Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Brochure

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated February 1, 2023

This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Rooted Wealth Advisors, “Rooted”. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (815) 918-4727. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

Rooted Wealth Advisors is registered as an Investment Adviser with the United States Security Commission (SEC). Registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply any level of skill or training.

Additional information about Rooted is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the firm’s identification number 313759.

Material Changes

Since this the last annual filing of this Form ADV Part 2A, dated March 14, 2022, there have been no material changes.

Advisory Business

Description of Advisory Firm

Rooted Wealth Advisors is registered as an Investment Adviser with the United States Security Commission (SEC). We were founded in October 2016. Zachary B. Gray is the principal owner of Rooted. As of December 31, 2022, Rooted manages $163,317,397.00 on a discretionary basis and $0.00 on a non-discretionary basis.

Types of Advisory Services

Investment Management Services

Rooted Wealth Advisors is registered as an Investment Adviser with the United States Security Commission (SEC). We were founded in October 2016. Zachary B. Gray is the principal owner of Rooted. As of December 31, 2022, Rooted manages $163,317,397.00 on a discretionary basis and $0.00 on a non-discretionary basis.

Financial Planning

Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values and withdrawal plans. The key defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions, information and analysis will be considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the client. Clients purchasing this service will receive a written or an electronic report, providing the client with a detailed financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals and objectives.

The client always has the right to decide whether or not to act upon our recommendations. If the client elects to act on any of the recommendations, the client always has the right to affect the transactions through anyone of their choosing.

In general, the financial plan will address any or all of the following areas of concern. The client and advisor will work together to select the specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts and other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts. We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From time-to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with your approval or request.
  • Financial Goals: We will help clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them. We will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen, how much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
  • Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
  • Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies, reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. The strategies and types of investments we may recommend are further discussed in Item 8 of this brochure.
  • Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your likelihood of achieving your financial goals, typically focusing on financial independence as the primary objective. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may make recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting certain variables (e.g., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with investments). If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter spending during your retirement years.
  • Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major risks that could have a significantly adverse effect on your financial picture, such as premature death, disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long‐term care planning. Advice may be provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing insurance versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing insurance (“self‐insuring”).
  • Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes as a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make recommendations on which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based in part on their “tax efficiency,” with consideration that there is always a possibility of future changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that may affect your situation. We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any tax planning strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants or attorneys who specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes. We will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your tax professional with your approval.
 

Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions

We offer the same suite of services to all of our clients. However, specific client financial plans and their implementation are dependent upon a client’s current situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels) and is used to construct a client specific plan to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions, needs, and targets.

Wrap Fee Programs

We do not participate in wrap fee programs.

Fees and Compensation

Please note, unless a client has received the firm’s disclosure brochure at least 48 hours prior to signing the investment advisory contract, the investment advisory contract may be terminated by the client within five (5) business days of signing the contract without incurring any advisory fees and without penalty. How we are paid depends on the type of advisory service we are performing. Please review the fee and compensation information below.

Investment Management Services

Our standard advisory fee is a maximum fee of 1.80% and is based on the average daily fair market value of the assets under management for the billing period.

The annual fees are negotiable and are pro-rated and paid in arrears on a monthly basis. No increase in the annual fee shall be effective without agreement from the client by signing a new agreement or amendment to their current advisory agreement.

Advisory fees are directly debited from client accounts, or the client may choose to pay by check. Accounts initiated or terminated during a billing period will be charged a pro-rated fee based on the amount of time remaining in the billing period. An account may be terminated with written notice at least 15 calendar days in advance. Since fees are paid in arrears, no rebate will be needed upon termination of the account.

Other Types of Fees and Expenses

Our fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses that may be incurred by the client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties such as custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Mutual fund and exchange traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to our fee, and we shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.

Item 12 further describes the factors that we consider in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for client’s transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions).

We do not accept compensation for the sale of securities or other investment products including asset-based sales charges or service fees from the sale of mutual funds.

Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management

We do not offer performance-based fees.

