March 29, 2019 - Whelan Financial
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March 29, 2019
This brochure provides information about the qualifications
and business practices of Whelan Financial. If you have any
questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact
Whelan Financial us at 559.228.8002 or info@whelanfinancial.com. The
735 W. Alluvial Ave., Ste 101 Fresno, CA 93711 information in this brochure has not been approved or verified
Telephone: 559.228.8002 by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) or by any state securities authority.
Email: info@whelanfinancial.com
Web Address: www.whelanfinancial.com Additional information about Whelan Financial is also
03/29/2019 available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
You can search this site by a unique identifying number, known
as a CRD number. Our firm’s CRD number is 107227.
II. Material Changes No material changes. Our Firm Brochure may be amended periodically. You may request a copy of our Firm Brochure at any time by contacting us at 559.228.8002. Whelan Financial Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 3
III. Table of Contents
I. Cover Page 1
II. Material Changes 3
III. Table of Contents 4
IV. Advisory Business 5
Individual Portfolio Management 5
Wealth Management 5
Amount of Managed Assets 6
V. Fees and Compensation 6
Wealth Management Service Fees 6
Billing of Fees 7
Payment of Fees 7
General Information 7
VI. Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management 8
VII. Types of Clients 8
VIII. Investment Strategies, Methods of Analysis and Risk of Loss 8
Investment Strategies 8
Methods of Analysis 9
IX. Disciplinary Information 10
X. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations 10
XI. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading 10
XII. Brokerage Practices 11
XIII. Review of Accounts 12
Individual Portfolio Management 12
Financial Planning 13
XIV. Client Referrals and Other Compensation 13
XV. Custody 13
XVI. Investment Discretion 14
XVII. Voting Proxy 15
XVIII. Financial Information 15
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 4
IV. Advisory Business
In order to provide this service, we gather required
Whelan Financial, a California corporation, is a SEC- information from the the client; which may include
registered investment advisor with its principle place of documents and in-depth personal interviews. Information
business located in Fresno, California. Vincent J. Whelan, gathered consists the client’s current financial status, tax
CFP®, President, established Whelan Financial, in its status, future goals, return objectives and attitudes toward
original form, in 1988. risk. We carefully review all of the information and prepare
an analysis.
Whelan Financial offers the following services:
Financial planning is an evaluation of a client’s current
Individual Portfolio Management and future financial state by using assumptions to predict
future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal strategies.
Our firm provides investment management on a Clients are presented with an analysis which outlines a
discretionary basis. Investment decisions are guided by detailed financial plan designed to assist the client achieve
an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). The IPS is based his or her financial goals and objectives. A copy of the
on the client’s individual objectives, time horizons, risk analysis is provided upon request.
tolerance, and liquidity needs, which are reviewed during
our quarterly meetings. The analysis is intended to measure variables known at the
time it is developed. Changes in client circumstances or
Whelan Financial is restricted from investing outside the differences in projected variables could materially affect
approximate approved stock-to-bond ratio as stated in the actual results.
IPS.
In general, the financial plan may address any or all of the
Our investment recommendations are not limited to any following areas:
security type offered by a broker dealer. In general, we
provide advice about no-load mutual funds and exchange Personal Financial Goals: We help clients identify their
traded funds. Recommendations pertaining to individual short, intermediate, and long-term goals and measure
stocks will be limited to observations about exposure their impact on the financial plan.
relative to total portfolio value and subsequent risk.
Because some types of investments involve certain
additional degrees of risk, they will only be implemented/
recommended when consistent with the client’s stated
investment objectives, tolerance for risk, liquidity or
suitability.
Once the client’s portfolio has been established, it
is reviewed no less frequently than quarterly and if
necessary, rebalanced to their asset allocation.
Wealth Management
In addition to the individual portfolio management, we
offer our wealth management clients financial planning
services.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 5
Tax & Cash Flow: Taxes are estimated as part of the cash V. Fees and Compensation
flow projection and in light of financial strategies. However,
we refer the client to their tax advisor for specific Wealth Management Service Fees
calculations and advice.
Fees are based upon assets under management (AUM),
Investments: We build our portfolios to meet the return and as they grow your effective percentage will continue
objective of the financial plan. Assets held outside of to drop per the following fee schedule:
Whelan Financial are included in the analysis for projection
purposes only. All assets held outside of Whelan Financial’s AUM Greater Than $500,000: 1% of the first
management will not be actively monitored and we cannot $1,000,000; plus 0.75% on amounts in excess of
advise on the impact that they may have to the financial $1,000,000, up to $1,500,000; plus 0.50% on amounts in
plan in the future. excess of $1,500,000.
Social Security Planning: We evaluate the client’s AUM Less Than $500,000: 1.5% on the first $250,000;
social security options using information provided. We plus 1.25% for amounts in excess of $250,000, up to
make a recommendation for the most suitable strategy $500,000.
considering personal objectives, goals, and financial needs.
For Example:
Insurance: As part of the process above, we provide
observations regarding health, life, disability, and long-
Assets Under Management Annual Effective Rate
term care. We do not provide observations on multiple
$10,000,000 0.56%
lines insurance. Clients are referred to their agent/broker
$5,000,000 0.63%
for specific advice regarding insurance.
