Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC (the “firm,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is an SEC-registered
investment adviser with its principal place of business located in Evanston, IL. Zimmerman
Wealth Management, LLC began conducting business in 2003. Thomas H. Zimmerman
(CFP®), Founder, Managing Member and Chief Compliance Officer, is the firm’s principal
shareholder and controls more than 25% of the firm.
Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC prides itself on its personalized, objective and
responsive approach to helping investors better plot their financial futures. The firm is
standing by to design solid, personalized programs to help clients reach their life and financial
goals. Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC offers the following advisory services to our
clients:
INVESTMENT SUPERVISORY SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
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 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
this process, we determine the client’s individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance, and
liquidity needs. As appropriate, we also review and discuss a client’s prior investment history,
as well as family composition and background.
We manage these advisory accounts on a discretionary basis. Account supervision is guided
by the client’s stated objectives (i.e., maximum capital appreciation, growth, income, or
growth and income), which may include certain tax considerations.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of
securities, or industry sectors. Any such restrictions will be set forth in writing in the client’s
Investment Policy Statement.
While our investment recommendations generally focus on portfolios of mutual funds,
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds, our investment recommendations are
not limited to any specific product or service offered by a broker-dealer or insurance company
and will generally include advice regarding the following securities:
• Exchange-listed securities
• Securities traded over-the-counter
• Foreign issuers
• Commercial paper
• Certificates of deposit
• Municipal securities
• Variable life insurance
• Variable annuities
• Mutual fund shares
• United States governmental securities
• Interests in partnerships investing in real estate
Because some types of investments involve certain additional degrees of risk, they will only
be implemented/recommended when consistent with the client’s stated investment
objectives, tolerance for risk, liquidity and suitability.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND PENSION CONSULTING
We also provide financial planning services to individuals and a small number of employee
benefit plans, mainly defined-contribution plans such as 401(k) plans, which generally
consists of providing advice to the plan or to individual plan participants.
For advice to plans, the firm generally assists the plan in the selection of investment options,
which typically consist of mutual funds offered to plan participants. The firm evaluates the
number of funds offered under the plan and recommends a menu of investment options. To
the extent the firm provides pension consulting services, such services are provided on a
non-discretionary basis.
For individuals, 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. Through the financial planning process, all questions,
information and analysis are considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire
financial and life situation of the client. Financial planning clients receive a written report which
provides the client with a detailed financial plan designed to assist the client in achieving his
or her financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan can address any or all of the following areas:
• PERSONAL: We review family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information
and financial goals.
• TAX & CASH FLOW: We analyze the client’s income tax and spending and planning for
past, current and future years; then illustrate the impact of various investments on the
client’s current income tax and future tax liability.
• INVESTMENTS: We analyze investment alternatives and their effect on the client’s
portfolio.
• INSURANCE: We review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health,
disability, long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
• RETIREMENT: We analyze current strategies and investment plans to help the client
achieve his or her retirement goals.
• DEATH & DISABILITY: We review the client’s cash needs at death, income needs of
surviving dependents, estate planning and disability income.
• ESTATE: We assist the client in assessing and developing long-term strategies, which
may incorporate, as appropriate, living trusts, wills, estate tax considerations, powers of
attorney, asset protection plans, Medicaid, assisted living and long-term care services and
other considerations under applicable law.
We gather required information through in-depth personal interviews. Information gathered
includes the client’s current financial status, tax status, future goals, returns objectives and
attitudes towards risk. We carefully review documents supplied by the client, including a
questionnaire completed by the client, and prepare a written report. Should the client choose
to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, we suggest the client work closely
with his or her attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or stockbroker. Implementation of
financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client’s discretion.
We also provide general non-securities advice on topics that may include tax and budgetary
planning, charitable giving, estate planning and business planning, including succession
planning.
