Opus Financial Solutions LLC

Transcription

1 Item 1 Cover Page Opus Financial Solutions LLC 1121 Warren Avenue, Suite 230, Downers Grove, Illinois Tel: (331) ; Fax: (708) Last updated March 8, 2016 FORM ADV PART 2A DISCLOSURE BROCHURE This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Opus Financial Solutions LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at (331) The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Opus Financial Solutions LLC, is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Additional information about Opus Financial Solutions LLC is also available on the SEC's website at The searchable IARD/CRD number for Opus Financial Solutions LLC is

2 Item 2 Material Changes Form ADV Part 2 requires registered investment advisers to amend their brochure when information becomes materially inaccurate. If there are any material changes to an adviser's disclosure brochure, the adviser is required to notify you and provide you with a description of the material changes. Since this is the initial disclosure brochure, there have been no material changes noted to this disclosure brochure. Page 2 of 24

3 Item 3 Table of Contents Item 1 Cover Page Item 2 Material Changes Item 3 Table of Contents 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, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading 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 Requirements for State-Registered Advisers Part 2B - Brochure Supplements Page 3 of 24

4 Item 4 Advisory Business Opus Financial Solutions LLC ( Opus ) is a Limited Liability Company and Illinois registered investment advisor, with its principle place of business in Downers Grove, Illinois and a branch location in Boulder, Colorado. OPUS was originally formed as an LLC in October, 2015 in Colorado, and is managed and owned jointly by Lisa Bayer, CFA, CFP and Benjamin Jones, CFA, CPA. Opus offers financial planning, tax, and investment management counsel and services to individuals, families and businesses in the following areas. All advisory clients who meet the minimum annual retainer will be provided at no additional charge with an initial comprehensive financial plan that encompass all of these areas (as applicable), which will be updated as client financial needs or circumstances change, and on an as-needed basis. Investment-managementonly clients and/or clients who do not meet the minimum annual retainer charge will be provided with a comprehensive financial plan upon request, though hourly rates of $250/hour will apply. For further clarification, a minimum quarterly retainer of $1,250 is required for full financial planning services, including all of the comprehensive financial planning and tax planning services indicated in Item 4 Advisory Business. Percentage AUM fees as noted in our investment management fee schedule in Item 5 Fees and Compensation will apply toward this minimum quarterly retainer. Those who do not meet this minimum retainer through the investment fee schedule will be levied a $250/hour fee should they choose to have us provide a comprehensive financial plan. In this event, no advance charges will be required and we will provide an estimate of the financial plan preparation fee to the client in advance of the engagement. In some cases depending on the complexity of the situation-- reduced fees for tax preparation services rather than complimentary tax preparation services may apply. Otherwise, hourly consultation rates of $250/hour apply. (See Item 5 Fees and Compensation for further details). Comprehensive Financial Planning (see description below for more detail) Investment Management, including recommending and implementing a suitable investment plan and associated investment vehicles based on one s goals, risk profile and financial situation Tax Reduction Planning, such as assessing tax filings and implementing ongoing strategies to limit tax liabilities Retirement Planning, including recommending strategies to optimize retirement resources, recommending savings plans and recommended savings vehicles, assessing social security strategies, pension analyses and retirement withdrawal sequence strategies, and implementing optimal withdrawal strategies College Planning, including assessing college savings needs and vehicles Page 4 of 24