$3,000,000 0.71%
Retirement: We analyze current savings strategies, $1,000,000 1.00%
retirement plan investment options, expense patterns, and $500,000 1.00%
future income expectations to help the client achieve his or $400,000 1.41%
her retirement goals. $250,000 1.50%
Estate: We make observations on estate planning issues
and refer the client to an estate planning attorney when Such fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis and billed
needed. in advance at the beginning of each calendar quarter at
.25 times the annual rate. The calculation uses account
Should the client choose to implement the balances as of the last day of each calendar quarter and
recommendations contained in the plan, we suggest the prorates fees for partial quarters. Fees will be disclosed in
client work closely with us, his/her attorney, accountant, writing to the client each quarter.
insurance agent, and other advisors. Implementation of
financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client’s We retian the discretion to negotiate alternative fees on a
discretion. The financial plan receives regular monitoring client-by-client basis.
and is updated if deemed necessary by Whelan Financial.
Additional fees may be charged for additional service
Amount of Managed Assets rendered. Any additional services or associated fees will be
outlined in a letter of engagement or included in the Asset
As of 12/31/18, we were actively managing $291,531,600 Management Agreement.
of clients invested assets on a discretionary basis.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 6
Billing of Fees option to select any broker dealer to facilitate their trades,
however, if they choose a broker dealer other than Charles
Advisor will sell investments, in a manner consistent with Schwab, Whelan Financial may decline to provide service.
the client’s asset allocation, in an amount sufficient to
cover up to one year’s anticipated fees. ERISA (Employee Retirement Income and Securities
Act) Accounts: Whelan Financial specializes in providing
Payment of Fees investment management services to qualified plans such
as 401(k)s and defined-benefit plans such as cash balance
Fees are debited directly from client accounts. Fees for plans.
qualified plans are paid out of plan assets to the extent
permitted under the Employee Retirement Income and For these plans we generally act as a 3(38) Fiduciary,
Securities Act of 1974 (ERISA). There are a small number unless otherwise indicated by the service agreement.
of grandfathered clients whom are invoiced. While Whelan Financial is deemed to be a fiduciary to all of
our advisory clients, we are also an investment manager (as
General Information defined in section 3(38) of ERISA) with respect to certain
clients’ employee benefit plans. As such, our firm is subject
Mutual Fund Fees: In addition to Whelan Financial’s asset to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the
management fee, clients also pay fees charged by any Internal Revenue Code that include among other things,
mutual funds and/or ETF in their portfolios. Such fees are restrictions concerning certain forms of compensation.
automatically deducted by the mutual fund and/or ETF Whelan Financial is a level fee fiduciary as outlined by
company and disclosed in the prospectus for each mutual the Department of Labor (DOL) Fiduciary Rule. ERISA
fund or ETF. It is part of Whelan Financial’s general policy Regulation 408(b)(2) requires Whelan Financial to provide
to recommend no-load mutual funds to clients. Whelan annual fee disclosure notices.
financial does not receive commissions for trades placed in
client accounts. Advisory Fees in General: Clients should note that
advisory services, however different they may be, may or
A client could invest in a class of mutual fund or ETF may not be available from other registered investment
directly, without our services or fees. Clients have the advisors for similar or lower fees.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 7
Limited Prepayment of Fees: Under no circumstances • Defined-contribution plans such as 401(k)s
do we require payment of fees more than six months in • Defined-benefit plans such as Cash Balance plans
advance of services rendered. • 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations
• Corporations or other businesses not listed above
Wrap Fee Programs and Separately Managed Account
Fees: Whelan Financial does not engage in wrap fee VIII. Investment Strategies, Methods
programs or separately managed accounts.
of Analysis, and Risk of Loss
Termination of the Advisory Relationship: The Asset
Management Agreement may be terminated at any time Investment Strategies
upon written notice by either party to the other. Any
Based on the needs of the client and consistent with
fees collected for any period beyond the termination of
the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, time
the contract is refunded to the client on a pro rata basis.
horizons, financial plan, and other considerations, we use
Whelan Financial may decline to provide service.
the following strategies:
Additional Fees and Expenses: In addition to our advisory
Asset Allocation: We custom build a portfolio for each
fees, clients are also responsible for the fees and expenses
client using asset allocation targeting certain percentages
charged by custodians and imposed by broker dealers, of the portfolio over broad categories of investments.
including, but not limited to, any transaction charges When using asset allocation, the target percentages, the
imposed by a broker dealer with which Whelan Financial ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash will change over
effects transactions for the client’s account(s). Please refer time due to market movements. We rebalance periodically
to the “Brokerage Practices” section (Item XII) of this Form to minimize the risk associated with such change.
ADV for additional information.
Whelan Financial does not engage in market timing
or focus on individual securities selection. Using asset
VI. Performance-Based Fees and allocation we custom design client portfolios of mutual
Side-By-Side Management funds and ETFs suitable to the client’s investment goals
and risk tolerance. Security types such as individual
Whelan Financial does not charge performance-based Treasuries and CDs are also used.
fees.
Long-Term Strategy: Using a client’s investment
VII. Types of Clients objectives, we recommend diversified investments that are
appropriate for the client’s long-term horizon. We advise
Whelan Financial typically accepts clients with a minimum exposure to particular asset classes, regardless of the
investment size of $1,000,000 and provides advisory current outlook for this class. Our strategy for the long-
services to the following types of clients: term, is to buy, hold, and rebalance.
