Elm3's History and Principal Owners
Founded by Stacey Nickens in 2006, Elm3 Financial Group, LLC ("Elm3", the "firm", "our", or "we"),
provides comprehensive services for our clients, including portfolio management, investment advisory,
and financial planning services In 2022, Elm3 Financial Group split into two businesses: Elm3 Financial
Group and Elm3 CPA Tax and Accounting. Elm3 CPA Tax and Accounting provides tax and bookkeeping
services. Elm3 Financial Group provides investment advisory and financial planning services. At Elm3
Financial Group, our objective is simple: to ensure our clients feel confident and secure about their
financial future. Our difference is our desire to provide exemplary client service along with up-to-date
strategies. Our mission is to provide investment advice that caters to the specific needs of each individual
client. Elm3 is a limited liability company controlled by Stacey Nickens and has provided investment
advice and portfolio management services since 2006.
Portfolio Management & Investment Advisory Services
Investment guidance and portfolio management services are performed on a continuing basis. These
services include the appropriate allocation of portfolio assets among cash, bonds, stocks, ETFs and mutual
funds with the selection of specific securities which will provide proper diversification and help meet the
client's stated investment objectives. Though Elm3 provides investment advice regarding all types of
securities, our focus is on building client investment portfolios through the purchase of individual bonds
and equities in order to provide maximum tax efficiency and avoid the layering of fees.
Elm3 understands that each client has unique goals and objectives with different risk tolerances and
investment time horizons. We realize how important financial peace of mind is to our clients. Therefore,
our number one objective is to help them realize and maintain their financial goals and independence. Our
approach to overseeing our clients' investment portfolios is based on a blend of on-going personal account
planning, risk minimization, disciplined money management, year-round tax evaluation, and on-going
portfolio review.
Our firm works with clients to clearly define their goals and objectives and to bring their investment
strategies in line with their goals. By selecting appropriate investments for each client and providing solid,
independent market insight, Elm3 helps clients minimize their risks while protecting their wealth.
As of December 31, 2023, we had regulatory assets under management totaling $137,056,970. Of this
total, $136,178,690 is managed on a discretionary basis and $878,280 is managed on a non-discretionary
basis.
Wrap Fee Programs
We do not sponsor or manage any wrap fee programs.
Financial Planning Services
In addition to investment advisory services, Elm3 provides comprehensive and targeted financial planning
services to assist clients
in reaching their financial and retirement goals. The Firm develops financial plans
and provides consultations by evaluating data relating to a client’s personal financial profile, investment
objectives and goals, risk tolerance, and tax status in accordance with a written Financial Planning
Agreement entered into between the Firm and the client. These financial planning services may be
provided on an ongoing or as-needed basis, depending on the client’s needs, and may be paid through
hourly fees or fixed fees, as further described below in Item 5. Elm3’s financial planning services may
include information regarding financial plans, evaluation, retirement savings, college planning, divorce
counseling, estate, pensions and other advisory services.
The Comprehensive Financial Planning Service includes life clarity and goals identification, assistance in
completing proprietary questionnaires, creation of a 'Base Plan' financial projection and at least three other
"What if" scenario projections, financial document organization assistance, investment portfolio review,
life insurance and long-term care insurance review and recommendations, debt management review and
recommendations, and income and estate tax review and recommendations. Clients engaging in any level
of Elm3's financial planning services are under no obligation to contract for Investment Management or
Advisory Services.
The financial advisory services include, but are not limited to, cash flow planning, retirement needs
analysis, tax efficient distribution strategies, gift and estate planning, executive compensation, employee
benefits, insurance (life, long-term care) and annuity reviews, and education planning.
Financial Consulting (Stand-Alone)
To the extent requested by a client, Elm3 may provide financial review or consulting services related to
specific financial topics on a stand-alone basis. The topics we address may include, but are not limited to,
risk assessment/management, investment planning, financial organization, life event financial decision
making, and/or Social Security planning.
If requested by a client, our Social Security planning service starts with a detailed review of your earnings
and/or benefit statement to determine if it is correct and if any changes are necessary. We will answer all
of your questions and can discuss which Medicare option best suits you. We will help you understand any
potential tax implications, the effects of continuing to work and how your family situation may apply. We
will also develop a strategy for you to file so you maximize your Social Security benefits. We will prepare
a detailed report and we even can help you apply online. Additionally, we will continue to be available
for any follow-up questions. Clients engaging in Elm3's consulting services are under no obligation to
contract for Investment Management or Advisory Services. Elm3’s Social Security planning is not
endorsed by, nor connected with any government agency or organization.