INDEPENDENCE

The most important decision that a financial advisor can make is in the selection of a broker-dealer. From Charles Schwab to Smith Barney and everywhere in between, the list of broker-dealers is very long. The services that a broker-dealer provides to an advisor can include custody of client’s assets, handling of back office support, supplying legal forms and agreements, facilitating trading of investments like stocks, bonds, cash, mutual funds and many more.

We chose LPL Financial in 2001 because we felt they were the best independent broker-dealer in the country for us. They had the benefits of size that allowed for maximum cost efficiencies that we could pass on to our clients, and independence, which means no proprietary products, no investment banking operations, and no conflicts of interest. LPL Financial has been an excellent partner to us and continues to come up with better and more efficient ways for us to help our clients plan their financial futures, and manage their assets.

Being an independent broker-dealer, LPL Financial has access to a diversified selection of financial products and services. Often, it is these products and services that can make a significant difference, as we are free to choose the products we feel best address our client’s goals.

We believe that the financial crisis of the last few years demonstrates the success of the independent broker-dealer model. Despite this financial environment, LPL Financial remains financially sound. We believe that Independent broker-dealers and independent financial advisors are a picture of how financial advice will be given in the future.

LPL Financial was formed in 1989 through the merger of two small but successful brokerage firms, Linsco (established in 1968) and Private Ledger (founded in 1973). For more information, please visit our broker dealer’s website at www.lpl.com.

You can also view a brochure on LPL Financial by clicking here.

LPL FINANCIAL FACTS

• LPL Financial has been the number one independent broker dealer in the nation for 11 consecutive years*
• $2.2 billion in revenue**
• Over 11,300 affiliated financial representatives
• Over 6,200 branch offices in the U.S.
• Service to over 750 financial institutions
• Over 2,300 staff in Boston, San Diego, and Charlotte headquarters
• Over $283 billion invested and managed annually***
• Over $75 billion in assets in LPL Financial’s fee-based programs**

* As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2008, based on total revenues.
**As of December 31, 2007.
***As of April 30, 2008.