Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC is a SEC-registered investment adviser with its
principal place of business located in Minnesota. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC
began conducting business in 2009.
Listed below are the firm's principal shareholders (i.e., those individuals and/or entities
controlling 25% or more of this company).
• Adam Smith Companies, LLC, Member
In addition, the following information identifies persons that indirectly own 25% or more of our
firm:
• Anton (Tony) J Christianson, Chairman
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC offers the following advisory services to our clients:
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Our firm provides continuous asset management of client funds based on the individual needs
of the client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based on the client's
particular circumstances are established, we develop the client's personal investment policy.
We create and manage a portfolio based on that policy. During our data-gathering process,
we determine the client’s individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity
needs. As appropriate, we may also review and discuss a client’s prior investment history, as
well as family composition and background.
We manage these advisory accounts on a discretionary basis. Account supervision is guided
by the client's stated objectives (i.e., maximum capital appreciation, growth, income, or growth
and income), as well as tax considerations.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of
securities, or industry sectors.
Once the client's portfolio has been established, we review the portfolio at least quarterly, and
if necessary, rebalance the portfolio based on the client's individual needs.
Our investment recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by
a broker-dealer or insurance company and will generally include advice regarding the
following securities:
• Exchange-listed securities
• Securities traded over-the-counter
• Foreign issuers
• Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper)
• Certificates of deposit
• Municipal securities
• Variable annuities
• Mutual fund shares
• Exchange traded funds
• United States governmental securities
• Interests in partnerships
Because some types of investments involve certain additional degrees of risk, they will only
be implemented/recommended when consistent with the client's stated investment objectives,
tolerance for risk, liquidity and suitability.
We may provide portfolio management services through Institutional Intelligent Portfolios™,
an automated, online investment management platform for use by independent investment
advisors and offered by Schwab Performance Technologies (the “Program” and “SPT,”
respectively). Through the Program, we offer clients a range of investment strategies we have
constructed and manage, each consisting of a portfolio of exchange traded funds
(“ETFs”) and a cash allocation. The client may instruct us to exclude up to three ETFs from
their portfolio. The client’s portfolio is held in a brokerage account opened by the client at
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“CS&Co”). We are independent of and not owned by, affiliated
with, or sponsored or supervised by SPT, CS&Co or their affiliates (together, “Schwab”).
We, and not Schwab, are the client’s investment advisor and primary point of contact with
respect to the Program. We are solely responsible, and Schwab is not responsible, for
determining the appropriateness of the Program for the client, choosing a suitable investment
strategy and portfolio for the client’s investment needs and goals, and managing that portfolio
on an ongoing basis.
We have contracted with SPT to provide us with the technology platform and related trading
and account management services for the Program. This platform enables us to make the
Program available to clients online and includes a system that automates certain key parts of
our investment process (the “System”). The System includes an online questionnaire that
helps us determine the client’s investment objectives and risk tolerance and select an
appropriate investment strategy and portfolio. Clients should note that we will recommend a
portfolio via the System in response to the client’s answers to the online questionnaire. The
client may then indicate an interest in a portfolio that is one level less or more conservative or
aggressive than the recommended portfolio, but we then make the final decision and select a
portfolio based on all the information we have about the client. The System also includes an
automated investment engine through which we manage the client’s portfolio on an ongoing
basis through automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting (if the client is eligible and
elects).
We do not receive a portion of a wrap fee for our services to clients through the Program.
Clients do not pay fees to SPT in connection with the Program, but we charge clients a fee for
our services as described below under
Item 5 Fees and Compensation. Our fees are not set
or supervised by Schwab. Clients do not pay brokerage commissions or any other fees to
CS&Co as part of the Program. Schwab does receive other revenues in connection with the
Program, including (i) the profit earned by Charles Schwab Bank, a Schwab affiliate, on the
allocation to the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Sweep Program described in the Schwab
Intelligent Portfolios Sweep Program Disclosure Statement; (ii) investment advisory and/or
administrative service fees (or unitary fees) received by Charles Schwab Investment
Management, Inc., a Schwab affiliate, from Schwab ETFs, Schwab Funds and Laudus Funds
that we select to buy and hold in the client’s brokerage account; (iii) fees received by Schwab
from third-party ETFs that participate in the Schwab EFT OneSource progam and mutual
funds in the Schwab Mutual Fund Marketplace (including certain Schwab Funds and Laudus
Funds) in the client’s brokerage account for services Schwab provides; and (iv) remuneration
Schwab may receive from the market centers where it routes ETF trade orders for execution.
