_{1. How do I register for online access for my investments?}

We have 2 great options to see your investment accounts online. Schwab Alliance will be your go-to website for monthly statements, tax forms, etc. For more performance centric information, GWS&A offers access through BlackDiamond.

_{2. How do I sign up for e-Delivery of my investment statements?}

You will need to visit Schwab Alliance to update your delivery preferences.

_{3. How do I access my investment statements, confirms, tax documents or correspondence?}

Schwab Alliance will be the most comprehensive source of this information.

_{4. Where do I go to see my investment account balances?}

You can find your account balances within both Schwab Alliance and BlackDiamond.

_{5. What is the insurance process like and what can I expect?}

Insurance Process

_{6. How do I view information on my existing life insurance policies?}

Online Life Insurance Registration

_{7. How is the GWS&A team compensated?}

Our firm has revenue from three sources. Assets we manage (AUM), implementation of insurance, and lastly fee-based engagements.

AUM is standardized and our service fee is calculated as a percentage of AUM based on a blended fee schedule (Highest fee 1.50%, lowest fee .28%).

We have a minimum fee based on credentials of advisor. Most advisors have a minimum of $1,500 annually (pro rated for new clients). Adam Way has a minimum fee of $2,500 (pro rated for new clients). If the calculated percentage fee is less than the stated minimum annual fee, the client pays the difference as a retainer for access to comprehensive planning, and ongoing advisory services. Example: A client with $75,000 at a 1.50% fee would generate $1,125. If the required minimum fee is $2,500, the client is required to pay the difference of $1,375. This ensures every client receives the same high standard of comprehensive, year-round fiduciary service, regardless of their current investment account size.

_{8. What is GWS&A's process like?}

See attached Flowchart

_{9. How do I schedule/who do I contact to schedule a meeting?}

Please contact GWS&A at 720.420.4875 or visit this link to schedule: https://calendly.com/adamway

_{10. How often would we meet to review my plan?}

To be determined on a case by case basis. Initially, there are a high frequency of meetings, in order to establish and fully execute a plan. Once the plan is dialed in, most clients meet once a year. However, because each situation is unique and sometimes more complex, we could meet as often as quarterly. This will be determined during your meetings with the GWS&A team.

_{11. What makes GWS&A different from other financial planning firms?}

It’s not only what we do, but how we do it. Whether for you, your family or your business, we strive to elevate every step of the process, with the hope that our commitment to you is evident in everything we do.

_{12. Is there a minimum required to become a client of GWS&A?}

Our compensation is derived from a percentage fee based on Assets Under Management (AUM), or a minimum annual fee for ongoing asset management, whichever is greater. - Minimum Annual Fee: $1,500 (Mike, Marc, Terri, and others) - Adam Way Minimum Annual Fee: $2,500.

_{12A. Why does GWS&A set up fees like this?}

Example: Consider a closely held business owners with a $2 million successful enterprise often has a high net worth, but their wealth is concentrated in the business and may result in low liquid AUM prior to a sale. This is an underserved market, and our firm specializes in managing the complexity inherent in these situations (e.g., exit planning, business succession, advanced tax strategy, key-person insurance). Our commitment is to managing your total net worth and complexity, not just your liquid investments. We partner with this owner (often years before the sale) to maximize outcome and manage the transition.

_{13. Who do I contact and for what?}

For Scheduling and Service: Contact anyone on the GWS&A team directly or dial 720.420.4875

Insurance questions: Terri Hinrichs 720.420.4864 terri@gwsa.us

Planning related questions: Sara Erpestad 720.420.4878 sara@gwsa.us

Investment questions: Eric Jacobs 720.420.4877 eric@gwsa.us

_{14. What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)?}

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is a professional certification mark for Financial Planning Professionals. It is conferred by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in The United States, and by 25 other organizations affiliated with the FPSB (Financial Planning Standards Board. CFP® Professionals are required to have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university. As a first step to the present CFP® certification criteria, “students” must master a curriculum of approximately 100 topics on financial planning. Examples of some of the topics are: General principles of finance, insurance planning, employee benefits, State and federal income tax planning, estate tax, gift tax, transfer tax, asset protection planning, retirement planning, estate planning, financial planning, financial consulting. The original CFP® exam was a 2-day, 10 hour of total testing time exam. It is estimated that at the time of the original CFP® exam that there was an approximate pass rate of less than 30% according the proctors administering the exam. The CFP® Professionals follow a standard process of helping clients by following a process referred to as “EGADIM”.

