Investment Management

o   Why: We create portfolios that are not dependent on just one segment of the market.

o   What/How: We create portfolios that are diversified across stocks and bonds, but also diversified within stocks and bonds. We complement traditional holdings with often under-utilized parts of the markets. We do so in hopes of minimizing the risk that underperformance from one part of the market can derail your entire portfolio’s performance.

o   Why: No two clients have the exact same situation and we believe your investments should be tailored to address your needs and goals.

o   What/How: Since we are independent, we aren’t tied to using specific investment products. This means we can utilize what we believe are the best investment options across many fund companies based on your specific situation. We rely on a variety of different investments and ETFs to formulate an asset allocation plan just for you.

o   Why: Some investment products have high built-in expenses and large upfront commissions that can erode investment returns.

o   What/How: We clearly disclose fees and strive to use investments that have lower internal costs, with the goal of keeping fees from eroding returns.

o   Why: Your situation can change in a heartbeat. We need to make sure your portfolio can adapt as quickly as your life can change, whether it’s expected or unexpected.

o   What/how: We prefer to use investments that have greater liquidity so that assets are more easily accessible. This allows us to adapt as your situation dictates, and if necessary, fund your withdrawal needs that may come up unexpectedly.

o   Why: Market environments and opportunities are always changing. The best portfolio today may not be the best portfolio a year or two from now.

o   What/how: As long-term investors we don’t get too caught up in short-term market trends. We are always on the lookout for investment opportunities and risks in the market. We try to minimize the impact of market risks to your portfolio and take advantage of potential “deals” when we see them. We generally rebalance portfolios at least once a year.

o   Why: Even for a portfolio that has performed well, if it is tax inefficient, your gains can quickly erode if you are stuck with a large tax bill.

o   What/How: For investments held outside of retirement accounts we can create tax-efficient personalized portfolios in seeking to minimize the impact that taxes can have on your gains.

Stock and mutual fund investing involves risk including loss of principal. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price. An investment in Exchange Traded Funds (ETF), structured as a mutual fund or unit investment trust, involves the risk of losing money and should be considered as part of an overall program, not a complete investment program. An investment in ETFs involves additional risks such as not diversified, price volatility, competitive industry pressure, international political and economic developments, possible trading halts, and index tracking errors. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk. Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.