Firm Description
Fee-Only Financial Planning, LC was founded in 1981.
We are a fee-only financial planning firm. We do not sell insurance, annuities, stocks, bonds,
mutual funds, or any other products. The firm is not affiliated with anyone that sells financial
products or securities. No commissions in any form are accepted. No finder’s fees are
accepted. We are compensated only by our clients.
Our clients are individuals, trusts and estates. We offer advice on cash flow, tax planning,
insurance review, investment evaluation, retirement, and estate planning.
Investment advice is an integral part of financial planning. We do not act as a custodian of
client assets. We may place trades for clients under a limited power of attorney when
engaged to do so if assets are held at qualified custodians.
We do not provide legal or accounting services. Other professionals (e.g., lawyers,
accountants, insurance agents, etc.) are engaged directly by the client if needed.
We offer complimentary exploratory interviews. These determine the extent to which
financial planning and investment management may be beneficial to the client and if the
prospective client profile is suitable to the firm. Any advice perceived to be offered then is
impersonal, generic in nature and is for explanatory purposes only. Initial meetings require
completion of a Financial Planning Checklist from
www.feeonlyroanoke.com
Principal Owners
Andrew M. Hudick II owns 51%, Anne Marie Hudick 42%, Margaret Eden Bowen 7%.
Types of Advisory Services
SERVICES OFFERED
We offer to provide financial planning and discretionary investment advisory services on a
fee-only basis as discussed below. Before engaging us to provide investment advisory
services, clients are required to enter into an
Investment Advisory Agreement with us setting
forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the
scope of the services to be provided, and the fee that is due from the client. To commence
the investment advisory process, we will ascertain each client’s investment objective(s) and
then allocate the client’s assets consistent with the client’s designated investment
objective(s). Once allocated, we provide ongoing supervision of the account(s). Our annual
investment advisory fee shall generally (exceptions can occur-
see below) include
investment advisory services, and financial planning and consulting services as disclosed
on the
Investment Advisory Agreement. In the event that the client requires extraordinary
planning and/or consultation services (to be determined in our sole discretion), we may
determine to charge for such additional services, the dollar amount of which shall be set
forth in a separate written notice to the client.
Stand-Alone Financial Planning and Non-Investment Consulting Services. We may
also provide financial planning and related consulting services regarding matters such as
tax and estate planning, insurance, etc. on a stand-alone basis per the terms and conditions
of a separate written agreement and fee, the fee for which shall generally be based upon
the individual providing the service and the scope of the services to be provided. Prior to
engaging us to provide planning or consulting services, clients are generally required to
enter into a
Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement or
Limited Consulting Agreement
with us setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including termination),
describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the portion of the fee that is due
from the client prior to us commencing services.
MISCELLANEOUS
Limitations of Financial Planning and Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation
Services. To the extent requested by the client, we will generally provide financial planning
and related consulting services regarding matters such as tax and estate planning,
insurance, etc. We will generally provide such consulting services inclusive of our advisory
fee set forth below (exceptions could occur based upon assets under management,
extraordinary matters, special projects, stand-alone planning engagements, etc. for which
the firm may charge a separate or additional fee). Please Note: We believe that it is
important for the client to address financial planning issues on an ongoing basis. Our
advisory fee, as set forth below, will remain the same regardless of whether or not the client
determines to address financial planning issues with the firm. Please Also Note: We do
not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agent, and no portion of our services
should be construed as same. Accordingly, We do not prepare legal documents, prepare
tax returns, or sell insurance products. To the extent requested by a client, we may
recommend the services of other professionals for non-investment implementation purpose
(i.e. attorneys, accountants, insurance, etc.). The client is not under any obligation to engage
any such professional(s). The client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation
decisions and is free to accept or reject any recommendation from our firm and/or its
representatives. If the client engages any professional (i.e. attorney, accountant, insurance
agent, etc.), recommended or otherwise, and a dispute arises thereafter relative to such
engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from the engaged professional.
At all times, the engaged licensed professional[s] (i.e. attorney, accountant, insurance
agent, etc.), and not the firm, shall be responsible for the quality and competency of the
services provided.
