Frequently Asked Questions

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Our clients are solely located in the United States. We are registered or licensed in the State of Michigan for Accountancy  and as an Investment Adviser. However, our technology and processes allow us to serve clients throughout the U.S. 

Collaborating with J Robert Bergmann Advisors(TM) typically begins with an initial consultation by Zoom to understand the client's situation, needs, and goals. In-person meetings can also be arranged. If a mutual fit develops, we draft a Client Agreement outlining our recommended approach and scope of work for you to review. We're also available for questions you may have during this process at any time.

Yes! We are CPAs in addition to financial planners and investment advisors. As such, we include tax advice and annual tax return preparation in our base fees. See details at Item #4 in our Form ADV Part 2 regulatory brochure.

We are not attorneys and therefore do not practice law or give legal advice. 

However, included in our base fees for all clients is access to estate planning technology that can deliver estate planning documentation that is legally valid across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

We generally require you to review estate plan documents with your trusted estate planning attorney before proceeding with any legal action. If you do not have an existing attorney relationship, we can give you referral options for professionals in our network of qualified attorneys across the U.S.

By working with J Robert Bergmann Advisors(TM), you will have access to an estate plan that can easily be updated as changes occur in your family and business life. All updates can be made without limit and on demand, typically without additional external costs or new fees from our firm.

Our investment philosophy is rooted in the principles of broad diversification, strategic asset allocation, and a focus on capital preservation and long-term growth. Most often, we offer two distinct model portfolios to select from that are designed to align with the principles of our investment philosophy.​

1. GlobalQuad(TM) Portfolio

The GlobalQuad(TM) portfolio embodies our commitment to comprehensive diversification by integrating a broad spectrum of asset classes and markets. By investing in both domestic and international equities and bonds, we aim to provide a balanced exposure that mitigates risk and capitalizes on global economic opportunities. This approach ensures that our clients are well-positioned to benefit from the dynamic nature of global markets.

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2. Strategic Horizons(TM) Portfolio

The Strategic Horizons(TM) portfolio provides additional layers of risk management through its inclusion of short-term bonds and inflation-protected securities, catering to investors with a focus on mitigating these specific market risks. Here, the comprehensive diversification of our GlobalQuad(TM) portfolio is expanded upon with targeted strategies for managing inflation, enhancing liquidity, and reducing interest rate risks due to a shorter-duration bond focus.

Overall Approach

Our overarching investment philosophy is to blend empirical research with personalized strategies, ensuring that each portfolio is tailored to meet the unique goals and risk tolerances of our clients. 

In addition to the two model portfolios outlined above, we also have the flexibility to design custom strategies if in the best interests of our clients. Custom strategies may be necessary to work in harmony with:

• Other holdings you are required to use (such as those in employer retirement accounts)
• Legacy holdings you wish to retain
• Families with high tax burdens
• Other investment-related situations unique to your family 

Finally, we are committed to continuous monitoring and adjustment of our investment approaches to adapt to evolving market conditions, always prioritizing the financial well-being and objectives of those we serve.

At J Robert Bergmann Advisors(TM), we recognize the importance of collaborating with highly qualified and experienced partners who not only possess exceptional expertise but also share our investment philosophy. 

To enhance our portfolio design and ongoing evaluation processes, we have partnered with Bennyhoff & Co., a firm renowned for its commitment to excellence in investment consulting.​

We invite you to learn more about Bennyhoff & Co. by visiting their official website at bennyhoffllc.com. Additionally, for comprehensive background information, please consult FINRA's BrokerCheck at brokercheck.finra.org. These resources will provide insight into the expertise and dedication that Bennyhoff & Co. brings to our collaborative efforts.​

J Robert Bergmann Advisors(TM) never takes custody of client assets. Nor do we have access to them, except for performing investment services consistent with objectives communicated by you and to collect our periodic fee.

Your investment account(s) will be established at an independent, third-party Qualified Custodian as approved by you. The custodian holds your assets and executes transactions in your account(s).

We recommend and utilize Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. as an independent and unaffiliated SEC registered broker-dealer firm and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

Our clients often own family businesses and/or rental properties. Our team members have done the same. In addition to ownership, our team has been working more than 30 years with entrepreneurs and investors. We've served in roles that included the title, duties, and responsibilities of Landlord, Controller, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Operations, President, and Chief Compliance Officer.

We've been around the block managing family owned enterprises and rental properties, and can help your business endeavors with our experience and knowledge.

J Robert Bergmann Advisors(TM) typically includes a reasonable number of hours for business and rental property planning and advising in its fee. These hours are at no additional charge, but may be limited based on complexity and your situation on a case by case basis. Hours beyond a reasonable number per year can be mutually agreed upon for each business entity, at the rate of $250/hour. See more details throughout our Form ADV Part 2 regulatory brochure.

In building our firm, we set out to embrace one key philosophy about fees. We believe investors should control what they can, namely investment-related fees and (when permissible) tax costs. 

As such, our fees for ongoing services (including portfolio costs) were designed to be less than 1% at all times for clients meeting our minimum investable asset levels. 

See Item #5 at our Form ADV Part 2 regulatory brochure for all the details. We trust that you'll find value in our comprehensive, one-stop service offering!