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TFS Alphamint - ADV Part 2A
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        Financial

Dated: 07/01/2020        

Phone:  (303) 346-0515

Email:  rob@alphamint.com

Website:  www.alphamint.com

FORM ADV: PART 2A

ITEM 1 - COVER PAGE

This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Typher Financial Services, LLC. Typher Financial Services, LLC conducts its business under the name Alphamint Financial (hereafter referred to as “Alphamint").  

Additional information about Alphamint also is available on the SEC’s website at

www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known as a CRD number. Alphamint's CRD number is 109703.

ITEM 2- MATERIAL CHANGES

  1. Reducing the number of contractual agreements depending on which level of services the client qualifies for and/or desires.    

Full Wealth Management Services:  Client is entitled to all four financial services:

Genesis Service:

 

ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM ADV: PART 2A

ITEM 1 - COVER PAGE

ITEM 2 - MATERIAL CHANGES

ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENT

ITEM 4 - ADVISORY BUSINESS

ITEM 5 - FEES AND COMPENSATION

ITEM 6 - PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT

ITEM 7 - TYPES OF CLIENTS

ITEM 8 - METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS

ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION

ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS

ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS

ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES

ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS

ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION

ITEM 15 - CUSTODY

ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION

ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES

ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 19 - STATE REGISTERED ADVISER

ITEM 4 - ADVISORY BUSINESS

Typher Financial Services, LLC, (DBA as Alphamint) is a registered investment adviser with the state of Colorado with its principal place of business located in Douglas county. Alphamint began conducting business in 1996.

Listed below are the firm's principal shareholders (i.e., those individuals and/or entities controlling 25% or more of this company).

Robert Typher, Jr., CFP®

Alphamint offers the following two levels of advisory services to our clients:

Full Wealth Management services:

To qualify for the Full Wealth Management Services level, the client must have at least $500,000 under the management of Alphamint.

Genesis Financial service: 

The Genesis Financial Service is for clients with less than $500,000.

Full Wealth Management

A detailed look at “Full Wealth Management” services: 

Advanced Investment Management

Acting as a fiduciary, Alphamint provides rigorous investment management of client’s assets on a discretionary basis.  The first step is that Alphamint develops the client's personal Investment Policy Statement (IPS).  The IPS is creating through Alphamint’s “get-to-know-you” process.  It is during this time that the client’s individual objectives for their assets are determined, the best tax strategies for managing money, as well as  the time horizon (meaning how long will it be until withdrawals are to begin).  Critical to this is establishing the unique risk tolerance each client has.  As appropriate, we may also review and discuss a client’s prior investment history, as well as family composition and background.

Finally, once each account is funded, the money in those accounts will be invested according to the investment policy already established.  Special care will be taken as to dedicating which types of investments are assigned to each type of account, primarily for the purpose of tax-sensitivity.  After all, we pay enough taxes, so there is no sense to paying any more than we legally have to!

The holdings in the Client's portfolio are reviewed each week.  Alphamint will select specific investments, utilizing Alphamint’s Advanced Model Portfolios.  This may result in  overweighting of particular sectors, industries, domestic vs. international company stocks, and a company’s size.  However, the Client’s portfolio will be widely diversified so as not to “put too many eggs in one basket.”  If desired, the Client may also impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors.

Below are the investment vehicles used to carry out an investment strategy:

No Market-Timing:  It is important that the Client understands that Alphamint does not jump in and out of stocks in hopes of catching the stock market on an upswing, and then selling out when a downturn returns.  This is known as “market-timing,” which is virtually impossible to successfully do on a consistent basis.

Client Flexibility:  The Client always has the option of changing the amount of risk of their investment portfolio.  However, there is no guarantee that increasing the risk of the investment portfolio will result in a higher rate of return.  

Reviews:  Clients are typically offered investment and financial planning reviews every year; in some cases reviews are conducted every other year if the client desires less frequent reviews.