We do not pay SPT fees for its services in the Program so long as we maintain $100 million in
client assets in accounts at CS&Co that are not enrolled in the Program. If we do not meet
this condition, then we pay SPT an annual fee of 0.10% (10 basis points) on the value of our
clients’ assets in the Program. This fee arrangement gives us an incentive to recommend or
require that our clients with accounts not enrolled in the Program be maintained with CS&Co.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING SERVICES
We also provide full investment advisory services for plans. While the primary clients for these
services will be pension, profit sharing and 401(k)/403(b) plans, we offer these services,
where appropriate, to individuals and trusts, estates and charitable organizations. These
services are comprised of four distinct services. Clients may choose to use any or all of these
services.
Investment Policy Statement Preparation (hereinafter referred to as ''IPS''):
We will meet with the client (in person or over the telephone) to determine an appropriate
investment strategy that reflects the plan sponsor's stated investment objectives for
management of the overall plan. Our firm then prepares a written IPS detailing those needs
and goals, including an encompassing policy under which these goals are to be achieved.
The IPS also lists the criteria for selection of investment vehicles as well as the procedures
and timing interval for monitoring of investment performance.
Selection of Investment Vehicles:
We assist plan sponsors in constructing appropriate asset allocation models. We will then
review various mutual funds (both index and managed) to determine which investments are
appropriate to implement the client's IPS. The number of investments to be recommended will
be determined by the client, based on the IPS.
Monitoring of Investment Performance:
We monitor client investments continually, based on the procedures and timing intervals
delineated in the Investment Policy Statement. Although our firm is not involved in any way in
the purchase or sale of these investments, we supervise the client's portfolio and will make
recommendations to the client as market factors and the client's needs dictate.
Employee Communications:
For pension, profit sharing and 401(k)/403(b) plan clients with individual plan participants
exercising control over assets in their own account (''self-directed plans''), we may also
provide educational support and investment workshops designed for the plan participants.
The nature of the topics to be covered will be determined by us and the client under the
guidelines established in ERISA Section 404(c). The educational support and investment
workshops will NOT provide plan participants with individualized, tailored investment advice
or individualized, tailored asset allocation recommendations.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
We provide financial planning services. 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. Through the financial planning process, all
questions, information and analysis are considered as they impact and are impacted by the
entire financial and life situation of the client. Clients purchasing this service receive a written
report which provides the client with a detailed financial plan designed to assist the client
achieve his or her financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan can address any or all of the following areas:
• PERSONAL: We review family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and
financial goals.
• TAX & CASH FLOW: We analyze the client’s income tax and spending and planning for
past, current and future years; then illustrate the impact of various investments on the
client's current income tax and future tax liability.
• INVESTMENTS: We analyze investment alternatives and their effect on the client's portfolio.
• INSURANCE: We review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health,
disability, long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
• RETIREMENT: We analyze current strategies and investment plans to help the client
achieve his or her retirement goals.
• DEATH & DISABILITY: We review the client’s cash needs at death, income needs of
surviving dependents, estate planning and disability income.
• ESTATE: We assist the client in assessing and developing long-term strategies, including
as appropriate, living trusts, wills, review estate tax, powers of attorney, asset protection
plans, nursing homes, Medicaid and elder law.
We gather required information through in-depth personal interviews. Information gathered
includes the client's current financial status, tax status, future goals, returns objectives and
attitudes towards risk. We carefully review documents supplied by the client, including a risk
tolerance questionnaire completed by the client, and prepare a written report. Should the
client choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, we suggest the client
work closely with his/her attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or stockbroker.
Implementation of financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client's discretion.
We also provide general non-securities advice on topics that may include tax and budgetary
planning, estate planning, income planning, retirement planning and business planning.
Typically the financial plan is presented to the client within one to two weeks of the contract
date, provided that all information needed to prepare the financial plan has been promptly
provided.
Financial Planning recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered
by a broker-dealer or insurance company. All recommendations are of a generic nature.
AMOUNT OF MANAGED ASSETS
As of 12/31/2019, we were actively managing $360,358,743 of clients' assets on a
discretionary basis and $33,816,166 on a non-discretionary basis for a total of $394,174,909.
please register to get more info
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SERVICE FEES
The annualized fee for these services is charged as a percentage of assets under
management, according to the following schedule:
Account Balance Annual Fee Account Balance Annual Fee
Up to $249,999 1.85% $3,000,000 to $3,999,999 0.75%
$250,000 to $499,999 1.25% $4,000,000 to $4,999,999 0.70%
$500,000 to $749,999 1.10% $5,000,000 to $5,999,999 0.65%
$750,000 to $999,999 1.00% $6,000,000 to $6,999,999 0.60%
$1,000,000 to $1,999,999 0.90% $7,000,000 to $9,999,999 0.55%
$2,000,000 to $2,999,999 0.80% $10,000,000 or above 0.50%
A minimum of $500,000 of assets under management is generally required for this service.