• High net worth individuals Short-Term Strategy: Should a short-term need arise
• Those other than high net worth individuals subject to regarding a client’s asset under management, client is
special consideration advised to reposition appropriate amounts to short-term
• Trustees of trusts instruments commensurate with such need.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 8
Methods of Analysis Portfolio Analysis: Once the funds have been selected, we
leverage third-party software to analyze the composition
Whelan Financial’s Investment Committee (Committee) of the underlying holdings in the construction of the
is responsible for researching, approving, and monitoring portfolio. Each portfolio is designed to meet the client’s
all investments and portfolio designs offered by Whelan individual goals, needs, and objectives using parameters
Financial. The Committee regularly re-evaluates the list established by the Committee such as:
of selected investments to ensure the investments have
maintained their value within the portfolio and their • Stock-to-bond ratio
competitive standing against their peer groups. • Beta spread
• Growth vs. value
Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis: Each investment has • Fixed income quality, maturity and duration
been selected from a list of potential alternatives that • Geometric market capitalization
satisfy the Committee’s research and analysis criteria. • Foreign vs. total stock percentage
Initial search parameters include, but are not limited to: • Overlap of underlying investments
• Expense Whelan Financial manages portfolios of mutual funds
• Risk and ETFs. The portfolio will be managed through
• Performance broad diversification in order to minimize non-systemic
• Rank vs. category (or “business”) risk. Systemic (market, interest rate,
• Manager tenure and track record purchasing power, currency, etc.) risk shall be managed via
• Underlying holdings asset allocation which will diversify the client’s portfolio
• Morningstar® Ratings: Star and Analyst Ratings between stock, bond, and other markets as deemed
appropriate by the Committee. The objective of a client’s
portfolio is to obtain a return, over time, commensurate
with the level of risk it has against the Standard & Poor’s
500. The mutual funds that comprise the portfolio,
however, have their own assigned manager to select the
underlying investments. Please note that past investment
performance does not guarantee future results.
Risks for all Forms of Analysis: All analysis relies upon the
accuracy of information provided by third-party research
software. We rely on the assumption that all sources
of information about these securities are accurate and
unbiased.
Material Risks of Investing: Investment in securities
involves the potential for loss, which clients should be
prepared to bear. A fund may offer several share classes
for investment at varying expenses. Whelan Financial may
be limited in our ability to select the lowest costing share
class. Investors in higher costing share classes generally
experience lower returns than investors exposed to lower
costing share classes. Whelan Financial is not responsible
for the taxes generated from the sale of investments,
which may lower a client’s net reported gain.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 9
IX. Disciplinary Information Our firm has adopted a Code which sets forth high ethical
standards of business conduct that we require of our
employees, including compliance with applicable federal
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary
securities laws.
events that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s
evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our
The Code includes policies and procedures for the review
management.
of quarterly securities transactions reports as well as
initial and annual securities holdings reports that must
Whelan Financial has no such reportable legal or
be submitted by the firm’s access persons. Among other
disciplinary events to disclose.
things, the Code prohibits any acquisition of securities
in a limited offering (e.g., private placement) or an initial
X. Other Financial Industry Activities public offering (IPO). The Code also provides for oversight,
and Affiliations enforcement and record keeping provisions.
The Code further includes the firm’s policy prohibiting
Our firm and our related persons are not engaged in other
the use of material non-public information. All employees
financial industry activities and have no other industry
are reminded that such information may not be used in a
affiliations.
personal or professional capacity.
XI. Code of Ethics, Participation, or A copy of the Code is available to our advisory clients
Interest in Client Transactions and and prospective clients. You may request a copy by email
Personal Trading sent to info@whelanfinancial.com, or by calling us at
559.228.8002.
Whelan Financial places the highest priority on maintaining
Whelan Financial and individuals associated with our firm
its reputation for integrity and professionalism. That
are prohibited from engaging in principal transactions and
reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and
in agency cross transactions.
trust placed in our firm and its employees by our clients
is something we value and endeavor to protect. Whelan
The Code is designed to assure that the personal
Financial and our personnel owe a duty of loyalty, fairness
securities transactions, activities and interests of Whelan
and good faith towards our clients, and have an obligation
Financial employees will not interfere with our ability to
to adhere not only to the specific provisions of the Code of
make decisions and implement strategies that are in the
Ethics (Code) but to the general principles that guide the
best interest of advisory clients while, at the same time,
Code.
allowing employees to invest for their own accounts.
Whelan Financial’s Standards of Business Conduct set
Our firm and/or individuals associated with our firm may
forth policies and procedures to achieve these goals. The
buy or sell for their personal accounts securities identical
Code is intended to comply with the various provisions
to or different from those recommended to our clients.
of the Advisors Act and also requires that all supervised
Additionally, any related person(s) may have an interest
persons comply with the various applicable provisions
or position in a certain security(ies) which may also be
of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
recommended to a client. All security recommendations,
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities
however, must first be approved by the Whelan Financial
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules
Investment Committee.
and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC).
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 10It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person costing clients more money. It is Whelan Financial’s policy
employed by us may knowingly purchase or sell any to routinely review Charles Schwab’s best execution
security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for practices against other custodians to ensure that clients
an advisory account, thereby preventing such employee(s) are receiving reasonable value for custodian rates charged.
from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of Our review includes comparing overall service received for
advisory accounts. fees charged.
XII. Brokerage Practices Charles Schwab provides Whelan Financial with access
to its institutional trading and custody services, which are
typically not available to Charles Schwab retail investors.
Whelan Financial is independently owned and operated
These services generally are available to independent
and not affiliated with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no charge
(Charles Schwab). However, we are best equipped to
to them so long as a total of at least $10 million of the
manage client accounts held at the Institutional division
advisor’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts at
of Charles Schwab, a FINRA registered broker-dealer
Charles Schwab.
and SIPC member. As such, we recommend that clients
hold (custody) their assets at Charles Schwab. This allows
These services are not contingent upon our firm
us to effect trades, assist with account maintenance
committing to Charles Schwab any specific amount of
and facilitate client service needs. Although we suggest
business over $10 million (assets in custody or trading
that clients establish accounts at Charles Schwab, it is
commissions). Charles Schwab’s brokerage services
ultimately their decision. Whelan Financial has evaluated
include the execution of securities transactions,
Charles Schwab and believes that it will provide our clients
custody, research, and access to mutual funds and other
with a blend of execution services, commission costs and
investments that are otherwise generally available only
professionalism that will assist our firm in meeting our
to institutional investors or would require a significantly
fiduciary obligations to clients. Not all advisors recommend
higher minimum initial investment.
that their clients use one custodian over another. The
use of Charles Schwab may lead to transactions that are
For our client accounts maintained in its custody, Charles
potentially not the most favorable available, therefore
Schwab generally does not charge separately for custody
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 11services but is compensated by account holders through Clients should review the application for specific language
transaction fees and other transaction-related or asset- pertaining to these authorizations.
based fees for securities trades that are executed through
Charles Schwab or that settle into Charles Schwab Whelan Financial does not have any soft-dollar
accounts. arrangements and does not receive any soft-dollar
benefits. Our broker-dealer of choice is selected solely on
Charles Schwab also makes available to our firm other their ability to provide competitive commissions, execution
products and services that benefit Whelan Financial but speed, bid-ask spreads, among other factors.
may not directly benefit our clients’ accounts. Many of
these products and services may be used to service all or We reserve the right to decline acceptance of any client
some substantial number of our client accounts, including account for which the client directs the use of a broker
accounts not maintained at Charles Schwab. other than Charles Schwab if we believe that this choice
would hinder our fiduciary duty to the client and/or our
Charles Schwab’s products and services that assist us in ability to service the account. Should the client direct the
managing and administering our clients’ accounts include use of Charles Schwab, Whelan Financial will negotiate
software and other technology that: commissions but not obtain volume discounts, and best
execution may not be achieved. In addition, a disparity in
• Provide access to client account data (such as trade commission charges may exist between the commissions
confirmations and account statements) charged to the client and those charged to other clients
• Facilitate trade execution (who may direct the use of another broker). Clients should
• Provide research, pricing, and other market data note, while Whelan Financial has a reasonable belief
• Facilitate payment of our fees from clients’ accounts that Charles Schwab is able to obtain best execution and
• Assist with back-office functions, client record keeping competitive prices, our firm will not be independently
and client reporting. seeking best execution price capability through other
brokers. Not all advisory firms require their clients to
Charles Schwab may also provide other benefits such direct brokerage.
as educational events to our personnel. In evaluating
whether to recommend that clients custody their assets
XIII. Review of Accounts
at Charles Schwab, we do not take into account the
educational events. We consider the nature, cost and
Individual Portfolio Management
quality of custody and brokerage services provided by
Charles Schwab. Discounts on various Charles Schwab
Reviews: All portfolios are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
and other products may create a potential for conflict of
In addition, investments are monitored by the Whelan
interest.
Financial Investment Committee. Accounts are reviewed
in the context of each client’s stated risk tolerance,
The signed broker dealer application evidences the
investment objectives, IPS and financial plan (where the
client’s acceptance of a referral to Charles Schwab. This
client has provided enough documentation to allow for a
application includes specific powers of attorney granted by
financial plan). More frequent reviews may be triggered by
client including but not limited to:
material changes in the client’s individual circumstances.
• Authorization to make trades in the account
• Authorization to disburse money to accounts with like
registrations
• Authorization to deduct fees
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 12These accounts are reviewed by: estate planning and multiple lines insurance. For more
information about financial planning services please refer
Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®, President, Senior Wealth Advisor to Item IV.
Portia L. White, CFP®, Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor
Taylor J. Whelan, CFP®, Wealth Advisor
Stephen C. Detweiler, CFP®, Wealth Advisor
XIV. Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
Reports: Clients with assets held at Whelan Financial’s
recommended custodian, Charles Schwab, will receive It is Whelan Financial’s policy not to pay related or non-
quarterly statements unless an account has qualifying related persons for referring potential clients to our firm.
transactions such as deposits or withdrawals, in which
case, they will receive a monthly statement as well as It is Whelan Financial’s policy not to accept or allow
confirmations of transactions. Monthly statements are our Wealth Advisors or any staff to accept any form
available online at Schwab Alliance (https://client.schwab. of compensation, including cash, from a non-client in
com). Additionally, Whelan Financial will provide quarterly conjunction with the advisory services we provide to our
reports, online, which summarize investment performance clients.
net of expense, balances, and holdings.
Financial Planning XV. Custody
Reports: Whelan Financial does financial planning In accordance with SEC guidance issued in 2017,
for wealth management clients. Our clients will be Whelan Financial is considered to have custody in
presented with a retirement capital analysis which we certain client accounts. Whelan Financial and Charles
review quarterly against their balance sheet. More Schwab collectively satisfy all necessary requirements to
frequent planning may be triggered by material changes preclude annual suprise audits. Clients receive brokerage
in the client’s individual circumstances. We do not do statements directly from their broker/dealer, frequency
comprehensive financial planning which would include may vary.
analyses in areas such as: tax returns, employee benefits,
In order from left to right: Taylor J. Whelan, CFP®, Portia L. White, CFP®, Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®, Stephen C. Detweiler, CFP®
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 13Our firm directly debits advisory fees from client accounts. Initial Portfolio Design: Using asset allocation, advisor
As part of this billing process, the client’s actual custodian will propose a portfolio design based on client’s needs and
(Charles Schwab) is advised of the amount of the fee to be risk tolerance. Based on the client’s feedback, the advisor
deducted from that client’s account. On at least a quarterly may revise the proposed portfolio. Once the portfolio
basis, the custodian is required to send to the client a design is approved by client, advisor will prepare an IPS
statement showing all transactions within the account with the client approved stock-to-bond ratio. The portfolio
during the reporting period. design will be reviewed by advisor no less frequently than
quarterly.
The custodian does not calculate the amount of the fee
to be deducted. Although we make every effort to ensure
the accuracy of our billing, we encourage clients to review
their custodial statements to verify the accuracy of the
calculation. Clients should contact us directly if they
believe that there is an error.
We send remittance and no remittance required invoices
on a quarterly basis.
In addition to the periodic brokerage statements that
clients receive directly from their custodians, we provide
investment performance reports to our clients on a
quarterly basis. We notify our clients in writing to carefully
compare the information provided on these reports to the
statements provided by their custodian(s) to ensure that
all account transactions, holdings and values are accurate.
XVI. Investment Direction
Clients hire us to provide discretionary asset management
services by signing an Asset Management Agreement.
Investment discretion is attained through the custodian’s
Limited Power of Attorney signed by the client. These
authorities and limitations may be changed and/ Ongoing Investment Management: Whelan Financial’s
or amended by providing the custodian with written Investment Committee is responsible for researching,
instructions. approving and monitoring all investments and portfolio
designs offered by Whelan Financial. These investments
Client gives advisor the discretion to rebalance, reallocate, will be primarily, but not limited to, no-load mutual
add, or remove investment categories, and add or remove funds and ETFs. All investments will be made pursuant
investments. Changes must be consistent with the client’s to an asset allocation and into specific investments
stock-to-bond ratio and tolerance for risk as outlined recommended by the advisor and approved by the
within the client’s Investment Policy Statement (IPS). Committee.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 14XVII. Voting Proxy We do not vote proxy for the following types of accounts
which include but may not be limited to:
We only vote proxy for our ERISA clients, unless they have
elected to exercise this responsibility themselves. These • Individual Retirement Accounts (including Traditional,
clients can exercise this right by instructing us in writing not Roth, SEP and Simple)
to vote proxy on their behalf. • Estate Trust accounts
• Joint Tenant/WROS
We will vote proxy in the best interest of our ERISA • Community Property/WROS
clients and in accordance with our established policies and • Corporations
procedures. Our firm will retain all proxy voting books and
records for the requisite period of time, including a copy of For accounts where we do not vote proxy and our firm
each proxy statement received, a record of each vote cast, provides investment advisory services, clients’ maintain
a copy of any document created by us that was material to exclusive responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in
making a decision on how to vote proxy, and a copy of each which proxy statements solicited by issuers of securities
written client request for information on how the advisor beneficially owned by the client shall be voted, and (2)
voted proxy. If our firm has a conflict of interest in voting a making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions,
particular action, we will notify the client of the conflict and tender offers, bankruptcy proceeding or other type events
retain an independent third-party to cast a vote. pertaining to the client’s investment assets. Clients are
responsible for instructing each custodian of the assets to
Clients may obtain a copy of our complete proxy voting forward to the client copies of all proxy and shareholder
policies and procedures by contacting Whelan Financial communications relating to the clients’ investment assets.
by telephone, email, or in writing. Clients may request, in
writing, information on how proxy for the plan shares were
voted. If any client requests a copy of our complete proxy
XVIII. Financial Information
policies and procedures or how we voted proxy for his/her
account(s), we will promptly provide such information to
Whelan Financial has no adverse financial circumstances
the client.
to report.
We will vote proxy for ERISA clients only on securities that
Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment
fall within our management.
of fees more than six months in advance of services
rendered. Therefore, we are not required to include a
With respect to ERISA accounts, we will vote proxy unless
financial statement.
we are advised by the client that the plan documents
specifically reserve the plan sponsor’s right to vote proxy. To
Whelan Financial has not been the subject of a bankruptcy
direct us to vote proxy in a particular manner, clients should
petition at any time.
contact info@whelanfinancial.com.