For clients receiving financial planning services only, our investment recommendations are
not limited to any specific product or service offered by a broker-dealer or insurance company
and will generally include advice in securities similar to those noted above for individual
portfolio management. For clients receiving financial planning only, with no investment
advice, we will recommend investments by broad asset allocation categories, as opposed to
individual funds or securities. Typically the financial plan is 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.
AMOUNT OF MANAGED ASSETS
As of December 31, 2022, the firm managed on a discretionary basis approximately
$338,827,234 in regulatory assets under management. The firm currently manages non-
discretionary assets of $371,114.
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
INVESTMENT SUPERVISORY SERVICES:
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT FEES
The annualized fee for investment supervisory services is typically charged as a percentage
of assets under management, according to the following schedule:
All client assets are held by a qualified custodian which may be a broker-dealer. The specific
manner in which fees are charged to a client is established in the applicable client’s advisory
agreement. The firm may invoice a client for its fees, but more typically fees are debited
directly from the client’s account by the custodian in accordance with the client authorization.
Fees are typically billed quarterly, in advance, at the beginning of each calendar quarter
based upon the value (market value or fair market value in the absence of market value), of
the client’s account at the end of the previous quarter. In the event a client makes an
additional contribution to an account after the inception of a quarter, the fee payable with
respect to such additional contribution will generally be prorated based on the number of days
remaining in the quarter and added to the fee payable for the quarter immediately following.
In the event a client makes a partial withdrawal from an account after the inception of a
quarter, any prepaid fees will generally be credited towards the fee payable with respect to
the quarter immediately following, prorated based on the number of days remaining in the
quarter.
A client’s custodian will generally determine the market value of the investments in a client’s
portfolio. If the custodian is unable to determine a market value for an investment, the firm
Assets Under Management Annual Fee
First $5,000,000 1.00%
Next $2,000,000 0.75%
Next $3,000,000 0.65%
Over $10,000,000 Negotiable
will provide a fair valuation. To the extent the firm provides a fair value for an investment, the
firm has a conflict of interest as its fee will be based on such valuation.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC
has established the aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate
alternative fees, including fixed or hourly fees, on a client-by-client basis. Client facts,
circumstances and needs are considered in determining the fee schedule. These include the
complexity of the client, assets to be placed under management, anticipated future additional
assets, related accounts, portfolio style, account composition and reports, among other
factors. The specific annual fee schedule is identified in the contract between the adviser and
each client.
We may group certain related client accounts for the purposes of achieving the minimum
account size requirements and determining the annualized fee.
Discounts not generally available to our advisory clients may be offered to family members
and friends of employees of our firm.
FINANCIAL PLANNING FEES
Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC’s financial planning fee arrangement is determined
based on the nature of the services being provided and the complexity of the client’s
circumstances. All fees are agreed upon prior to entering into a contract with any client.
Our financial planning fees may be charged as a percentage of client assets, at the rates set
forth in the individual portfolio management fee chart above, or on a fixed fee and/or an hourly
basis. Fees charged on an hourly basis generally range from $95 to $600 per hour. Although
the length of time it will take to provide a financial plan will depend on each client’s personal
situation, we will provide an estimate for the total hours at the start of the advisory relationship.
Our fixed fee arrangements typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the
complexity of the case and the specific fee arrangement reached with the client.
We may request a retainer upon completion of our initial fact-finding session with the client;
however, advance payment will never be incurred for work that will not be completed within
six months. Any remaining balances are due upon completion of the plan.
Typically, a client will be billed quarterly in advance based on our total estimated financial
planning fees. In no case is a client billed for services more than six months in advance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fees in General: The firm and its employees are not compensated for the sale of securities
or other investment products recommended to clients. Clients have the option to purchase
the securities and investment products the firm recommends through other brokers or agents
that are not affiliated with the firm and should note that advisory services similar to those
provided by the firm may be available from other registered (or unregistered) investment
advisers for similar or lower fees.