Please Note: Retirement Rollovers-Potential for Conflict of Interest: A client or
prospective client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing
retirement plan (and may engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in
the former employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan,
if one is available and rollovers are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement
Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s
age, result in adverse tax consequences). If we recommend that a client roll over their
retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by the firm, such a recommendation
creates a conflict of interest if we will earn new (or increase its current) compensation as a
result of the rollover. If we provide a recommendation as to whether a client should engage
in a rollover or not (whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA), we are acting
as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement
accounts. No client is under any obligation to roll over retirement plan assets to an
account managed by us, whether it is from an employer’s plan or an existing IRA. Our
Chief Compliance Officer, Anne Marie Hudick, CFP, remains available to address any
questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the potential for
conflict of interest presented by such rollover recommendation.
Cash Sweep Accounts Account custodians generally require that cash proceeds from
account transactions or cash deposits be swept into and/or initially maintained in the
custodian’s sweep account. The yield on the sweep account is generally lower than those
available in money market accounts. To help mitigate this issue, we shall generally purchase
a higher yielding money market fund available on the custodian’s platform with cash
proceeds or deposits, unless we reasonably anticipate that it will utilize the cash proceeds
during the subsequent 30-day period to purchase additional investments for the client’s
account. Exceptions and/or modifications can and will occur with respect to all or a portion
of the cash balances for various reasons, including, but not limited to, the amount of
dispersion between the sweep account and a money market fund, the size of the cash
balance, an indication from the client of an imminent need for such cash, or the client has a
demonstrated history of writing checks from the account.
Please Note: The above does not apply to the cash component maintained within our
actively managed investment strategy (the cash balances for which shall generally remain
in the custodian designated cash sweep account), an indication from the client of a need for
access to such cash, assets allocated to an unaffiliated investment manager, and cash
balances maintained for fee billing purposes. Please Also Note: The client shall remain
exclusively responsible for yield dispersion/cash balance decisions and corresponding
transactions for cash balances maintained in any of our unmanaged accounts.
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that we and third-
party service providers use to provide services to our clients employ various controls, which
are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or unintentional
actions that could cause significant interruptions in our operations and result in the
unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public personal information.
Clients and our advisors are nonetheless subject to the risk of cybersecurity incidents that
could ultimately cause them to incur losses, including for example: financial losses, cost and
reputational damage to respond to regulatory obligations, other costs associated with
corrective measures, and loss from damage or interruption to systems. Although we have
established our processes to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents, there is no guarantee
that these efforts will always be successful, especially considering that we do not directly
control the cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third- party service providers.
Clients could incur similar adverse consequences resulting from cybersecurity incidents that
more directly affect issuers of securities in which those clients invest, broker-dealers,
qualified custodians, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other
financial market operators, or other financial institutions.
Custodian Charges-Additional Fees As discussed below, when requested to recommend
a broker-dealer/custodian for client accounts, we generally recommend that
Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for client investment
management assets. Broker-dealers such as
Schwab charge brokerage commissions,
transaction, and/or other type fees for effecting certain types of securities transactions (i.e.,
including transaction fees for certain mutual funds, and mark-ups and mark-downs charged
for fixed income transactions, etc.). The types of securities for which transaction fees,
commissions, and/or other type fees (as well as the amount of those fees) shall differ
depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain custodians, including
Schwab do
not currently charge fees on individual equity transactions (including ETFs), others do.
Please Note: there can be no assurance that
Schwab will not change their transaction fee
pricing in the future. Please Also Note: When beneficial to the client, individual fixed‐
income and/or equity transactions may be effected through broker‐dealers with whom we
and/or the client have entered into arrangements for prime brokerage clearing services,
including effecting certain client transactions through other SEC registered and FINRA
member broker‐dealers (in which event, the client generally will incur both the transaction
fee charged by the executing broker‐dealer and a “trade-away” fee charged by
Schwab).
These fees/charges are in addition to the firm’s investment advisory fee below. We do not
receive any portion of these fees/charges. ANY QUESTIONS: Our Chief Compliance
Officer, Anne Marie Hudick, CFP, remains
available to address any questions that a
client or prospective client may have regarding the above.