Whelan Financial Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 15Part 2B of Form ADV:
Brochure Supplement
March 29, 2019Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement
Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®
Founder & President, Senior Wealth Advisor
B.A. Sociology, College of the Holy Cross, 1972
Vin founded Whelan Financial in 1988 and continues to be the heart and soul behind the firm’s culture. Leading
under the notion “creative thinking first, critical thinking second,” Vin perpetuates forward movement. His affinity
for change, paired with his steadfast determination, creates an environment where visions come to fruition. While
the firm continues to grow under his leadership, the core governing principle has remained the same: our clients’
needs come before our own.
Whelan Financial This Brochure Supplement provides information about Vincent J.
735 W. Alluvial Ave., Ste 101 Whelan, CFP® and supplements the Whelan Financial brochure. Please
Fresno, CA 93711 contact Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® at 559.228.8002 if you have any
Telephone: 559.228.8002 questions about the contents of this supplement.
03/29/2019 Additional information about Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 17Educational, Background and (or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s
financial planning subject areas include insurance
Business Experience planning and risk management, employee benefits
planning, investment planning, income tax planning,
Full Legal Name: Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®
retirement planning, and estate planning;
Born: 1950
Education: The College of the Holy Cross; B.A., Sociology:
• Examination- Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification
1972
Examination. The examination includes case studies
Business Experience: Sole Proprietor of Whelan Financial
and client scenarios designed to test one’s ability to
from 1988 to June 30, 2012; CEO and President of
correctly diagnose financial planning issues and apply
Whelan Financial, a California corporation effective July 1,
one’s knowledge of financial planning to real world
2012; CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Practitioner
circumstances;
and Senior Advisor.
Certifications: Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® has earned the
• Experience - Complete at least three years of full-time
following certification and is in good standing with the
financial planning-related experience (or the equivalent,
granting authority:
measured as 2,000 hours per year); and
• CFP®; Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards,
• Ethics - Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Standards of
Inc.: 1994
Professional Conduct, a set of documents outlining the
ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
“The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP® and
federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks
Individuals who become certified must complete the
(collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional
following ongoing education and ethics requirements in
certification marks granted in the United States by
order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP®
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP
marks:
Board”).
• Continuing Education - Complete 30 hours of continuing
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no
education hours every two years, including two hours
federal or state law or regulation requires financial
on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of
planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in
Professional Conduct, to maintain competence and keep
the United States and a number of other countries for its
up with developments in the financial planning field; and
(1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent
code of conduct and standards of practice and (3) ethical
• Ethics - Renew an agreement to be bound by the
requirements that govern professional engagements
Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards
with clients. Currently, more than 71,000 individuals have
prominently require that CFP® professional provide
obtained CFP® certification in the United States.
financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of care.
This means CFP® professionals must provide financial
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, currently
planning services in the best interests of their clients.
an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following
requirements:
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above
standards and requirements may be subject to CFP
• Education - Complete an advanced college-level course
Board’s enforcement process, which could result in
of study addressing the financial planning subject areas
suspension or permanent revocation of their CFP®
that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary
certification. (Source: Certified Financial Planner Board
for the competent and professional delivery of financial
of Standards, Inc.)
planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s Degree from a
regionally accredited United States college or university
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 18Disciplinary Information Additional Compensation
Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® has no reportable disciplinary Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® does not receive any economic
history. benefit from a non-advisory client for the provision of
advisory services.
Other Business Activities
Supervision
A. Investment Related Activities
1. Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® is not engaged in any Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®, is responsible for the
other investment related activities. supervision, formulation and monitoring of investment
2. Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® does not receive advice offered to clients. Mr. Whelan reviews and
commissions, bonuses or other compensation on oversees all material investment policy changes
the sale of securities or other investment products. and conducts periodic testing to ensure that client
objectives and mandates are being met. He is subject
B. Non-Investment Related Activities to the supervision of the Board of Directors. He can be
Vincent J. Whelan, CFP® is not engaged in any contacted at 559.228.8002.
other business or occupation that provides
substantial compensation or involves a substantial
amount of his time.
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 19Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement
Portia L. White, CFP®
Vice President, Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
B.A. Philosophy, California State University, Fresno,
2004 (Summa Cum Laude)
Portia, Vice President and Partner, came to Whelan Financial in 2004 with an insatiable willingness to
learn, and has maintained that spirit throughout her tenure. With over a decade of experience, Portia
continues to push the envelope in financial planning, extensively studying Social Security and Medicare
planning.
She is deeply dedicated to the well-being of her clients and works diligently to ensure that their financial
needs are met. A natural leader and mentor, Portia has been instrumental in the mentorship of up-
and-coming team members, as well as an active mentor in the Fresno community. She is a wellspring of
energy that has brought about a new level of service and financial planning to this practice.
Whelan Financial This Brochure Supplement provides information about Portia L. White,
735 W. Alluvial Ave., Ste 101 CFP® and supplements the Whelan Financial brochure. Please contact
Fresno, CA 93711 Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® at 559.228.8002 if you have any questions
Telephone: 559.228.8002 about the contents of this supplement.