This account size may be negotiable under certain circumstances. Clients are billed in
advance upon inception and at the beginning of each calendar quarter. Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC may group certain related client accounts for the purposes of achieving the
minimum account size and determining the annualized fee.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC
has established the aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate
alternative fees on a client-by-client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs are
considered in determining the fee schedule. These include the complexity of the client, assets
to be placed under management, anticipated future additional assets, related accounts,
portfolio style, account composition, reports, among other factors. The specific annual fee
schedule is identified in the contract between the adviser and each client.
Discounts, not generally available to our advisory clients, may be offered to family members
and friends of associated persons of our firm.
With respect to clients where we offer portfolio management services through Institutional
Intelligent Portfolios™, an automated, online investment management platform for use by
independent investment advisors and sponsored by Schwab Wealth Investment Advisory,
Inc., a minimum of $50,000 of assets under management is generally required and clients are
billed in advance upon inception and at the beginning of each calendar quarter an annualized
fee of 1% of assets under management.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING FEES
Our fees for Employee Benefit Retirement Plan Consulting Services are based on a
percentage of assets under advisement, according to the following schedule:
Account Balance Annual Fee
$0 to $249,999 1.60%
$250,000 to $499,999 1.10%
$500,000 to $749,999 0.95%
$750,000 to $999,999 0.85%
$1,000,000 to $1,999,999 0.75%
$2,000,000 to $2,999,999 0.70%
$3,000,000 to $3,999,999 0.65%
$4,000,000 to $4,999,999 0.60%
$5,000,000 to $7,499,999 0.55%
Greater than $7,500,000 0.50%
Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC has
established the aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate
alternative fees on a client-by-client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs are
considered in determining the fee schedule. These include the complexity of the client,
number of participants, assets to be placed under management, anticipated future additional
assets, among other factors. The specific annual fee schedule is identified in the contract
between the adviser and each client.
Plan sponsors are invoiced in advance at the beginning of each calendar quarter with the
exception of one plan that is invoiced in arrears.
A minimum of $500,000 of assets under management is generally required for this service.
This minimum amount may prevent Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC from providing
services to very small ERISA plans.
FINANCIAL PLANNING FEES
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's Financial Planning fee is determined based on the
nature of the services being provided and the complexity of each client’s circumstances. All
fees are agreed upon prior to entering into a contract with any client.
Our Financial Planning fees are calculated and charged on an hourly basis, ranging from
$275 to $450 per hour. Although the length of time it will take to provide a Financial Plan will
depend on each client's personal situation, we will provide an estimate for the total hours at
the start of the advisory relationship.
Financial Planning Fee Offset: Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC reserves the
discretion to reduce or waive the hourly fee and/or the minimum fixed fee if a financial
planning client chooses to engage us for our Portfolio Management Services.
The client is billed monthly in arrears based on actual hours accrued.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE ADVISORY SERVICES LISTED ABOVE
Termination of the Advisory Relationship: A client agreement may be canceled at any
time, by either party, for any reason upon receipt of 30 days written notice. As disclosed
above, certain fees are paid in advance of services provided. Upon termination of any
account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded. In calculating a client's
reimbursement of fees, we will pro rate the reimbursement according to the number of days
remaining in the billing period.
Mutual Fund Fees: All fees paid to Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC 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. 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. A client could invest in a mutual fund directly, without our
services. In that case, the client would not receive the services provided by our firm which are
designed, among other things, to assist the client in determining which mutual fund or funds
are most appropriate to each client's financial condition and objectives. Accordingly, the client
should review both the fees charged by the funds and our fees to fully understand the total
amount of fees to be paid by the client and to thereby evaluate the advisory services being
provided.
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 effects transactions for the client's account(s). Please refer
to the "Brokerage Practices" section (Item 12) of this Form ADV for additional information.
Grandfathering of Minimum Account Requirements: Pre-existing advisory clients are
subject to Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's minimum account requirements and
advisory fees in effect at the time the client entered into the advisory relationship. Therefore,
our firm's minimum account requirements will differ among clients.