Portfolio Activity. We have a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s
best interest. We will review client portfolios on a contractually prescribed basis to determine
if any changes are necessary based upon various factors, including, but not limited to,
investment performance, market conditions, fund manager tenure, style drift, account
additions/withdrawals, and/or a change in the client’s investment objective. Based upon
these factors, there may be extended periods of time when we determine that changes to a
client’s portfolio are neither necessary, nor prudent. Clients remain subject to the fees
described below during periods of account inactivity. Of course, as indicated below, there
can be no assurance that investment decisions made by us will be profitable or equal any
specific performance level(s).
Reporting Services. We can also provide account reporting services, which can
incorporate client investment assets that are not part of the assets that we manage (the
“Excluded Assets”). Unless agreed to otherwise, the client and/or his/her/its other advisors
that maintain trading authority, and not us, shall be exclusively responsible for the
investment performance of the Excluded Assets. Unless also agreed to otherwise,
Registrant does not provide investment management, monitoring or implementation
services for the Excluded Assets. If we are asked to make a recommendation as to any
Excluded Assets, the client is under absolutely no obligation to accept the recommendation,
and we shall not be responsible for any implementation error (timing, trading, etc.) relative
to the Excluded Assets. The client can engage Registrant to provide investment
management services for the Excluded Assets pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and the client.
In the event that we provide the client with access to an unaffiliated vendor’s website such
as ByAllAccounts, and the site provides access to information and/or concepts, including
financial planning, the client, should not, in any manner whatsoever, infer that such access
is a substitute for services provided by us. Rather, if the client utilizes any such content, the
client does so separate and independent of us.
Please Note-Use of Mutual and Exchange Traded Funds: We utilize mutual funds and
exchange traded funds for its client portfolios. In addition to our investment advisory fee
described below, and transaction and/or custodial fees discussed above, clients will also
incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at
the fund level (e.g. management fees and other fund expenses). The mutual funds and
exchange traded funds utilized by us are generally available directly to the public. Thus, a
client can generally obtain the funds recommended and/or utilized by us, independent of
engaging our firm as an investment advisor. However, if a prospective client does so, then
he/she/they will not receive our initial and ongoing investment advisory services.
Please Note – -Use of DFA Mutual Funds: Registrant utilizes the mutual funds issued by
Dimensional Fund Advisors (“DFA”). DFA funds are generally only available through
registered investment advisers approved by DFA. Thus, if the client was to terminate our
services, and transition to another adviser who has not been approved by DFA to utilize
DFA funds, restrictions regarding additional purchases of, or reallocation among other DFA
funds, will generally apply.
Client Retirement Plan Assets. If requested to do so, we shall provide investment advisory
services relative to 401(k) plan assets maintained by the client in conjunction with the
retirement plan established by the client’s employer. In such event, we shall allocate (or
recommend that the client allocate) the retirement account assets among the investment
options available on the 401(k) platform. Our ability shall be limited to the allocation of the
assets among the investment alternatives available through the plan. We will not receive
any communications from the plan sponsor or custodian, and it shall remain the client’s
exclusive obligation to notify us of any changes in investment alternatives, restrictions, etc.
pertaining to the retirement account. Unless expressly indicated by us to the contrary, in
writing, the client’s 401(k) plan assets shall be included as assets under management for
purposes of us calculating its advisory fee. We shall not maintain client retirement account
passwords.
Please Note: Cash Positions. We continue to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless
determined to the contrary by us, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall continue to
be included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating our advisory fee.
At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived or anticipated market
conditions/events (there being no guarantee that such anticipated market conditions/events
will occur), we may maintain cash positions for defensive purposes. In addition, while assets
are maintained in cash, such amounts could miss market advances. Depending upon current
yields, at any point in time, our advisory fee could exceed the interest paid by the client’s
money market fund. ANY QUESTIONS: Our Chief Compliance Officer, Anne Marie
Hudick, CFP, remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective
may have regarding the above fee billing practice.
Client Obligations. In performing our services, we 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. Moreover, it remains each client’s responsibility to promptly notify
us if there is ever any change in his/her/its financial situation or investment objectives for
the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or
services.
Please Note: Investment Risk. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of
risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or
investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended
or undertaken by us) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Disclosure Statement. A copy of our written Brochure and Client Relationship Summary,
as set forth on Part 2 of Form ADV and Form CRS respectively, shall be provided to each
client prior to the execution of any advisory agreement.
We offer advice to financial planning clients regarding cash flow, investments, tax planning,
insurance evaluation, retirement, and estate planning. We do not offer, or participate in, a
wrap program.