5 Premarital Planning, including facilitating conversations about money, budgeting, debt management, bill paying, savings, titling, and the implications of the choices clients make financially Insurance Assessments and Risk Management, including reviewing current coverage and conducting insurance needs analyses and recommended risk protection measures Pre-Divorce Planning, including helping clients methodically plan out their financial options and financial settlement scenarios so they can make more informed financial choices oftentimes in partnership with local family law attorneys Estate and End-of-Life Planning, including including reviewing existing estate documents, titling, beneficiary designations, potential estate taxes, and charitable giving and gifting strategies. Business Planning, including guiding business owners in areas such as business formation, compensation matters, tax minimization, cash flow planning, stock options, restricted stock, and establishing small retirement plans, where applicable. Comprehensive Financial Planning Our clients face ongoing financial decisions that require them to make choices about how they allocate their resources. Our Financial Planning Services are intended to help organize these choices by creating personalized analyses and recommendations that address our clients goals, concerns and needs. In order to develop a plan and recommendations, we undertake a process of discovery to understand our clients financial position, goals, challenges, concerns and requirements. We then work to build a customized plan that addresses those factors. This includes budget planning and cash flow analyses, risk assessments, portfolio analyses, retirement planning, insurance needs analyses, education planning, tax strategy and estate planning. This also includes preparing a specific asset allocation strategy and an investment plan that includes the recommended securities in the overall portfolio. After developing and reviewing the plans and recommendations with our clients, we help them open new accounts, manage the transfers of assets, and implement the overall investment and financial plan. We recommend specific portfolios comprised of a list of firm-approved mutual funds and exchange traded funds that are tailored to the individual needs of each client (i.e. fixed income, growth, capital appreciation, capital preservation); and then, once we have approval from the client (including restrictions, if any), we implement, monitor and manage their investment portfolio and overall plan progress--including changes to their situations. We make periodic portfolio adjustments as warranted, including adjustments focused on rebalancing the portfolio to the target allocation, tax loss harvesting strategies, addressing changes in a client s financial circumstances, or securities changes based on evolving market or economic circumstances and our ongoing due diligence. We do not participate in any type of wrap fee programs. We set up periodic review meetings in which we discuss proposed rebalancing adjustments or modifications to our clients portfolio, tax strategy, and other plan components and we provide Page 5 of 24

6 ongoing online access to our clients investment positions, transaction activity, fees and performance. In addition to receiving quarterly invoices, semi-annual portfolio performance reports, and unlimited online access to an Opus client portal, clients will also receive monthly account statements from the qualified custodian, which will show all positions, transactions and fee-related disbursements from their accounts. Clients may terminate their agreement with us at any time with written notice to any principal of our firm. Our portfolio management services are offered on a discretionary or nondiscretionary basis, depending on our clients preferences. As described in more detail in Item 5 Fees and Compensation, our portfolio management services are either bundled into our comprehensive advisory services package or offered as a standalone service at a discounted annual rate. As a new Registered Investment Advisor, our discretionary and non-discretionary assets under management as of January 1, 2016 are zero. Tax Reduction Planning A key component of wealth preservation and creation is minimizing taxes. At Opus, while we work closely with some of our clients CPAs and are always open to coordinating with more, we have found that there is often a need for a more streamlined, integrated solution between clients financial planners and their accountants. As such, we offer a consolidated solution, providing financial planning that also integrates tax planning from the onset and throughout the year. As an Authorized IRS e-file Provider, we can proactively strategize about our clients situations and ensure, if a client chooses, the proper preparation and filing of their federal and state tax returns. Retirement Planning Proactive retirement planning should begin early in life and serve as a fundamental component of one s financial security throughout one s life. Our focus with our clients is to help them understand if and when they can comfortably retire in the lifestyle they choose; how and how much to save; how to structure their portfolios at different periods of their lives; how to avoid outliving their resources; how to minimize taxes throughout their lives; how to optimize social security and pension accounts; ideal, tax efficient withdrawal strategies, and assuring they are protected in the event of unanticipated health crises. We look at a variety of potential scenarios that reflect optimistic and pessimistic or conservative inputs, and we provide our clients with detailed cash flow scenarios based on these varying assumptions so that they are more informed about impact of the choices they choose. Item 5 - Fees and Compensation OPUS Financial Solutions LLC is a fee-only financial consulting, tax planning, and investment management firm. We are not affiliated with any broker-dealer, and we do not accept any commissions, referral fees or kickbacks of any kind. We also do not compensate any non- Page 6 of 24

