SageGuard Financial Group, LLC
SageGuard Financial Group is a financial advisor and investment management firm that's based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, which is just outside Nashville. The firm's client base made up entirely of individuals. The firm provides its clients with investment management and financial planning services, as well as educational seminars and publications.
This is a fee-based firm. As a result, certain on-staff advisors may be able to earn commissions from securities and insurance sales, in addition to client-paid fees. A fee-only firm, on the other hand, only receives client-paid compensation.
SageGuard Financial Group Background
SageGuard Financial Group was established back in 2009 under its original name: SageGuard Investment Advisory Services, LLC. However, in May of 2016, the firm adopted its new name. President Darwin D. Johnson, who goes by DJ, and marketing manager Paula C. Johnson are the two principal owners of the firm. The duo are also husband and wife.
SageGuard Financial Group Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
SageGuard Financial Group works with individuals both with and without a high net worth. However, non-high-net-worth individuals dominate its client base. Although the firm currently only works with individuals, it also can provide services to pension and profit-sharing plans and businesses.
SageGuard does not require a minimum account size for any of its services.
Services Offered by SageGuard Financial Group
SageGuard Financial Group provides its clients with investment advisory and financial planning services. They also may select third-party managers to help invest client assets. Investment services are typically comprehensive, including the development of the following:
- Personalized investment strategy
- Custom asset allocation
- Risk tolerance determination
- Personal investment policy creation
- Asset selection
- Regular portfolio monitoring
Financial planning services may include advice on a number of different topics, including:
- Insurance needs assessments
- Retirement planning
- Debt consolidation
- Education planning
- Tax planning and preparation
- Income planning
SageGuard Financial Group Investment Philosophy
SageGuard Financial Group tailors its investment advice and strategies to the individual needs and goals of each client. With that being said, the same suite of services is available to all clients. Depending on each client's investment policy statement (IPS), which includes their risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs and more, advisors will invest their assets accordingly.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on the types of investments advisors use to populate their portfolio. In order to best inform their investment decisions, advisors use both technical and fundamental methods of analysis. They also use strategic and tactical asset allocation methods.
Fees Under SageGuard Financial Group
The fee schedule for investment advisory services at SageGuard Financial Group consists of annual AUM-based charges. The firm operates using a single fee schedule. For context, a 2018 study by RIA in a Box shows the average annual advisory fee is 0.95% of AUM.
| SageGuard Financial Group Fee Schedule | |
| Portfolio Value | Total Annual Fee |
| First $250,000 | 1.80% |
| $250,000 - $750,000 | 1.60% |
| $750,000 - $1,000,000 | 1.40% |
| Above $1,000,000 | 1.20% |
These fees may be negotiable depending on the scope of the advisory agreement between the firm and the client. Using the rates above, here's what you can expect to pay if you work with SageGuard.
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at SageGuard Financial Group* | |
| Your Assets | SageGuard Financial Group Fee Amount |
| $500K | $8,500 |
| $1MM | $16,000 |
| $5MM | $64,000 |
| $10MM | $124,000 |
When it comes to financial planning fees, the firm typically charges an hourly rate of $100 per hour. Fixed fees tend to range from $200 to $2,000 for a financial planning engagement. Every account is subject to a $35 annual technology and administrative fee.
What to Watch Out For
SageGuard Financial Group has a clean legal and regulatory record, according to its SEC-filed Form ADV.
As a fee-based firm, some advisors at SageGuard may receive commissions for selling certain insurance products or securities to clients. This creates a potential conflict of interest, though the firm is still a fiduciary, legally obligating it to act in the best interests of clients at all times.
Opening an Account With SageGuard Financial Group
To open an account with SageGuard Financial Group, go to the firm's website and schedule a complimentary consultation. You can also submit a question form, visit the firm in person or give them a call at (615) 859-4567.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
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