Csenge Advisory Group (CAG) in Clearwater, Florida, is a financial advisor firm with a massive client list of non-high-net-worth individuals. There are many financial services available through Csenge, including financial planning, financial consulting, investment management, third-party programs and retirement plan services. Most of the firm's assets are managed on a discretionary basis, by which clients give their advisor the right to make financial decisions on their own.
Csenge Advisory Group holds the first spot on SmartAsset's list of the top financial advisors in Clearwater, Florida, as well as a place on SmartAsset's top financial advisors in Florida.
Csenge Advisory Group Background
Csenge Advisory Group was founded in 2000 by John L. Csenge. He remains the firm's principal owner and managing partner to this day. Csenge has more than 30 years of experience working in the financial services industry. Chief investment officer Eric Caisse is also a partner in the firm.
Many of the advisors at this firm hold one or more advisory certifications. They include the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), certified investment management consultant (CIMC), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and chartered market technician (CMT) designations.
Csenge Advisory Group Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Individuals below the high-net-worth threshold make up the majority of the client base at Csenge Advisory Group. In fact, the firm has thousands of non-high-net-worth clients. That's no surprise since the firm doesn't impose a minimum account size.
The firm also manages the accounts of some high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, corporations and businesses.
Services Offered by Csenge Advisory Group
Csenge Advisory Group offers a complete suite of financial planning and investment management services. The former includes retirement planning, cash flow planning, tax planning, estate planning, education fund planning and asset allocation planning.
The firm's asset management services include more than a dozen asset allocation models offered through a wrap fee program. Each of these are designed to fit a specific type of investor, so clients will be matched to one of the following:
- CAG Cash Cow
- CAG Commodore
- CAG Core & Explore
- CAG Fixed
- CAG Growth & Income
- CAG Hard Asset
- CAG International
- CAG Opportunistic
- CAG Sector Select
- CAG Tactical Fusion
- CAG Techno Quant
- CAG Total Market
- Radian Preferred
Asset allocation services at CAG are more focused on helping clients figure out how to best allocate the funds in their 401(k)s or other retirement accounts. Consulting services are also provided to businesses and corporations to help with retirement plans.
Csenge Advisory Group Investment Philosophy
Csenge Advisory Group's asset allocation models are built to fit a certain type of investor. More specifically, the firm will do a deep dive into your investment goals and objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon and income needs to figure out which model is suited to you. From there, advisors strategically alter these models, which will in turn affect how clients' assets are invested in the market.
Csenge primarily uses fundamental and technical methods of analysis to evaluate investment opportunities. Advisors also look to the relative strength of certain investments to best control for portfolio volatility. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are by far the most common investments used to craft client portfolios. The firm uses both long- and short-term purchases to help drive growth.
Fees Under Csenge Advisory Group
Csenge Advisory Group charges different fees for each of its offerings. Rather than have a specific fee schedule for these services, the firm has a maximum annual fee. Here's a breakdown:
| Csenge Advisory Group Fees | |
| Service | Maximum Annual Fee |
| Asset management services | 2.35% |
| Asset allocation services | 1.50% |
| Third-party management programs | 2.50% |
| Corporate retirement plan services | 1.50% |
Financial planning fees are charged on a fixed basis ranging from $750 to $2,000 or an hourly basis ranging from $125 to $500 per hour. Fees are calculated and charged on a quarterly basis, in advance.
What to Watch Out For
Csenge Advisory Group reported no legal or regulatory disclosures on its latest Form ADV.
Advisors at Csenge Advisory Group may collect commissions for selling specific insurance products or securities to clients. This arrangement presents a potential conflict of interest, as it may incentivize advisors to suggest certain products or securities over others. That said, the firm has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of clients at all times.
Opening an Account With Csenge Advisory Group
To get in touch with Csenge Advisory Group, you can call the firm at (727) 437-6000. You can also go to the firm's website and fill out its contact form for so an advisor can contact you directly.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Financial Planning Tips
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- Financial advisors may hold a wide range of certifications and designations, each indicating their training and specializations. One of the most prominent designations is the CFP®. As its name indicates, a Certified Financial Planner™ has received training in the creation and management of financial plans.
