Frequently Asked Questions

We offer private wealth management services to a diverse clientele of successful and high net worth families from a range of professional backgrounds worldwide. Our clients seek a trusted advisor who can provide comprehensive guidance on complex financial and personal matters, often spanning multiple generations. While there is no minimum asset requirement, our client families generally maintain minimum liquid net worths between $3 million and $10 million or greater. Additionally, through our consulting platform, our team has capabilities to provide advisory consulting services for a fee. We primarily offer fee-based advisory services charging a flat fee based on a client's total assets under advisement. However, if deemed appropriate and in our client's best interest, we also provide commissioned brokerage services. Though our financial advisor provides clients with great care and recommendations, advisors only have a legal fiduciary obligation to advisory clients.

In a fee-based account, clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the services of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm's Form ADV Part 2 as well as the client agreement. Services rendered will be dependent on applicable agreements.

Our practice combines the personalized attention of a boutique practice with access to the global resources of a major financial institution. Godfrey & Spradlin Private Wealth Advisory is a full-service partnership serving family, institutional, and multigenerational investors. Our professionals deliver integrated wealth planning, investment strategy execution, asset management, private banking, institutional consulting, international advisory, and business solutions. Our broker-dealer, Raymond James, was established in 1962 by Bob James and today supports over 8,900 Financial Advisors across more than 3,000 locations globally, managing over $1.77 trillion in client assets*. The firm has maintained profitability for 152 consecutive quarters—nearly four decades—and notably remained profitable during the 2008 financial crisis without government assistance. We are dedicated to providing personalized service with an unwavering commitment to excellence.

*As of 12/31/2025. Past performance is not an indication of future results. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell Raymond James Financial stock.

Banking and lending solutions provided by Raymond James Bank. Raymond James Bank, member FDIC, affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services and Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

We serve families around the world, including but not limited to clients based in the United States, Europe, and Australia. While we welcome opportunities to meet in person, technology enables us to build and sustain relationships with clients globally.

We follow our comprehensive Stratactical Investment Process, built to capture market gains while aiming to reduce volatility. Our process combines research from Raymond James and independent research firms with tactical market choices and focuses on adjusting portfolio risk as needed. We conduct reviews scheduled at your desired frequency to track the progress of your plan relative to your defined objectives and suggest any changes where needed. Our team has developed this process through years of market experience.

Additionally, within all advisory fee-based relationships, we regularly monitor market conditions and rebalance portfolios as necessary to maintain optimal investment exposure. This proactive approach helps ensure that investments remain aligned with each client's evolving objectives and risk needs over time.

When creating portfolios, we select specific individual stocks and bonds tailored to each client's goals and risk needs. Including individual securities can help manage costs, enhance transparency, and offer more control over how investment dollars are allocated. We combine fundamental analysis—focusing on companies with solid balance sheets, strong cash flow, and industry leadership—with technical analysis to set ideal entry and exit points. Lastly, we incorporate an exit strategy for individual stocks, which we believe is essential to reduce risk in volatile markets.

 
When appropriate, we use market-linked notes to pursue emerging opportunities or to hedge against market risks. We also access private equity and debt markets, including distinct offerings for both accredited and/or qualified investors.

The investments and services listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. This information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision. 

Our team will handle all necessary documentation to facilitate the transfer of your existing accounts. Any non-retirement accounts will be transferred “in-kind”, meaning they will arrive exactly as currently held, to avoid unintended tax implications. We will coordinate directly with your current firm, custodian, or former employer to ensure the transition of your assets is seamless. Upon receipt of your investment portfolio, we will conduct a thorough accounting of all assets to confirm that each position has been accurately transferred.

Our compensation is derived exclusively from our clients in advisory relationships. We adhere firmly to the principle that our clients’ interests take precedence, and we do not receive additional remuneration from external investment managers. Compensation is generally structured through an advisory agreement, where fees are determined collaboratively based on services rendered and assets managed*. Our approach is tailored; for example, if a client holds a long-term or concentrated position with no intention to sell, we typically do not charge fees solely for asset custody.

We customize our advisory costs according to required services and asset levels. Our wealth management offering includes both investment management and ongoing advisory support. We also provide hourly‑based financial planning services**, with rates determined by the complexity of each client’s circumstances. We offer traditional transactional brokerage (commission based) solutions as well, should that option prove more appropriate for a client’s needs. Clients are encouraged to periodically assess whether an asset-based fee remains suitable as we do have other options other than an advisory agreement.

*We primarily offer fee-based advisory services charging a flat fee based on a client's total assets under advisement. However, if deemed appropriate and in our client's best interest, we also provide commissioned brokerage services. Though our financial advisor provides clients with great care and recommendations, advisors only have a legal fiduciary obligation to advisory clients.In a fee-based account, clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the services of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm's Form ADV Part 2 as well as the client agreement. Services rendered will be dependent on applicable agreements.

**The Financial Planning or Consulting services listed are generally those offered under the Wealth Advisory Services Agreement. However, fees and services are customized with each client agreement. For a complete list of fees and available services, please consult the most current Form ADV Part 2A and the Wealth Advisory Services Agreement that you may obtain from your Investment Adviser Representative.

Godfrey & Spradlin Private Wealth Advisory is legally obligated to act solely in the best interest of our clients within advisory fee based relationships. This represents the highest standard of loyalty, trust, and care established under law.