ERISA Accounts: Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC is deemed to be a fiduciary to
advisory clients that are employee benefit plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income and Securities Act ("ERISA"), and regulations
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), respectively. As such, our firm is
subject to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code that
include among other things, restrictions concerning certain forms of compensation. To avoid
engaging in prohibited transactions, Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC may only charge
fees for investment advice about products for which our firm and/or our related persons do not
receive any commissions or 12b-1 fees, or conversely, investment advice about products for
which our firm and/or our related persons receive commissions or 12b-1 fees, however, only
when such fees are used to offset Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's advisory fees.
Advisory Fees in General: Clients should note that similar advisory services may (or may
not) be available from other registered (or unregistered) investment advisers for similar or
lower fees.
Limited Prepayment of Fees: Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of
fees in excess of $1,200 more than six months in advance of services rendered.
please register to get more info
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC provides advisory services to the following types of
clients:
• Individuals (other than high net worth individuals)
• High net worth individuals
• Pension and profit sharing plans
• Estates and trusts
• Charitable organizations
• State and municipal government entities
please register to get more info
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or
managing client assets:
Asset Allocation. Rather than focusing primarily on securities selection, we attempt to
identify an appropriate ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash suitable to the client’s
investment goals and risk tolerance.
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 will change over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will
no longer be appropriate for the client’s goals.
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.
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.
Sources of information. Our security analysis is based on a number of factors including
those derived from commercially available software technology, securities rating services,
general market and financial information, due diligence reviews and specific investment
analysis that clients may request. Our main sources of information include commercially
available investment services, financial newspapers, periodicals and issuer-prepared
information. We also receive research from consultants, including economists affiliated with
Dimensional Fund Advisor ("DFA"). DFA provides us with historical market analysis,
risk/return analysis, software to assist us in forming asset allocation strategies, and continuing
education.
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 strategy(ies) in managing client accounts, provided that such
strategy(ies) 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 primarily purchase securities with the idea of holding them in the
client's account for a year or longer incorporating the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory.
This investment approach is firmly rooted in the belief that markets are "efficient" and that
investors' returns are determined principally by asset allocation decisions, not by market
timing or stock picking. We focus on developing diversified portfolios, principally through the
use of passively managed, asset class mutual funds that are available only to institutional
investors and clients of a network of selected investment advisors.
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 predictions are incorrect, a security may decline sharply in value before we make the
decision to sell.
Short-term purchases. Occasionally, 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.
Although all investments involve risk, our investment recommendations seek to limit risk
through broad diversification and investment in conservative fixed income securities. Our
investment philosophy is designed for investors who desire a buy and hold strategy, with an
investment time horizon of a minimum of five years, and preferably ten years or more.
Frequent trading of securities increases brokerage and other transaction costs that our
philosophy seeks to minimize. Investors who do not commit to Modern Portfolio Theory
philosophy may not achieve positive long-term results.
We may also recommend the use of long-term investment techniques such as dollar-cost
averaging.
please register to get more info
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.
Our firm and our management personnel have no reportable disciplinary events to disclose.
please register to get more info
Management personnel of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC are separately licensed as
registered representatives of Cherry Tree & Associates, LLC (CTA), an affiliated broker-
dealer. CTA does not transact any securities transactions on behalf of Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC. CTA is a limited purpose broker-dealer that focuses primarily on mergers
and acquisitions in addition to private placement of securities. CTA also provides valuations
and fairness opinions. These individuals, in their separate capacity, can effect securities
transactions for which they will receive separate, yet customary compensation. However,
there is not a conflict of interest as our clients are not transacting securities transactions
through this broker-dealer.
Management personnel of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC may also be managing
member(s) of limited liability companies (LLCs) and/or general partner(s) to limited
partnerships (LPs) formed for investment purposes. Our advisory clients are not solicited to
invest in such LLCs and/or LPs. These related persons of our firm receive investment
advisory compensation in relation to these investments, but there is not a conflict of interest
because our clients are not solicited for investment. Affiliated entities are specifically
disclosed on Schedule D of Form ADV, Part 1 at Item 7.B. (Part 1 of our Form ADV can be
accessed by following the directions provided on the Cover Page of this Firm Brochure.)
Personnel of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC, in their individual capacities, are agents
for various insurance companies. As insurance agents, these individuals are able to
purchase insurance and insurance-related products for any client. As such, these individuals
will be able to receive separate, yet customary commission compensation resulting from
implementing product transactions on behalf of advisory clients. Clients, however, are not
under any obligation to engage these individuals when considering implementation of
insurance recommendations. While these individuals endeavor at all times to put the interest
of the clients first as part of their fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that the receipt of
additional compensation itself creates a conflict of interest, and may affect the judgment of
these individuals when making recommendations. The implementation of any or all
recommendations is solely at the discretion of the client.