7 employee for client referrals, nor do we receive compensation for referrals of our clients to other professionals such as attorneys, accountants, insurance agents and estate planners. Our fee schedule is segmented in three ways: 1) an hourly consulting fee of $250/hour; 2) a minimum annual retainer; or 3) a fee based on the percentage of assets managed and services desired. Fees based on a percentage of assets managed are deducted quarterly from client accounts directly by our custodian, and we will provide you with an invoice outlining the calculation of such fees at or before the time fees are deducted. Those fees will also be noted on the clients monthly statements from the custodian. All clients are required to provide Opus and our custodian with advance written authorization to automatically deduct such fees. In the event a client chooses not to provide such authorization, alternate means of paying fees (such as by check in arrears after invoicing) can be negotiated. We may impose a minimum of $500,000 to open and maintain a managed account, and we may waive this account minimum at our sole discretion. We may also combine the account values of family members to meet the minimum account size. A chart of this segmented, standard fee schedule is included below. Fees for certain friends and family accounts are negotiable at the advisor s sole discretion. Comprehensive Financial Planning, Tax Planning and Investment Management All Services - Unlimited Investment Management Only Assets under Management Annual Percentage Fee Annual Percentage Fee First $1,000,000* 1%* 0.80% Next $1,000,000 ($1M - $2M) 0.75% 0.60% Next $3,000,000 ($2M - $5M) 0.50% 0.40% Over $5,000, % 0.25% *Minimum Quarterly Retainer of $1,250 required for full financial planning services, including all of the comprehensive financial planning and tax planning services indicated in Item 4 Advisory Business. In some cases depending on the complexity of the situation-- reduced fees for tax preparation services rather than complimentary tax preparation services may apply. Otherwise, hourly consultation rates of $250/hour apply. There is no minimum level of assets required for investment-management-only accounts. The maximum annual percentage fee for any and all accounts is 1%. If a client does not meet the minimum retainer and elects to have additional planning services, the standard hourly rate noted above will apply. Comprehensive Financial Planning Services Clients meeting the minimum quarterly retainer of $1,250 are eligible for unlimited financial planning, tax planning and investment management services, as described in our Advisory Services description above. We impose no limitation as to the number of phone or in-person meetings, and see ourselves as our clients advisor on call with unlimited access to advice via Page 7 of 24

8 phone or . Advisory fees based on a retainer or assets under management are payable quarterly in arrears. As an added service at half of our regular AUM fee schedule noted above--external employer accounts can be linked to our portfolio management system so that our ongoing recommendations for rebalancing or changes incorporates a client s entire portfolio not just a portion of it. In addition to receiving quarterly invoices and unlimited online access to a client portal and their client accounts at the custodian, clients will also receive monthly account statements from the qualified custodian, which will show all positions, transactions and fee-related disbursements from their accounts. Clients may terminate their agreement with us at any time with written notice to any principal of our firm. If an account is established mid-quarter, the fee is pro-rated for that partial quarter. In the event of a termination mid-quarter, Adviser is due earned fees for that period. No fee due to Adviser may be based in any manner on the level of investment performance in the account, including capital gains or capital appreciation of assets held by the client. Hourly financial planning fees are due upon completion of the services rendered, and an advance retainer for hourly planning contracts will be requested if the estimated planning time exceeds 10 hours. Because each client s situation is unique, it is impossible to estimate the number of hours it will require to provide each service listed under Item 4 Advisory Business. However, before any engagement, we will provide an estimate of the time required for each service upon meeting with the client for an initial consultation. In any event, we will not require prepayment of any fee more than six months in advance and in excess of $500. For purposes of disclosure, we do not envision any instance in which the hourly fees associated with the completion of a comprehensive financial plan would exceed $5,000, and the typical range is $1,500 - $3,000, depending on the level of complexity of the assignment. As previously noted, after our initial consultation with our clients, we will provide a specific estimate of the hours required to complete a requested assignment based on the services requested, in advance of the engagement and in advance of any requested retainer, which will never exceed the lesser of $500, or 6-months of advance prepayment. We also offer a discounted, investment management only service and fee schedule for those clients who do not desire any services beyond investment management on their behalf. In this case, after assessing our clients financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance and other relevant suitability information, we assign a client s portfolio to a target allocation that aligns with those requirements and we customize the client s portfolio within that allocation. We then regularly monitor and rebalance the account(s) based on evolving market conditions and the need for tax loss harvesting, where applicable. For this service, we prefer our clients grant our firm discretionary authority, which allows us to determine the specific securities, and the amount of securities, to be purchased or sold without their ongoing pre-approval prior to each transaction. Discretionary authority is typically granted by the investment advisory agreement, a limited power of attorney, or trading authorization form. Clients may limit our discretionary authority (for example, limiting the types of securities that can be purchased for their account) by providing our firm with restrictions and guidelines in writing. Page 8 of 24

