Legal Disclaimer
Important Note About My Services
I’m licensed with Series 6 and 63, which allows me to offer select investment products such as mutual funds, annuities, and certain alternative offerings. I also work with business owners to explore funding and investment opportunities that may support their long-term goals.
I don’t provide investment advice on individual stocks or bonds, nor do I manage portfolios or offer fee-based fiduciary services. Some alternative investments and business lending solutions may not be suitable for all investors and often require you to meet certain qualifications.
I’m committed to helping you understand your options and guiding you to resources or professionals if your needs go beyond my licensing scope.
Professional Disclosure
Licensing & Scope of Services - Primary Market
I am licensed with the Series 6 and Series 63 registrations, which authorize me to offer select investment products such as mutual funds, variable annuities, and unit investment trusts (UITs). My guidance is limited to these product types and does not include personalized recommendations on individual stocks, bonds, ETFs, or portfolio management services.
I operate under the suitability standard, which means all recommendations I make must be appropriate for your financial needs, objectives, and risk tolerance. I am not registered as an investment advisor and do not provide fee-based or fiduciary investment advisory services at this time.
If you are seeking comprehensive investment management, discretionary portfolio oversight, or fiduciary-level financial planning, I’d be happy to help connect you with a trusted professional in my network.
My goal is to help you make informed decisions about the investment products I’m licensed to offer. I believe in transparency and clarity—and if your needs go beyond my licensing limits, I will always let you know and help you find the right solution.
Alternative Investments Disclosure
Primary Market
Alternative investments can be offered in both the primary market and the secondary market, depending on how and when the investment is being accessed. But by definition and in most common use, alternative investments are typically primary market offerings when first issued.
Quick Definitions:
- Primary Market: Where new securities or investments are created and sold directly by the issuer to investors (e.g., buying into a private equity fund at launch).
- Secondary Market: Where existing securities are traded between investors (e.g., selling shares in a hedge fund or limited partnership interest on a private marketplace).
Alternative Investments – Typical Primary Market Examples:
Investment Type
Primary Market Characteristics
Private Equity
You invest during the fundraising stage of a fund (LP in a fund).
Hedge Funds
Initial subscription is a primary market investment.
Venture Capital
Direct investment in a startup = primary market.
Private Real Estate Funds
Initial offering is direct (primary market).
Private Placements
Sold directly by issuers (Reg D offerings, etc.).
Secondary Market for Alternatives (Less Common, Less Liquid):
- Some alternative investments can be resold, but they are illiquid and may require:
- Approval from fund managers
- Pricing discounts
- Specialized secondary market platforms (e.g., Forge, Carta, or secondary PE markets)
Summary:
- Alternative investments are primarily issued in the primary market.
- Secondary market trading is limited, illiquid, and often restricted, but it exists.
Advisory Disclosures
Financial vs. Investment Advisor
The terms financial advisor and investment advisor are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings, especially in the U.S., and can differ in services, regulation, and compensation.
1. Scope of Services
Financial Advisor (broad term):
- Offers a wide range of services: retirement planning, tax strategy, estate planning, insurance, budgeting, and investments.
- May or may not manage your assets directly.
- Can be a broker, insurance agent, or financial planner.
Investment Advisor (specific term):
- Primarily focuses on managing investment portfolios and giving investment advice.
- Often builds and rebalances portfolios, selects securities, and aligns investments with financial goals.
2. Legal Definition & Regulation
Financial Advisor:
- Not a legally defined term.
- Can refer to anyone offering financial guidance—regulated or not.
- Could be a broker (regulated by FINRA) or an insurance rep.
Investment Advisor (IA):
- Legally defined under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
- Must register with the SEC or state regulators depending on assets under management.
- Held to a fiduciary standard (must act in your best interest at all times).
3. Fiduciary Duty
Financial Advisor:
- May or may not be a fiduciary.
- If working as a broker or insurance agent, they follow a suitability standard, meaning advice must be “suitable” but not necessarily in your best interest.
Investment Advisor:
- Must always act as a fiduciary.
- Legally obligated to put your interests above their own.
4. Compensation
Financial Advisor:
- May earn commissions, fees, or a mix.
- Commission-based advisors might earn money by selling financial products.
Investment Advisor:
- Typically fee-based or fee-only.
- Commonly charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM) or flat hourly fees.