Clients should be aware that the receipt of additional compensation by Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC and its management persons or employees creates a conflict of interest
that may impair the objectivity of our firm and these individuals when making advisory
recommendations. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC endeavors at all times to put the
interest of its clients first as part of our fiduciary duty as a registered investment adviser; we
take the following steps to address this conflict:
• we disclose to clients the existence of all material conflicts of interest, including the potential
for our firm and our employees to earn compensation from advisory clients in addition to
our firm's advisory fees;
• we disclose to clients that they are not obligated to purchase recommended investment
products from our employees or affiliated companies;
• we collect, maintain and document accurate, complete and relevant client background
information, including the client’s financial goals, objectives and risk tolerance;
• our firm's management conducts regular reviews of each client account to verify that all
recommendations made to a client are suitable to the client’s needs and circumstances;
• we require that our employees seek prior approval of any outside employment activity so
that we may ensure that any conflicts of interests in such activities are properly addressed;
• we periodically monitor these outside employment activities to verify that any conflicts of
interest continue to be properly addressed by our firm; and
• we educate our employees regarding the responsibilities of a fiduciary, including the need
for having a reasonable and independent basis for the investment advice provided to
clients.
please register to get more info
Personal Trading Our firm has adopted a Code of Ethics which sets forth high ethical standards of business
conduct that we require of our employees, including compliance with applicable federal
securities laws.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC and our personnel owe a duty of loyalty, fairness and
good faith towards our clients, and have an obligation to adhere not only to the specific
provisions of the Code of Ethics but to the general principles that guide the Code.
Our Code of Ethics includes policies and procedures for the review of quarterly securities
transactions reports as well as initial and annual securities holdings reports that must be
submitted by the firm’s access persons. Among other things, our Code of Ethics also requires
the prior approval of any acquisition of securities in a limited offering (e.g., private placement)
or an initial public offering. Our code also provides for oversight, enforcement and
recordkeeping provisions.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's Code of Ethics further includes the firm's policy
prohibiting the use of material non-public information. All employees are reminded that such
information may not be used in a personal or professional capacity.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is available to our advisory clients and prospective clients. You
may request a copy by email sent to
[email protected], or by calling us at 952 893-
9012.
Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities
and interests of our employees will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest
of advisory clients and (ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing
employees to invest for their own accounts.
Our firm and/or individuals associated with our firm may buy or sell for their personal accounts
securities identical to or different from those recommended to our clients. In addition, any
related person(s) may have an interest or position in a certain security(ies) which may also be
recommended to a client.
As these situations represent actual or potential conflicts of interest to our clients, we have
established the following policies and procedures for implementing our firm’s Code of Ethics,
to ensure our firm complies with its regulatory obligations and provides our clients and
potential clients with full and fair disclosure of such conflicts of interest:
• No principal or employee of our firm may put his or her own interest above the interest of
an advisory client.
• No principal or employee of our firm may buy or sell securities for their personal
portfolio(s) where their decision is a result of information received as a result of his or her
employment unless the information is also available to the investing public.
• It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person employed by us may purchase or sell
any security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for an advisory account. This
prevents such employees from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory
accounts.
• Our firm requires prior approval for any IPO or private placement investments by related
persons of the firm.
• We have established procedures for the maintenance of all required books and records.
• All of our principals and employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and
State regulations governing registered investment advisory practices.
• We require delivery and acknowledgement of the Code of Ethics by each supervised
person of our firm.
• We have established policies requiring the reporting of Code of Ethics violations to our
senior management.
• Any individual who violates any of the above restrictions may be subject to termination.
As disclosed in the preceding section of this Brochure (Item 10), related persons of our firm
are separately registered as securities representatives of a broker-dealer or are investment
advisor representatives of another registered investment adviser. Please refer to Item 10 for
a detailed explanation of these relationships and important conflict of interest disclosures.
please register to get more info
BROKERAGE PRACTICES Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will not request the discretionary authority to
determine the broker dealer to be used or the commission rates to be paid for mutual funds
and equity securities transactions, therefore, clients must direct us as to the broker dealer to
be used. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC generally does not block client trades and,
therefore, we implement client transactions separately for each account. Consequently,
certain client trades may be executed before others, at a different price and/or commission
rate. Additionally, our clients may not receive volume discounts available to advisers who
block client trades.
