A. Description of Firm
Spectrum Strategic Capital Management, LLC (“Spectrum”) is an Oregon-based investment
management firm, founded in 2001. We primarily offer services covering the areas of financial
planning, portfolio construction, and asset management.
We are currently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an
investment adviser and with the State of Oregon as a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). We
conduct business in a number of states, which are reflected in Part 1 of our Form ADV, a copy of
which can be found on www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Currently, the principal owners (each owning between 14% to 43%) of the firm are, Greg
Bachman, CFA & CFP®, Nichols Cutting, CPA, and Scott Meeker, CPA. They are all part of
senior management and are considered control persons of the firm.
B. Types of Advisory Services Offered
Our advisory services fall into two broad categories: Financial Planning and Investment
Management. Our financial planning services are available on a stand-alone basis or as part of our
investment management services. Clients that request financial planning services only are under
no obligation to have any recommendations contained in the written plan implemented by us.
1. Financial Planning
Spectrum’s approach to financial planning is to (1) obtain significant financial and other
information from the client, including attitudes, goals, and objectives; (2) analyze the information
obtained in order to develop alternatives for consideration; and (3) explain the implications and
potential outcomes of selecting a particular alternative.
Based upon the client’s objectives, Spectrum will prepare a written financial plan addressing the
stated financial goals. This plan may be comprehensive in nature, or modular, as directed by the
client. The client is not under any obligation to implement any of the recommendations outlined
in the financial plan at any time either with Spectrum or with any other firm. Clients always have
the right to decide whether to act upon any recommendations and may follow or disregard, wholly
or in part, any information, recommendation or advice provided by Spectrum. Should the Client
decide to follow our recommendations, typically the investment services are offered through
Spectrum pursuant to a client’s request for investment management services outlined in Item
4.B.2 below. Clients should know that Spectrum has conflicts of interest when making certain
recommendations since Spectrum will receive fees, compensation and/or other concessions
should the client implement such recommendations. More specifically, Spectrum will receive
investment management fees should a client implement investment recommendations through us.
In addition, certain advisory representatives of Spectrum also are licensed insurance agents with
various unaffiliated insurance companies and their affiliated insurance agency, Spectrum
Insurance Services, LLC. When the advisory representatives implement insurance transactions in
this separate capacity, they receive normal and customary commissions for doing so. There exists
a conflict of interest because there is an incentive for such advisory representative to recommend
investment products for which they receive compensation. Clients always have the right to select
any advisory firm or insurance agency or similar sales agency or representative to implement the
advice and recommendations provided by Spectrum and/or our advisory representatives.
Importantly, as part of Spectrum’s fiduciary duty to clients, the firm and our representatives
endeavor at all times to put the interests of the clients first, and recommendations will only be
made to the extent that they are reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the client.
Additionally, the conflicts related to these services are disclosed by us to new clients through the
delivery of the firm’s disclosure brochures (Form ADV Part 2A and Part 2Bs) and are outlined in
the written agreement entered into by the client with Spectrum (“Client Agreement”).
Please refer to Item 10 for further information on our financial affiliations.
Financial plans are based on the client’s financial situation at the time of creation and are based
on financial information disclosed by the client to Spectrum. Clients are advised that certain
assumptions are made with respect to interest and inflation rates and use of past trends and
performance of the market and economy. However, past performance cannot be relied on as an
indication of future performance. We cannot offer guarantees or promises that the client’s
financial goals and objectives will be met.
Further, Spectrum generally reviews and updates the plan based upon changes in the client’s
financial situation, goals, or objectives or changes in the economy. Should the client’s financial
situation, goals, objectives or financial needs change, the client is responsible for notifying us
promptly of the changes. The following list represents the types of financial plans that we offer
our clients:
a. Investment Planning Profile
When compiling an Investment Planning Profile, Spectrum will build a customized investment
portfolio designed with a goal toward increasing returns and reducing risk. This model will be
based on the client’s time horizon, risk tolerance level, tax situation, future income needs, and
goals and objectives. We will generally perform a complete analysis of the client’s current
portfolio and then compare it to our recommended investment portfolio. We will then suggest
how the investments should be reallocated over various asset classes and the specific investment
selection to implement our recommendations. We will provide a customized report that will
define and assign the responsibilities of all involved parties and establish a clear understanding of
the investment goals and objectives for the assets covered by the Investment Planning Profile.
