesting and automated asset location services. AresFC will review the Client’s IPS, accounts, and goals at least annually to determine the suitability of the program. AresFC will also be available to the Client for unlimited calls and/or emails related to their accounts at Betterment as well as investments outside of Betterment. Clients who have needs beyond these services may opt to engage AresFC separately in a limited scope capacity, for an additional fee, or convert to a Comprehensive Services plan. 11 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024 2. American Funds – Under this arrangement, AresFC operates solely as an investment advisor to clients. Although a suitability review is performed to establish client investment objectives and parameters for which accounts will be managed, formal financial planning is not part of this service. Clients in this situation who wish to add additional services may opt to engage AresFC for financial planning separately, for an additional fee, or convert to a Comprehensive Services plan. The portfolio’s assets will be held in the American Funds F-2 share account(s) at Capital Bank and Trust Company (CB&T), who serves as account custodian. This service is primarily for legacy clients, of investment adviser representatives who join AresFC, who already have accounts at CB&T and have previously paid an up-front fee to purchase mutual funds prior to engaging AresFC. Upon engaging AresFC, any client assets not held in F-2 shares will be converted to this new share class. TAILOREDRELATIONSHIPS AresFC has a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interest of each of its clients. AresFC utilizes model-based portfolios that match various levels of portfolio risk. Often times, clients will be placed into those pre-constructed (but not static) models per their stated goals and risk tolerance. If applicable, investment policy statements may be created that reflect each clients’ unique objectives and preferences outside of the model portfolios. Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. Agreements may not be assigned without prior written client consent. AresFC does not participate in wrap fee programs as a Sponsor or Portfolio Manager. ASSETSUNDERMANAGEMENT As of December 31, 2023, AresFC manages approximately $185,889,545 in discretionary assets for 714 accounts. AresFC does not manage any non-discretionary assets. ASSETMANAGEMENT Assets are invested primarily in no-load mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, usually through discount brokers. Fund companies charge each fund shareholder an investment management fee that is disclosed in the fund prospectus (reflected in the expense ratio). Discount brokerages may charge a transaction fee for the purchase and sale of some funds. Investments may also include: equities (stocks), warrants, corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, municipal securities, investment company securities (mutual fund shares), U. S. government securities, alternative assets, options contracts, futures contracts, and interests in partnerships. Initial public offerings (IPOs) are not available through AresFC but may be available directly through a discount broker-dealer firm. 12 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024 Stocks and bonds may be purchased or sold through a brokerage account when appropriate. The brokerage firm (broker-dealer) charges a fee for stock and bond trades. AresFC does not receive any transaction-based compensation, in any form, from fund companies or broker- dealers. TERMINATIONOFAGREEMENT A Client or AresFC may terminate any of the arrangements at any time with written notice. A final invoice will be generated based on the number of earned days (annualized fee divided by 365 X earned days) or hours worked if a fixed fee arrangement exists. If the client’s fees are invoiced in advance, the calculated un-earned fee will be refunded within 30 days and any completed work will be delivered to the client. Please note, unless a client has received the firm’s disclosure brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing, the client agreement may be terminated by the client within five business days of signing the contract without incurring any advisory fees. FINANCIALPLANNINGCONFLICTOFINTERESTSTATEMENT In the case where a client is receiving financial planning advice and insurance is part of the conversation, a conflict exists between the interests of the investment advisor and the interests of the client (if the insurance products mentioned are commission-based). Our clients are under no obligation to act upon the investment advisor’s recommendations, and if the client elects to act on any of the recommendations, the client is under no obligation to effect the transaction through the investment advisor or its affiliates. In the case where a client purchases insurance and a commission is paid to an AresFC Investment Advisor Representative in the role of an insurance agent through an insurance company or agency (as an approved Outside Business Activity) an AresFC advisory fee will not be permitted to be charged to the client in addition to the commission for selling and/or managing the policy. AresFC investment advisor representatives will recommend non- commissionable insurance products, when available and as suitable, whichever would be in the client’s best interest. 13 Ares Financial Consulting LLC Form ADV Part 2A March 5, 2024