Types of Clients

We provide financial planning and portfolio management services to individuals and high net-worth individuals. We do not have a minimum account size requirement.

Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss

Our primary method of investment analysis is fundamental analysis.

Fundamental analysis involves analyzing individual companies and their industry groups, such as a company’s financial statements, details regarding the company’s product line, the experience, and expertise of the company’s management, and the outlook for the company’s industry. The resulting data is used to measure the true value of the company’s stock compared to the current market value. The risk of fundamental analysis is that information obtained may be incorrect and the analysis may not provide an accurate estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock’s value. If securities prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis may not result in favorable performance.

Sub-advisers. We employ unaffiliated investment advisers (“sub-advisers”). Our analysis of sub-advisers involves the examination of the experience, expertise, investment philosophies, and past performance of the sub-advisers in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period of time and in different economic conditions. We monitor the manager’s underlying holdings, strategies, concentrations and leverage as part of our overall periodic risk assessment. Additionally, as part of our due-diligence process, we survey the manager’s compliance and business enterprise risks. A risk of investing with an outside manager who has been successful in the past is that he/she may not be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in an outside manager’s portfolio, there is also a risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the portfolio, making it a less suitable investment for our clients. Moreover, as we do not control the manager’s daily business and compliance operations, we may be unaware of the lack of internal controls necessary to prevent business, regulatory, or reputational deficiencies.

Material Risks Involved

All investing strategies we offer involve risk and may result in a loss of your original investment which you should be prepared to bear. Many of these risks apply equally to stocks, bonds, commodities and any other investment or security. Material risks associated with our investment strategies are listed below.

Market Risk: Market risk involves the possibility that an investment’s current market value will fall because of a general market decline, reducing the value of the investment regardless of the success of the issuer’s operations or its financial condition.

Small and Medium Cap Company Risk: Securities of companies with small and micro market capitalizations are often more volatile and less liquid than investments in larger companies. Small and medium cap companies may face a greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the client’s portfolio.

Interest Rate Risk: Bond (fixed income) prices generally fall when interest rates rise, and the value may fall below par value or the principal investment. The opposite is also generally true: bond prices generally rise when interest rates fall. In general, fixed income securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes. Most other investments are also sensitive to the level and direction of interest rates.

IRA Rollover Considerations: We may recommend that you withdraw the assets from your employer’s retirement plan and roll the assets over to an individual retirement account (“IRA”) that we will manage on your behalf. If you elect to roll the assets to an IRA that is subject to our management, we will charge you an asset-based fee as set forth in the agreement you executed with our firm. This practice presents a conflict of interest because persons providing investment advice on our behalf have an incentive to recommend a rollover to you for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather than solely based on your needs. Additionally, the investment options available to you in your employer’s retirement plan may be lower cost than our services. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the rollover. Moreover, if you do complete the rollover, you are under no obligation to have the assets in an IRA managed by our firm.

Risks Associated with Securities

Apart from the general risks outlined above which apply to all types of investments, specific securities may have other risks.

Common stocks may go up and down in price quite dramatically, and in the event of an issuer’s bankruptcy or restructuring could lose all value. A slower-growth or recessionary economic environment could have an adverse effect on the price of all stocks.

Corporate Bonds are debt securities to borrow money. Generally, issuers pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity. Alternatively, investors can purchase other debt securities, such as zero-coupon bonds, which do not pay current interest, but rather are priced at a discount from their face values and their values accrete over time to face value at maturity. The market prices of debt securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality, and maturity. In general, market prices of debt securities decline when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. The longer the time to a bond’s maturity, the greater its interest rate risk.

Municipal Bonds are debt obligations generally issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of public facilities. Municipal bonds pay a lower rate of return than most other types of bonds. However, because of a municipal bond’s tax-favored status, investors should compare the relative after-tax return to the after-tax return of other bonds, depending on the investor’s tax bracket. Investing in municipal bonds carries the same general risks as investing in bonds in general. Those risks include interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, inflation risk, market risk, call or redemption risk, credit risk, and liquidity and valuation risk.