9 At the onset of a client engagement, unless the client has received our disclosure brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing the investment advisory contract, the investment advisory contract may be terminated by the client within five (5) business days of signing the contract without incurring any penalty or advisory fees. Additional Fees and Expenses As part of our investment advisory services to you, we may invest, or recommend that our clients invest, in mutual funds and exchange traded funds. The fees that clients pay to our firm for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds or exchange traded funds (described in each fund's prospectus) to their shareholders. Clients may also incur transaction charges and/or brokerage fees imposed by the custodian when purchasing or selling securities. We do not share in any portion of the brokerage fees/transaction charges imposed by the custodian. Because high fees and taxes can detract from goal achievement, we emphasize no-load, lower cost mutual funds (including lowest cost-institutional share classes when available) and/or more tax efficient ETFs. Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management We do not accept performance-based fees or participate in side-by-side management. Performance-based fees are fees that are based on a share of capital gains or capital appreciation of a client's account. Item 7 Types of Clients We offer investment advisory services as described above to individuals, families, business owners, executives, trusts, corporations and other business entities. Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss Investment Management We know our clients desire a specific return and risk preference over time so that they can achieve their lifelong goals. Therefore, in constructing our clients investment plan, we work to assure it aligns with their unique financial life plans, including college or retirement savings goals, liquidity needs, tax goals, risk tolerance, and investment time horizons. Upon reviewing all of their assets, including 401K or employer plans, we provide a specific savings, allocation and investment plan that we then help to implement. As an added service at half of our regular AUM fee rate--external employer accounts can be linked to our portfolio management system (viewing access only) so Page 9 of 24

10 that our ongoing recommendations for rebalancing or changes incorporates a client s entire portfolio not just a portion of it. In this case, clients would still be in charge of executing such recommended actions. While we regularly screen and review our clients holdings and our preferred holdings, we may recommend different securities for different clients, as each type of security has its own unique set of risks associated with it, and even among similar asset classes, risks can vary widely. However, overall, we typically expect that the higher the expected return of an investment, the higher the level of volatility and/or risk of loss associated with it. Importantly, we do not believe it is always in a client s best interest to shift their portfolio holdings to those that mirror our recommended investment lists or any model portfolio. In some cases, those actions could trigger big tax bills. In cases such as these, we know we may be required to analyze and regularly follow a more extensive list of securities in practice, but we also know that s what our clients pay us for and that is sometimes required of a fiduciary. Because high fees can detract from goal achievement, we emphasize no-load, low cost mutual funds and/or ETFs (providing the lowest cost institutional share classes available) and, taxconscious asset location and rebalancing. On an ongoing basis we employ both strategic and tactical investment strategies, regular rebalancing of the portfolio, and an emphasis on both upside capture and downside protection. We regularly track and communicate investment performance against relative benchmarks so our clients are apprised of their progress toward achieving their goals. Additionally, through Morningstar, Inc. and our clients custodian, we offer secure, web-based access to our clients portfolio positions, transactions, and performance, where they can also store and access their financial information and documents. Risk of Loss Investing in securities involves risk of loss, and we cannot guarantee that our services or methods of analysis can or will meet expectations or prevent client accounts from losses due to market corrections or sector or regional declines. Past performance is in no way an indication of future performance. Item 9 Disciplinary Information OPUS Financial Solutions, nor any of our associated persons, has ever had any reportable disciplinary history as a result of criminal or civil actions, administrative enforcement actions, or self-regulatory organization enforcement proceedings. Page 10 of 24

11 Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations Neither OPUS Financial Solutions, or any of our associated persons, has any broker-dealer or representative registration, insurance, futures or commodities registration or any commission or referral based compensation of any kind. One affiliated person of OPUS Financial Solutions, Benjamin Jones, does engage in financial education focused on teaching accounting for charitable purposes, and he does receive occasional speaking fees for presentations about preparing for different financial education and credentialing programs. While Ben Jones is a CPA and authorized e-filer, he only prepares and submits tax returns for clients of Opus Financial Solutions LLC. Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading We have adopted a Code of Ethics (the "Code") which sets forth the standards of business, fiduciary and ethical conduct required of all employees. We strive to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our practices relating to conflicts of interest, confidentiality, the receipt of gifts and entertainment, personal trading and reporting, and insider trading. Our Code of Ethics includes guidelines for professional standards of conduct to protect our clients interests at all times and to demonstrate our commitment to our fiduciary duties of honesty, good faith, and fair dealing. The professional staff at OPUS are also subject to the ethical requirements of the CFA Institute, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the CFP Board, and all applicable federal and state securities laws and regulations. With regard to block trading and personal trading by Opus IARs, transactions for each client generally will be effected independently, unless we decide to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. We may, but are not obligated to, combine multiple orders for shares of the same securities purchased for advisory accounts we manage (this practice is commonly referred to as "block trading"). We will then distribute a portion of the shares to participating accounts in a fair and equitable manner. The distribution of the shares purchased is typically proportionate to the size of the account, but it is not based on account performance or the amount or structure of management fees. When we combine orders, each participating account pays an average price per share for all transactions and pays a proportionate share of all transaction costs on any given day. Accounts owned by our firm or persons associated with our firm may participate in block trading with your accounts; however, they will not be given preferential treatment. Clients or prospective clients may obtain a copy of our Code of Ethics by contacting us at the telephone number on the cover page of this brochure. Page 11 of 24