b. Cash Management Profile
When constructing a Cash Management Profile, Spectrum will identify the client’s sources of
income and expenses. This profile will evaluate cash flow based on how income is currently
being spent. We will then examine and itemize total income versus total expenses including
taxes, to determine whether there is a surplus or deficit at the end of the year. We will use this
information to make prudent recommendations regarding short-term and long-term financial goals
(including debt restructuring).
c. College Planning Profile
For College Planning Profiles, Spectrum will help determine the estimated future cost of a college
education and provide the client with various funding methods available. The College Planning
Profile will also take into consideration whether financial aid will be available and potential tax
implications. We will then review assets currently available and examine the specific dollar
amounts that will be required on a monthly or lump sum basis. We will also project the estimated
future cost of any specific university.
d. Risk Management and Survivors’ Needs Profile
For those clients desiring Risk Management and Survivors’ Needs Profiles, Spectrum will
evaluate and project the estimated future financial needs of the surviving spouse and other
dependents. We will then review available resources for income, including current insurance
programs, and the economic loss associated with a death, disability, or long-term illness of either
spouse. We will also identify strategies to mitigate the identified risks.
e. Accumulation Profile
When compiling an Accumulation Profile, Spectrum will evaluate current and future estate
accumulation and/or savings goals and the dollar amounts required for funding. We will review
assets currently available and factor in time horizon, possible returns, and shortfalls, if any.
f. Estate Planning Profile
For clients desiring an Estate Planning Profile, Spectrum will calculate and evaluate the impact of
estate taxes. We will assist the client in his/her goal of preserving assets today and in the future,
as the client accumulates a greater amount of wealth. Specific tax savings and wealth transfer
strategies will be provided in an effort to help assist the client in minimizing estate liabilities and
to help ensure the client preserves his/her estate for the benefit of its intended beneficiaries. Other
areas of consideration will include:
Maximizing the Unified Credit;
Uses of Various Wills and Trusts;
Methods of Providing Estate Liquidity; and
Future Growth of the Estate.
g. Retirement Planning Profile
Spectrum’s Retirement Planning Profiles identify a client’s retirement goals and estimates of
future income and expenses. This profile will provide the client with helpful guidance in
planning for a comfortable and possibly early retirement. We will review and examine the
client’s current situation and the assets that will be available, including Social Security and/or
other sources of income.
Spectrum will determine the adequacy of future income and provide specific recommendations if
there are any shortfalls. We will also run future growth projections, including the impact of
inflation, to help increase the likelihood that the client does not outlive his/her income.
Retirement Planning Profiles can also include: Social Security benefits strategies, complete
investment analysis, and the impact of lifestyle choices on income requirements.
h. Comprehensive Financial Plan
When compiling a Comprehensive Financial Plan, Spectrum will prepare a complete financial
plan that is designed to give clients a comprehensive financial analysis and evaluation, and a
detailed roadmap to help them understand and work toward their goals. This plan is a
compilation of some, or all of the financial profiles listed above, as appropriate for each client.
It is our goal to become the client’s chief financial adviser and to coordinate the efforts of their
other advisers for their best interests. If the client wishes, we will proceed to implement the
alternatives selected; and periodically update the adopted plan as needed.
2. Investment Management
There are three key elements to Investment Management: portfolio construction, implementation,
and monitoring. Portfolio construction is based on the asset allocation model that has been
determined to be appropriate for the client. In this phase, the client’s investment objectives,
constraints, and preferences are identified and specified. The result is the determination of the
percentages of a client’s total portfolio that should be allocated to each particular asset class.
Implementation and monitoring is an ongoing process by which:
Strategies are developed and implemented through investments in a combination of financial
assets;
Capital market conditions and client circumstances are monitored; and
Portfolio adjustments are made as appropriate to reflect significant changes in any or all of the
above relevant variables.
Spectrum managed account portfolios usually consist of, but are not limited to, a combination of
some or all of the following: money market funds, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, unit investment
trusts, exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), certain limited private offerings, and certificates of
deposit. Per the Client Agreement, the client’s managed account will be a discretionary account
for which Spectrum need not seek client approval prior to purchasing or repositioning assets. For
more information on our discretionary authority,
please refer to Item 16, below.