Exchange Traded Funds prices may vary significantly from the Net Asset Value due to market conditions. Certain Exchange Traded Funds may not track underlying benchmarks as expected.

Investment Companies Risk. When a client invests in open end mutual funds or ETFs, the client indirectly bears its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by those funds. Therefore, the client will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the client’s overall portfolio may be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of derivatives). ETFs are also subject to the following risks: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above or below their net asset value; (ii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally. The Adviser has no control over the risks taken by the underlying funds in which clients invest.

Disciplinary Information

Criminal or Civil Actions

Rooted and its management have not been involved in any criminal or civil action.

Administrative Enforcement Proceedings

Rooted and its management have not been involved in administrative enforcement proceedings.

Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings

Rooted and its management have not been involved in legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of Rooted or the integrity of its management.

Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations

No Rooted employee is registered, or has an application pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.

No Rooted employee is registered, or have an application pending to register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator or a commodity trading advisor.

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Recommendations or Selections of Other Investment Advisers

Rooted selects sub-advisers to manage client accounts. In such circumstances, Rooted will compensate the sub-adviser out of their advisory fee. This situation creates a conflict of interest by incentivizing Rooted to use lowest cost sub-advisers. However, when selecting a sub-adviser, the client’s best interest and suitability of the sub-adviser will be the main determining factors of Rooted. This relationship is disclosed to the client at the commencement of the advisory relationship.

Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading

As a fiduciary, our firm and its associates have a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interests of each client. Our clients entrust us with their funds and personal information, which in turn places a high standard on our conduct and integrity. Our fiduciary duty is a core aspect of our Code of Ethics and represents the expected basis of all of our dealings.

Code of Ethics Description

This code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and literal compliance with each of its specific provisions will not shield associated persons from liability for personal trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to advisory clients. A summary of the Code of Ethics’ Principles is outlined below.

• Integrity – Associated persons shall offer and provide professional services with integrity.

• Objectivity – Associated persons shall be objective in providing professional services to clients.

• Competence – Associated persons shall provide services to clients competently and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which they are engaged.

• Fairness – Associated persons shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair and reasonable to clients, principals, partners, and employers, and shall disclose conflict(s) of interest in providing such services.

• Confidentiality – Associated persons shall not disclose confidential client information without the specific consent of the client unless in response to proper legal process, or as required by law.

• Professionalism – Associated persons’ conduct in all matter shall reflect credit of the profession.

• Diligence – Associated persons shall act diligently in providing professional services.

We periodically review and amend our Code of Ethics to ensure that it remains current, and we require all firm access persons to attest to their understanding of and adherence to the Code of Ethics at least annually. Our firm will provide of copy of its Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.

Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and Conflicts of Interest

Neither our firm, its associates or any related person is authorized to recommend to a client, or effect a transaction for a client, involving any security in which our firm or a related person has a material financial interest, such as in the capacity as an underwriter, adviser to the issuer, etc.

Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and Conflicts of Interest

Our firm and its “related persons” may buy or sell securities similar to, or different from, those we recommend to clients for their accounts. Our policy is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities and interests of the employees of our firm will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts. Nonetheless, because the Code of Ethics in some circumstances would permit employees to invest in the same securities as clients, there is a possibility that employees might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by an employee. In an effort to reduce or eliminate certain conflicts of interest involving the firm or personal trading, our policy may require that we restrict or prohibit associates’ transactions in specific reportable securities transactions. Any exceptions or trading pre-clearance must be approved by the firm principal in advance of the transaction in an account, and we maintain the required personal securities transaction records per regulation.

Trading Securities at/Around the Same Time as Client’s Securities

From time to time, our firm or its “related persons” may buy or sell securities for themselves at or around the same time as clients. We will not trade non-mutual fund securities prior to the same security for clients on the same day.

Investment Advice Relating to Retirement Accounts

When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a special rule that requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:

• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment recommendations (give prudent advice);

• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making recommendations (give loyal advice);

• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;

• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in your best interest;

• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and

• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.

