The AFA Difference

Buckingham Strategic Partners - AFA is an independent member of the Buckingham Strategic Partners (BSP) Community, a group of more than 350 independent wealth management firms throughout the United States. Every member of the BSP Community shares our fiduciary pledge to act in their clients’ best interests and help investors and their families take control of their financial futures. As of December 31, 2022 BSP had $7.69 billion of discretionary regulatory assets under management and $13.10 billion of non-discretionary regulatory assets under management. In addition, BSP provides administrative, back-office and retirement plan services to $14.92 billion of assets managed or advised by the independent firms that hire BSP for its services. In the aggregate, the total number of assets under management or administration was $35.71 billion. We believe by putting our clients' interests first, we achieve more together.

The BSP ALLIANCE gives us extensive back office support and access to advisors, investment analysts, operations experts, practice management coaches, and national thought leaders. With this support, I can focus on what I do best: working directly with you and helping you achieve your financial goals.

Independent - We are only beholden to you and your plan. We do not represent a brokerage, an insurance company or a bank. While we are affiliated with a CPA firm, you may choose any CPA to work with you. We know many good attorneys, but we aren't affiliated with any of them. If a conflict of interest arises, we will disclose it to you.

Fee-Only - We are fee only advisors and as such do not receive commissions.

Fiduciary - As Registered Investment Advisors, we have undivided loyalty to you. Employees of stock brokerage companies and insurance companies have a lower level suitability standard, meaning they have to offer suitable products to you. Since many products may be suitable, they are free to recommend products that have the highest commissions. As fiduciaries, we have a higher standard to put your interests first.

 Transparency - All transactions are transparent and are disclosed or disclosable. This means that our fees are disclosed and billed to you quarterly. Fund fees and loads are published and available on the web. Your investments will be housed at a well-known custodian, Schwab Institutional, and you will have round the clock access to your investments through the Schwab Portal. Additionally, we will establish a client vault for you to keep all of your important documents.

 Not Employees - We are not employees or agents of any financial institution and we are not required to promote anyone's proprietary products.

Dimensional Funds, AQR Funds, Bridgeway Funds, Stone Ridge Securities - These are just some of the Funds families that we utilize to build your portfolios

Partners

Buckingham Strategic Partners proudly serves and supports independent wealth management firms and financial advisors in their work of helping clients and their families meet their most important life and financial goals. It’s our highest calling. That’s why Buckingham Strategic Partners delivers academically rooted and evidence-based
investment solutions, because we believe this approach gives you the best odds of achieving financial peace of mind. We provide holistic financial planning tools, because we believe true wealth management should be comprehensive. We’ve developed a long bench of thought leaders and specialists, because we believe in breadth plus depth. By partnering with Buckingham Strategic Partners, members of this nationwide community
bring its collective wisdom and resources to bear on designing, building and protecting
each client’s financial plan.

Custodians

Where your money sits is important. You want to know that your account is secure and backed by a large platform. That is why we custody your funds at Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade.