Description of Advisory Firm Thinking Big Financial is registered as an Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We were founded in September of 2016. James J. Marrocco, Jr. is the principal owner of Thinking Big.
Types of Advisory Services Holistic Financial Planning The financial planning process begins with a conversation (“the discovery process”) about getting to know each client. The discovery process begins with a discussion about values (what is important to each client), an understanding of each client’s money histories (to better understand perspectives) and vision planning process: to understand what those long term life goals are important to each client. Using this initial discovery process helps to build the framework through which all of the financial planning decisions will be made. Initially, importance will be placed on making sure that a strong financial foundation is set up. It is the key for long term success.
A comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state will follow by using currently known variables to estimate future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal plans. The key defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions, information and analysis will be considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the client.
In general, the financial planning process will address any or all of the following areas of concern over time. By paying an annual fee in quarterly or monthly installments, clients get continuous access to a planner who will work with them to design their plan. The planner will monitor the plan, recommend any changes and ensure the plan is up to date. The client and Thinking Big will work together to select the specific areas to cover and to prioritize which areas are most pertinent. 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 implemented at that time. The topics covered by the financial planning process may include, but are not limited to, the following: ●Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus should be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be provided on which debts to pay o first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt and any income tax ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an appropriate cash reserve that should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals, along with a review of accounts (such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies to save desired amounts.
●Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various benefit programs that can be structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals.
●Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes as a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make recommendations on which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based in part on their “tax e ciency,” with consideration that there is always a possibility of future changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that may a ect your situation.We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any tax planning strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants or attorneys who specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes. We will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your tax professional with your approval.
●Insurance Needs Analysis: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
●Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major risks that could have a significantly adverse e ect on your financial picture, such as premature death, disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long‐term care planning. Advice may be provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing insurance versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing insurance (“self‐insuring”).
●Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies, reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we may recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure.
●Life Goal Planning: We will help clients identify financial targets associated with life goals and develop a plan to reach them. We will identify what you plan to accomplish,

what resources you will need to make it happen, how much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
●Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts and other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts.
We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From time-to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with your approval or request.
●College Savings: Includes projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review your financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to grandchildren (if appropriate).
●Life-Style Change and Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may make recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting certain variables (e.g., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with investments).
If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter spending during your retirement years.
●Business Planning: We provide consulting services for clients who currently operate their own business, are considering starting a business, or are planning for an exit from their current business. Under this type of engagement, we work with you to assess your current situation, identify your objectives, and develop a plan aimed at achieving your goals.
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. Through personal discussions in which values, goals, comfort levels with risk 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 target. During our discovery conversations (not “data gathering”), we determine the client’s individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. We may 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.
Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions We o er the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client financial plans and their implementation are dependent upon a 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 selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions, needs, and targets.
Wrap Fee Programs We do not participate in wrap fee programs.
ERISA Accounts When we provide 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 (“ERISA”) and/or the Internal Revenue Code (the “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.
Assets Under Management As of December 31, 2022, Thinking Big manages $50,166,901 on a discretionary basis and $0 on a non-discretionary basis.