In addition, and as required by this rule, we provide information regarding the services that we provide to you, and any material conflicts of interest, in this brochure and in your client agreement.

Brokerage Practices

Factors Used to Select Custodians and/or Broker-Dealers

Rooted Wealth Advisors does not have any affiliation with Broker-Dealers. Specific custodian recommendations are made to client based on their need for such services. We recommend custodians based on the reputation and services provided by the firm.

1. Research and Other Soft-Dollar Benefits

We currently do not receive soft dollar benefits.

2. Brokerage for Client Referrals

We receive no referrals from a broker-dealer or third party in exchange for using that broker-dealer or third party.

3. Clients Directing Which Broker/Dealer/Custodian to Use

We do recommend a specific custodian for clients to use, however, clients may custody their assets at a custodian of their choice. Clients may also direct us to use a specific broker-dealer to execute transactions. By allowing clients to choose a specific custodian, we may be unable to achieve most favorable execution of client transaction and this may cost clients’ money over using a lower-cost custodian.

Aggregating (Block) Trading for Multiple Client Accounts

Sub-advisers used by Rooted may block client trades at their discretion. Their specific practices are further discussed in their ADV Part 2A, Item 12.

Review of Accounts

Client accounts with the Investment Management Service will be reviewed regularly on a quarterly basis by Zachary B. Gray, President, Owner and CCO. The account is reviewed with regards to the client’s investment policies and risk tolerance levels. Events that may trigger a special review would be unusual performance, addition or deletions of client-imposed restrictions, excessive draw-down, volatility in performance, or buy and sell decisions from the firm or per client’s needs.

Clients will receive trade confirmations from the broker(s) for each transaction in their accounts as well as monthly or quarterly statements and annual tax reporting statements from their custodian showing all activity in the accounts, such as receipt of dividends and interest.

Rooted will provide written reports to investment management clients on a quarterly basis. We urge clients to compare these reports against the account statements they receive from their custodian.

Client Referrals and Other Compensation

We do not receive any economic benefit, directly or indirectly from any third party for advice rendered to our clients. Nor do we directly or indirectly compensate any person who is not advisory personnel for client referrals.

Custody

Rooted does not accept custody of client funds, however it is deemed to have limited custody solely with its ability to withdraw fees from clients’ accounts. Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from the broker dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains client’s investment assets. We urge you to carefully review such statements and compare such official custodial records to the account statements or reports that we may provide to you. Our statements or reports may vary from custodial statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities.

Investment Discretion

For those client accounts where we provide investment management services, we maintain discretion over client accounts with respect to hiring and firing sub-advisers. Investment discretion is explained to clients in detail when an advisory relationship has commenced. At the start of the advisory relationship, the client will execute a Limited Power of Attorney, which will grant our firm discretion over the account. Additionally, the discretionary relationship will be outlined in the advisory contract and signed by the client. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or industry sectors.

Voting Client Securities

We do not vote client proxies. Therefore, clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) voting proxies, and (2) acting on corporate actions pertaining to the client’s investment assets. The client shall instruct the client’s qualified custodian to forward to the client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating to the client’s investment assets. If the client would like our opinion on a particular proxy vote, they may contact us at the number listed on the cover of this brochure.

In most cases, you will receive proxy materials directly from the account custodian. However, in the event we were to receive any written or electronic proxy materials, we would forward them directly to you by mail, unless you have authorized our firm to contact you by electronic mail, in which case, we would forward you any electronic solicitation to vote proxies.

Financial Information

Registered Investment Advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial information or disclosures about our financial condition. We have no financial commitment that impairs our ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and we have not been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding. We do not have custody of client funds or securities or nor do not require the prepayment of fees of more than $1,200 six months or more in advance.

Business Continuity Plan Notice

General

Rooted Wealth Advisors has a Business Continuity Plan in place that provides detailed steps to mitigate and recover from the loss of office space, communications, services or key people.