Custodian:  Client assets are held (custodied) at TD Ameritrade Institutional, the custodian.  All assets are held in the client’s name, in the client’s accounts; there is no co-mingling of client’s money with anyone else.  

 

Custom Financial Plan; based on the client's financial goals

The Financial Planning Services Rendered by Alphamint. Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal plans. The Client’s online financial plan will be developed based upon the custom financial goals established by the Advisor and the Client.  

In general, the financial plan can address any or all of the following areas:

FINANCIAL GOALS -  What are your financial goals?  Which of them are most important?  What will they cost?  Have you addressed all the critical goals, or are you overlooking something?  Will you be able to achieve all your goals?  

Strategizing as to how to reach your personal financial goals are the centerpiece of developing and maintaining your financial plan.  

RETIREMENT - Alphamint starts by analyzing the client’s current situation.   The question, “Can I retire?” and “At what age can I retire?” will be answered by looking at the client’s current financial situation, and also a  “proposed” retirement strategy.  

(Continued from previous page)

RETIREMENT INCOME STRATEGY -  Depending on the client’s financial situation, there are a number of strategies that may need to be implemented to replace the lost employment income.  

One area that almost everyone needs guidance with is how best to maximize their Social Security.  Did you know there are hundreds of different claiming methods?  There is no one strategy that is right for everyone.  Alphamint will perform an analysis for the client to determine the best Social Security claiming strategy.

INVESTMENT EVALUATION - An evaluation of a client’s current investments will be made, as well as what type of risk the portfolio is taking.  The next step will be to determine the client’s risk profile, and if the current investments align with that level of risk.  Often a person’s portfolio and their capacity for risk are not properly balanced.  Alphamint will seek to first determine what level of risk the client is comfortable taking, and then align and optimize the rate of return to that amount of risk.

TAX MANAGEMENT AND TAX PREPARATION – For most people, taxes are the largest expense item they will face in their lifetime.  Alphamint seeks to develop tax strategies to lower taxes that will be paid, both during the accumulation stage of a client’s life, and also the distribution (of financial assets) stage, including adopting inheritance strategies.  Finally, Alphamint will annually prepare and file the client’s personal Federal and State income tax returns.  Note:  For more discussion on this topic, please refer to “Tax Preparation and Tax Management” section on the next page.

RISK MANAGEMENT (INSURANCE EVALUATION) - In life, and death, we all face certain unknown risks.  Insurance is about transferring risk to another party, e.g. insurance companies.  Alphamint will help determine the appropriate methods for handling the life and death risks we all face.  These risks include, but are not limited to, appropriate health insurance; the loss of income due to a death; the loss of income due to an accident or disability; liability protection; and the large financial risk of long term (elder) care.

As an independent life and health insurance agent, we are able to shop the insurance market for the most appropriate and affordable insurance policies.  These are namely:  Life insurance, Disability insurance, and Long Term Care insurance. 

DEVELOP A SPENDING AND SAVINGS PLAN - There are a variety of methods available to keep track of income, expenses, and savings.  If necessary, Alphamint will evaluate and recommend the appropriate budgeting strategy for you.

EDUCATION - Planning for the funding of a child’s education is a big expense.  Alphamint helps the client understand various funding options, e.g. including student loans  Additionally, the development of a college savings strategy is a crucial step as to  how to best meet the ever rising costs of education.

MEDICARE PLANNING - Medicare is a more complex subject that you might think.  Do you know what plans A, B, C and D are?  What is a Medicare Supplemental plan?  Do you even need one?  Also, did you know there are lifetime penalties if a person does not file for benefits on time?  Alphamint will help you understand the Medicare Maze, and also provide resources for you.

