CEI Financial Planning

As a registered investment advisor (RIA), CEI Financial Planning is held to a fiduciary standard under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which is documented in its public SEC or state registration (public record). This means the firm is legally obligated to act in its clients' best interests, placing client needs ahead of its own. This distinguishes it from broker-dealers, who operate under a less stringent suitability standard.

The firm charges fees based on a percentage of assets under management, hourly rates, or fixed fees, as detailed in its regulatory filings (public record). It does not operate on a commission-based model for its advisory services, which can reduce conflicts of interest related to product sales. The exact fee schedule is disclosed in its Form ADV Part 2, provided to all prospective clients.

Per its filings, the firm offers portfolio management for individuals, financial planning, and pension consulting (public record). Its portfolio construction relies on publicly traded securities like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. There is no indication the firm directly invests in alternatives such as private equity, hedge funds, or direct real estate.

Portfolio management is conducted by the firm's named advisors, whose individual licensing and employment history are documented with FINRA and the SEC (public record). The backgrounds of the individuals holding investment discretion, including any disciplinary history, are accessible via the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site. As a smaller practice, the lead advisor typically serves as the key decision-maker.

No, as an RIA, CEI Financial Planning does not custody client assets itself; that function is typically fulfilled by an independent, qualified custodian such as Charles Schwab or Fidelity, where accounts are held in the client's name. This separation is a key investor protection, ensuring the advisor can manage but not withdraw from the account. The specific custodian used is disclosed in the firm's advisory agreement.