TCFG Investment Advisors is an investment advisor registered with the SEC. The Firm
was incorporated in Delaware in December 2012, and its principal place of business is
located in Laguna Niguel, California. The Firm's principal owner is the Certus Financial
Group, LLC (“Certus”), which owns 75% or more of the Firm. Rick Roberts is the Firm’s
President and Chief Executive Officer and has held such positions since December 2013.
Mr. Roberts owns 72.05% of Certus. All other owners are minority owners.
TCFG is a national firm offering a variety of investment advisory services through its
Advisors registered with the Firm. Services provided are discussed further in this
Brochure, and each Advisor contracts with and arranges specific services tailored to the
needs of the individual Client.
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
TCFG, through its investment advisor representatives (“Advisors”), provides Clients
continuous asset management based on individual needs. Advisors use various resources
offered by the Firm to provide such services. Recommendations made to Clients will be
made after discussing the goals and objectives of affected account(s), taking into
consideration such factors as time horizons, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, prior
investment history, and other factors.
Client accounts are managed on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. Accounts
managed on a discretionary basis do not require express permission from the Client before
trading in the Account. Prior to exercising discretion over a Client's account, the Client
must execute a Discretionary Account Agreement which allows the Advisor to trade the
account without prior authorization from the Client.
Whether accounts are managed on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, the Client
can impose restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry
sectors. These restrictions must be provided in writing.
TCFG has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the Client’s best interests.
As part of its investment advisory services the Advisors will review Client portfolios at
least annually to determine if any changes are necessary based upon various factors
including, but not limited to, investment performance, style drift, account
additions/withdrawals, and/or a change in the Client’s investment objectives.
The investment recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered
by a broker-dealer or other investment advisor or insurance company and can include
advice regarding any security.
MODEL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The Firm’s Advisors can provide portfolio management services to Clients using model
asset allocation portfolios. Each model portfolio is designed to meet a particular
investment goal and can be used as a single allocation or combined with other models to
meet the Client's needs. In addition to a wide variety of asset classes making up the model,
various management styles can be deployed within the portfolio. Each model will be
discussed with the Client to determine the appropriateness of allocations and any
restrictions the Client wishes to place on the types of investments to be held in the
account(s).
Model portfolios are managed on a discretionary basis only. Changes to the portfolios are
guided by each Client's stated objectives, any post implementation changes to the stated
objectives, and tax considerations. In all cases, however, the portfolio will at a minimum
be reviewed with the Client annually.
Clients are responsible to notify their Advisor when any changes occur to their financial
situation, investment objectives or risk tolerance. The Client understands that the Advisor
will rely upon the information provided to them and will not verify this information. The
Advisor cannot provide recommendations that are in the Client’s best interests without
being provided accurate information.
In an effort to remain as informed as possible, the Advisor will:
• send periodic written reminders to each Client requesting updated information
regarding changes in financial situation and investment objectives;
• contact each Client at least annually to verify whether there have been changes in
financial situation, investment objectives, and/or determine whether a Client wishes
to impose investment restrictions or modify existing restrictions;
• be reasonably available to consult with the Client; and
• maintain Client suitability information in Clients’ respective files.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
The Firm, through its Advisors, provides financial planning services. Financial planning
consists of an evaluation of a Client’s current and future financial needs using currently
known variables
to predict future cash flows, asset values, withdrawal plans, and other
needs or expectations. Through the financial planning process and analysis, the Advisor
considers the Client’s entire financial and life situation. Clients purchasing this service
receive a written report designed to assist in achieving financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas.
• PERSONAL: A review of family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate
information, and financial goals.
• TAX & CASH FLOW: An analysis of the Client’s income tax, spending, and
planning for past, current, and future years as well as illustration of the impact of
various investments on the Client's current income tax and future tax liability.
(Please note the Advisors are not tax professionals and Clients should consult their
own tax accountants prior to making a decision regarding taxes.
• INVESTMENTS: An analysis of investment alternatives and their effect on the
Client's portfolio.
• INSURANCE: As permitted by regulation and licensure of the Advisor, the Advisor
can provide an analysis of existing policies to ensure proper life, health, disability,
long-term care, liability, home, and automobile insurance coverage.
• RETIREMENT: An analysis of current strategies and investment plans to help the
Client achieve retirement goals.
• DEATH & DISABILITY: A review of the Client’s cash needs at death, income needs
of surviving dependents, estate planning, and disability income.
• ESTATE: Assist the Client in assessing and developing long-term strategies
including, as appropriate, living trusts, wills, estate tax review, powers of attorney,
asset protection plans, nursing homes, and Medicaid. Advisors, however, cannot
provide legal or tax advice to any Client.
The Advisor gathers the required information to formulate the financial plan through in-
depth personal interviews. Information gathered includes the Client's current financial
status, tax status, future goals, return objectives, and attitudes toward risk. The Advisor
carefully reviews documents supplied by the Client, including a questionnaire that is
completed by the Client. Should the Client choose to implement the recommendations
contained in the plan, the Client will work closely with his/her attorney, accountant,
insurance agent, and/or stockbroker under separate contract to implement the financial
plan. The Client is under no obligation to implement the transactions through the
Investment Adviser.
Typically, the financial plan is presented to the Client within 90 days, provided all
information needed to prepare the financial plan has been promptly and adequately
supplied.
Financial planning recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service.
All recommendations are of a generic nature.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Clients can also receive investment advice on a more focused basis. This can include
advice on only an isolated area of concern such as estate planning, retirement planning,
or any other specific topic such as the purchase of a house or car. Advisors can also
provide specific consultation and administrative services regarding Clients’ investment
and financial concerns.
Consulting recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service.
THIRD PARTY MONEY MANAGERS
Advisors can also determine that opening an account with a professional third-party
money manager is in the Client’s best interests.
Third party money manager programs allow Clients to obtain portfolio management
services that typically require higher minimum account sizes outside of the program. The
money managers selected under these programs will have discretion to determine the
securities they buy and sell within the account, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed
by the Client.
Under these programs, the Advisor will:
• Assist in the identification of investment objectives;
• Recommend specific investment style and asset allocation strategies;
• Assist in the selection of appropriate money managers and review performance and
progress;
• Recommend reallocation among managers or styles within the program;
• Recommend the hiring and firing of money managers.
Due to the nature of these programs, each of the independent money managers is obligated
to provide the Client with a separate disclosure document. Clients should read the ADV
Part 2 disclosure document of the money manager selected for complete details on the
charges and fees they will incur.
AMOUNT OF MANAGED ASSETS
As of December 31, 2023, the Firm had assets under management of $ $506,774,284 ,
which are managed on a discretionary basis.