SilverOak is a fee-only investment adviser registered with the SEC with its principal place of business
located in Edina, Minnesota. Our firm has been in business since 1999. Mr. Shannon A. King is a
Member, President, Secretary, Chair and Chief Compliance Officer of the firm.
Discretionary assets under our firm’s management were $1,410,537,346 as of December 31, 2023.
Non-discretionary assets under our firm’s management were $105,755,118 as of December 31, 2023.
Portfolio Management Services
SilverOak 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 goals and objectives based on a
client's particular circumstances are established, we develop a client's personal investment policy and
create and manage a portfolio based on that policy. During our data-gathering process, 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.
We will manage advisory accounts on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, as agreed with each
client. Account supervision is guided by the stated objectives of the client (i.e., maximum capital
appreciation, growth, income, or growth and income), as well as tax considerations.
SilverOak will generally create a portfolio consisting of one or more of the following: bonds, mutual
funds, exchange-traded funds, as well as any other securities as the client may choose. Client portfolio
holdings may also include exchange-listed and over-the-counter securities, common and preferred
stocks, option contracts on securities, no-load or load-waived mutual funds, exchange traded funds,
exchange traded notes, corporate debt securities, United States governmental securities, United States
agency securities, certificates of deposit, warrants, commercial paper, and municipal securities. In
specific situations, and when appropriate based on individual circumstances, the firm may also utilize
other investment options, such as private investments or limited partnerships. Our investment
recommendations are not limited to any specific product, investment type or service.
SilverOak will allocate the client's assets among various investments taking into consideration the
overall risk assessment of the client. The mutual funds will be selected on the basis of any or all of the
following criteria: the fund's performance history; the asset class in which the fund invests; the track
record of the fund's manager; the fund's investment objectives; the fund's management style and
philosophy; and the fund's management fee structure. Portfolio weighting between funds and asset
classes will be determined by each client's individual needs and circumstances.
Clients will retain individual ownership of all securities. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on
investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors.
Use of Sub-Advisers and Third-Party Managers
We may also, when appropriate, sub-advise certain portions of a client portfolio to independent third-
party managers or recommend direct investment with independent third-party managers, typically
when those managers demonstrate knowledge and expertise in a particular investment strategy.
As part of this service, we perform management searches of various unaffiliated registered investment
advisers. Based on a client's individual circumstances and needs, we will determine which selected
registered investment adviser's portfolio management style is appropriate for that client. Factors
considered in making this determination include account size, risk tolerance, the opinion of each client
and the investment philosophy of the selected registered investment adviser. We encourage clients to
review each third-party manager’s disclosure document regarding the particular characteristics of any
program and managers selected by us.
We will regularly and continuously monitor the performance of the selected registered investment
adviser(s). If we determine that a particular selected registered investment adviser(s) is not providing
sufficient management services to the client, or is not managing the client's portfolio in a manner
consistent with the client's investment objectives, we will remove the client's assets from that selected
registered investment adviser(s) and place the client's assets with another registered investment
adviser(s) at our discretion and without prior consent from the client.
Our firm will conduct appropriate due diligence on all independent third-party managers, making
reasonable inquiries into their performance calculations, policies and procedures, Code of Ethics, and
other operational and compliance matters deemed important to account performance and risk
management.
Schwab Access Program
SilverOak also provides advice through consultations by providing clients access to independent
money management firms through the Schwab Access Program offered by Charles Schwab &
Company, Inc. (hereinafter “Schwab”), an unaffiliated broker-dealer. The Schwab Access Program is a
wrap-fee service arrangement.
Adviser representatives of SilverOak determine the client's investment objectives and risk/return
preferences. Based on this information, the SilverOak advisor will assist the client in selecting from the
independent investment advisers participating in the Schwab Access Program those advisers whose
investment objectives and philosophies are consistent with those of the client. The client will select one
or more investment managers, who will manage the client's account on a discretionary basis.
The SilverOak adviser representative will periodically review and update a client's financial
circumstances and investment objectives. When appropriate, the SilverOak advisor may recommend
the replacement of one investment manager with another and/or the removal/termination of the
investment manager(s).
Clients should carefully review the wrap fee program brochure (Form ADV Part 2A, Appendix 1)
provided by Schwab and the disclosure document(s) provided by the manager(s) selected by the client
for full information on brokerage services.
Schwab Select Program
SilverOak also provides advice through consultations by providing clients access to independent
money management firms through the Schwab Select Program offered by Charles Schwab &
Company, Inc. (hereinafter “Schwab”), an unaffiliated broker-dealer. The Schwab Select Program is a
wrap-fee service arrangement.