12 Item 12 Brokerage Practices We have selected TD Ameritrade Institutional, a division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC ( TDA ) as our primary custodian due to their low costs, open platform access to mutual funds, high quality service and established position in the market place. We also considered the quality of the brokerage services provided by TDA, including the value of the research provided, its reputation, execution capabilities at competitive prices, and transaction costs. Because OPUS participates in TD Ameritrade's institutional customer program, OPUS and its clients receive economic benefits through its participation in the program that are typically not available to TD Ameritrade retail investors. These benefits include the following products and services (provided without cost or at a discount): receipt of duplicate client statements and confirmations; research related products and tools; consulting services; access to a trading desk serving adviser participants; access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts); the ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts; access to an electronic communications network for client order entry and account information; access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers; and discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or services provided to OPUS by third party vendors. Additionally, OPUS receives financial and economic publications, information about particular companies and industries, research software, and other products or services that provide assistance in our performance of due-diligence and investment decision-making responsibilities. Such research products and services are provided to all investment advisers who utilize such firms. Some regulators view these as soft dollars, and this could represent a conflict of interest because Opus has an incentive to keep TD Ameritrade as its custodian. However, it is Opus s view that such benefits enable us to provide better investment counsel in a more efficient manner, which ultimately benefits our clients. As fiduciaries, we will always act in the best interest of our clients, and as such, we will periodically review alternate custodians to assess the benefits of using TD Ameritrade versus others. TD Ameritrade also provides business consulting and professional services to assist us in managing and administering client accounts or help OPUS manage and further develop its business enterprise. As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, however, OPUS endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first. If we make investments in client accounts in exactly the same security on the same day, we strive to execute them in a block order so that all clients participating in that trade receive the same average price. If we execute a trade in error, we will correct the error as soon as possible and assume liability for any cost associated with the error. TDA is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Page 12 of 24

13 Item 13 Review of Accounts Our Advisors regularly and continuously reviews client accounts along with the securities in those accounts utilizing the ongoing platforms, software and portfolio management systems available to them. We also conduct formal account reviews at least quarterly to ensure that the portfolio mix is consistent with our clients stated objectives and that security holdings are still appropriate for the portfolios. We also conduct reviews of portfolios to assure they align with agreed upon allocation targets, are consistent with tax planning goals, security or sector-specific risks, or changes in a client s financial situation. Clients receive semi-annual performance reports from us in addition to monthly financial reports from our custodian, which provide a portfolio appraisal detailing the securities owned, unit quantity, unit cost, total cost, price, and month end total market value. Additionally, they have 24/7 access to our Morningstar Portal which provides ongoing information about our clients portfolio positions, activity, asset and regional allocations, and documents we post regarding their portfolios, performance against benchmarks and invoices. All clients are regularly advised to keep us apprised of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation. They are also advised to let us know immediately if there is a difference between what is reported by our custodian on the monthly statements and what is reported in our quarterly reports. Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation We do not receive any compensation from any third party in connection with providing investment advice to you nor do we compensate any individual or firm for client referrals. Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section above for disclosures on research and other benefits we may receive resulting from our custodial relationships. Item 15 - Custody All advisory client accounts are held by TD Ameritrade, an independent custodian that will directly debit client account(s) for payment of our advisory fees. All client funds are held only with our custodian TD Ameritrade from which clients receive account statements from them monthly. With the exception of pre-authorized direct deductions of managed account fees, OPUS advisors do not directly take physical custody of any client funds or take or accept custody of any kind. Please see Item 5 herein for further details. Item 16 Investment Discretion We manage accounts on either a discretionary or nondiscretionary basis, based on the clients preference. For discretionary accounts, this means we have the authority, as set Page 13 of 24