ESTATE PLANNING - Estate planning is not exactly a pleasant topic, but it is certainly necessary.  Alphamint will evaluate the client’s current estate plan, and if appropriate recommend an estate planning attorney to develop the documents that are aligned with a client’s wishes and also provide protection from unnecessary taxes and fees, i.e. probate.  The bare minimum estate planning documents will be recommended, e.g. wills, powers of attorney, medical directive and a living will. The estate attorney may also recommend other strategies, such as a living trust.

Proper account titling and beneficiary information is sometimes overlooked and misunderstood.  Alphamint will assist the client to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to ensure no inaccuracies.

Annual “Fiscal” Fitness Review; and Ongoing Financial Consultation

One of the many benefits of working with Alphamint on a regular basis is that we work together to implement the necessary financial planning strategies uncovered by the Custom Financial Plan.  Afterall, what is the point of doing a financial plan if there is no follow through?

Life changes:   Even the best laid plans sometimes fail.

And one thing that never changes is “change”.  People get married, people get divorced, people have children, goals change, health changes, tax laws change, jobs change, etc.  There is no avoiding change, whether you want to or not.  But the best remedy to navigating life’s inevitable changes is to have someone available to help you navigate life’s inevitable surprises.  Alphamint really cares about the success of your life.  I cannot overstate this.  I do what I do for more than the compensation.  I love the satisfaction of helping others reach their goals.  I love being there for someone else when life throws them curveballs.  And I just love the world of finances, and all the choices I have available to help my client tackle life, and have the life they want.  Does that sound corny?  Maybe, but it is the truth.

Tax Preparation and Tax Management

What is the biggest expense you have?  Often people say their mortgage, but they are usually wrong.  The correct answer is almost always taxes.  Why?  Think of all the taxes you might pay:

Admittedly, some taxes are unavoidable.  But that does not mean they cannot be reduced.  Alphamint seeks to help you only pay taxes on what you are legally required to pay.  Nothing more.

And as a IRS Certified Tax Preparer, Alphamint will prepare and  file your personal  federal and state tax returns, and sometimes your small business tax return (Schedule C).

Genesis Financial 

Depending on your unique situation, clients who utilize the Genesis Financial service will either have their investment money managed through the Advanced Investment Management Only service OR the Automated Quick-Start service.

Detailed Look at each “Genesis Financial” service:

Advanced Investment Management Only service:

This service is for Moderate net worth clients who don’t yet have $500,000 in investment assets, but believe they will reach this level within the next two years.  These types of clients are those that contribute regularly to their investment accounts.  

The client’s investment assets are held and managed at TD Ameritrade Institutional (Custodian) where the client assets are held in the client’s name, in the client’s accounts.  no co-mingling of client’s money.   The investment process will be the same as the one described in the “Full Wealth Management Services” section, and is offered at the same cost. Typically “Advanced Investment Management Only” clients aspire to qualify for the  “Full Wealth Management Services”.

Automated Quick-Start service:

This service is for those that are in the early stages of building their investment assets.  Alphamint has an agreement with Betterment Institutional that our clients will have access to a state-of-the-art automated investment and financial services. While much of the financial services are provided through Betterment’s automated process, clients have the opportunity to communicate with Alphamint as it relates to their investments, e.g. appropriate asset allocation, understanding the investments, etc.  

Clients will have the ability to view, trade and process transactions from their desktop and smartphone using Betterment Institutional. Both a Client and Alphamint are limited in the ability to customize a portfolio, and investment options are limited to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).  The ETFs are selected and monitored by Betterment Institutional.

The cost for Alphamint’s Automated Quick-Start service is 0.50% per year, billed quarterly in arrears.

ITEM 5 - FEES AND COMPENSATION

FULL WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The asset based fee as indicated below is assessed quarterly and based upon the asset value on the last business day of the quarter. All fees are collected in arrears. This asset based fee will decrease as a percentage of as the assets under management when value reaches the predefined breakpoints below.

Example: A 1.0% annual asset-based fee, assessed in arrears (at the end) of each quarter, assuming the balance at the end of each quarter was the same would result in the following on a portfolio worth $500,000.