We may directly arrange client transactions in fixed income securities, or may further provide
this authority to a fixed income manager retained by us on the client's behalf with client
permission. Fixed income managers are given trading authority over client's brokerage
account. Clients will be provided with the Disclosure Brochure (Form ADV Part 2) of the
portfolio manager.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC may recommend that clients establish brokerage
accounts with the Schwab Institutional division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), a
FINRA registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, to maintain custody of clients' assets and to
effect trades for their accounts. Although we recommend that clients establish accounts at
Schwab, it is the client's decision to custody assets with Schwab. Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with Schwab.
Schwab provides Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC with access to its institutional
trading and custody services, which are typically not available to Schwab retail investors.
These services generally are available to independent investment advisers on an unsolicited
basis, at no charge to them so long as a total of at least $10 million of the adviser's clients'
assets are maintained in accounts at Schwab Institutional. These services are not contingent
upon our firm committing to Schwab any specific amount of business (assets in custody or
trading commissions). Schwab's brokerage services include the execution of securities
transactions, custody, research, and access to mutual funds and other investments that are
otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly
higher minimum initial investment.
Schwab enables Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC to obtain many no-load mutual funds
without transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges.
Schwab’s commission rates are generally considered discounted from customary retail
commission rates. However, the commissions and transaction fees charged by Schwab may
be higher or lower than those charged by other custodians and broker-dealers. As a result of
receiving such services for no additional cost, we may have an incentive to continue to use or
expand the use of Schwab's services. We examined this potential conflict of interest when we
chose to enter into the relationship with Schwab and have determined that the relationship is
in the best interests of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's clients and satisfies our client
obligations, including our duty to seek best execution. A client may pay a commission that is
higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where
we determine in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor
is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative
execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s services, including the
value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness.
Accordingly, while Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will seek competitive rates, to the
benefit of all clients, we may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for
specific client account transactions. Although the investment research products and services
that may be obtained by us will generally be used to service all of our clients, a brokerage
commission
paid by a specific client may be used to pay for research that is not used in managing that
specific client’s account.
For our client accounts maintained in its custody, Schwab generally does not charge
separately for custody services but is compensated by account holders through commissions
and other transaction-related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed
through Schwab or that settle into Schwab accounts.
Schwab Institutional also makes available to our firm other products and services that benefit
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC but may not directly benefit our clients' accounts.
Many of these products and services may be used to service all or some substantial number
of our client accounts, including accounts not maintained at Schwab.
Schwab's products and services that assist us in managing and administering our clients'
accounts include software and other technology that
i. provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account statements);
ii. facilitate trade execution;
iii. provide research, pricing and other market data;
iv. facilitate payment of our fees from clients' accounts; and
v. assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting.
Schwab Institutional also offers other services intended to help us manage and further
develop our business enterprise. These services may include:
i. education conferences and events
ii. technology, compliance, legal and business consulting;
iii. publications and conferences on practice management and business succession; and
iv. access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers.
Schwab may make available, arrange and/or pay third-party vendors for the types of services
rendered to Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC. Schwab Institutional may discount or
waive fees it would otherwise charge for some of these services or pay all or a part of the fees
of a third-party providing these services to our firm. Schwab Institutional may also provide
other benefits such as educational events or occasional business entertainment of our
personnel. In evaluating whether to recommend that clients custody their assets at Schwab,
we may take into account the availability of some of the foregoing products and services and
other arrangements as part of the total mix of factors we consider and not solely on the
nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab, which may
create a potential conflict of interest.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC has an arrangement with National Financial Services
LLC, and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (together with all affiliates, "Fidelity") through which
Fidelity provides our firm with their "platform" services. The platform services include, among
others, brokerage, custodial, administrative support, record keeping and related services that
are intended to support intermediaries like Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC in
conducting business and in serving the best interests of our clients but that may also benefit
us. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC may recommend that clients establish brokerage
accounts with Fidelity, to maintain custody of clients' assets and to effect trades for their
accounts. Although we recommend that clients establish accounts at Fidelity, it is the client's
decision to custody assets with Fidelity.
Fidelity charges brokerage commissions and transaction fees for effecting certain securities
transactions (i.e., transactions fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds,
commissions are charged for individual equity and debt securities transactions). Fidelity
enables Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC to obtain many no-load mutual funds without
transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges. Fidelity’s
commission rates are generally considered discounted from customary retail commission
rates. However, the commissions and transaction fees charged by Fidelity may be higher or
lower than those charged by other custodians and broker-dealers.