Minimum Investments: For individual
portfolio management, there is an initial minimum
investment of $1,000,000 for the opening of an advisory account and a minimum annual fee
of $10,000. However, the firm may waive these requirements in its sole discretion. For clients
seeking only financial planning advice, the firm does not impose a minimum net worth
requirement or a minimum fee. There are no minimums relating to any pension consulting
client.
Termination of the Advisory Relationship: A client agreement typically may be canceled
at any time, by either party, for any reason upon receipt of 30 days’ written notice. As
disclosed above, certain fees are paid in advance of services being provided. Upon
termination of any account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded. In
calculating a client’s reimbursement of unearned fees, we will prorate the reimbursement
according to the number of days remaining in the billing period. Clients can contact the firm
with any questions regarding refunded fees.
Mutual Fund and Other Investment Vehicle Fees: All fees paid to Zimmerman Wealth
Management, LLC for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees
and expenses charged by mutual funds, closed-end funds and/or ETFs to their shareholders
as well as for any other investment vehicle in which a client invests. These fees and expenses
are described in each fund’s prospectus or offering materials. These fees will generally
include a management fee, other fund expenses, and a possible distribution fee. If the fund
also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge. A client
could invest in a mutual fund or other investment vehicle directly, without our services. In that
case, the client would not receive the services provided by our firm which are designed,
among other things, to assist the client in determining which mutual fund or other investment
vehicle is most appropriate to each client’s financial condition and objectives. Accordingly,
the client should review both the fees charged by the funds and our fees to fully understand
the total amount of fees to be paid by the client so that the client can evaluate the advisory
services being provided.
Many investment vehicles offer multiple share classes available for investment based upon
certain eligibility and/or purchase requirements. For instance, in addition to more commonly
offered retail mutual fund share classes, some funds offer institutional share classes or other
share classes specifically designed for purchase by an account for a fee-based investment
advisory program. Such share classes may have varying operating expenses and may have
minimum purchase or other criteria that limit availability. The firm has implemented practices
designed to assure that each client is invested in the share class with the lowest expense
ratio for which the client is eligible to invest and that is determined appropriate by the firm, in
its sole discretion, after consideration of certain relevant factors, including account size and
anticipated holding period.
Additional Fees and Expenses: In addition to our advisory fees, clients are also responsible
for the fees and expenses charged by custodians, broker-dealers and other third parties,
including, but not limited to, any transaction charges imposed by a broker-dealer with which
the firm effects transactions for the client’s account(s), wire transfer and electronic funds fees
and markups and/or markdowns (bonds). Please refer to the “Brokerage Practices” section
(Item 12) of this Form ADV for additional information.
Grandfathering of Minimum Account Requirements: Advisory clients are subject to
Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC’s minimum account requirements and advisory fees
when they become clients. The firm’s minimum account requirements and advisory fees have
evolved over time, therefore, our firm’s minimum account requirements and advisory fees
differ among clients.
Limited Prepayment of Fees: Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of
fees more than six months in advance of services rendered.
Item 6 Performance‐Based Fees and Side‐By‐Side Management
Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC does not charge performance-based fees.
Item 7 Types of Clients
Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC typically provides advisory services to the following
types of clients:
• Individuals (other than high net worth individuals)
• High Net Worth Individuals
• Trusts and Estates
• Pension and profit sharing plans (other than plan participants)
• Charitable organizations
• Corporations or other entities not listed above
The conditions for managing an account are described above in Item 5, “Fees and
Compensation.” As noted above, account size and fee minimums may be waived in the sole
discretion of the firm.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or
managing client assets:
Charting. In this type of technical analysis, we review charts of market and security activity
in an attempt to identify when the market is moving up or down and to predict how long the
trend may last and when that trend might reverse.
Fundamental Analysis. We attempt to measure the intrinsic value of a security by looking
at economic and financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions, and the
financial condition and management of the company itself) to determine if the company is
underpriced (indicating it may be a good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time
to sell).
Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a
potential risk, as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall market
regardless of the economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the stock.