Example Calculation:  0.25% x $500,000 = $1,250 per quarter, or total annual cost of $5,000 ($1,250 x 4 quarters)

        

Listed below are various portfolios.  As your needs and risk tolerance change, so will your portfolio.  Additionally, you always have the option of changing the type of portfolio. The term “Asset Allocation” (AA) refers to the percentage of Stocks and Bonds in the portfolio.  Asset Allocation may vary + 10% depending on market conditions.   “Market Timing,” i.e. moving significant amounts of money in and out of the stock market, is not utilized because it cannot be done successfully on a consistent basis.  Finally, the Target Annual Rate of Return (ROR) is an estimate based on historical data, but cannot be guaranteed, and may lose money.  The Target ROR, which is expressed as an annual return, is based on an investment holding period of at least 5 years.

 

Aggressive Growth Portfolio

Target Annual Rate of Return (ROR):  9.0-10.0%; Target Asset Allocation (AA):  80%-100% Stocks/0%-20% Fixed Income)

Annual Investment Management Fee Schedule

1.20% on the first $1,000,000 under management (minimum account size: $500,000)

1.10% on the next $1,000,000 under management

1.00% on amount above $2,000,000 under management

Moderate Growth Portfolio

Target Annual ROR:  8.0%; Target AA:  60% Stocks/40% Fixed Income

Annual Investment Management Fee Schedule

1.00% on the first $1,000,000 under management (minimum account size: $500,000)

0.90% on the next $1,000,000 under management

0.80% on amount above $2,000,000 under management

Moderately Conservative Growth Portfolio 

Target Annual ROR:  7.0%; Target AA:  40% Stocks/60% Fixed Income

 Annual Investment Management Fee Schedule

0.80% on the first $1,000,000 under management (minimum account size: $750,000)

0.70% on the next $1,000,000 under management

0.60% on amount above $2,000,000 under management

Conservative Portfolio

Target Annual ROR:  6.0%; Target AA:  20% Stocks/80% Fixed Income

Annual Investment Management Fee Schedule

0.60% on the first $1,000,000 under management (minimum account size: $1,000,000)

0.50% on the next 1,000,000 under management

0.40% on amount above $2,000,000 under management

Income Portfolio

Target Annual ROR:  5        .0%; Target AA:  0% Stocks/100% Fixed Income

Annual Investment Management Fee Schedule:

0.50% on the first $1,000,000 under management (minimum account size:  $1,000,000)

0.40% on the next $1,000,000 under management

0.30% on amount above $2,000,000 under management

The preceding fee is automatically debited from the account quarterly in arrears (pro-rated for periods less than three months).  Clients who terminate the Client Service Agreement prior to the end of the quarter will be billed at a prorated amount for the number of days the Client agreement was in force. Alphamint has a right to this earned income and will bill for this prorated fee based on the value of the accounts on the last business day prior to receiving notice of termination.   Fees will be assessed based on the asset size of the managed portfolio on the last day prior to receiving the notice of termination. If the client withdraws more than 25% of assets before notifying Alphamint of termination, then the average monthly closing balance for the past 3 months will be used to determine the asset based value in which to bill and collect Alphamint’s earned income.

Processing Fees via Deduction: Alphamint requests payment be made via account deduction on a quarterly basis. Fees are then deducted by the Custodian as the agreed upon Annual Fee. All fees are listed on the monthly or quarterly statements provided by the Custodian. Clients will be provided an invoice in the same manner in which they receive their recurring statements from the custodian. This fee invoice will be provided to Client from Alphamint no later than 10 business days from the time the fee is withdrawn.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Termination of the Advisory Relationship: The client agreement may be canceled at any time, by either party, for any reason upon receipt of 30 days written notice.