Adviser representatives of SilverOak determine the client's investment objectives and risk/return
preferences. Based on this information, the SilverOak advisor will assist the client in selecting from the
independent investment advisers participating in the Schwab Select Program those advisers whose
investment objectives and philosophies are consistent with those of the client. The client will select one
or more investment managers, who will manage the client's account on a discretionary basis.
The SilverOak adviser representative will periodically review and update a client's financial
circumstances and investment objectives. When appropriate, the SilverOak advisor may recommend
the replacement of one investment manager with another and/or the removal/termination of the
investment manager(s).
In addition, ongoing research and review is conducted by Charles Schwab Investment Advisory, Inc.
(hereinafter “CSIA”), an affiliate of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. CSIA evaluates the money managers
for initial inclusion in the Schwab Select Program and provides ongoing monitoring of these managers.
Clients should carefully review the wrap fee program brochure (Form ADV Part 2A, Appendix 1)
provided by Schwab and the disclosure document(s) provided by the manager(s) selected by the client
for full information on brokerage services.
Tax Qualified Employee Benefit Services
SilverOak provides tax qualified employee benefit services through the Vanguard Group, Inc.
(hereinafter Vanguard) and/or other service providers. SilverOak will refer tax qualified employee
benefit plans to Vanguard and/or other service providers for trust, custodial or other fiduciary
relationships. Clients will independently contract with Vanguard and/or other service providers for
such services. SilverOak will continue to provide various services to plans including analysis of
collective fund requirements, reviews of collective fund reports, and assistance with the completion of
required documentation.
SilverOak may assist clients in determining the client's investment needs and goals and preparing a
written investment policy statement (hereinafter IPS) stating those needs and goals and encompassing
a policy under which these goals are to be achieved. The IPS may also list the criteria for selection of
investment vehicles and the procedures and timing interval for monitoring of investment performance.
SilverOak will also review various investments for clients. SilverOak will not be involved in any way
with effecting purchases or sales of investments for 401(k) plans. SilverOak may supervise the client's
portfolio and make recommendations to the client as market factors and the client's needs dictate.
SilverOak will provide due diligence monitoring for these clients.
Pension Consulting Services
SilverOak provides advisory services (as detailed below) separately or in combination for Pension
Consulting clients. While the primary clients for these services will be pension, profit sharing and
401(k) plans, SilverOak will also offer these services, where appropriate, to individuals and trusts,
estates and charitable organizations. Pension Consulting Services are comprised of four distinct
services.
Clients may choose to engage SilverOak for any combination of the services below:
a) Investment Policy Statement
Preparation: SilverOak will meet with the client (in person or
over the telephone) to determine the client's investment needs and goals. SilverOak will then
prepare a written IPS stating those needs and goals and encompassing a policy under which
these goals are to be achieved. The IPS will also list the criteria for selection of investment
vehicles and the procedures and timing interval for monitoring of investment performance.
b) Selection of Investment Vehicles: SilverOak will review various investments, consisting of
mutual funds (both index and managed), exchange-traded funds, individual equities, and bonds
determined appropriate to implement the client's IPS. The number of investments to be
recommended will be determined by the client, based on the Investment Policy Statement.
c) Investment Performance Monitoring: Client investments will be monitored continuously based
on the procedures and timing intervals delineated in the Investment Policy Statement.
SilverOak will supervise the client's portfolio and will make recommendations to the client as
market factors and the client's needs dictate. SilverOak will not be involved in any way with
effecting purchases or sales of investments for 401(k) plans.
d) Employee Communications: For pension, profit sharing and 401(k) plan clients wherein there
are individual accounts with participants exercising control over assets in their own account
(''self-directed plans''), SilverOak also may provide quarterly educational support and
investment workshops designed for the Plan participants. The nature of the topics to be covered
will be determined by SilverOak and the client under the guidelines established in ERISA
Section 404(c).
Financial Education Workshops
Employers may engage SilverOak to develop and execute financial educational workshops designed
for their respective employees. Workshops may include educational presentations related to financial
planning, retirement planning, investment planning, insurance planning, and estate planning. In
addition, SilverOak may tailor workshops to address topics requested by the employer.
SilverOak may provide information regarding employer benefits. These benefits may include (but are
not limited to): 401(k) plans, pension plans, company-provided life and death and disability insurance,
and severance packages. All company specific information will be reviewed by the engaging employer
to assure accuracy and completeness. SilverOak does not represent itself as having analyzed the
appropriateness of the company benefits and/or structure of the benefit packages.
Generally, SilverOak's financial educational workshops are provided on an impersonal basis in a
workshop format. As such, information provided at these workshops does not purport to take into
account specific needs or circumstances of any particular employee and is general in nature. On
occasion, SilverOak may offer individual follow-up consulting sessions with particular employees.
