The Five Star Wealth Manager designation is based on a voluntary survey and thus is not intended to represent the entire universe of advisors. Wealth managers are evaluated based on one-year and five-year client retention rates, number of client households served, and education and professional designations. Discretionary accounts may or may not be used by the wealth manager and it is at the clients’ option. The Five Star Award is not indicative of the manager’s future performance. The inclusion of a wealth manager should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional. The designation is presented to no more than 7% of the wealth managers in a given area. Although there is no fee for being nominated or winning the award; once the award is received, certain marketing fees may be paid to Five Star Wealth Manager for use of their name in the designation.

Financial Advisor Magazine’s TOP RIA list includes registered investment advisory firms that provide financial planning and related services to individual clients. All firms must be either independently owned or be a freestanding subsidiary of another business. Firms are ranked by total assets under management. Sard Wealth Management Group, LLC ranked 8h in our size category. This is a voluntary survey and thus may not accurately represent the entire universe of advisors (e.g. those who chose not to participate).

The 2011 Annual Top Wealth Managers Survey received surveys from some of the nation’s largest independent wealth management firms. The respondents collectively manage $330 billion in assets under management (AUM), service 175,000 clients and employ 6,780 people. Firms are ranked on average assets under management per client for the annual ranking. Sard Wealth Management Group, LLC ranked 344th. A total of 371 companies were included in the rankings. This is a voluntary survey and thus may not accurately represent the entire universe of advisors (e.g. those who chose not to participate).

The primary focus of NABCAP, a nationally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is to serve the needs of the investing public by helping identify top wealth managers. NABCAP’s methodology is unique in deciphering advisors because it is primarily objective, not subjective and helps add transparency for the investor’s benefit. Alternatively, NABCAP attempts to identify top advisors regardless of size, firm or channel they are affiliated with. Distinguishing characteristics of an advisory practice will include in part, though not exclusively – team dynamics- who comprises the team, years of experience, credentials/Designations, average AUM per client, planning philosophy, investment philosophy, risk philosophy, fee/cost structure, customer service, U4/ADV status.