The Structure

Fiduciary relationship • Custody • Fees • Account structure • Communication

Fiduciary by Agreement

If you choose to proceed, we formalize the relationship through a fiduciary advisory agreement with Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC dba Kniffen Wealthcare.

The agreement defines:

  • The scope of the advisory relationship

  • Fiduciary responsibilities

  • How accounts are managed

  • How fees are calculated and charged

There is no long-term lockup.
You may terminate at any time.

Custody and Client Control

Your assets remain in your name at a trusted, independent custodian—typically Charles Schwab (and where applicable, Fidelity or an existing retirement plan custodian).

This structure matters:

  • You retain full ownership of your accounts

  • You receive statements and confirmations directly from the custodian

  • You can remove advisory authorization at any time directly with the custodian

Account Structure and Household Coordination

We manage the household as a coordinated system. This includes practical, structural decisions such as:

  • Which accounts exist and why

  • Titling and ownership structure

  • Beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries

  • The purpose of each account (time-to-purpose)

  • Tax characteristics of each account

  • How accounts work together as one coordinated plan

Getting this structure right supports long-term compounding and reduces avoidable friction.

Communication and Review Cadence

We keep communication calm and clear.

You should always understand:

  • What is being done

  • Why decisions are being made

  • How the portfolio is positioned relative to objectives and guardrails

  • Review cadence is set intentionally based on your situation, and we remain available as questions arise.

Review cadence is set intentionally based on your situation, and we remain available as questions arise.

Fee-Only and Transparent

We are fee-only. We do not sell products. We do not receive commissions.

Your accounts will be invested in commonly known publicly available ETF's and stocks. Nothing opaque or private.

Fee Schedule

Our advisory fees are transparent and tiered:

  • 1.20% on the first $1,000,000

  • 1.00% on the next $2,000,000

  • 0.70% on the next $4,000,000

  • 0.50% on the next $3,000,000

  • 0.40% on assets above $10,000,000

Fees are charged quarterly and prorated upon termination.
Because compensation is tied to account value, interests remain aligned.

Clear Boundaries

We believe clarity requires boundaries.

  • We do not recommend private placements or limited partnerships.

  • We do not use cash-value life insurance or annuities as investment vehicles.

These products are often over-sold, complex, expensive, and difficult to unwind.

Jim holds the CLU® and ChFC® designations specific to the insurance industry, which inform this judgment. We believe term life insurance can play an important role, but we are intentionally not licensed insurance agents.

Where to Go Next

If the mechanics feel right, the Path page shows exactly how we begin—step by step.

Investment advice offered through Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC is a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.


All content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment recommendations. Kniffen Wealthcare does not provide legal or tax advice. Clients should consult their attorney, CPA, or tax professional regarding their specific situation.

Custody Notice

Wealthcare Advisory Partners does not take custody of client assets.
All client accounts are held in their name at independent third-party custodians such as Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments. Client statements, confirmations, and tax documents are issued directly by the custodian.


No Guarantees / Risk Disclosure

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
No investment strategy can eliminate the risk of loss.\

© 2026 All Rights Reserved Kniffen Wealthcare