Disasters

The Business Continuity Plan covers natural disasters such as snowstorms, hurricanes, tornados, and flooding. The Plan covers man-made disasters such as loss of electrical power, loss of water pressure, fire, bomb threat, nuclear emergency, chemical event, biological event, communications line outage, Internet outage, railway accident and aircraft accident. Electronic files are backed up daily and archived offsite.

Alternate Offices

Alternate offices are identified to support ongoing operations in the event the main office is unavailable. It is our intention to contact all clients within five days of a disaster that dictates moving our office to an alternate location.

Loss of Key Personnel

Rooted Wealth Advisors utilizes a “team approach” to working with clients, so generally a client will have a relationship with more than just one Rooted Wealth Advisors associate. This has been purposely done in order to provide redundancies in the event that a key employee is not available, and we consider this to be a best practice.

Privacy Notice

What Does Rooted Wealth Advisors Do With Your Personal Information?

Registered Investment Advisers choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives clients the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

The types of personal information we collect, and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

  • Information you provide in the subscription documents and other forms (including name, address, social security number, date of birth, income and other financial-related information); and
  • Data about your transactions with us (such as the types of investments you have made and your account status).

All financial companies need to share clients’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their clients’ personal information; the reasons Rooted Wealth Advisors chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

Reasons we can share your personal information

For our everyday business purposes— to process your transactions, maintain your accounts (for example we may share with our third-party service providers that perform services on our behalf or on your behalf, such as accountants, attorneys, consultants, clearing and custodial firms, and technology companies, respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus.

For Marketing purposes— to offer our products and services to you

How do we protect your information?

To safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we maintain physical, procedural and electronic safeguards. These include computer safeguards such as passwords, secured files and buildings.

Our employees are advised about Rooted’s need to respect the confidentiality of each client’s non-public personal information. We train our employees on their responsibilities.

We require third parties that assist in providing our services to you to protect the personal information they receive. This includes contractual language in our third-party agreements.

Other important information

We will send you notice of our Privacy Policy annually for as long as you maintain an ongoing relationship with us. Periodically we may revise our Privacy Policy and will provide you with a revised policy if the changes materially alter the previous Privacy Policy. We will not, however, revise our Privacy Policy to permit the sharing of non-public personal information other than as described in this notice unless we first notify you and provide you with an opportunity to prevent the information sharing.

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated February 1, 2023

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For Zachary B. Gray
President, Owner, Investment Advisor and Chief Compliance Officer

This brochure supplement provides information about Zachary B. Gray that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact Zachary B. Gray if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Zachary B. Gray is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 5278372.

Educational Background and Business Experience

 

Zachary Blake Gray

Born: 1984

Educational Background

2006 – Bachelor’s in Education, University of Illinois

Business Experience

• 10/2016 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, President, Owner, and CCO

• 12/2016 – 09/2021, AE Wealth Management, LLC, Investment Adviser Representative

• 07/2017 – 04/2020, Wall Street Financial Group, Inc., Insurance Professional

• 10/2016 – 06/2018, William C. Burnside & Company, Inc., Registered Representative

• 12/2007 – 10/2016, Country Financial, Financial Representative

Professional Designations, Licensing & Exams

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®): The CRPC® is offered by The College for Financial Planning®. The CRPC® Program focuses on the pre and post-retirement needs of individuals. Enrollment in the program guides you through the retirement process, addressing issues such as estate planning and asset management. The College for Financial Planning® awards the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM and CRPC® designation to students who: successfully complete the program; pass the final examination; and comply with the Code of Ethics, which includes agreeing to abide by the Standards of Professional Conduct promulgated by The College for Financial Planning®. Applicants must also disclose of any criminal, civil, self-regulatory organization, or governmental agency inquiry, investigation, or proceeding relating to their professional or business conduct.

Conferment of the designation is contingent upon the College for Financial Planning’s review of matters either self-disclosed or which are discovered by the College that are required to be disclosed. Successful students receive a certificate and are granted the right to use the designation on correspondence and business cards for a two-year period.

