INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Do you manage separate accounts?
Each account we manage is maintained separately and managed to meet the specific needs and risk tolerances of each client.
Do you use a model portfolio? In other words, do all client accounts look alike?
No. We customize all portfolios individually to meet each client’s specific needs and risk tolerances. Investments are then purchased (or avoided) for each portfolio depending on its suitability for that client and its fit with that client’s existing holdings. Suitability is determined by a number of factors unique to each client such as risk tolerance, investment goals, cash flow needs, and other holdings.
Do you have a minimum new account size?
In short, no. As a boutique professional services firm, we do focus on adding high-net-worth clients who have established or wish to establish private investment portfolios with custom structuring. Because we offer a unique, independent opportunity, our management approach is typically best suited for larger portfolios. However, we always evaluate prospective new client accounts on a case-by-case basis to determine the best fit for the client and his/her needs.
Do you use mutual funds?
No, we do not use traditional mutual funds in our managed
portfolios. Instead, we develop accounts with individual stocks, bonds,
and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Our clients’ accounts are large
enough to achieve proper diversification without layering fees with
mutual funds. With the vehicles we use, we are able to tightly control
diversification, risk, and cash flow. ETFs provide a great alternative
to mutual funds for adding exposure to market sectors where individual
stock selection is very difficult and/or expensive (small-cap, foreign
currency international, emerging markets, and certain sub-industries).
Do you review capital gains tax situations individually, or are the same decisions made for all accounts?
We review each account individually to minimize capital gains taxes
for each client. In-depth capital gains analyses are conducted during
the fourth quarter. Where appropriate, we also implement tax strategies
to offset “outside” gains/losses for clients.
INDEPENDENCE AND CUSTODIANSHIP
Is Peloton a broker? Do you provide custodial services?
Peloton is not a broker. Peloton Wealth Strategists is a Registered
Investment Adviser (RIA). We do not maintain custody of any client
assets. All of our managed accounts are held by third-party custodians.
What are my custodianship options?
We have established relationships with several brokerage firms. We recommend utilizing one of our existing relationships.
Are you compensated for directing accounts to or maintaining relationships with certain brokers? In other words, do all accounts look exactly alike?
No, we are completely independent from any other financial services
firm, and we are not compensated by any custodian we use. We have
several particularly effective relationships that provide excellent
service and compelling pricing. We receive sell-side research from
these and other firms.
Who receives the brokerage account fees and/or transaction costs generated by activity within my account?
Custodian-related fees, commissions, and account maintenance charges
that are incurred by the client’s account(s) are paid directly to the
custodian for the services they provide.
How much can I expect to pay in brokerage fees and/or commissions?
Our goal is to keep your “all in” investment-related costs (i.e.,
management fees plus brokerage costs) less than 1.00% annually – a goal
we can achieve for new accounts.
What is an LPOA and why is one necessary?
Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) provides Peloton Wealth Strategists
“trading authorization” necessary to direct trades within our managed
accounts. An LPOA is put in place via a custodian document signed by
the client. An LPOA only allows Peloton to initiate trades within the
specified account – it does not provide authorization for transfers
unless the client specifically allows Peloton Wealth Strategists to
bill the account for fees.
CLIENT SERVICE
Does your fee only cover a certain number of face-to-face meetings per year? Will I be billed for extra meetings and phone conversations?
Our management fee covers everything. We have an open door policy
that allows clients to schedule meetings and call with questions
anytime, without incurring additional costs. Knowing our clients allows
us to manage money effectively. By listening we understand their needs
better, and when their situations change, the proper investment
adjustments are made. Also standing quarterly or semi-annual reviews
work well for many clients.
How often will my portfolio(s) be reviewed?
We utilize processes that ensure 10 – 15 client-level portfolio reviews each year.
What reports will I receive and when?
Portfolio summaries and performance figures are provided by Peloton
Wealth Strategists quarterly. These reports provide cost basis
information, current valuation, asset allocation weightings, and recent
and long-term performance. Clients also receive monthly custodian
statements.
What if my financial situation changes?
As your financial circumstances evolve, we will adjust your
portfolio strategy to meet your changing needs. Our individualized
approach is exceptionally flexible and allows us to anticipate changes
and act accordingly.
FEES
When do you begin billing? Will I be billed for your proposal?
We do not begin billing until a management agreement is in place. We
do not bill for any time spent up-front or for the proposal we develop.
What is your management fee structure?
Peloton provides investment management services on a fee basis. We do not sell products and do not receive any commissions.
How will my fee amount be determined?
Fees are billed quarterly based on the value of assets under management.
Can you estimate my total investment-related costs?
Our goal is to keep your “all in” costs (i.e., management fees plus
brokerage costs) less than 1.00% annually – a goal we can achieve for
new accounts.
What are my options for paying your fee? Can I pay fees directly from my managed account(s)?
Yes, our custodians allow clients to pay management fees directly
from their investment account(s), which we recommend. A signature is
usually all that’s required.
If I hire Peloton Wealth Strategists, what are the terms of the management agreement?
Our standard management agreement has an initial term of one year
and is renewable for one year on each anniversary. It is, however,
cancelable at any time with 30 days written notice.
REGULATORY, PRIVACY AND INTEGRITY
Is your firm regulated and by whom?
Peloton Wealth Strategists falls under the Federal jurisdiction of
the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). We are required to file
an updated Form ADV with the SEC annually. The Form ADV is publicly
available and a required disclosure to all new clients. Additionally,
we are required to register with each state in which we exceed its
threshold for registration – typically a certain number of clients in
any one state.
What steps have you taken to ensure that my private financial information remains confidential?
Annually, all clients receive our Privacy Statement, which outlines
our compliance with Federal privacy regulations. We do not maintain any
client information on our web site, directly or via links. There are
business reasons for which it is necessary for us to communicate with a
client’s brokers, accountants, attorneys or other members of a client’s
financial services team. However, we would not discuss any private
information without first obtaining the client’s consent.
How can I corroborate this information?
Integrity is vital to our success, and we grow through client
referrals. These references provide a close-up perspective on our
commitment to clients and their privacy. Client consent is always
obtained prior to our providing a reference.