Mutual Fund and Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Fee. All fees paid to Alphamint for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and/or ETFs to their shareholders. These fees and expenses are described in each fund's prospectus, and are paid directly to the fund company by the client (automatically deducted from the fund balance by the fund company).   These fees will generally include a management fee, other fund expenses, and a possible distribution fee. If the fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge.

When selecting which mutual fund or ETF to implement the investment strategy, Alphamint definitely considers the cost of each fund in the selection process.  It is in both the clients’ and Alphamint’s best financial interests to use the lower cost fund(s) since our fee is also calculated net of whatever the fund company charges.

Additional Fees and Expenses. In addition to our advisory fees, clients are also responsible for the fees and expenses charged by custodians and imposed by broker dealers, including, but not limited to, any transaction charges imposed by a broker dealer with which an independent investment manager affects transactions for the client's account(s).

Please refer to the "Brokerage Practices" section (Item 12) of this Form ADV for additional information.

ERISA Accounts. Alphamint complies with all "ERISA" guidelines on Pension and Retirement Plans we administer for clients.

ITEM 6 - PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT

Alphamint does not charge performance-based fees. Alphamint does not engage in side by side management.

ITEM 7 - TYPES OF CLIENTS

Alphamint provides advisory services to the following types of clients:

ITEM 8 - METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS

METHODS OF ANALYSIS

We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or managing client assets:

Fundamental Analysis. We attempt to measure the intrinsic value of a security by looking at economic and financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions, and the financial condition and management of the company itself) to determine if the company is underpriced (indicating it may be a good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time to sell).

Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a potential risk, as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall market regardless of the economic and financial factors considered in evaluating the stock.

Quantitative Analysis. We use mathematical models in an attempt to obtain more accurate measurements of a company’s quantifiable data, such as the value of a share price or earnings per share, and anticipate changes to that data.

A risk in using quantitative analysis is that the models used may be based on assumptions that prove to be incorrect.

Qualitative Analysis. We subjectively evaluate non-quantifiable factors such as quality of management, labor relations, and strength of research and development factors not readily subject to measurement, and anticipate potential changes to share price based on that data.

A risk of using qualitative analysis is that our subjective judgment may prove incorrect.

Asset Allocation. Within each class of securities, we attempt to identify more narrow categories such as domestic vs. international, growth vs. value, large-cap vs. small-cap, long vs. short maturities, corporate vs. government vs. municipal, etc. The number of potential subcategories can be quite large. Mutual funds and exchange traded funds can be useful tools to identify and recommend narrow strategies.

A risk of asset allocation is that the client may not participate in sharp increases in a particular security, industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash and cash equivalents will change over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no longer be appropriate for the client’s goals.

Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis. We look at the experience and track record of the manager of the mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period of time and

in different economic conditions. We also look at the underlying assets in a mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the underlying investments held in another fund(s) in the client’s portfolio. We also monitor the funds or ETFs in an attempt to determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy.

A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance does not guarantee future results. A manager who has been successful may not be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in a fund or ETF, managers of different funds held by the client may purchase the same security, increasing the risk to the client if that security were to fall in value. There is also a risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which could make the holding(s) less suitable for the client’s portfolio.

Risks for all forms of analysis. Our securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the companies whose securities we purchase and sell, the rating agencies that review these securities, and other publicly-available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate and unbiased data. While we are alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that our analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

We use the following strategies in managing client accounts, provided that such strategies are appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the client's investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons, among other considerations:

Long-term purchases. We purchase securities with the idea of holding them in the client's account for a year or longer. Typically we employ this strategy when:

We believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or

We want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current projection for this class.

A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length of time, we may not take advantage of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. Moreover, if our analysis is incorrect, a security may decline sharply in value before we make the decision to sell.

Short-term purchases. When utilizing this strategy, we purchase securities with the idea of selling them within a relatively short time (typically a year or less). We do this in an attempt to take advantage of conditions that we believe will soon result in a price swing in the securities we purchase.

