A Well-Diversified Portfolio. We take a systematic, disciplined approach to managing your money. In conjunction with our proprietary valuation models and experienced judgment we use other tools such as:
(1) The tenets of Modern Portfolio Theory, taught in finance courses—but rarely well employed in our industry—guide our diversification strategies for your portfolios by using multiple asset classes around the world; and
(2) Optimizers—Software that helps establish portfolio designs. We focus on finding targeted value for you, whether in geographies—U.S., international, or emerging markets—or size—big, medium, or small. Most people have woefully underdiversified portfolios, perhaps concentrated in a single company stock, a particular industry sector, or—very typically—a single country. When you work with us, we will take care to ensure that your portfolio is well diversified and designed to absorb the shocks that will inevitably occur. Many investors make good returns in bull markets; however, it’s the bear markets that really distinguish an investor. If we can minimize losses during difficult markets through diversification and a willfully contrarian approach—and then be positioned for the strong returns of subsequent bull markets—you will be more comfortable, and your portfolio that much further ahead.
You are unique—and your portfolio should be, too. We design each portfolio to fit your particular circumstances. Each one is different, as it should be—no “off-the-shelf,” models that attempt to stuff you into a box. Such one-size approaches are quicker, easier, and cheaper—but not remotely as good as taking the time to develop a customized portfolio that’s tailored to you and your own situation. We use a number of investment types in your portfolio, including individual securities, mutual funds, and Exchange-Traded-Funds (ETFs). We look at the potential diversification benefits and costs to determine the best investment fit.
Using a Discount Broker. If you work with us, we’ll help to establish and maintain your account(s) with discount brokers such as Charles Schwab or TD Ameritrade. These brokers provide a vast universe of investments, at very competitive costs. They also provide daily data downloads so we can track all transactions in your accounts and their performance with precision. Your accounts are always in your name and never commingled with the assets of others. After determining what’s most important to you, we recommend a firm based on which one offers the best cost-benefit for you; then, we complete all of the paperwork and guide you through the process, start to finish. We also take on as much of the future paperwork as possible to minimize your time spent on such routine matters. |