IFG Overview

IntroductionIntroductionand and

Overview of ServicesOverview of Services

James Lorenzen, CFP®, AIF®

Founding Principal

www.indfin.com805.265.5416 � 800.257.6659

[email protected]

The Independent Financial Group is a fee-only financial planning practice and a registered investment advisor.This presentation does not contain investment advice and we do not sell products of any description.Pictures of people contained in this presentation, other than the advisor or his family, are merely stockimages obtained to add visual variety to the slides and should not be regarded as clients of the advisor.

A Registered Investment Advisor

Your Financial AdvisorYour Financial AdvisorJim Lorenzen, CFPJim Lorenzen, CFP®®, AIF, AIF®®

B.A. Economics – Emory & Henry College (Virginia) 1967.

Worked in commercial & consumer finance (1970-78). Rose to EVP of Universal Guardian Corporation with offices throughout U.S. and Canada. My offices were in Marina del Rey, Ca and Vancouver, B.C.

Founded Media Marketing, building an ad agency, direct mail company, and published weekly newspapers in Ventura County, Ca. (1978-84).

International speaking and consulting on management and organizational development (1984-2009). Headline speaker at more than 500 conventions and contributor to dozens of business publications. Clients included Hearst Corp., CapCities/ABC, Foster Grant, Hobie Cat, The Los Angeles Daily News, Cox Communications, Union Ice, NCR, and scores of others.

Independent financial consulting (1992-present) serving a selected national clientele. Published in The Journal of Compensation &

Benefits, The Profit Sharing Council of America’s Insights, numerous newspapers, and interviewed by The Wall Street Journal for SmartMoney magazine and by American Airlines’ Sky Radio

heard on more than 19,000 AA flights.

20Years!

My Financial Evolution andMy Financial Evolution andTTHEHE IINDEPENDENTNDEPENDENT FFINANCIALINANCIAL GGROUPROUP

� 1991 - Dean Witter

� 1992 - Formed as James Lorenzen & Associates

� 1996 - Name changed to THE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL GROUP.

� 2003 – Became a registered investment advisor. Began CFP® and AIF® studies.

� 2004 - AIF®.

� 2006 – CFP®

� 2007 - Adopted a fee-only business model, dropping sales model and all securities and insurance licenses.

� 2011 – Retained Retirement Plan Advisory Group (RPAG) to provide back-office

support for corporate retirement plan consulting. RPAG provides services to 350

firms in 45 states serving approximately 20,000 plans with $65 billion in assets.

CredentialsCredentialsCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP ®)

Candidates for CFP must meet requirements for work experience, education, and ethics. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university and also master a list of nearly 100 topics on integrated financial planning through a CFP Board-Registered program.

Course study can take anywhere from 2-3 years, depending on scheduling. Today there are more than 300 colleges and universities across America offering CFP Board-Registered programs in their MBA curriculum. Upon graduation, candidates must pass a ten-hour exam, conducted over two days. Board exams are scheduled twice each year at selected locations across the U.S. on specified dates and must be taken at testing sites in person.

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)

Granted by The Center for Fiduciary Studies in association with the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh. This program addresses the needs of Registered Investment Advisors who provide investment advisory services for trustees of estates, endowments, foundations, and corporate retirement plan sponsors.

The IFG CredoThe IFG Credo

Every client deserves, and has the right to expect, an

objective and unbiased advisor who is fully aligned with the

client’s goals, possesses a moral compass with strict

standards of accountability, and who takes a straightforward,

common sense collaborative approach, putting the client in

control of a hassle-free process incorporating breakthrough

technology and unparalleled flexibility… with openness and

transparency.

IFG’s Goal IFG’s Goal with EVERY Clientwith EVERY Client

Extraordinary service with no surprises, no

excuses, and no worries, as well as

independent thinking and lasting solutions to

help clients achieve the security, stability,

predictability, and peace of mind they seek.

Typical QuestionsTypical Questions

� How much money is enough?

� How long will my money last?

� How will inflation impact my planning?

� How will market volatility affect me?

� How can I minimize taxes?