Clients, with assistance from Spectrum, will fully and accurately complete a questionnaire
(“Client Profile”) in the form provided by us describing the client’s financial situation, investment
objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance and investment preferences. We will utilize the Client
Profile in rendering services to each client.
Upon completion of a Client Profile, Spectrum and client will determine the appropriate portfolio
investment strategy based on results of the Client Profile. Under all circumstances, clients are
responsible for promptly notifying us of any material changes in the information furnished by the
client in the Client Profile or information that is otherwise material to client’s financial situation,
investment objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance and investment strategy.
Clients will be provided with a written Investment Policy Statement (IPS) based on the results of
the Client Profile. Clients and/or Spectrum can choose to exclude certain asset classes or specific
securities from their managed account portfolio or modify the risk level for the portfolio type
indicated. These exclusions and/or modifications will be included in the IPS.
Currently, Spectrum offers the following investment strategies:
Investment Management Services Strategy
Enhanced Index Strategy
The Investment Management Services Strategy’s investment objective allocations are designated
as Ultra-Conservative, Conservative, Moderate, Moderate Growth, Growth, and Aggressive
Growth.
The Enhanced Index Strategy’s investment objective allocations are designated as Income,
Growth and Income, or Capital Appreciation.
Please refer to Item 8 below for details regarding the types of investments utilized for these two
strategies.
From time to time, we may change or create new portfolio investment strategies. Each client’s
managed account portfolio can be invested similarly to, or different from, other clients with the
same or similar objectives. Spectrum will monitor market conditions and the performance of each
client’s portfolio, reposition assets as needed, and communicate any changes to clients in a timely
manner.
In the event that a client notifies Spectrum of changes to the information in their Client Profile,
we will review such changes and recommend appropriate changes to the client’s IPS, if any.
Once the amended IPS has been finalized, Spectrum will proceed in an orderly manner to make
the necessary changes to transition to the client’s redesigned portfolio strategy.
A client’s managed account portfolio can either be a cash account or a margin account. Unlike a
cash account, a margin account allows the client to buy securities or withdraw cash by borrowing
the money against the portfolio assets.
While we do not encourage clients to borrow money for the purpose of building an investment
portfolio, there are situations where the use of margin can offer the potential to take advantage of
a buying opportunity. In those situations, we suggest that clients apply for margin privileges on
their accounts in order to obtain this flexibility. However, in accordance with our fiduciary duty to
our clients, we only suggest the use of margin in cases where we believe it is within the client’s
overall investment goals and in the client’s best interest.
Clients should be aware that the use of margin creates a conflict of interest between us and our
clients since our fees are based on the full value of the assets under management including any
assets purchased using margin. In order to mitigate that conflict, it is our goal to work with our
clients to pay off the margin balance as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Buying securities on margin subjects client to additional costs and risks that should be carefully
considered before opening a margin account. We provide clients who wish to have margin
accounts with a separate information sheet on such risks. For more information regarding the
risks of loss in general, please refer to Item 8, below.
For certain qualifying clients, Spectrum will recommend that a portion of such client’s assets be
invested in one or more private investments. These can include, without limitation, hedge funds,
real estate funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, private placements, Delaware
Statutory Trusts (“DST”) and other types of private pooled investment vehicles (collectively
“Private Funds”). When determining which clients should receive a recommendation to invest in
a Private Fund, Spectrum considers a number of factors, including but not limited to a client’s
sophistication, risk tolerances and qualifications, investment objectives, and the amount of
available assets in the client’s account(s). Spectrum’s goal is to allocate in a fair and balanced
manner; however, given these differing factors, the allocation of investment opportunities in
Private Funds to clients is mainly subjective and not all qualifying clients will be provided an
investment opportunity.
Clients that receive a recommendation to invest in Private Funds will be provided with a copy of
each fund’s offering documents, which should be read in their entirety prior to investing in order
to understand the investment objectives, fees, risks and conflicts pertaining to such investments.
Please refer to Items 5 & 8 for further information.
3. Retirement Plan Investment Advisory Services
Spectrum offers investment advisory services to defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans,
and 401k retirement plans. Each plan sponsor will select whether they want us to serve as a
Section 3(21) or Section 3(38) adviser.