Risk of Loss. Securities investments are not guaranteed and you may lose money on your investments. We ask that you work with us to help us understand your tolerance for risk.

ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION

We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client's or prospective client's evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management.  Alphamint and our management personnel have no reportable disciplinary events to disclose.

ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS

Firm Registrations:

No other Affiliations

Management Personnel Registrations:

No other Affiliations

ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS

Alphamint has adopted the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Code of Ethics) as put forth by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) to provide principles and rules to all persons whom it has recognized and certified to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and certification marks (collectively “the marks”). The CFP Board determines who is certified and thus authorized to use the marks. Implicit in the acceptance of this authorization is an obligation not only to comply with the mandates and requirements of all applicable laws and regulations but also to take responsibility to act in an ethical and professionally responsible manner in all professional services and activities.

 

Principle 1 – Integrity: Provide professional services with integrity.

Integrity demands honesty and candor which must not be subordinated to personal gain and advantage. Certificants are placed in positions of trust by clients, and the ultimate source of that trust is the certificant’s personal integrity. Allowance can be made for innocent error and legitimate differences of opinion, but integrity cannot co-exist with deceit or subordination of one’s principles.

Principle 2 – Objectivity: Provide professional services objectively.

Objectivity requires intellectual honesty and impartiality. Regardless of the particular service rendered or the capacity in which a certificant functions, certificants should protect the integrity of their work, maintain objectivity and avoid subordination of their judgment.

Principle 3 – Competence: Maintain the knowledge and skill necessary to provide professional services competently.

Competence means attaining and maintaining an adequate level of knowledge and skill, and application of that knowledge and skill in providing services to clients. Competence also includes the wisdom to recognize the limitations of that knowledge and when consultation with other professionals is appropriate or referral to other professionals necessary. Certificants make a continuing commitment to learning and professional improvement.

Principle 4 – Fairness: Be fair and reasonable in all professional relationships. Disclose conflicts of interest.

Fairness requires impartiality, intellectual honesty and disclosure of material conflicts of interest. It involves a subordination of one’s own feelings, prejudices and desires so as to achieve a proper balance of conflicting interests. Fairness is treating others in the same fashion that you would want to be treated.

Principle 5 – Confidentiality: Protect the confidentiality of all client information.

Confidentiality means ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorized to have access. A relationship of trust and confidence with the client can only be built upon the understanding that the client’s information will remain confidential.

Principle 6 – Professionalism: Act in a manner that demonstrates exemplary professional conduct.

Professionalism requires behaving with dignity and courtesy to clients, fellow professionals, and others in business-related activities. Certificants cooperate with fellow certificants to enhance and maintain the profession’s public image and improve the quality of services.

Principle 7 – Diligence: Provide professional services diligently.

Diligence is the provision of services in a reasonably prompt and thorough manner, including the proper planning for, and supervision of, the rendering of professional services.

This Code of Ethics is available at www.cfp.net or will be provided to clients upon request.

ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES

Custodians provide Alphamint with a trading platform, training and research information at no cost.  While this is a common practice among custodians, Alphamint wants to make you aware that it does open the issue of a conflict of interests.  As your trusted Advisor, Alphamint feels complete transparency on this issue is necessary. In the Alphamint situation, these benefits allow Alphamint to better serve you and operate more efficiently, which allows Alphamint to provide you financial planning services at a lower cost.  All of Alphamint clients benefit from the tools and resources of TD Ameritrade Institutional and Betterment Institutional provide Alphamint.

More importantly, if Alphamint did not feel TD Ameritrade Institutional or Betterment Institutional was the best alternative for Alphamint clients, Alphamint would not hesitate to find another custodian that better fits Alphamint clients’ needs.