14 forth in our Advisory Agreement, to make buy and sell decisions for the client's investment account without first getting client approval for each transaction. We take this discretion only after meeting with our clients to agree on a specific, customized financial and investment plan and this discretion must be authorized by clients in the Advisory Agreement. Should clients prefer to enter into non-discretionary arrangements with our firm, we will always obtain their approval prior to the execution of any transaction for their account. Item 17 Voting Client Securities We will not vote proxies on behalf of our clients advisory accounts. At their request, we may offer advice regarding corporate actions and the exercise of their proxy voting rights. If they own shares of applicable securities, however, they are responsible for exercising their right to vote as a shareholder. Item 18 Financial Information We are not required to provide financial information to our clients because we do not: require the prepayment of more than $500 in fees and six or more months in advance, or take custody of client funds or securities, or have a financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet our commitments to our clients. Item 19 Requirements for State-Registered Advisers The principal executive officers of Opus Financial Solutions LLC are Ms. Lisa Bayer, CFA, CFP, CDFA and Mr. Benjamin Jones, CFA, CPA. The are both co-principals and managing members of Opus Financial Solutions and the only advisors providing investment and financial counsel to clients of Opus Financial Solutions. Further information about each of these principal executive officers, along with their formal education and business background (including Mr. Benjamin Jones outside business activities) can be found in Part 2B of Form ADV which is attached to the end of this brochure. No adviser or supervised person is compensated for advisory services with performancebased fees, which could create an incentive for the adviser to recommend investments that could carry a higher degree of risk to the client. No adviser or supervised person has been involved with any of the events listed below: Page 14 of 24

15 An award or otherwise being found liable in an arbitration claim alleging damages in excess of $2,500, involving any of the following: 1. an investment or an investment-related business or activity; 2. fraud, false statement(s), or omissions; 3. theft, embezzlement, or other wrongful taking of property; 4. bribery, forgery, counterfeiting, or extortion; or 5. dishonest, unfair, or unethical practices. An award or otherwise being found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding involving any of the following: 1. an investment or an investment-related business or activity; 2. fraud, false statement(s), or omissions; 3. theft, embezzlement, or other wrongful taking of property; 4. bribery, forgery, counterfeiting, or extortion; or 5. dishonest, unfair, or unethical practices. No advisor or supervised person has any relationship or arrangement with any issuer of securities. Page 15 of 24

16 Brochure Supplements Lisa Bayer, CFA, CFP, CDFA Opus Financial Solutions LLC 1121 Warren Avenue, Suite 230 Downers Grove, IL Tel: (708) Fax: (708) Last Updated February 29, 2016 FORM ADV PART 2B BROCHURE SUPPLEMENT This brochure supplement provides information about Lisa Bayer that supplements the Opus Financial Solutions LLC's brochure. Contact us at (708) if you would like to receive Opus Financial Solutions LLC's brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement. Additional information about Lisa Bayer (CRD # , is available on the SEC's website at Page 16 of 24

17 Item 2 Educational Background and Business Experience Lisa Bayer, CFA, CFP, CDFA Year of Birth: 1963 Formal Education after High School:. CFA Institute, Chartered Financial Analyst, 08/ DePaul Graduate School of Business, M.B.A., International Business, 08/ University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, B.S., Finance, 06/ Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts, 01/2011,. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., 06/2010 to 07/2011. Business Background for the Previous Five Years:. Opus Financial Solutions, LLC, Managing Member 01/2016 to Present.. Pinnacle Financial Group, LLC, Managing Member, 08/2010 to 12/2015. Chief Compliance Officer, 2/2013 to 12/ Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Registered Representative, 08/2010 to 07/ University of Illinois, Adjunct Faculty, Financial Planning, 06/2010 to 08/ Becker Professional Education, CFA Course Instructor, 01/2010 to 06/2012 and Director Finance Programs 03/2004 to 12/2009. Certifications: The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ) and Certification Mark (collectively, the "CFA marks") are professional certification marks granted in the United States and internationally by the CFA Institute. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute - the largest global association of investment professionals. There are currently more than 90,000 CFA charter holders working in 135 countries. To earn the CFA charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. High Ethical Standards - The CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, enforced through an active professional conduct program, require CFA charter holders to: Place their clients' interests ahead of their own Maintain independence and objectivity Act with integrity Maintain and improve their professional competence Disclose conflicts of interest and legal matters Page 17 of 24