• Establishing and Defining the Client Relationship
• Gathering Client Data and Goals
• Analyzing and Evaluating the Client's Financial Status
• Developing and Presenting Financial Planning Recommendations and Alternatives
• Implementing the Financial Planning Recommendations
• Monitoring the Financial Planning Recommendations

_{15. What does the CLTC (Certified in Long Term Care Insurance) designation mean?}

The CLTC designation focuses on educating financial and insurance professionals about the importance of a long-term care plan for their clients and their loved ones. The in-depth coursework required to earn the designation is perfect both for new and seasoned industry professionals. Regardless of their level of prior experience, everyone can learn valuable information from this course that will help further their professional knowledge and sales practices. The CLTC is specific to long-term care insurance and planning techniques. It is much more in-depth and concentrated on in this course work versus standard state licensing. Thus, if you want someone that is knowledgeable about long-term care planning, (not just the insurance product) working with a CLTC might be beneficial.

_{16. What is an AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary)?}

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) training empowers investment professionals with the fiduciary knowledge and tools they need to serve their clients’ best interests while successfully growing their business. Advisors who earn the AIF® designation are immediately able to demonstrate the added value they bring to prospective and existing clients. Although recent DOL (Department of Labor) rules are raising the bar for all agents/advisors/professionals across the board, (which we feel is a great) the broader and historical industry standard still remains low in our opinion. Our firm believes that all clients should work with a fiduciary. In simple terms, fiduciaries are looking out for your interests, not their own. The AIF® designation program provides specific training on this topic. Is your current professional a “fiduciary”? If so, it is likely they will have AIF® designation behind their name. While it is possible to be a fiduciary without having the AIF® designation, holding this designation requires the designee to operate in a fiduciary capacity 100% of the time. It is also important to know if your advisor is only sometimes a fiduciary. Is it possible to wear this hat and take it off??! By obtaining the AIF® designation, the designee signs a code of ehtics attestation that he/she will always do what is in the best interests of clients. Thus, we feel that when looking for a financial planning professional, an AIF® is an important designation.

_{17. What is a CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter®)?}

Chartered Life Underwriter® - The Oldest Designation

The CLU® is widely considered to be the most respected insurance designation in the industry. This designation was created in 1927. The CLU®; has traditionally been pursued by advisors/planners who specialize in life insurance for business or estate-planning purposes. In short, professionals with this designation are often viewed as “experts” in the area of life insurance. They can review your current program life insurance program and determine if it is a proper fit for you and what you are looking to accomplish. If the product you own is not suitable for your goals and objectives, the professional can offer recommendations and advice on this topic. If you have purchased life insurance from someone not having this designation, it is not a bad idea to have it reviewed by a CLU.

The current course curriculum for the CLU® includes five required courses plus three elective courses.
The required courses include the following:

• Fundamentals of Insurance Planning
• Life Insurance Law
• Individual Life Insurance
• Fundamentals of Estate Planning
• Planning for Business Owners and Professionals

The three elective courses can be chosen from such subjects as the following:

• Financial Planning: Process and Environment
• Individual Health Insurance
• Income Taxation
• Group Benefits
• Planning for Retirement Needs
• Investments
• Estate Planning Applications

_{18. What is a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant)?}

ChFC stands for Chartered Financial Consultant, a designation that has been in existence since 1982. The ChFC is lesser known than the CFP®, but still stands as a distinguished certification in financial planning. The education portion for a ChFC is robust, comprising of nine college-level courses. Courses focus on insurance planning, insurance planning for business owners, estate planning, income tax planning, retirement planning techniques, investments (risk analysis, tax issues with investing), personal financial planning, etc. There are also courses that focus on planning with different types clients, such as divorcees or special needs families. The American College is more insurance focused than the CFP®. There are 9 courses that must be successfully completed versus the CFP® having generally 7, the 9 courses are easier than the CFP® by a significant margin. Like the CFP®, you must continue to earn CE credits to maintain your designation. This involves taking courses and participating in programs to keep current on financial planning practices. Meeting all of these requirements leads to a ChFC designation. These high standards ensure that you give knowledgeable and helpful advice that suits your clients’ needs.

_{19. ChFC vs. CFP®: Which One Is Better for Financial Planning?}

Naturally, you might wonder which type of certification makes an advisor/planner more qualified in financial planning. If you are looking for help with life insurance, disability insurance or a long-term care insurance situation, it is of our opinion that a ChFC is a superior designation, given that the institution that issues the ChFC has a heavy emphasis on insurance, during coursework.