03/29/2019 Additional information about Portia L. White, CFP® is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 20Educational, Background and • Central California Women’s Conference: It’s Your
Money, Fear Not, Make it Happen!, Fresno Convention
Business Experience and Entertainment Center, September 16, 2014
Full Legal Name: Portia L. White, CFP®
• STAR (Staff Training and Recognition) Day: Financial
Education: California State University, Fresno; BA,
Planning for the Future, California State University,
Philosophy; Summa Cum Laude 2004
Fresno, May 22, 2013
Business Experience: Whelan Financial from 11/1/2004
to Present. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM
• Wellness @ Work Series: Dimes to Dollars: The Cents in
Practitioner, Vice President, Treasurer/CFO and a Senior
Savings, California State University, Fresno, March 26,
Advisor.
2012
Speaking Engagements: Portia has had numerous
speaking engagements highlighting wealth management
Certifications: Portia L. White, CFP® has earned the
and financial planning. These include:
following certification and is in good standing with the
granting authority:
• Fresno County Bar Association- Estate Planning, Trust
& Probate Section: Financial Misconceptions: Our Fight
• CFP®; Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards,
Against “Conventional Wisdom”, Pardinis, Fresno, CA,
Inc.: 2009
March 8, 2019
“The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP® and
• Central California Women’s Conference: Making
federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks
Sense of Social Security, Fresno Convention and
(collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional
Entertainment Center, Fresno, CA, September 25, 2018
certification marks granted in the United States by
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP
• Fresno County Bar Association- Estate Planning, Trust
Board”).
& Probate Section: Misconceptions Revealed: What You
Need to Know About Investing Now and in Retirement,
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no
Fresno, CA, March 2, 2017
federal or state law or regulation requires financial
planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in
• Central California Women’s Conference: Social Security
the United States and a number of other countries for its
Planning: You Have Options!, Fresno Convention and
(1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent
Entertainment Center, September 20, 2016
code of conduct and standards of practice and (3) ethical
requirements that govern professional engagements
•Fresno County Bar Association- Estate Planning, Trust
with clients. Currently, more than 71,000 individuals have
& Probate Section: Understanding Medicare: What You
obtained CFP® certification in the United States.
Need to Know, Fresno, CA, February 4, 2016
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, currently
• Whelan Financial Charity Luncheon: Social Security:
an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following
Maximizing Benefits in light of Recent Changes, Fort
requirements:
Washington Country Club, Fresno, CA, January 21,
2016
• Education - Complete an advanced college-level course
of study addressing the financial planning subject areas
• Fresno County Bar Association- Estate Planning, Trust
that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary
& Probate Section: Social Security Planning: You Have
for the competent and professional delivery of financial
Options!, Fresno, CA September 3, 2016
planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s Degree from a
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 21regionally accredited United States college or university Disciplinary Information
(or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s
financial planning subject areas include insurance Portia L. White, CFP® has no reportable disciplinary
planning and risk management, employee benefits history.
planning, investment planning, income tax planning,
retirement planning, and estate planning;
Other Business Activities
• Examination- Pass the comprehensive CFP®
Certification Examination. The examination includes A. Investment Related Activities
case studies and client scenarios designed to test one’s 1. Portia L. White, CFP® is not engaged in any other
ability to correctly diagnose financial planning issues and investment related activities.
apply one’s knowledge of financial planning to real world 2. Portia L. White, CFP® does not receive
circumstances; commissions, bonuses or other compensation on
the sale of securities or other investment products.
• Experience - Complete at least three years of full-time
financial planning-related experience (or the equivalent, B. Non-Investment Related Activities
measured as 2,000 hours per year); and Portia L. White, CFP® is not engaged in any other
business or occupation that provides substantial
• Ethics - Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Standards of compensation or involves a substantial amount of
Professional Conduct, a set of documents outlining the her time.
ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
Additional Compensation
Individuals who become certified must complete the
following ongoing education and ethics requirements in
Portia L. White, CFP® does not receive any economic
order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP®
benefit from a non-advisory client for the provision of
marks:
advisory services.
• Continuing Education - Complete 30 hours of continuing
education hours every two years, including two hours Supervision
on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of
Professional Conduct, to maintain competence and keep Supervisor: Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®
up with developments in the financial planning field; and Title: President
Phone Number: 559.228.8002
• Ethics - Renew an agreement to be bound by the
Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards Portia L. White, CFP® reports to Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®
prominently require that CFP® professional provide for all her activities and responsibilities related to Whelan
financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of care. Financial business.
This means CFP® professionals must provide financial
planning services in the best interests of their clients. Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®, is responsible for the supervision,
formulation and monitoring of investment advice offered
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above to clients. Mr. Whelan reviews and oversees all material
standards and requirements maybe subject to CFP Board’s investment policy changes and conducts periodic testing to
enforcement process, which could result in suspension or ensure that client objectives and mandates are being met.
permanent revocation of their CFP® certification.” (Source: He can be contacted at 559.228.8002.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.)
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 22Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement
Taylor J. Whelan, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
B.A. Philosophy, Santa Clara University, 2008
At Whelan Financial, we aim to hire and retain elite Fresno talent. Having recruited Taylor as an advisor
is one of our most proud accomplishments. Taylor came to us from Wellington Management in Boston,
and with his years of experience, immediately impacted the firm. His integrity, remarkable financial
aptitude, and limitless positivity have helped to propel Whelan Financial forward.
When Taylor isn’t meeting with his own clients, he is instrumental in business development, conducting
investment research, and advancing our technology. His genuine enjoyment in helping each client is only
matched by his enthusiasm for the growth of our firm.