We provide ongoing investment management services and give objective advice regarding
securities already held by clients.
As of December 31, 2023, we managed approximately $340,966,902 in assets on a
discretionary basis and $6,737,084 in assets on a non-discretionary basis.
Tailored Relationships
The goals and objectives for each client are evaluated when proposing the appropriate
agreements which dictate how we deliver services. We provide these services within
parameters agreed upon in writing. Clients may impose restrictions on security selection.
Types of Agreements
The following agreements define typical client relationships. We may offer specialized
engagements that incorporate a portion of these services.
Financial Planning Agreement – FIRST YEAR ENGAGEMENT
Absent the discovery process that takes place within the context of a financial plan, critical
factors may remain unknown which can jeopardize success. All financial planning
agreements are offered in anticipation of renewal engagements. The financial plan may
include a: net worth statement; cash flow summary; review and repositioning
recommendations of investments; strategic tax planning; review of insurance policies; one
or more retirement scenarios; estate planning review and education planning.
Implementation is at the discretion of the client.
Financial plans consist of a letter or series of letters and supporting documents personalized
to the client that summarize objectives and provide advice consistent with attainment. We
do not utilize boilerplate planning software. Implementation coordinated with client’s tax,
insurance and legal professionals is included if desired. Fees are computed from a base
rate of one percent (1%) of the investable assets of the client plus 1.5% of gross income.
Calculated fees may be adjusted for perceived degree of complexity. A minimum financial
planning fee of $10,000 is adjustable at our discretion.
Fees are predicated upon facts known at the start of the engagement. If the client’s situation
is substantially different than disclosed, a revised fee may be proposed. Clients must
approve changes in advance when a fee increase is warranted. Fees for financial plans
require a 25% retainer in advance with the balance due in three quarterly installments.
Limited-Service Engagement
We offer a limited-service engagement to typically young professional clients that do not fit
our traditional service model. This short-term engagement ranges from 30-180 days. The
flat fee is usually from $500-$2,000, adjusted according to the agreed upon timeframe and
complexity involved. 50% of the total service fee is required as a retainer with the 50%
balance due at the time of completion.
Hourly Planning Engagements
We do not provide hourly ongoing planning services. Hourly fees may be assessed for work
outside the scope of current engagements for a planning client that needs an ancillary job
performed. Fees are charged at $250 per hour for associate advisor and $500 per hour for
senior advisor services. We may offer limited duration abbreviated planning engagements
billed hourly that require 50% of the estimated fee as a retainer.
Advisory Service Agreements- RENEWAL ENGAGEMENTS
Retainer Agreements
Provides semi-annual summarized review and analysis with personalized written
recommendations. Minimum annual fee $7,500 billed quarterly in advance, adjustable at our
discretion. Financial planning services may be included if detailed in your contract.
Investment Advisor Agreement
Provides quarterly detailed review, performance reporting and analysis with personalized
written recommendations. Cost basis reconciliation is provided where possible. Ongoing
financial planning consultation is included. First year fee is one percent (1%) of assets under
management (AUM) annually billed quarterly in advance at 0.25%. After the first full year,
fees are reduced to 0.75% AUM annually billed quarterly in advance at 0.1875%. Quarterly
billing calculations are based on AUM value as of last day of the month of prior quarterly
billing period using reasonably obtained reputable third-party valuation sources. Cash is
considered an asset class and is included in fee calculations. Varying minimums may be
imposed beginning at $10,000 annually. Reduced fees may be offered for engagements we
perceive to be less complex.
Termination of Agreement
Clients may terminate agreements by providing written notice to Fee-Only Financial
Planning, LC, 45 Sugar Mill Drive, Okatie, SC 29909. Clients remain financially responsible
for services provided within the contractual expressed notice period of termination receipt.
We will pro-rate and refund unearned fees or collect balance due.
Our obligations to you conclude at termination and it is your responsibility to retain prior
communications and work product. Written requests for copies and supporting documents
will be honored as soon as practical and must be accompanied by a minimum fee for time
and expense of $500. We retain records for five years.
Access to your Client Portal is revoked upon termination. Any account residing on our
Institutional custodial platforms at termination will be transferred to Retail custodial divisions,
which may result in higher fees and reduced access to services.