In providing services as a Section 3(21) adviser, Spectrum will: (i) assist the plan fiduciary in
creating and/or updating the plan’s written Investment Policy Statement; and (ii) formulate model
portfolios based on those investment options available to the plan, recommend investment options
for the plan, periodically reviews the plan’s investment options, and meet with the client
periodically in order to discuss. As a 3(21) adviser, Spectrum will not have discretion over a
plan’s investments and assets.
In providing services as a Section 3(38) adviser, Spectrum shall service as the investment
manager for the plan and shall have (i) discretion over the establishment of the plan’s IPS; and (ii)
discretion over the selection, monitoring, removal and replacement of the plan’s investments.
Also, dependent on client needs, Spectrum will provide training and education and answer general
questions from plan participants relating to the characteristics of and considerations for the plan’s
investment selections. Educational seminars for plan participants generally cover the following
areas: (1) financial planning, (2) risk management, (3) types of investments, (4) estate planning,
and (5) taxes.
If the Plan is participant-directed, Spectrum will, if requested, provide advice to any individual
plan participant as to the participant’s investment in securities made available by the plan. In
doing so, the Firm will take into account a participant’s specific needs, age, investment horizon,
and other relevant factors. However, such services do not include discretionary asset management
by Spectrum of investments made by participants. Also, Spectrum will not receive any fees
directly from plan participants for the performance of this service.
C. General Information about Spectrum’s Services
1. Gathering Individual Client Information
As explained above, services provided by Spectrum are customized to meet the individual needs,
objectives, and other financial goals of the client. Early on in the relationship, we will typically
memorialize each client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, time horizons and other important
and necessary information, including any investment guidelines, in the client’s Client Profile and
IPS. We will use this information, together with any other information relating to the client’s
overall financial circumstances, to determine the most appropriate asset allocation and investment
strategy that we believe best meets each client’s financial goals.
There may be times when certain restrictions are placed by a client which prevents us from
accepting or continuing to service the client’s account. Spectrum reserves the right to not accept
and/or terminate a client’s account if we feel that the client-imposed restrictions would limit or
prevent us from meeting and/or maintaining the objectives covered in the IPS.
2. Responsibility for Accuracy
Spectrum will not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided by the
client. We are not obligated to verify any information received from the client or from the client’s
other professionals (e.g., attorney, accountant, etc.) and are expressly authorized to rely on the
information as provided.
Under all circumstances, clients are responsible for promptly notifying us in writing of any
material changes to their financial situation, investment objectives, time horizon, or risk tolerance.
In the event that a client notifies Spectrum of changes in their financial circumstances, we will
review such changes and when warranted, recommend that updates be made to the client’s
financial plan, IPS and/or managed account portfolio.
3. Advisory Agreements
Prior to engaging Spectrum to provide advisory services, each client will be required to enter into
one or more written Client Agreements with us, setting forth the services to be provided, the fees
to be charged and the terms and conditions under which we will render our services. Spectrum
will provide a Brochure (Form ADV Part 2A) and the applicable Brochure Supplements (Form
ADV Part 2B) to each client or prospective client prior to or upon execution of our written Client
Agreement. The advisory relationship will continue until terminated by the client or Spectrum in
accordance with the provisions of the executed Client Agreement(s).
D. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2023, the following represents the amount of client assets managed by
Spectrum on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis:
Type of Account Assets Under Management
(“AUM”)
Discretionary $203,587,998
Non-Discretionary $6,170,572,
Total $209,758,570
E. Education and Business Standards of Spectrum’s Representatives
Spectrum generally requires its Investment Adviser Representatives to successfully complete
university study and/or its educational or business equivalent. We select those persons who have
demonstrated knowledge of the financial and economic principles needed in providing sound
investment and financial planning advice. These skills are demonstrated by their business
background, education, passing of FINRA securities examinations, or professional designations
such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Financial Analyst (CFA®) or Certified
Public Accountant (CPA). We also expect everyone associated with us to conduct business
according to the highest standards of honesty and fairness, and that they render services to their
customers in a manner that they would apply to or demand for themselves. Spectrum’s
Investment Adviser Representatives should have no securities related disciplinary history.
Each Spectrum investment advisory representative’s education and business history is outlined in
their respective Form ADV Part 2B, a copy of which is provided to all clients and can be
requested by contacting us.