Technical Analysis. We analyze past market movements and apply that analysis to the
present in an attempt to recognize recurring patterns of investor behavior and potentially
predict future price movement.
Technical analysis does not consider the underlying financial condition of a company. This
presents a risk in that a poorly-managed or financially unsound company may underperform
regardless of market movement.
Cyclical Analysis. In this type of technical analysis, we measure the movements of a
particular stock against the overall market in an attempt to predict the price movement of the
security.
Risks for all forms of analysis. Our securities analysis methods rely on the assumption
that the companies whose securities we purchase and sell, the rating agencies that review
these securities, and other publicly-available sources of information about these securities,
are providing accurate and unbiased data. While we are alert to indications that data may be
incorrect, there is always a risk that our analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or
misleading information.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Zimmerman Wealth Management, LLC generally employs a conservative long-term asset
allocation investment strategy based on the needs of the client and consistent with the client’s
investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons, among other considerations. While
the firm generally utilizes mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds for portfolio allocation,
the firm may recommend other types of securities to clients.
Long-term purchases. We typically purchase securities with the idea of holding them in the
client’s account for a year or longer. Typically we employ this strategy when:
• we believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or
• we want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current
projection for this class.
• A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length
of time, we may not take advantage of short-term gains that could be profitable to a
client. Moreover, if our predictions are incorrect, a security may decline sharply in
value before we make the decision to sell.
Short-term purchases. When utilizing this strategy, we purchase securities with the idea of
selling them within a relatively short time (typically a year or less). We do this in an attempt
to take advantage of conditions that we believe will soon result in a price swing in the
securities we purchase.
A short-term purchase strategy poses risks should the anticipated price swing not materialize;
we are then left with the option of having a long-term investment in a security that was
designed to be a short-term purchase, or potentially taking a loss.
In addition, this strategy involves more frequent trading than does a longer-term strategy, and
will result in increased brokerage and other transaction-related costs, as well as less
favorable tax treatment of short-term capital gains.
RISK OF LOSS
Securities investments are not guaranteed and you may lose some or all of your investment.
We ask that you work with us to help us understand your tolerance for risk.
Below are the material risks associated with investing in the different types of securities held
by our clients.
Mutual Funds/ETFs
Investments in mutual funds or ETFs are subject to all of the risks of the asset classes in
which such funds invest and may include all of the risks described below. Clients will be
subject to the risks disclosed in each fund’s prospectus. Additionally, mutual funds and ETFs
are subject to fees and costs that can lower investment returns.
ETFs may include leveraged or inverse ETFs, which are ETFs that seek to achieve a daily
return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return of a securities index. An
important characteristic of these ETFs is that they seek to achieve their stated objectives on
a daily basis, and their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from
the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those longer periods of time.
ETFs are subject to tracking errors. A tracking error is the difference between the
performance of a fund and the performance of its underlying index. This is more evident in
leveraged ETFs and can subject the ETF to significant outperformance or significant
underperformance in comparison to the index or basket of assets it is intended to track.
Fixed Income Securities
The primary risks of investing in fixed income securities are credit risk and interest rate risk.
Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of the security will default on principal or interest
payments. Higher yielding bonds present a higher degree of credit risk. Interest rate risk is
the risk that bond prices fall when interest rates rise. Duration is a measure of interest rate
risk. Generally, bonds with a higher duration are subject to greater price movements than
bonds with lower duration. To the extent that the firm invests globally, fixed income securities
also will be subject to additional risks of foreign securities described below.
Equities
The primary risks of equity securities are market risk and issuer risk. Market risk is the risk
that the markets in which the firm invests may go up or down. Issuer risk is the risk associated
with a particular issuer and its business such as regulatory, legal or economic risks associated
with its product lines or the industry in which it operates.
Foreign Securities Risk
Portfolios that invest in foreign securities are also subject to the risks of fluctuation in currency
values, differences in accounting and economic and political instability.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or
prospective client’s evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management.
Our firm and our management personnel have no disciplinary events to disclose.