Whelan Financial This Brochure Supplement provides information about Taylor J. Whelan,
735 W. Alluvial Ave., Ste 101 CFP® and supplements the Whelan Financial brochure. Please contact
Fresno, CA 93711 Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® at 559.228.8002 if you have any questions about the
Telephone: 559.228.8002 contents of this supplement.
03/29/2019 Additional information about Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 23Educational, Background and regionally accredited United States college or university
(or its equivalent from a foreign university). CFP Board’s
Business Experience financial planning subject areas include insurance
planning and risk management, employee benefits
Full Legal Name: Taylor J. Whelan, CFP®
planning, investment planning, income tax planning,
Born: 1985
retirement planning, and estate planning;
Education: Santa Clara University; BA, Philosophy: 2008
Business Experience: Whelan Financial from 7/2008 to
• Examination- Pass the comprehensive CFP®
12/2010; Wellington Management Company, LLP from
Certification Examination. The examination includes
3/2011 to 5/2012; Wellington Hedge Management from
case studies and client scenarios designed to test one’s
6/2012 to 10/2014; Whelan Financial from 11/17/2014
ability to correctly diagnose financial planning issues and
to present. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM
apply one’s knowledge of financial planning to real world
Practitioner, Secretary and holds a Series 65 license.
circumstances;
Certifications: Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® has earned the
following certification and is in good standing with the
• Experience - Complete at least three years of full-time
granting authority:
financial planning-related experience (or the equivalent,
measured as 2,000 hours per year); and
• CFP®; Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards,
Inc.: 2016
• Ethics - Agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Standards of
Professional Conduct, a set of documents outlining the
“The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and
ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.
federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks
(collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional
Individuals who become certified must complete the
certification marks granted in the United States by
following ongoing education and ethics requirements in
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP
order to maintain the right to continue to use the CFP®
Board”).
marks:
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no
• Continuing Education - Complete 30 hours of continuing
federal or state law or regulation requires financial
education hours every two years, including two hours
planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in
on the Code of Ethics and other parts of the Standards of
the United States and a number of other countries for its
Professional Conduct, to maintain competence and keep
(1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent
up with developments in the financial planning field; and
code of conduct and standards of practice and (3) ethical
requirements that govern professional engagements with
• Ethics - Renew an agreement to be bound by the
clients. Currently, more than 71,000 individuals have
Standards of Professional Conduct. The Standards
obtained CFP® certification in the United States.
prominently require that CFP® professional provide
financial planning services at a fiduciary standard of care.
To attain the right to use the CFP® marks, currently
This means CFP® professionals must provide financial
an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following
planning services in the best interests of their clients.
requirements:
CFP® professionals who fail to comply with the above
• Education - Complete an advanced college-level course
standards and requirements maybe subject to CFP Board’s
of study addressing the financial planning subject areas
enforcement process, which could result in suspension or
that CFP Board’s studies have determined as necessary
permanent revocation of their CFP® certification. (Source:
for the competent and professional delivery of financial
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.)
planning services, and attain a Bachelor’s Degree from a
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 24Disciplinary Information Additional Compensation
Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® has no reportable disciplinary Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® does not receive any economic
history. benefit from a non-advisory client for the provision of
advisory services.
Other Business Activities
Supervision
A. Investment Related Activities
1. Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® is not engaged in any other Supervisor: Portia L. White, CFP®
investment related activities. Title: Vice President
2. Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® does not receive Phone Number: 559.228.8002
commissions, bonuses or other compensation on the
sale of securities or other investment products. Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® reports to Portia L. White, CFP®
for all his activities and responsibilities related to Whelan
B. Non-Investment Related Activities Financial business.
Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® is not engaged in any other
business or occupation that provides substantial Vincent J. Whelan, CFP®, is responsible for the supervision,
compensation or involves a substantial amount of formulation and monitoring of investment advice offered
his time. to clients. Mr. Whelan reviews and oversees all material
investment policy changes and conducts periodic testing to
ensure that client objectives and mandates are being met.
He can be contacted at 559.228.8002.
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 25Part 2B of Form ADV: Brochure Supplement
Stephen C. Detweiler, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
B.A. Mathematics, California State University,
Fresno 2009
With a background in mathematics, Stephen’s analytical mind and ability to grasp and apply complex data
continues to be an invaluable asset to Whelan Financial. Our clients are drawn to Stephen. His unfaltering
dedication and ability to pare down complex topics into clear and concise bits of information demonstrate both
heart and mental fortitude. Stephen’s abilities have earned him respect from both clients and peers alike.
When Stephen is not meeting with his own clients, he oversees day-to-day trading operations and is integral in
providing research in the areas of investment and financial planning. Stephen’s exceptional work ethic is matched
only by his efforts to provide clients with the advice they need to confidently move forward in their financial
endeavors.
Whelan Financial This Brochure Supplement provides information about Stephen C.
735 W. Alluvial Ave., Ste 101 Detweiler, CFP® and supplements the Whelan Financial brochure.
Fresno, CA 93711 Please contact Taylor J. Whelan, CFP® at 559.228.8002 if you have any
Telephone: 559.228.8002 questions about the contents of this supplement.
03/29/2019 Additional information about Stephen C. Detweiler, CFP® is available on
the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Whelan Financial Part 2B of Form ADV: Firm Brochure | Page 26You can also read