In terms of costs associated with buying and selling investments, because of Alphamint relationship with TD Ameritrade Institutional and Betterment Institutional as an Investment Advisor, most of the investments chosen by Alphamint do not have any transaction fees for purchasing mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.  In the unusual event that there is a cost, Alphamint does not aggregate orders, i.e. “group” orders, since there is no cost savings for doing so.  Alphamint will only recommend an investment with a transaction fee if they can make a quantitative case that one fund will outperform another. All individual stocks and bonds carry transaction fees, but are rarely included in recommended portfolios.

Alphamint will execute block trades where possible and when advantageous to clients. This blocking of trades permits the trading of aggregate blocks of securities composed of assets from multiple client accounts at an average share price, so long as transaction costs are shared equally and on a prorated basis between all accounts included in any such block.

Alphamint receives zero referrals, revenue sharing or kickbacks from either custodian, TD Ameritrade Institutional and Betterment Institutional. Both custodians also offer zero proprietary products, aside from the TD Ameritrade money market funds. Clients may opt out of money market funds in exchange for bank deposits with FDIC protection, however the interest rate on bank deposits is usually lower.

TD Ameritrade Institutional and Betterment Institutional are not affiliated with Alphamint.

ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SERVICES

REVIEWS: The underlying securities within Advance Investment Management accounts are continually reviewed and monitored. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client's stated investment objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered by material changes in variables such as the client's individual circumstances, or the market, political or economic environment.

REPORTS: In addition to the monthly statements and confirmations of transactions that Portfolio Management Services clients receive from their broker-dealer, Alphamint will provide annual reports summarizing account performance, balances and holdings through a third-party firm called BlueLeaf.

FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES

REVIEWS: While reviews may occur at different stages depending on the nature and terms of the specific engagement, typically formal reviews will be conducted annually for all discretionary clients.

REPORTS: Financial Planning clients will receive a completed financial plan. Additional reports will be generated and provided at the annual review or as needed due to changing factors.

ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION

No compensation is provided to clients for referring prospective clients.

ITEM 15 - CUSTODY

The "Fees and Compensation" are documented in Section of this Brochure that Alphamint directly debits advisory fees from client accounts. An authorization is signed by the client before fees are debited.

As part of this billing process, the client's custodian is advised of the amount of the fee to be deducted from that client's account. The custodian is required to send a monthly account statement to the client a statement showing all transactions within the account during the reporting period.

Because the custodian does not calculate the amount of the fee to be deducted, it is important for clients to carefully review their custodial statements to verify the accuracy of the calculation, among other things. Clients should contact us directly if they believe that there may be an error in their statement.

ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION

Clients may hire us to provide discretionary asset management services, in which case we place trades in a client's account without contacting the client prior to each trade to obtain the client's permission.

Our discretionary authority includes the ability to do the following without contacting the client:

Clients give discretionary authority when they sign a discretionary agreement with Alphamint. According to the Client Service Agreement, clients are required to accept full discretionary authority in order to conduct business with Alphamint. Clients may via written request, notify their Advisor of their desire to limit some discretionary authority, however the Advisor is not required to follow clients written instructions to limit their discretionary management.

ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES

As a matter of firm policy, we allow clients to delegate all Proxy voting to Alphamint, on an account basis. Clients can choose to maintain responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining to the client’s investment assets. If Clients do not delegate Proxy voting to Alphamint, as indicated on the custodian account application, clients assume responsibility for instructing each custodian of the assets, to forward to the client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating to the client’s investment assets.

Alphamint may provide clients with consulting assistance regarding proxy issues if they contact us with questions at our principal place of business.

ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

As an advisory firm that maintains discretionary authority for client accounts, we are also required to disclose any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet our contractual obligations.  Alphamint has no additional financial circumstances to report and no impairments to report.

Alphamint has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.

ITEM 19 - STATE REGISTERED ADVISER

Principal executive officer is:

Robert Typher, Jr.

        

Business Background

Education

Certifications

Other

Additional information regarding Principal is provided in form ADV Part 2B

Form ADV Part 2A