ALL To g e Th e R. DIFFe Re NT.
At Acorn Financial Services, our dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced team of financial professionals strives to meet the needs of our business, individual, and family clients. We appreciate that each of our clients has a variety of unique needs, and our goal is to help meet those needs in a way that s equally unique. Since our founding in 1984, we ve built our business on teamwork working as a partner to our clients, as a support network with our representatives, and in tandem with other professional advisers and leading financial services companies. Our team philosophy has a strength that s greater than the sum of its parts. And we can put it to work for you. OUR PHILOSOPHY. Acorn Financial Services has created a strong reputation as a leading financial services provider in the Northeast. With thousands of clients, we pride ourselves on our enduring relationships, our high code of ethics, and our commitment to excellence in all that we do. We measure our success by our clients success. All of our representatives work with clients to gain a detailed understanding of their financial goals, and to build a solid relationship over the long term. We also encourage our clients to integrate existing relationships with trustees, attorneys, accountants, and other professionals to ensure that our representatives can take a comprehensive approach when creating their financial solutions. Each representative is responsible for securing the appropriate resources to meet a variety of needs. At Acorn Financial Services, we emphasize education both educating our clients as well as the ongoing education of our financial professionals. Many of our representatives have earned professional degrees and designations beyond what the industry requires. It s part of our culture to stay informed about the latest techniques, tax issues, 1 and innovative products and services. As you look to the future, you can be confident that Acorn Financial Services will share your vision, and help you reach your unique financial goals. 1. The financial analysis and recommendations are not intended to replace the need for independent tax, accounting, or legal review. Individuals are advised to seek the counsel of such licensed professionals. 3
A FRESH APPROACH. A NEW STRATEGY. Before Acorn Financial Services creates your financial strategy, we build a foundation of knowledge regarding your needs and goals. We listen. We ask the right questions. We want to know you and understand what s important to you. And we begin with this four-step approach. CONSULTATION DATA GATHERING First, we ask questions and get a clear understanding of your circumstances and financial objectives. With our solid experience, knowledge, and dedication, you can be assured that we will understand your personal and business goals, and translate them into customized solutions. ANALYSIS COMPARING ALTERNATIVES Our professionals take your input and conduct a thorough analysis of your current financial situation. In order to offer you truly comprehensive service, we leverage the knowledge of professionals who specialize in the areas of law, accounting, business valuation, and organizational development. This allows us to find solutions that are comprehensive, and customized for you. IMPLEMENTATION OFFERING SOLUTIONS We understand that each person and each business is unique, and therefore faces distinct challenges. Your customized financial strategy will address the challenges that are most important to the success of your financial future. REVIEW ANALYZING PERFORMANCE Our relationship does not end with the implementation of your financial strategy. We will meet with you on a regular basis to monitor your evolving needs and goals in light of changes such as investment markets or tax law developments, 1 and we will recommend changes as appropriate. We pride ourselves on this commitment and look forward to strengthening our relationship with you over time. 4
MANY OPTIONS. PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS. Because Acorn Financial Services leverages the products and services of a variety of leading financial organizations, we can provide our clients with quality services, some of the best products, and comprehensive solutions. While our goal is to create long-term relationships with our clients, we understand the importance of addressing immediate and short-term needs in addition to longterm goals. We offer products and services for: INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES Family Protection Education Funding Financial Planning 2 Retirement Planning 2 Estate Planning 2 Long-Term Care Planning 2 Investments Disability Income Protection Wealth Transfer BUSINESSES Employee Benefits Executive Benefits Business Continuation/Succession Planning Retirement Plans 2. Only qualified representatives enrolled in the Signator Investors, Inc., Corporate Registered Investment Advisor Program may offer advisory products and services. 6
Our products include: LIFE INSURANCE INVESTMENTS ANNUITIES LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE DISABILITY INCOME PROGRAMS QUALIFIED RETIREMENT AND PENSION PLANS 401(K) NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS KEY PERSON INSURANCE GROUP MEDICAL INSURANCE 3 3. Group Medical Insurance is offered independent of Signator Investors, Inc. 7
A CLEAR MISSION. A DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP. At Acorn Financial Services, we work together to achieve our mission: to provide financial guidance, build relationships of trust, and develop innovative solutions that help our clients achieve their dreams. We have relationships with some of the finest financial services organizations, which provide our associates access to group and individual insurance products from leading high quality carriers to help meet your needs. Acorn Financial Services provides insurance products from a wide spectrum of companies to meet clients special needs or high-risk situations. Through Signator Investors, Inc., our financial professionals can choose investment products from a wide range of mutual fund companies and money management platforms 2 to provide a customized financial solutions for our clients. We leverage the strength of our relationship with financial services organizations, and we build on it, providing objective financial guidance. Distinguished by financial integrity and quality products, Acorn Financial Services can match client needs to the right solutions time and again.
DIVERSE CLIENTS. DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. Here is a sample of the range of financial solutions we have created for our clients. FOR A FAMILY Pre-retirement Helped acquire variable life insurance and disability insurance for family and income protection. Funded 529 programs for upcoming college expenses. Integrated periodic investment programs with a diversified portfolio of mutual funds and variable annuities to supplement retirement income. This comprehensive planning approach helps ensure that a family stays on track to reach their multiple goals and objectives. POST-RETIREMENT Counseled on the layering of income for retirement needs. Provided a substantial amount of trust-owned survivorship life insurance to provide liquidity for estate taxes. Provided long-term care insurance funded by a single premium immediate annuity. The insurance portfolio creates a cost-efficient way to protect assets from estate taxes at death, and from the high cost of long-term care. FOR A BUSINESS Installed competitive group health, life, and disability benefits, and a 401(k) retirement plan for all eligible employees. Implemented a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) and supplemental disability insurance benefits for select executives. The benefit programs are designed to recruit, retain, and reward company employees and key persons, and were implemented in collaboration with the company s accountants, attorneys, and benefit consultants. 9
FOCUSED ON QUALITY. BUILT ON TRADITION. We focus on the unique qualities of your life. We understand what you need today and what concerns you have about tomorrow. That s where we see the greatest value of Acorn Financial Services to you. We help you make the most of your financial future, so you can get on with the rest of your life. We have the expertise to recognize the different financial options available. Our objective is to help you achieve your goals in this complex and constantly changing world. You come first. The solutions come later. And soon, your financial life comes into focus. 10
Registered Representative/Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. 290 West Mount Pleasant Ave., Suite 2300, Livingston, NJ 07039. 973-994-0100. Acorn Financial Services is independent of Signator Investors, Inc. Acorn Financial Services is an Independent Firm affiliated with John Hancock Financial Network. 374-20140501-184518