As a result of receiving such services for no additional cost, we may have an incentive to
continue to use or expand the use of Fidelity's services. We examined this potential conflict of
interest when we chose to enter into the relationship with Fidelity and have determined that
the relationship is in the best interests of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's clients and
satisfies our client obligations, including our duty to seek best execution. A client may pay a
commission that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the
same transaction where we determine in good faith that the commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best
execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction
represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-
dealer’s services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission
rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, while Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will
seek competitive rates, to the benefit of all clients, we may not necessarily obtain the lowest
possible commission rates for specific client account transactions. Although the investment
research products and services that may be obtained by us will generally be used to service
all of our clients, a brokerage commission paid by a specific client may be used to pay for
research that is not used in managing that specific client’s account. Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC and Fidelity are not affiliated and no broker-dealer affiliated with us is
involved in the relationship between Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC and Fidelity.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC also has an arrangement with TD Ameritrade, Inc.
("TDA") through which TDA provides our firm with their "platform" services. The platform
services include, among others, brokerage, custodial, administrative support, record keeping
and related services that are intended to support intermediaries like Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC in conducting business and in serving the best interests of our clients but
that may also benefit us. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC may recommend that clients
establish brokerage accounts with TDA, to maintain custody of clients' assets and to effect
trades for their accounts. Although we recommend that clients establish accounts at TDA, it is
the client's decision to custody assets with TDA.
TDA charges brokerage commissions and transaction fees for effecting certain securities
transactions (i.e., transactions fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds,
commissions are charged for individual equity and debt securities transactions). TDA enables
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC to obtain many no-load mutual funds without
transaction charges and other no-load funds at nominal transaction charges. TDA’s
commission rates are generally considered discounted from customary retail commission
rates. However, the commissions and transaction fees charged by TDA may be higher or
lower than those charged by other custodians and broker-dealers.
As a result of receiving such services for no additional cost, we may have an incentive to
continue to use or expand the use of TDA's services. We examined this potential conflict of
interest when we chose to enter into the relationship with TDA and have determined that the
relationship is in the best interests of Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's clients and
satisfies our client obligations, including our duty to seek best execution. A client may pay a
commission that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the
same transaction where we determine in good faith that the commission is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best
execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction
represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-
dealer’s services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission
rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, while Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will
seek competitive rates, to the benefit of all clients, we may not necessarily obtain the lowest
possible commission rates for specific client account transactions. Although the investment
research products and services that may be obtained by us will generally be used to service
all of our clients, a brokerage commission paid by a specific client may be used to pay for
research that is not used in managing that specific client’s account. Cherry Tree Wealth
Management, LLC and TDA are not affiliated and no broker-dealer affiliated with us is
involved in the relationship between Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC and TDA.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's financial planning and consulting practice, due to the
nature of its business and client needs, does not include blocking trades, negotiating
commissions with broker dealers or obtaining volume discounts, nor necessarily obtaining the
best price. Clients will be required to select their own broker dealers and insurance
companies for the implementation of financial planning recommendations. We may
recommend any one of several brokers. Our clients must independently evaluate these
brokers before opening an account. The factors considered by us when making this
recommendation are the broker's ability to provide professional services, our experience with
the broker, the broker's reputation, and the broker's financial strength, among other factors.
Our financial planning clients may use any broker or dealer of their choice.
please register to get more info
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SERVICES
REVIEWS: While the underlying securities within client's accounts are continually monitored,
these accounts are reviewed at least quarterly. 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.
These accounts are reviewed by either John O'Connor, Justin Frys, Chelsea Tufte or Conner
Kolodge. These reviews are supervised by Keith Tufte. For fixed income portfolios, certain
account review responsibilities are delegated to a third party investment manager as
described in Item 4.
REPORTS: In addition to the monthly statements and confirmations of transactions that
clients receive from their broker-dealer, Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will provide
quarterly reports summarizing account performance, balances and holdings.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN CONSULTING SERVICES
REVIEWS: Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will review the client's Investment Policy
Statement (IPS) whenever the client advises us of a change in circumstances regarding the
needs of the plan. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will also review the investment
options of the plan according to the agreed upon time intervals established in the IPS. Such
reviews will generally occur quarterly.
These accounts are reviewed by either John O'Connor, Justin Frys, Chelsea Tufte or Conner
Kolodge. These reviews are supervised by Keith Tufte.
REPORTS: Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC will provide reports to Employee Benefit
Retirement Plan Consulting Services clients based on the terms set forth in the client's
Investment Policy Statement (IPS).