18 Global Recognition - Passing the three CFA exams is a difficult feat that requires extensive study (successful candidates report spending an average of 300 hours of study per level). Earning the CFA charter demonstrates mastery of many of the advanced skills needed for investment analysis and decision making in today's quickly evolving global financial industry. As a result, employers and clients are increasingly seeking CFA charter holders-often making the charter a prerequisite for employment. Additionally, regulatory bodies in 19 countries recognize the CFA charter as a proxy for meeting certain licensing requirements, and more than 125 colleges and universities around the world have incorporated a majority of the CFA Program curriculum into their own finance courses. Comprehensive and Current Knowledge - The CFA Program curriculum provides a comprehensive framework of knowledge for investment decision making and is firmly grounded in the knowledge and skills used every day in the investment profession. The three levels of the CFA Program test a proficiency with a wide range of fundamental and advanced investment topics, including ethical and professional standards, fixed-income and equity analysis, alternative and derivative investments, economics, financial reporting standards, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program curriculum is updated every year by experts from around the world to ensure that candidates learn the most relevant and practical new tools, ideas, and investment and wealth management skills to reflect the dynamic and complex nature of the profession. To learn more about the CFA charter, visit The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CFP and federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks (collectively, the "CFP marks") are professional certification marks granted in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. ("CFP Board"). The CFP certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold CFP certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. Currently, more than 62,000 individuals have obtained CFP certification in the United States. To attain the right to use the CFP marks, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following requirements: Education - Complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial planning subject areas that CFP Board's studies have determined as necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, and attain a Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board's financial planning subject areas include insurance planning and risk management, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning; Examination - Pass the comprehensive CFP Certification Examination. The examination, Page 18 of 24

19 administered in 10 hours over a two-day period, includes case studies and client scenarios designed to test one's ability to correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply one's knowledge of financial planning to real world circumstances; Experience - Complete at least three years of full-time financial planning-related experience (or the equivalent, measured as 2,000 hours per year); and Ethics - Agree to be bound by CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct, a set of documents outlining the ethical and practice standards for CFP professionals. Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics requirements in order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP marks: Continuing Education - Complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years, including two hours on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of Professional Conduct, to maintain competence and keep up with developments in the financial planning field; and Ethics - Renew an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards prominently require that CFP professionals provide financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of care. This means CFP professionals must provide financial planning services in the best interests of their clients. CFP professionals who fail to comply with the above standards and requirements may be subject to CFP Board's enforcement process, which could result in suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP certification. The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA and Certification Mark (collectively, the "CDFA marks") are professional certification marks granted in the United States and internationally by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. The designation certifies that its CDFA professionals have been trained to provide litigation support and client advice on such issues as: The short-term and long-term effects of dividing property; The tax issues associated with property division and divorce; Analyzing pension and retirement plans and calculating the present value of a pension; Determining the cost basis and capital gains on the sale of the marital home; Providing guidance as to whether the client can afford the marital home, and if not, what he/she can afford; Evaluating the insurance needs of the client, and determining if the client qualifies for COBRA; Determining earning capabilities; and Establishing assumptions for projecting inflation and rates of return. Demonstrating the longer term financial effects of a proposed divorce settlement. Item 3 Disciplinary Information Ms. Bayer does not have, nor has she ever had, any disciplinary disclosure. Page 19 of 24

20 Item 4 Other Business Activities Ms. Bayer has no other business activities. Item 5 Additional Compensation Ms. Bayer does not receive any commissions, bonuses or other compensation based on the sale of securities, other investment products or other outside business activities. Item 6 Supervision Benjamin Jones, Co-Principal of Opus Financial Solutions is responsible for supervising the advisory activities of Ms. Bayer. Mr. Jones can be reached at (317) Our firm has developed Written Supervisory Policies and Procedures which we follow that address supervisory responsibilities including periodically reviewing investment recommendations, trades and communications with clients. We conduct periodic reviews of each investment adviser representatives' client holdings and documented suitability information to provide reasonable assurance that the advice provided remains aligned with each client's stated investment objectives and with our internal guidelines. Item 7 Requirement for State Registered Advisers Lisa Bayer has never been involved with any of the events listed below: 1) An award or otherwise being found liable in an arbitration claim alleging damages in excess of $2,500, or being found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization or administrative proceeding involving an investment or an investment-related business or activity; fraud, false statement(s), or omissions; theft, embezzlement, or other wrongful taking of property; bribery, forgery, counterfeiting, or extortion; or dishonest, unfair, or unethical practices. 2) Any bankruptcy petition of any kind. Page 20 of 24

