Description of Advisory Firm
CogentBlue Wealth Advisors, LLC is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC. We
were founded in February 2019. Wesley S. Brown is the principal owner of CogentBlue.
Types of Advisory Services
Investment Management Services (CogentBlue manages accounts)
We are in the business of managing investment portfolios for our clients. After we make
initial recommendations for client investments, our firm provides continuous ongoing
supervisory management and advice to a Client regarding the investment of Client funds
based on the individual needs of the Client. We will also review and discuss a Client’s prior
investment history, as well as family composition and background. All investment advice is
customizable, with each account managed according to the investment objectives, needs,
guidelines, risk tolerance, and other information as provided by the Client. This begins
through gathering information from each Client on a Client Profile Form, or other similar
documentation. Based upon information received from the Client, the Firm selects
appropriate investment opportunities and invests Client assets in various types of securities.
The Firm does not charge an ongoing advisory fee for unmanaged or static assets held in
accounts. 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.
Portfolio management services include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Investment strategy
● Investment Policy and Asset Allocation Strategy
● Asset allocation
● Individualized Security Recommendations and Implementation
● Regular portfolio monitoring
● Risk Tolerance and Suitability
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 CogentBlue advise on assets that are not held at a
qualified custodian with which CogentBlue has an advisory relationship (See Item 12 of this Part
2A), CogentBlue is able to provide investment management services of those held-away accounts
through a third-party portfolio management provider, Pontera. Such accounts will be studied,
analyzed, asset-allocated, monitored, managed, tactically adjusted and rebalanced when
necessary and periodically reviewed by CogentBlue in detail on behalf of the client, taking into
account the client’s evolving individual circumstances, goals and objectives.
Access to held-away accounts is achieved by the client giving permission via a provided link
through Pontera for CogentBlue to make asset allocation changes via the client’s online login
credentials. These online credentials are never made available to, held or stored by CogentBlue.
Access is restricted and CogentBlue 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
whereby 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 Third-Party Managers, Outside Managers, or Sub-Advisors (TAMPs)
We offer the use of Third-Party Managers, Outside Managers, or Sub-Advisors (TAMPs) for
portfolio management services. We assist Clients in selecting an appropriate allocation
model, completing the Outside Manager’s investor profile questionnaire, interacting with
the Outside Manager and reviewing the Outside Manager. Our review process and analysis
of outside managers is further discussed in Item 8 of this Form ADV Part 2A. 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. Fees pertaining to this service are outlined in Item 5 of this brochure.
Financial Planning Services
CogentBlue offers financial planning services on an hourly, project, or ongoing basis. The
financial planning process involves an evaluation of the client’s needs based on various
elements
of their financial picture and recommendations are made based on this evaluation.
Financial planning topics addressed in these engagements may include, but are not limited to:
◊ 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.
◊ Cash Flow and Debt Management: We will analyze current cash-flow in order to
forecast cash inflows and outflows over several periods. In addition, we analyze the
value the assets a Client owns, minus liabilities in order to gauge a Client’s financial
health and to provide a snapshot of your current financial position.
◊ 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).
◊ 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.
◊ Estate Planning: We will gather and analyze Client’s estate planning documents and
work with Client to identify estate planning goals. The Firm will use this information
to evaluate Client’s current position and make recommendations on how to help
Client achieve Client’s estate plan.
◊ Financial Goals: We will help Clients identify financial 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.
◊ Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health,
disability, long-term care, liability, home, and automobile.
◊ 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.
◊ Retirement Planning: We gather income details regarding current retirement
accounts as well as ascertaining planned retirements dates. The Firm will use this
information to evaluate Client’s current position and make recommendations
designed to help you achieve your retirement goals.
◊ Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure
to major risks that could have a significant adverse impact 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”).
◊ 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 efficiency,” with the consideration that there is
always a possibility of future changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that
may impact your situation (we recommend that you consult a tax professional before
implementing tax planning strategies).
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 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.
Assets Under Management
As of December, 2022, CogentBlue has $105,891,151 in discretionary Assets Under Management
and no non-discretionary Assets Under Management.