The Mather Group is a fee-only financial advisory firm that manages billions of dollars in client assets. It specializes in financial planning, portfolio management and retirement plan consulting services. The firm was also ranked on Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms of 2021, as well as Financial Planning's 2021 RIA Leaders list.
The Mather Group's fee-only title means it earns all compensation from the fees that its clients pay. This differs from the structure of a fee-based firm, which includes both client-paid fees and third-party compensation, like insurance sales commissions.
The Mather Group Background
The Mather Group first began offering its services in 2011. Based in Chicago, the firm is owned by Mather Holdings, LLC. The firm is led by CEO Chris Behrens.
Many of the staff members at The Mather Group have financial certifications to their name. These include certified financial planner (CFP), certified public accoutant (CPA), certified investment management analyst (CIMA) and more.
The Mather Group Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
The Mather Group works with a variety of clients. Its client base consists of both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans and charitable organizations.
The Mather Group generally requires a minimum account size of $1 million for financial planning and portfolio management services. However, the firm may reduce or waive this minimum at its discretion.
Services Offered by The Mather Group
The Mather Group offers combined financial planning and portfolio management, as well as holistic family office services. The firm delivers its financial planning and portfolio management services as a combined package in order to assist clients with all aspects of their financial lives. Depending on client needs, this can address some or all of the following:
- Retirement savings
- Estate planning
- Investment management
- Insurance
- Education funding
The Mather Group usually meets with clients in order to get a grasp of their investment goals, risk tolerance and other factors. It uses this information to customize and construct diversified portfolios.
Additionally, the Mather Group can support 401(k) plan sponsors and other organizations that oversee a benefits plan under the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act (ERISA). The firm can provide these plans with advice around several components such as investment options, plan design and participant education.
The Mather Group Investment Philosophy
Mather Group advisors may build investment portfolios with exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, bonds and other securities. But the advisor would determine an asset allocation based on the client’s unique circumstances and needs. Generally, the firm invests clients’ cash allocation in money market funds, FDIC-insured certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-grade commercial paper and/or government backed debt instruments.
When examining securities, the Mather Group may apply different research strategies such as fundamental analysis. This involves examining a company's financial records and other data in order to make predictions about its future performance and financial status. The firm uses this info to determine investment decisions.
Fees Under The Mather Group
The Mather Group typically charges fees based on a percentage of the client's AUM, ranging from an annualized 0.25% to 2%. The Mather Group bills these fees quarterly and either in advance or arrears, based on the value of your account on the last day of the previous quarter.
These are advisory fees paid to the firm. They do not cover other charges associated with your account, including custodial fees and expenses related to the management of the underlying funds in your portfolio. Clients should refer to publicly accessible fund prospectuses and fee-related documentation that The Mather Group provides.
Family office fees are charged on a case-by-case basis.
What to Watch Out For
The Mather Group has no legal or regulatory disclosures present on its SEC-filed Form ADV.
Opening an Account With The Mather Group
To open an account with The Mather Group, you can visit its website and fill out a contact form, stop by its office in Chicago or call (630) 537-1078.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
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