GSG Advisors LLC is a SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business
located in New Jersey. GSG Advisors LLC began conducting business in 2002.
Listed below are the firm's principal (i.e., those individuals and/or entities controlling 25% or
more of this company) and only shareholders:
• Jon Michael Greer, Principal
• Joseph Edward Scocca, Principal
• Christopher Matthew Greer, Principal
GSG provides investment advisory services primarily to high net worth individuals, families
and closely held companies. GSG also offers its services to other entities for which they may
be appropriate including trusts and estates, and not-for-profit organizations. GSG receives no
compensation for providing investment advice from any source other than the advisory fees of
its clients.
GSG Advisors LLC offers the following advisory services to our clients:
INVESTMENT SUPERVISORY SERVICES ("ISS")
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
our data-gathering 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. GSG will seek to
recommend an appropriately diversified portfolio to clients. GSG does not typically
recommend individual stocks and/or bonds but under certain circumstances they may. GSG
usually recommends or selects third party independent managers for such decisions.
We manage these advisory accounts on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. Account
supervision is guided by the client's stated objectives (i.e., maximum capital appreciation,
capital preservation, 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.
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 including exchange traded funds/notes or “ETFs” or “ETNs”;
• Separately managed accounts;
• Securities traded over-the-counter;
• Foreign issuers;
• Warrants;
• Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper);
• Commercial paper;
• Certificates of deposit;
• Municipal securities;
• Variable life insurance;
• Variable annuities;
• Mutual fund shares;
• United States governmental securities;
• Options contracts on securities; and
• Interests in partnerships investing in real estate and in oil and gas interests.
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.
GSG will review each client portfolio at a minimum on a quarterly basis, and as necessary
recommend changes in investments, allocations and rebalancing. For cash balance plans,
reviews are conducted at least annually.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT MANAGERS
When preparing our investment strategy for our clients, GSG Advisors LLC (as noted above)
may recommend or select separate account managers (which may include a Manager of
Manager program) which may be incorporated with the other investment solutions listed
above. Based on the client's individual circumstances and needs we determine which
separate account manager'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 asset manager.
Once we identify the most appropriate asset manager(s), our firm provides the selected
adviser with the client's Personal background, risk tolerance, investment objectives, who then
creates and manages the client's portfolio based on that information. We monitor such
managers as we monitor other investment options recommended for or directed in a client’s
portfolio.
On an ongoing basis, we monitor the performance of the asset manager(s). If we determine
that a particular adviser is not providing sufficient management services to the client, or is not
managing the client's portfolio in a manner consistent with that client's goals and objectives,
then we may move the client’s portfolio to a different asset manager and/or program sponsor.
Under this scenario, our firm retains the discretion to hire and fire the asset manager
and/or move the client’s portfolio to a different program.
At least annually, we meet with the client to review and update, as necessary, the client’s
goals and objectives. However, should there be any material change in the client's personal
and/or financial situation, we should be notified immediately to determine whether any review
and/or revision of the client's Personal Investment Advisory Statement is warranted.
PENSION CONSULTING SERVICES
(Cash Balance Plans)
We also provide several advisory services separately or in combination. While the primary
clients for these services will be defined benefit and defined contribution (i.e. cash balance
plans)-services are typically provided at the plan level to the trustees of the retirement plan.
We offer these services, where appropriate, to small businesses, individuals and trusts,
estates and charitable organizations. Pension Consulting Services are comprised of four
distinct services. Clients may choose to use any or all of these services.
Investment Policy Statement Preparation (hereinafter referred to as ''IPS''):
We will meet with the client (in person or over the telephone) to determine an appropriate
investment strategy that reflects the plan sponsor's stated investment objectives for
management of the overall plan. Our firm then prepares a written IPS detailing those needs
and goals, including an encompassing policy under which these goals are to be achieved.
The IPS also lists the criteria for selection of investment vehicles as well as the procedures
and timing interval for monitoring of investment performance.