� What are the future implications of my financial decisions?

Four pillars of investment successFour pillars of investment success

It's not about managing

investments. It's about achieving

goals.

Managing risk is more

important than reaching for

higher returns.

No one can control the markets or

interest rates, but you can control taxes and costs.

Monitor everything and

revise as necessary,

keeping your plan current.

Is ANYONE Really On Your Side?Is ANYONE Really On Your Side?

• The investment manager• The asset custodian• The reporting entity• Your financial advisor

Are the service providers ‘related’?

Is there `soft-dollar‘ or other hidden compensation ?

Sometimes fees can be ‘bundled’ to mask WHO is getting paid WHAT.

Comparing Sources of HelpComparing Sources of Help

Standards Differ

Suitability (sales) Standard- Investments need only be

suitable to the client’s situation. Higher costs okay if investment

is suitable.

Fiduciary Standard – Decisions MUST be in the clients’ BEST

INTEREST. Higher cost not okay if lower cost alternative available. Legal standard for Registered Investment Advisors

Questions Questions Your Advisor Your Advisor Should Answer.Should Answer.

1. Are you held to a fiduciary standard in all dealings with me and my financial affairs? Will you acknowledge that status in writing? What fiduciary training have you completed?

Not everyone is. Some firms are `dually registered’ and may try to avoid this by adopting the fiduciary standard for planning, but not for investment selection. If they’re adopting a ‘suitability’ standard for investment selection, then conflicts can arise.

Disclosing conflicts doesn’t make them right. Avoiding them does.

Questions Questions Your Advisor Your Advisor Should Answer.Should Answer.

2. Do you disclose all conflicts of interest, both actual and potential, that exist or might exist in my relationship with you?

It’s better to AVOID conflicts, rather than merely disclose. Mere disclosure doesn’t make them right.

This consultant does not accept ANY 3rd party compensation of any description. IFG compensation comes solely from IFG clients - and compensation is the same regardless of the plan, management, or investments selected.

Questions Questions Your Advisor Your Advisor Should Answer.Should Answer.

3. Do you forego any type of commission-based

compensation in favor of receiving all compensation via

fees that are fully disclosed in dollar terms?

IFG best practices: There is no hidden compensation. Clients receive a complete breakdown for each service: Who is getting paid how much and for what services. No secrets.

Questions Questions Your Advisor Your Advisor Should Answer.Should Answer.

4. Do you provide full service, comprehensive financial planning services as well as investment advisory services?

Many advisors do. Again, ask if they wear their fiduciary hat for planning; but take it off when it comes to investment selection. This could be a ‘red flag’ regarding conflicts. Also, you might beware of someone who claims to be an expert in all areas of financial planning, regardless of the credential.

IFG answer: As a CFP®, your advisor facilitates a comprehensive financial

planning process in cooperation with your other specialist advisors (CPA,

attorney, etc.). IFG does not pay or receive compensation for referrals.

Questions Questions Your Advisor Your Advisor Should Answer.Should Answer.

5. If you provide full service, comprehensive financial planning services, are these services performed by individuals who have obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification?

IFG Answers: Yes.

There are about 300 colleges and universities across America offering a Board Registered curriculum in their MBA programs. The curriculum can take anywhere from 2-3 years to complete, depending on scheduling. Upon passing all courses in the curriculum, the candidate is eligible to sit for the 10-hour, 2-day exam given in designated locations across the U.S. on specific dates each year.

RedRed--Flag Issues Flag Issues

Worth QuestioningWorth Questioning::

� Fiduciary Status for Planning Only; not for investment selection.

� Unwilling to sign a document accepting fiduciary status for all decisions on your account(s).

� Chosen investment managers work for the same firm as your advisor.

� Investment managers work for the same firm that provides reporting/custody.

� “Fee-Based” rather than fee ONLY.

What’s In A Name?What’s In A Name?

A A SeamlessSeamless SolutionSolution

� Independent Plan

� Recognized investment manager(s)

� Independent Custody

� Independent Reporting

Online Convenience

You can even work with me from the comfort of your home – by phone and online!

