KFM Q&A

KFM does not endorse a "one size fits all" approach—all financial situations are unique. Our portfolios are custom-tailored to each client, taking into account your personal investment philosophies and considering a host of supplementary factors such as account size, client involvement, and risk tolerance.

We believe in an underlying strategy of "core and explore". We will typically provide exposure to about 60% of the market through investments that closely track broader benchmarks ("the core"). Within those benchmarks, we may employ indexes or actively managed funds.

The "explore" side of our strategy involves intense market research, over- or underweighting sectors based on fundamental investment principles and market technical indicators. We then employ an array of frequently changing investments, dynamic strategies, and low correlation investments in order to supplement core growth. We call this Guardrail Growth.

The amount of initial planning and the amount of time spent working with our clients are the lead factors in determining appropriate fees for our services.

Initial financial planning generally involves two meetings. During this period we usually quote a flat fee for our clients—averaging $900 to $2,800 depending on the situation.

For investment advice, fees are charged based on a percentage of assets. It is possible for investment fees to reduce or totally offset planning fees depending on the size of the account.

Kring Financial is dedicated to total client satisfaction. Clients have the power to request a refund for any planning advice that they deem unsatisfactory.

KFM offers initial financial planning (above) and ongoing financial planning. Experience has shown that ongoing annual updates are necessary to keep your plan on track with their goals and adaptable to any life changes.

All of KFM'S disclosure information is provided on our ADV part 2 – an SEC disclosure form and supplemental brochures for your advisor. We also provide all relevant disclosures in "plain English," in addition to supplying prospectuses and explanatory information on compensation methods whenever they are requested.

KFM accepts no referral fees or alternative forms of material consideration from its referral partners. We are determined to maintain neutrality with various financial service providers, basing our recommendations solely on quality of service and performance. As an independent firm, Kring Financial is not required to use any product or service if it fails to satisfy our clients' best interests—a key advantage.

KFM is only licensed for life insurance in the state of Georgia and cannot act as an agent for residents living elsewhere. However, we are often able to refer you to an experienced outside agent, assist you in acquiring the correct type of insurance for your needs, and aid in deciding on the ideal carrier for your situation.

KFM is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. We file notice in each state as required. KFM has advisors licensed to offer and trade securities in many states. If KFM is not licensed to practice in your state, the licensure process is a simple one, but we are required to do so before assisting you with your investment portfolio.

If KFM holds accounts for you through our broker/dealer (Triad Advisors, Inc.), your accounts will be held at National Financial Services, LLC, a Fidelity Investments company. You will have online access to your account information at Fidelity, (positions, history, activity etc.) in our secure Access Brokerage section.

Since KFM is an independent financial firm, we use the service of a broker/dealer to assist us in providing brokerage services. Triad Advisors, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC is our current broker/dealer. Triad opens accounts under our direction and assists us with day-to-day transactions that occur in clients' brokerage accounts.

National Financial Services LLC (NFS), a subsidiary of Fidelity Investments, is the firm that actually holds (custodies) the assets for our clients. Through NFS, client accounts have the maximum protection of SIPC insurance.

The CFP^® mark represents a Certified Financial Planner designation. One who has earned the CFP marks has met the education, examination, experience and ethics standards established by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards (CFP Board). Financial planners who earn the CFP marks should be distinguished from those who have not.
If a financial planner has earned the right to use the CFP marks, this means that he or she has met the following requirements:

Education: There are three ways to meet the CFP certification education requirement

• Completing an education program at a college or university whose curriculum is registered with the CFP Board
• Submitting a transcript of previous financial planning-related course work to the CFP Board for review and credit
• Showing the attainment of certain professional designations or academic degrees

Examination: Candidates for the CFP certification must pass a rigorous two-day, 10-hour CFP Certification Examination administered by the CFP Board that covers the financial planning process and includes such topics as tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

Experience: Candidates for CFP certification must prove they have experience in the financial planning process before being authorized to use the CFP marks.

Ethics: Candidates for CFP certification have their backgrounds checked by the CFP Board, and must also disclose any investigations or legal proceedings related to their professional or business conduct. The CFP Board reviews all such disclosures and investigates those statements that indicate areas of concern.

Candidates must also adhere to the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards. Once certified, CFP certificants must fulfill a biennial continuing education requirement to stay up-to-date on planning strategies and financial trends affecting their clients.

This designation represents the commitment to a standard of investment fiduciary excellence. Those who earn the AIF^® mark successfully complete a specialized program on investment fiduciary standards of care and pass a comprehensive examination. An Accredited Investment Fiduciary^® demonstrates a thorough understanding of prudent investment strategies for investment advisors and stewards.