Disclosures & Compliance

Transparency is at the core of everything we do. Here's what you need to know about our firm, our fiduciary duty, and how we're regulated.

Firm Registration & Structure

Vaughan Family Financial, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) with the State of Alabama and also operates as a CPA firm. We are registered under the Alabama Securities Act and comply with all applicable state and federal regulations.

CRD Number: 326452
SEC File Number: [Your SEC File Number if applicable]
Principal Office: 10002 Colmar Road SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

Important: Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This registration does not waive compliance with or limit the Securities Act of Alabama.

Our Independence: No Broker-Dealer Affiliations

What This Means for You

Vaughan Family Financial operates completely independently. We are NOT affiliated with any broker-dealer, insurance company, or financial product provider. This independence gives us the ability to provide advice without conflicts of interest.

Why Independence Matters

Many financial advisors work for broker-dealers or have relationships with product providers that create conflicts of interest. They may earn higher commissions for selling certain products, creating a financial incentive to recommend products that may not be in your best interest.

At Vaughan Family Financial:

  • No Commissions: We don't earn commissions from product sales. Our only compensation comes directly from you—our clients.
  • No Broker-Dealer Oversight: We're not required to sell proprietary products or meet sales quotas imposed by a broker-dealer.
  • No Hidden Relationships: We have no financial relationships with insurance companies, mutual fund companies, or other product providers that would create conflicts of interest.
  • 100% Fiduciary Duty: Because we're independent, we can act solely in your best interest without external pressures or competing loyalties.

This independence is a cornerstone of our business model. When we recommend an investment, insurance product, or financial strategy, you can trust that the recommendation is based solely on what's best for you—not on what earns us the highest commission or meets a sales target.

Fiduciary Duty & Fee-Only Compensation

As a Registered Investment Adviser, Vaughan Family Financial is held to a fiduciary standard. This means we are legally obligated to act in your best interest at all times—not just when providing investment advice, but in all aspects of our relationship.

Fee-Only Compensation Model

We operate on a fee-only basis, meaning:

  • We are compensated directly by you through fees for our services
  • We do not receive commissions from product sales
  • We do not receive kickbacks, referral fees, or compensation from third parties
  • Our fee structure is transparent and disclosed upfront

This model ensures that our interests are aligned with yours. When you succeed financially, we succeed. We have no incentive to recommend products or strategies that don't serve your goals.

Services & Fee Structure

Vaughan Family Financial offers the following services:

  • Small Business Monthly Bookkeeping
  • Tax Planning & Preparation (Business and Personal)
  • Comprehensive Financial & Retirement Planning
  • Investment Management (Assets Under Management)
  • Fractional CFO Services
  • Commission-Free Insurance Advising

Fee Schedule

Our fees vary based on the services provided and the complexity of your financial situation. We believe in transparent pricing and will always discuss fees upfront before any engagement begins. For detailed information about our fee structure, please refer to our ADV Part 2A (available for download below) or contact us directly.

Typical fee structures include:

  • Hourly Fees: For project-based work or consultations
  • Fixed Fees: For specific services like tax preparation or financial plan creation
  • Monthly Retainer: For ongoing bookkeeping and advisory services
  • Assets Under Management (AUM): Percentage-based fee for investment management

Investment Risks

All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives or that you will not lose money.

Important considerations:

  • Past performance is not indicative of future results
  • Investment returns are not guaranteed
  • Market volatility can result in loss of value
  • Different investment strategies carry different levels of risk
  • Economic conditions, interest rates, and other factors can impact investment performance

We work closely with clients to understand their risk tolerance and build portfolios appropriate for their goals and comfort level. However, it's important to understand that no investment is completely risk-free.

Privacy & Confidentiality

We take your privacy seriously. As both a CPA firm and investment adviser, we are bound by professional standards of confidentiality. For detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.

Important Documents

📄 Download ADV Part 2A (Firm Brochure) 🔒 View Privacy Policy ✓ Check Our Background (BrokerCheck)

Questions?

If you have any questions about our registration, services, fees, or fiduciary duty, please don't hesitate to contact us:

Joe Vaughan, CPA, CFP®
Phone: (256) 808-4476
Email: [email protected]

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