If you're looking for someone who has the most well rounded skill set in the realm of greater financial planning, it is of our opinion that the CFP® designation "fits the bill." While there is some overlap between the two designations, we have found the CFP® curriculum to be significantly more robust and comprehensive than the ChFC. Because of the constantly changing financial landscape and the nuances related to financial planning, working with someone who is both a CFP® and a ChFC gives clients access to a person with a diverse and multifunctional skill set. It is our conclusion that if you have to pick between the two that the CFP® is superior. Ideally, the person you work with has both, which displays a commitment to being at the top of their game.

_{20. What is the APMA® (Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠) designation?}

The Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ APMA® designation is an advanced professional designation geared towards investment professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in the finer points of portfolio creation, augmentation and maintenance. APMA® designees have completed a course of study encompassing client assessment and suitability, risk/return, investment objectives, bond and equity portfolios, modern portfolio theory and investor psychology. The course covers hands-on learning in analyzing investment policy statements, building portfolios, and making asset allocation decisions including sell, hold, and buy decisions within a client’s portfolio. Having a professional with this designation ensures that you have someone that is capable and competent in portfolio management, but also understands the unique intricacies of clients’ tax situations, time horizons, liquidity needs, and risk appetites.

_{21. What is the AEP® (Accredited Estate Planner®) designation?}

The Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation is a graduate level specialization in estate planning, obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. It is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) to estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education, professional reputation, and character. Holders of this designation have demonstrated an extremely high level of skill and knowledge in multiple unique and complex topics related to estate planning.

_{22. What does the FPQP™ (Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™) designation signify?}

The Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ FPQP™ designation, formerly the Registered Paraplanner RP®, is a professional designation specifically designed for the financial planning industry. Its coursework combines multiple financial planning topics and the applicability of those in every day client situations. Individuals who hold the FPQP™ designation have completed studies encompassing the financial planning process, the five disciplines of financial planning and comprehensive financial planning concepts, terminology and product categories. To complete this designation, candidates must pass a rigorous end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. For clients seeking all-encompassing financial planning guidance, having access to someone will the FPQP® skillset is highly advantageous.

_{23. What does the ChSNC™ (Chartered Special Needs Consultant™) designation signify?}

The Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) is an online, self-study program designed for experienced financial advisors who want to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities or special needs. Augment your current financial planning and interpersonal skills with specialized knowledge focused on special needs planning, including special needs trusts and helping parents and caregivers plan for immediate and long term care, as well as wisely and compassionately guiding families through complex financial decisions like estate planning, beneficiary status, and eligibility for government benefits like Social Security so they and their loved ones can have the peace of mind they deserve.

_{24. Who is GWS&A not a good fit for?}

Our highly coordinated advisory model is generally not a good fit for those who: 1. Do not seek a long-term partnership. Individuals who prefer a strictly DIY approach or are not looking to partner for a long-term enduring relationship 2. Seek only limited engagement. Clients who prefer to manage their assets outside of GWS&A's framework are generally not a good fit for our integrated, fee-based planning model. 3. Are early in their financial journey. Our service is also generally not cost-effective for those seeking only transactional advice, or assistance primarily with budgeting or consumer debt reduction. 4. Oppose Comprehensive Planning. Prospects unwilling to commit to a planning process that integrates essential risk management components (e.g., insurance review), which we deem critical to a great outcome.

_{25. Fee-Based vs. Fee Only. What is the difference and which one is right for me?}

GWS&A operates under a fee-based structure because we believe it is the necessary structure to deliver a truly comprehensive, fiduciary-grade financial plan. A financial plan that omits insurance planning is merely an investment plan. While the industry often promotes the perceived simplicity of a strict fee-only model, that model inherently creates a service gap by forcing essential risk management components to be outsourced. Please note, to be considered fee-only, it is our experience that firms cannot directly implement insurance and have to refer this business outside of their firm.

_{26. The GWS&A Philosophy: Why Fee-Based is Necessary}

We acknowledge the potential conflict of interest inherent in the fee-based model and manage it with absolute transparency and our fiduciary oath. However, we believe that the client outcome is severely compromised by a strict fee-only approach for these reasons:

1. Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Life insurance, disability coverage, and long-term care insurance are the financial plan’s "safety net". Excluding these items compromises the entire structure for many.