Such service will be contracted and executed by SilverOak under its general consulting service
described below. In these situations, the employee(s) will contract directly with SilverOak for said
services. Under certain circumstances, SilverOak may enter into these arrangements whereby an
employer engages SilverOak's consulting services on behalf of the employee. In these situations,
SilverOak considers the employee to be an advisory client. Under this type of fee arrangement, the
employee should understand that SilverOak's receipt of the advisory fee paid by the employer may
create a conflict of interest. While SilverOak endeavors at all times to put the interest of the clients first
as part of its fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that SilverOak's receipt of the advisory fee paid by
the employer may create a conflict of interest, and may affect the judgment of SilverOak's advisors
when making recommendations.
Financial Planning Services
SilverOak provides financial planning and counseling services to advisory clients. Clients engaged in
this service will receive a written report, providing the client with a detailed financial plan designed to
take into account the individual circumstances or goals and objectives of each client.
Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state
by using currently known variables to predict 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. Clients purchasing this service will receive a written report,
providing the client with a detailed financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals
and objectives.
In general, the financial planning process may address some or all of the following areas:
a) Personal: Family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and financial goals.
b) Tax & Cash Flow: Income tax and spending analysis and planning for past, current and future
years. SilverOak may illustrate the impact of various investments on a client's current income
tax and future tax liability.
c) Death, Disability, Long-Term Care, Property and Casualty: Cash needs at death, income
needs of surviving dependents, estate planning, disability income analysis, long-term care
needs, and property and casualty analysis.
d) Retirement: Analysis of current and alternative strategies and investment plans to help the
client achieve his or her retirement goals.
e) Investments: Analysis of investment alternatives and their effect on a client's portfolio.
f) Estate Planning: Analysis of current and alternative strategies and investment plans to help the
client achieve his or her estate planning goals.
SilverOak gathers required information through in-depth personal interviews. Information gathered
includes a client's current financial status, future goals and attitudes towards risk. Related documents
supplied by the client are carefully reviewed, including a questionnaire completed by the client, and a
written report is prepared.
Should a client choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, SilverOak suggests
the client work closely with his/her attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or stockbroker.
Implementation of financial planning recommendations is entirely at the client's discretion.
Financial planning recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a
broker-dealer or insurance company. SilverOak may provide various personal finance and tax related
publications in print form or by audio delivery or other means.
In performing its services, SilverOak shall not be required to verify any information received from the
client or from the client’s other professionals, and is expressly authorized to rely thereon. If requested
by the client, we shall recommend the services of other professionals for implementation purposes,
including the services of the SilverOak’s Principals and/or Associated Persons, in their individual
capacities, as certified public accountants. The client is under no obligation to engage the services of
any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion over all such
implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from SilverOak.
Typically, the financial plan will be presented to the client within six months of the contract date,
provided that all information needed to prepare the financial plan has been promptly provided by the
client.
Consulting Services
Clients can also receive investment advice on a more limited basis. This may include advice on only an
isolated area(s) of concern such as estate planning, retirement planning, reviewing a client's existing
portfolio, or any other specific topic. SilverOak also provides specific consultation and administrative
services regarding investment and financial concerns of the client, including (but not limited to)
executive counseling and survivorship counseling.
Additionally, SilverOak provides advice on non-securities matters. Generally, this is in connection
with the rendering of estate planning, insurance, and/or other general financial planning.
As disclosed above, SilverOak may offer individual follow-up consulting sessions with particular
employees who participated in SilverOak's financial education workshops. In these situations, the
employee(s) will contract directly with SilverOak for said services. Under certain circumstances,
SilverOak may enter into these arrangements whereby an employer engages SilverOak's consulting
services on behalf of the employee. In these situations, SilverOak considers the employee to be an
advisory client. Under this type of fee arrangement, the employee should understand that SilverOak's
receipt of the advisory fee paid by the employer may create a conflict of interest. While SilverOak
endeavors at all times to put the interest of the clients first as part of its fiduciary duty, clients should
be aware that SilverOak's receipt of the advisory fee paid by the employer may create a conflict of
interest, and may affect the judgment of SilverOak's representatives when making recommendations.
Tax Preparation Services
SilverOak may provide tax preparation services to current ongoing investment advisory clients upon
mutual agreement with the client. These services may include, but are not limited to, federal and state
tax preparation and filing, gift tax preparation and filing, and various other tax related items. No
advisory client of SilverOak is obligated to use the tax preparation services of SilverOak and can
terminate the tax preparation services agreement at any time with notice.