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
REVIEWS: While reviews may occur at different stages depending on the nature and terms
of the specific engagement, typically no formal reviews will be conducted for Financial
Planning clients unless otherwise contracted for.
REPORTS: Financial Planning clients will receive a completed financial plan. Additional
reports will not typically be provided unless otherwise contracted for.
please register to get more info
CLIENT REFERRALS
Our firm may pay referral fees to independent persons or firms ("Solicitors") for introducing
clients to us. Whenever we pay a referral fee, we require the Solicitor to provide the
prospective client with a copy of this document (our
Firm Brochure) and a separate disclosure
statement that includes the following information:
• the Solicitor's name and relationship with our firm;
• the fact that the Solicitor is being paid a referral fee;
• the amount of the fee; and
• whether the fee paid to us by the client will be increased above our normal fees in order to
compensate the Solicitor.
As a matter of firm practice, the advisory fees paid to us by clients referred by solicitors are
not increased as a result of any referral.
It is Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC's policy not to allow our related persons to accept
any form of compensation, including cash, sales awards or other prizes, from a non-client in
conjunction with the advisory services we provide to our clients.
please register to get more info
CUSTODY We previously disclosed in the "Fees and Compensation" section (Item 5) of this Brochure
that our firm directly debits advisory fees from client accounts.
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. On at least a quarterly basis, the custodian is required to
send 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.
In addition to the periodic statements that clients receive directly from their custodians, we
also send account statements directly to our clients on a quarterly basis. We urge our clients
to carefully compare the information provided on these statements to ensure that all account
transactions, holdings and values are correct and current.
Our firm does not have actual or constructive custody of client accounts.
please register to get more info
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:
• determine the security to buy or sell; and/or
• determine the amount of the security to buy or sell
Clients give us discretionary authority when they sign a discretionary agreement with our firm,
and may limit this authority by giving us written instructions. Clients may also change/amend
such limitations by once again providing us with written instructions.
For fixed income securities, this authority will include the discretion to retain a third party
money manager for fixed income accounts.
please register to get more info
We may vote proxies for client accounts; however, you always have the right to vote proxies
yourself. You can exercise this right by instructing us in writing to not vote proxies in your
account.
We will vote proxies in the best interests of our clients and in accordance with our established
policies and procedures. Our firm will retain all proxy voting books and records for the
requisite period of time, including a copy of each proxy statement received, a record of each
vote cast, a copy of any document created by us that was material to making a decision how
to vote proxies, and a copy of each written client request for information on how the adviser
voted proxies. If our firm has a conflict of interest in voting a particular action, we will notify the
client of the conflict and retain an independent third-party to cast a vote.
Clients may obtain a copy of our complete proxy voting policies and procedures by contacting
Jane Bortnem by telephone, email, or in writing. Clients may request, in writing, information
on how proxies for his/her shares were voted. If any client requests a copy of our complete
proxy policies and procedures or how we voted proxies for his/her account(s), we will
promptly provide such information to the client.
We will neither advise nor act on behalf of the client in legal proceedings involving companies
whose securities are held in the client’s account(s), including, but not limited to, the filing of
"Proofs of Claim" in class action settlements. If desired, clients may direct us to transmit
copies of class action notices to the client or a third party. Upon such direction, we will make
commercially reasonable efforts to forward such notices in a timely manner.
With respect to ERISA accounts, we do not vote proxies. We may provide clients with
consulting assistance regarding proxy issues if they contact us with questions at our principal
place of business.
With respect to the Online Investment Management Program offered through Schwab,
Schwab will vote proxies for the ETFs held in our client’s accounts. We have directed Schwab
to process proxy votes and corporate actions through and in accordance with the policies and
recommendations of a third party proxy voting service provider retained by Schwab for this
purpose. Additional information about this arrangement is available in Schwab’s Program
Disclosure Brochure. Clients who do not wish to designate Schwab to vote proxies may
designate us to vote proxies or may retain the ability to vote proxies themselves by signing a
special form available from us.
please register to get more info
Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of fees in excess of $1,200 per
client more than six months in advance of services rendered. Therefore, we are not required
to include a financial statement.
As an advisory firm that maintains discretionary authority for client accounts,
we are also
required to disclose any financial condition that is reasonable likely to impair our ability to
meet our contractual obligations. Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC has no additional
financial circumstances to report.
Cherry Tree Wealth Management, LLC has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at
any time during the past ten years.
please register to get more info
Open Brochure from SEC website