21 Benjamin Jones, CFA, CPA Opus Financial Solutions LLC 1121 Warren Avenue, Suite 230 Downers Grove, IL Telephone: (317) Fax: (708) Last Updated February 29, 2016 FORM ADV PART 2B BROCHURE SUPPLEMENT This brochure supplement provides information about Benjamin Jones that supplements the Opus Financial Solutions LLC brochure. If you would like to receive this brochure or have any questions about the contents of this supplement, contact us at (317) Additional information about Benjamin Jones (CRD # ) is available on the SEC's website at Page 21 of 24

22 Item 2 Educational Background and Business Experience Benjamin Jones, CFA, CPA Year of Birth: 1968 Formal Education After High School:. College of Financial Planning, 5/1995-5/1998 and passed the CFP Certification Exam 7/2015. University of Chicago, MBA Finance, 1/2000-9/2001. Indiana University, BS Accounting, 9/ /1991 Business Background over prior five years Opus Financial Solutions, LLC, Managing Member, 1/ Present Financial Education and Management, 10/ Present Pinnacle Financial Group, LLC, Wealth Manager, 8/ /2015 Becker Professional Education, CFA/CPA Course Instructor 2/2005-5/2012 and VP, Healthcare, 5/2005-8/2015 Certifications: CFA, CPA The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ) and Certification Mark (collectively, the "CFA marks") are professional certification marks granted in the United States and internationally by the CFA Institute. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute - the largest global association of investment professionals. There are currently more than 90,000 CFA charter holders working in 135 countries. To earn the CFA charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. High Ethical Standards - The CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, enforced through an active professional conduct program, require CFA charter holders to: Place their clients' interests ahead of their own Maintain independence and objectivity Act with integrity Maintain and improve their professional competence Disclose conflicts of interest and legal matters Page 22 of 24

23 Global Recognition - Passing the three CFA exams is a difficult feat that requires extensive study (successful candidates report spending an average of 300 hours of study per level). Earning the CFA charter demonstrates mastery of many of the advanced skills needed for investment analysis and decision making in today's quickly evolving global financial industry. As a result, employers and clients are increasingly seeking CFA charter holders-often making the charter a prerequisite for employment. Additionally, regulatory bodies in 19 countries recognize the CFA charter as a proxy for meeting certain licensing requirements, and more than 125 colleges and universities around the world have incorporated a majority of the CFA Program curriculum into their own finance courses. Comprehensive and Current Knowledge - The CFA Program curriculum provides a comprehensive framework of knowledge for investment decision making and is firmly grounded in the knowledge and skills used every day in the investment profession. The three levels of the CFA Program test a proficiency with a wide range of fundamental and advanced investment topics, including ethical and professional standards, fixed-income and equity analysis, alternative and derivative investments, economics, financial reporting standards, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program curriculum is updated every year by experts from around the world to ensure that candidates learn the most relevant and practical new tools, ideas, and investment and wealth management skills to reflect the dynamic and complex nature of the profession. To learn more about the CFA charter, visit Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - CPA's are licensed and regulated by their state boards of accountancy. While state laws and regulations vary, the education, experience and testing requirements for licensure as a CPA generally include minimum college education (typically 150 credit hours with at least a baccalaureate degree and a concentration in accounting), minimum experience levels (most states require at least one year of experience providing services that involve the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills, all of which must be achieved under the supervision of or verification by a CPA), and successful passage of the Uniform CPA Examination. In order to maintain a CPA license, states generally require the completion of 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year (or 80 hours over a two-year period or 120 hours over a three-year period). Additionally, all American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) members are required to follow a rigorous Code of Professional Conduct which requires that they act with integrity, objectivity, due care, competence, fully disclose any conflicts of interest (and obtain client consent if a conflict exists), maintain client confidentiality, disclose to the client any commission or referral fees, and serve the public interest when providing financial services. The vast majority of state boards of accountancy have adopted the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct within their state accountancy laws or have created their own. Page 23 of 24