A philosophy- driven practice
These statements of our philosophy and beliefs provide direction as we work with every client.
- Optimists are, in time, more successful than pessimists. We are optimists and work best with clients who share this mindset.
- Time is everyone’s most precious resource. We manage this resource for the good of all by working only with those that will appreciate and could benefit from our experience and expertise. We owe this both to the individuals we serve and those we do not.
- Investment management is an art, not a science. Therefore, missteps are expected and managed.
- Our best strategies today anticipate tomorrow.
- We are candid in our communications. We believe that:
- Candor fosters trust
- Trust builds confidence
- Confidence is the emotion that leads to financial independence.
- “I never worry about money” is the highest compliment we can receive. This is our goal for 100% of our clients.
Expertise meets maturity and courage
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Success in investment management is a balance between the experience to recognize opportunity and the maturity to manage mistakes, all this wrapped in the courage to take action. There, in one sentence, is the foundation of our long-term investment strategy.
We believe that the majority of clients are best served through a combination of traditional equity and fixed income investments and, in certain situations, carefully selected, efficient funds specifically tailored to address attractive niches we identify. We focus on investment opportunities central to our expertise and experience. Our process combines macroeconomic and relative strength considerations with significant fundamental screening capabilities powered by institutional-level tools.
We manage portfolios with risk and opportunity profiles that, either alone or in combination, enable us to customize potential outcomes to help fit the needs of the investors we serve. We take the time to completely explain our process and discipline so that our investors understand.
We are held to a fiduciary standard of care for every client who invests in these strategies. Our investors can count on our unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, at the right time.
Flexible, efficient and transparent
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We believe that investment expenses should be efficient and based upon the level of service we provide. We have flexibility to use various alternatives from traditional brokerage accounts to discretionary, fee-based investment management. Fees are an important consideration and, depending on your needs, we will work with you to determine the most efficient way for us to work together.
Traditional brokerage
Large equity positions that need a safe home but that, generally for tax reasons, are highly unlikely to be sold are best suited in a traditional brokerage account.
Investments that are designed to be held, unmanaged, for the long-term are also best suited for traditional brokerage. Examples of this might include:
- Insurance products like fixed, index and variable annuities as well as traditional and asset-based life insurance
- Fixed income portfolios that we construct with the intent of being held to maturity
Fee-based accounts
Our compensation for fee-based accounts is determined by the balance of assets we manage. The vast majority of our clients participate in one or a combination of investment strategies designed to help them accomplish their unique investment objectives. We are held to a fiduciary standard of care and manage these portfolios on a discretionary basis.
We are completely transparent and welcome the opportunity to discuss the most efficient way you can work with us.
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 II as well as the client agreement.