2. Delegation Sacrifices Oversight: We view delegating the implementation of essential risk management to a separate, non-fiduciary commission agent—a structural requirement of the fee-only model—as a compromise that fragments the client’s financial life, sacrifices unified fiduciary oversight, and leaves the total plan vulnerable.

3. Holistic Management: For HNW clients, life insurance is not just income replacement; it is a tool for portfolio diversification, tax-deferred growth, and estate liquidity. This complex application demands that the same fiduciary managing the tax and investment strategy must also manage the insurance implementation. Our fee-based structure allows for this integrated, family-office-style coordination.

_{27. What is GWS&A's actual length of time in the industry?}

Adam Way has been serving clients since 2002, previously operating under broker-dealer relationships. There are several indivduals on our team with more years of experience in the industry than Adam. We leverage these decades of experience in risk management, product knowledge, and planning expertise for every client relationship. In 2021, we intentionally transitioned our practice to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) to solidify our commitment to the fiduciary standard and eliminate potential structural conflicts. We believe the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model represents the pinnacle of professional commitment and client protection in the financial industry.

_{28. What is the difference between a Broker-Dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?}

The difference lies in the legal standard of care required: 1. Registered Investment Advisor (RIA): Must follow the Fiduciary Standard. This is the highest legal standard, requiring us to always place the client's interests ahead of our own. This is a non-negotiable legal requirement for GWS&A. 2. Broker-Dealer (BD): Historically follows the Suitability Standard. This standard only requires that a recommendation be "suitable" for the client's needs, but does not mandate it be the optimal or least costly option. This suitability standard may allow a professional to recommend a product that generates a higher commission for them, which is why GWS&A chose to transition fully to the fiduciary RIA model.

_{29. Since GWS&A works with clients all over the U.S., how do you handle state registration requirements?}

Our sophisticated advisory model is designed for virtual, national delivery. As of November of 2025, based on an internal review, we currently work with individuals who live in 47 of the 50 states. We are actively working toward the goal of serving clients in every state. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we maintain strict compliance with all state-level registration and filing requirements. This process is rigorously managed to ensure our national reach is fully compliant and seamless for every client, regardless of location. States that we have numerous clients in include:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah

Please Note: This list represents a moment-in-time snapshot and is subject to change as our client base grows. We rely on the De Minimis Exception for states where we serve fewer than six clients. For the most current and official list of states where GWS&A maintains its filings, please refer to our Form ADV on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website using our Firm CRD number, which is 316072.

_{30. Since GWS&A is a fee-based firm, do you recommend annuities?}

No, we do not! While our fee-based model allows us to implement essential risk management products like life and long-term care insurance, we do not recommend or implement annuity products for our clients. Our decision is based on our philosophy that annuities often lack liquidity, involve excessive costs, and are overly complex for the comprehensive wealth structures we manage. We feel there are better alternatives to annuites that offer downside protection.

_{31. What alternatives do you use for fixed income, annuities and downside protection?}

We focus on highly transparent and liquid strategies to achieve portfolio safety and predictable income. Instead of utilizing complex, illiquid annuity contracts, we may employ the following strategies for our high-net-worth clientele: 1. Advanced Investment Strategies: Utilizing sophisticated investment techniques such as covered calls, protective puts, and other option strategies within traditional accounts to provide targeted downside protection and generate enhanced income from existing equity positions. 2. Strategic Fixed Income: Employing high-quality, real bonds (e.g., corporate and municipal), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), and highly rated fixed-income securities for strategic diversification, predictable fixed returns, and principal preservation. 3. Integrated Tax-Advantaged Planning: Leveraging tools like Cash Value Life Insurance (CVLI)—specifically portfolio-based, limited pay whole life—to generate tax-deferred growth and enhance portfolio diversification when traditional retirement plans are maximized. We also integrate specialized alternative strategies for market diversification.

_{32. How does GWS&A handle complex tax planning strategies?}

We believe that tax diversification often complements, and at critical times trumps, asset allocation diversification for long-term wealth preservation. Our approach is to proactively manage the three types of money—pre-tax (Traditional), after-tax (Brokerage/Fixed Income), and Roth (tax-free)—to ensure you have maximum flexibility and control over your tax bill in retirement.