Selection of Investment Vehicles:
We assist plan sponsors in constructing appropriate asset allocation models. We will then
review various investment vehicles (both index and managed and noted above) to determine
which investments are appropriate to implement the client's IPS. The number of investments
to be recommended will be determined by the client, based on the IPS.
Monitoring of Investment Performance:
We monitor client
investments continually, based on the procedures and timing intervals
delineated in the Investment Policy Statement, if any. Although our firm is not involved in any
way in the purchase or sale of these investments, we supervise the client's portfolio and will
make recommendations to the client as market factors and the client's needs dictate.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
We provide financial planning services. 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. Clients purchasing this service receive a written
report which provides the client with a detailed financial plan designed to assist the client
achieve 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, including
as appropriate, living trusts, wills, review estate tax, powers of attorney, asset protection
plans, nursing homes, Medicaid and elder law.
• BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING: Analysis of various strategies and financial impact
for transferring business to family members and/or outsiders. Buy-Sell planning and
funding analysis.
• EDUCATION AND BUDGETING NEEDS: Analysis of various funding and capital needs for
education needs and planning and overall budgeting needs.
• QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED: Analysis of qualified and non-qualified benefit planning
needs.
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/her attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or stockbroker. Implementation of
financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client's discretion.
Following the completion of a plan, clients may engage GSG or related entities for the
implementation of all or a portion of recommendations presented in their financial plan,
however, clients are never obligated to use services provided by GSG or related
entitles/persons. A client considering use GSG or related entities for such services should
consider that GSG may reduce or waive financial planning fees for such clients.
We provide general advice on those types of securities listed above in the Investment
Supervisory Services section. We also provide general non-securities advice on topics that
may include tax and budgetary planning, estate planning and business planning matters.
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.
Financial Planning recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered
by a broker-dealer or insurance company. Most recommendations are of a generic nature,
however, more specific recommendations may be offered to clients.
Following the completion of a financial plan and if agreed to by both GSG and the client, GSG
may be engaged on an annual flat fee basis. GSG will provide the following services in
connection with such a flat fee engagement. Clients will have access to a personalized
wealth management website providing clients with a comprehensive view of certain client
financial information. Such information shall be based on information provided to GSG by the
Client. Inclusion of information on the website is limited to the capabilities of the website. The
website may include details on a client’s financial information, daily aggregation of a client’s
investment accounts, if available, and document storage. Such retainer clients will also
receive an annual updated financial plan at the end of each anniversary year for which GSG
is engaged on a flat fee basis. Generally, access to GSG staff will be limited to the annual
updated report service. This flat fee relationship, however, may also provide for additional
conferences and access to GSG’s staff during the year if provided for in the engagement
contract, however, additional services will cause the fee to increase. Fees may vary based on
the amount of client assets supervised by GSG, the number of meetings during a given year
that are agreed to by the parties, the nature of the portfolio, complexity of client’s needs,
specific client reporting requests and other factors.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Clients can also receive investment advice on a more focused basis. This may include advice
on only an isolated area(s) of concern such as estate planning, retirement planning, or any
other specific topic. We also provide specific consultation and administrative services
regarding investment and financial concerns of the client.
Consulting recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a
broker-dealer or insurance company. All recommendations are of a generic nature.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT WEBSITE
If agreed to by both GSG and client, clients may also have access to a personalized wealth
management website providing clients with certain financial information. Such information
shall be based on information provided to GSG by the Client. Inclusion of information on the
Website may be limited to the capabilities of the Website. The Website may include details on
a client’s financial information, daily aggregation of a client’s investment accounts, if available,
and document storage.
AMOUNT OF MANAGED ASSETS
As of March 1, 2024, GSG was actively managing $571,766,891 of clients' assets on a
discretionary basis plus $70,994,972 of clients' assets on a non-discretionary basis.