IFG currently has clients in New York, Florida, Colorado, and California.

Business Communication TodayBusiness Communication Today

• shopping• banking• paying bills• planning vacations• booking travel

Banks, government agencies, and thousands of organizations do business online every day! IFG has clients in New York, Florida, and Colorado, as well as in California.

Have you used an ATM? You received cash from the machine in front of you; but the transaction linking your account was handled over the internet!

Internet Transactions are Commonplace!If your local bank offers online banking or bill-paying, your accounts are internet accessible now! You just may not be taking advantage of it!

The Planning ProcessThe Planning Process

1. Foundation & Vision

�Where you are

�Where you want to be

�When you want to get there

�How you envision the journey

The Planning ProcessThe Planning Process

2. Situation/Needs Analysis –

This is a combination of assembling data, a review of your current risk profile.

The Planning ProcessThe Planning Process

3. Data Review and Preliminary Action Plan

A plan outline and approach is developed for our

discussion.

The Planning ProcessThe Planning Process

4. An Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is developed for our discussion.

The Planning ProcessThe Planning Process

5. Screening and selection of investment and management alternatives is conducted consistent with your risk profile and the agreed-upon strategy

in your IPS created in step 4.

The Planning ProcessThe Planning Process

6. A Working Action Plan is developed, incorporating the selected investments and managers, consistent with your profile, our analysis and your strategy outlined in the IPS.

Our Our IINDEPENDENTNDEPENDENT PPROCESSROCESS

Making The Pieces Fit

IndependentCustodian

Independent

Planning & Selection

Independent Management

Independent 3rd

Party ReportingYour Investment Policy Statement

YOUR YOUR IINDEPENDENTNDEPENDENT FFINANCIALINANCIAL GGROUPROUP

IFG Client

Custodian3rd Party Mgrs

& Funds

Due-Diligence

& Research

Client

Reporting

Back Office

Administration

The Advisor

INCREASING PERFORMANCE BYMANAGING RISK“Beating the Market” may not be necessary if you can limit. downside risk

Amount Invested: $100,000 Up Cap> 80%

Dn Cap> 70%

Market Portfolio A Portfolio Portfolio Return

Year Return (Market) B Return B Difference

1 20% $120,000 16% $116,000 -$4,000

2 -20% $96,000 -14% $99,760 $3,760

3 20% $115,200 16% $115,722 $522

4 -20% $92,160 -14% $99,521 $7,361

5 20% $110,592 16% $115,444 $4,852

6 -20% $88,474 -14% $99,282 $10,808

7 20% $106,168 16% $115,167 $8,998

8 20% $127,402 16% $133,593 $6,192

9 -20% $101,922 -14% $114,890 $12,969

10 20% $122,306 16% $133,273 $10,967

2.12% 2.91% $10,967

Information presented in this example is purely hypothetical , provided to illustrate a mathematical concept,

and not meant to represent any investment return or outcome and should not be construed as investment

advice which is provided only to IFG clients on an individual basis and only upon completion of a written plan.

Management Value Reveals Itself on the DownsideDespite a 20% underperformance in the `up’ years, better ‘downside’ protection can result in superior returns. This purely hypothetical example illustrates how important attention to the downside can be, especially in turbulent markets.

Your Plan: Your “Rock” in the StormYour Plan: Your “Rock” in the Storm

During fair weather, no one worries. When the storms begin to rage – when there’s chaos all around you - that’s when you look for the one thing that doesn’t move to find your way because that fixed point helps you reach your ultimate destination.

Your plan is your guiding light…. Your blueprint… your Constitution.

Your Plan Belongs to You!Your Plan Belongs to You!

Powered by PIE Technologies, this state-of-the-art planning platform was voted #1 for the third year in a row in Financial Planning magazine’s annual survey of advisors across the U.S. The survey included advisors in independent boutiques, regional, and major national firms.

� Secure Online Access 24/7/365

� Full access to update, conduct ‘what-if’ scenarios and

experiment with assumptions.

� Print it out or Download to your own computer!

Data on investment pricing, interest rates, inflation assumptions, market volatility, even college costs, are continually updated dynamically, helping keep your plan current at all times!