_{33. What specific tax strategies do you employ for high-net-worth clients?}

For HNW clients with large tax burdens, we focus on advanced, high-impact strategies that go beyond basic retirement contributions. Our capabilities include: 1. Roth Conversion Strategy: We coordinate Roth Conversions at strategic times to leverage current tax environments, creating massive long-term tax-free benefits for your estate and future generations. 2. Cost Segregation Strategies: For clients with commercial or rental real estate, we coordinate cost segregation studies. This tax planning strategy accelerates the depreciation of certain property components, reallocating costs to shorter depreciation schedules (5, 7, and 15 years), which immediately reduces taxable income and enhances cash flow. (Please note that these are done by a CPA and coordination with GWS&A) 3. Direct Indexing: We implement Direct Indexing to provide greater customization and unique tax optimization benefits, such as systematic, year-round tax-loss harvesting to offset capital gains, which is often more effective than using only traditional Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or mutual funds.

_{34. How does GWS&A coordinate with my existing professionals?}

We often operate as the central point of coordination for your financial life. We coordinate directly with CPAs and estate planning professionals when needed or desired, ensuring that your investment and insurance strategies are perfectly aligned with your tax filings and estate documents. We find that this seamless coordination can prevent errors and maximizes the long-term effectiveness of your holistic financial plan.

_{35. How does GWS&A handle large cash positions when calculating advisory fees?}

This is a crucial point of transparency where GWS&A significantly deviates from industry standards. In our experience, most firms charge their full Assets Under Management (AUM) fee—(which averages around ~1.05% based on our internal research) annually—on all liquid assets, including large cash balances that are set aside for short-term goals, like a down payment on a house or business liquidity. GWS&A does not. We set up a seperate cash account for large cash positions (we color code this as a yellow box). We believe charging a full fee on capital we are not actively managing is a conflict of interest.

_{36. What is GWS&A's fee structure on segregated cash accounts?}

We feel that we are industry disruptors in this regard. We segregate large cash positions (defined as capital intended for use within 18 months, such as real estate purchase funds, large tax payments, or immediate liquidity reserves) and charge only 0.25% on those dedicated cash accounts. This is far below the typical 1% to 1.5% fee charged by peers, and it ensures that you only pay a minimal amount for the custody and oversight of capital that cannot be invested. We charge our standard tiered advisory fee only on the invested portfolio and a de minimis cash amount (typically 2% or less) held within the investment model for trading purposes.

_{37. Can you provide an example of the cost savings to clients with GWS&A's approach of segregating cash into a seperate account at a lower fee?}

Scenario A: Client has a total of $1,000,000 with an advisor outside of our firm. $250,000 is cash earmarked for a commercial real estate down payment next year. The remaining $750,000 is invested. Competitor Model (Assume a flat 1.00% on All Assets). Client pays $10K in fees in total on all assets, even those sitting in cash (often earning low returns, even before the 1% fee).

Scenario B: Same scenario as A, but the we take into account that GWS&A has an advisory fee for invested cash and a lower fee on cash that is segregated. As mentioned, the Advisory fee is ONLY charged on $750,000 invested (at blended rate) plus a reduced fee on the cash. Thus, our blended rate based on our standard fee schedule is ~1.24% on $750,000 and .25% on cash account. Thus, the weighted average fee is actually LESS. Calculating at .99% vs. 1%. or stated in dollar amount, the client saves ~$45 annually by working with GWS&A, simply because we do not charge our full advisory fee on segregated cash balances.

_{38. Where are my assets held, and what is the role of a custodian?}

GWS&A operates as an independent, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). This means we provide the advice and manage your portfolio, but your assets are not held at GWS&A. Instead, they are held securely with a separate, independent, third-party custodian: Charles Schwab.

_{39. Why is using a third-party custodian like Charles Schwab important?}

This arrangement provides a crucial layer of transparency and security that protects you. 1. Fiduciary Separation: The advisor (GWS&A) never takes direct custody of your assets. This separation ensures that the firm providing the advice is separate from the firm holding the money, eliminating a major conflict of interest and reinforcing the fiduciary mandate. 2. Independent Verification: You receive independent account statements and 24/7 online access directly from Schwab, allowing you to always verify your account balances and holdings outside of GWS&A. 3. Institutional Strength: Schwab is one of the largest custodians for RIAs in the United States, managing trillions in assets. Partnering with Schwab ensures your accounts benefit from institutional-grade security, technology, and robust account services.

_{40. What services does Charles Schwab provide to me?}

Schwab acts as the financial platform for your accounts. They handle statement generation, tax document delivery, and secure online access through Schwab Alliance. GWS&A utilizes this robust platform and others to provide our advisory services, allowing us to focus purely on portfolio management, trading, planning, strategy, et al.