Continued use of the CRPC® designation is subject to ongoing renewal requirements. Every two years individuals must renew their right to continue using the CRPC® designation by: completing 16 hours of continuing education and reaffirming to abide by the Standards of Professional Conduct, Terms and Conditions, and self-disclose any criminal, civil, self-regulatory organization, or governmental agency inquiry, investigation, or proceeding relating to their professional or business conduct.

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

Zachary B. Gray is not involved with outside business activities.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated March 14, 2022

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For John L. Savarino
Investment Advisor Representative

This brochure supplement provides information about John L. Savarino that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact John L. Savarino if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about John L. Savarino is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 6549939.

Educational Background and Business Experience

 

John Lee Savarino

Born: 1994

Business Experience

• 07/2019 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Investment Adviser Representative

• 03/2021 – 09/2021, AE Wealth Management, LLC, Investment Adviser Representative

• 09/2018 – 07/2019, Taylor Auto Group, Sales Consultant

• 01/2017 – 09/2018, Napleton Auto Group, Sales Consultant

• 12/2015 – 01/2017, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Lead and Tech

• 06/2015 – 12/2015, Creative Financial Partners, Associate Operations Director

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

John L. Savarino is not involved with outside business activities.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated November 18, 2021

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For Joseph Stanley Mateja
Investment Advisor Representative

This brochure supplement provides information about Joseph Mateja that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact Joseph Mateja if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Joseph Mateja is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 6414711.

Educational Background and Business Experience

 

Joseph Stanley Mateja

Born: 1981

Business Experience

• 10/2021 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Investment Advisors Representative

• 10/2014 – 08/2021, Country Capital Management Company, Financial Representative

• 03/2012 – 10/2014, Dart Brokers, General Manager

• 09/2011 – 03/2012, Labelforce, Sales

• 01/2011 – 09/2011, The Agency Staffing, Sales

• 09/2008 – 01/2011, Bank of America – Home Loans, Loan Officer

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

Joseph Mateja is not involved with outside business activities.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency in the State of Illinois. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated March 14, 2022

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For Jackson D. Sheputis
Portfolio Strategists Advisor

This brochure supplement provides information about Jackson D. Sheputis that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact Jackson D. Sheputis if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Jackson D. Sheputis is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 7332711.

Educational Background and Business Experience

 

Jackson D. Sheputis

Born: 1999

Business Experience

• 01/2021 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Portfolio Strategists Advisor

• 03/2021 – 09/2021, AE Wealth Management, LLC, Investment Adviser Representative

• 08/2017 – 11/2020, Valparaiso University, Full Time Student

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

Jackson D. Sheputis is not involved with outside business activities.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated October 4, 2022

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For Logan Randall Gigl
Investment Advisor Representative

This brochure supplement provides information about Logan Gigl that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact Logan Gigl if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Logan Gigl is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 7558121.

Educational Background and Business Experience

 

Logan Randall Gigl

Born: 1995

Business Experience

• 05/2021 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Service Consultant

• 11/2018 – 05/2021, IDOC Pontiac Correctional Center, Correctional Officer

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

Logan Gigl is not involved with outside business activities.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://old.rootedretirement.com/

Dated January 26, 2023

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For Andrew James Lee
Service Advisor

This brochure supplement provides information about Andrew Lee that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact Andrew Lee if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Andrew Lee is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 7687462.

Educational Background and Business Experience

 

Andrew James Lee

Born: 2000

Business Experience

• 01/2023 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Service Advisor

• 05/2022 – 01/2023, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Operations Analysis

• 05/2021 – 08/2022, J.B. Lee Transportation, Parts Manager

• 05/2020 – 08/2020, J.B. Lee Transportation, Parts Manager

• 05/2019 – 08/2019, J.B. Lee Transportation, Parts Manager

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

Andrew Lee is not involved with outside business activities.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.

 

Rooted Wealth Advisors

1521 N. Convent, Suite 800
Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Phone: (815) 918-4727
Toll Fee: (866) 766-8332

Website: https://rootedretirement.com/

Dated July 6, 2023

Form ADV Part 2B – Brochure Supplement

For Connor William Zimmer, CFP®
Investment Advisor Representative

This brochure supplement provides information about Connor Zimmer that supplements the Rooted Wealth Advisors (“Rooted”) brochure. A copy of that brochure precedes this supplement. Please contact Connor Zimmer if the Rooted brochure is not included with this supplement or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Connor Zimmer is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov which can be found using the identification number 6992555.