After The Plan…After The Plan…Implementation is as Easy as 1Implementation is as Easy as 1--22--3.3.

Adopting a custodian –

Best practices: Your custodian should be independent of your advisor and the managers.

Most IFG clients use Pershing Securities, owned by Bank of New York-Mellon (BNY was founded by Alexander Hamilton).

The asset-transfer process is handled directly between your institution and Pershing. I will provide the paperwork you need and guide you through the process.

Pershing will handle the transfer for you.

Your investment assets will be in your account(s) in your name. IFG never takes custody and never has access to your assets.

IFG is completely independent of Pershing, Bank of New York-Mellon, and all other service providers.

IFG receives NO compensation from any third-party service provider, directly or indirectly.

1

The Implementation ProcessThe Implementation ProcessStep 2 is actually part of Step #1. When Pershing receives custody of assets, the investment options, models, or managers you’ve chosen are automatically assigned.

Note: All active managers and/or investment options are independent of IFG and Pershing.

All institutional managers and other service providers work for fully-disclosed fees only –no sales charges, no commissions, and no surrender charges.

Active managers go through TWO independent levels of due-diligence and ongoing oversight and review.

2

Types of InvestmentsTypes of Investments

Typical Portfolios Include*:

• Stocks (U.S. and International)• Bonds (Treasury, municipal, corporate bonds)

------------------------------------------• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)• No-Load Index Funds

* Your individual portfolio composition and allocation will depend upon the results

of our collaborative planning process.

The Implementation ProcessThe Implementation Process

Step 3 is Orientation! It’s easier than you think!

You will have 24/7/365 access to sophisticated independent reporting for all managers on all holdings, activity, performance and tax issues. You’ll also have 24/7/365 access to a robust planning platform powered by PIE Technologies.

3

After Investments are InAfter Investments are In--PlacePlaceYou will receive quarterly market updates, commentaries, and ongoing management oversight from two independent sources:

- You will have 24/7/365 access to objective 3rd party reporting independent from IFG and the managers they cover.

And, of course, your own private client advisor:

- THE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL GROUP

Jim Lorenzen, CFP ®, AIF®

Plus:Jim is available email or phone!Call 805.265.5416, Ext. 1

Fee StructureFee Structure

1. The Initial Planning Process

Planning fees can vary depending on the nature and scope of the plan. Basic investment planning covers the six-step planning process, including data-collection , risk assessment, goal-setting, asset allocation, investment and management screening, search and selection, plan implementation, and set-up orientation. Advanced Wealth Management planning include insurance, tax, estate, and other planning as appropriate.

2. Investment Advisory FeesThis is an asset-based annual fee deducted on a quarterly schedule by the custodian on a fully-disclosed basis. IFG’s advisory fee covers investment/management oversight , ongoing plan and investment reviews, plan updates, and client communications including the IFG Clients Only e-letter. Advisory fees begin at 0.95% on the first $500,000 with the percentage declining as assets increase. IFG’s ADV form is available upon request.

Financial planning and investment advisory fees are earned separately and charged as outlined below.

IFG does not receive commissions or third party incentives of any description, directly or indirectly.

Review:Review:Four pillars of investment successFour pillars of investment success

It's not about managing

investments. It's about achieving

goals.

Managing risk is more

important than reaching for

higher returns.

No one can control the markets or

interest rates, but you can control taxes and costs.

Monitor everything and

revise as necessary,

keeping your plan current.

Doing it the right way.Doing it the right way.

Jim Lorenzen, CFP®, AIF®

Founding Principal

www.indfin.com805.265.5416 � [email protected]

The Independent Financial Group is a fee-only financial planning practice and a registered investmentadvisor. This presentation does not contain investment advice and we do not sell products of anydescription. Pictures of people contained in this presentation, other than the advisor or his family, aremerely stock images obtained to add visual variety to the slides and should not be regarded as clientsof the advisor.

• No product sales or commissions

• Cost control• Conflict-free• Fiduciary status• Qualified & credentialed• Experienced

A Registered Investment Advisor