Educational Background and Business Experience

Connor William Zimmer, CFP®

Born: 1996

Business Experience

• 07/203 – Present, Rooted Wealth Advisors, Financial Advisor

• 05/2022 – 06/2023, Commonwealth Financial Network, Advisor

• 05/2022 – 06/2023, Summit Wealth Group, Financial Advisor

• 04/2020 – 05/2022, Commonwealth Financial Network, Registered Staff Member

• 03/2020 – 05/2022, Summit Wealth Group, Registered Staff Member

• 09/2018 – 03/2020, Diversified Asset Management, Inc., Associate Advisor

Professional Designations, Licensing & Exams

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional

I am certified for financial planning services in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”). Therefore, I may refer to myself as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional or a CFP® professional, and I may use these and CFP Board’s other certification marks (the “CFP Board Certification Marks”). The CFP® certification is voluntary. No federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold the CFP® certification. You may find more information about the CFP® certification at www.cfp.net.

CFP® professionals have met CFP Board’s high standards for education, examination, experience, and ethics. To become a CFP® professional, an individual must fulfill the following requirements:

Education – Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and complete CFP Board-approved coursework at a college or university through a CFP Board Registered Program. The coursework covers the financial planning subject areas CFP Board has determined are necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, as well as a comprehensive financial plan development capstone course. A candidate may satisfy some of the coursework requirement through other qualifying credentials.

Examination – Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination. The examination is designed to assess an individual’s ability to integrate and apply a broad base of financial planning knowledge in the context of real-life financial planning situations.

Experience – Complete 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the personal financial planning process, or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets additional requirements.

Ethics – Satisfy the Fitness Standards for Candidates for CFP® Certification and Former CFP® Professionals Seeking Reinstatement and agree to be bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct (“Code and Standards”), which sets forth the ethical and practice standards for CFP® professionals.

Individuals who become certified must complete the following ongoing education and ethics requirements to remain certified and maintain the right to continue to use the CFP Board Certification Marks:

Ethics – Commit to complying with CFP Board’s Code and Standards. This includes a commitment to CFP Board, as part of the certification, to act as a fiduciary, and therefore, act in the best interests of the client, at all times when providing financial advice and financial planning. CFP Board may sanction a CFP® professional who does not abide by this commitment, but CFP Board does not guarantee a CFP® professional’s services. A client who seeks a similar commitment should obtain a written engagement that includes a fiduciary obligation to the client.

Continuing Education – Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain competence, demonstrate specified levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and keep up with developments in financial planning. Two of the hours must address the Code and Standards.

Disciplinary Information

No management person at Rooted Wealth Advisors has ever been involved in an arbitration claim of any kind or been found liable in a civil, self-regulatory organization, or administrative proceeding.

Other Business Activities

Connor Zimmer is the co-owner of Summit Wealth Group, an investment and insurance related business. He does not spend an time on this endeavor during security hours.

Additional Compensation

Rooted is a licensed insurance agency. Should Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted, commissions will be earned and paid by insurance companies to Rooted. Insurance products are often recommended to help minimize Clients’ exposure in identified risks. Clients are under no obligation to purchase insurance products or utilize the companies recommended by Rooted. Clients are advised the commissions received for insurance products purchased by Clients are in addition to any advisory fees Clients may have paid Rooted. Therefore, Rooted has a conflict of interest in having Clients purchase insurance products through Rooted.

Supervision

Zachary B. Gray, as President, Owner and Chief Compliance Officer of Rooted, is responsible for supervision and supervises personnel and the investments made in client accounts. Zachary B. Gray monitors the investments to ensure they are suitable for the client and consistent with their investment needs, goals, objectives and risk tolerance, as well as any restrictions previously requested by the client. He may be contacted at the phone number on this brochure supplement.