Our approach begins with an understanding that the market has historically moved through long-term secular bull and bear market cycles.  Simply put, there have been "sailing" markets when the prevailing economic winds drove strong Bull Market returns, as well as "rowing" markets when Bear Market headwinds and choppy financial waters required more active management.

Our goal is to take this into account along with your specific goals and risk tolerance.  We typically combine asset allocation approaches and shift emphasis by overweighting approaches as your needs and the markets evolve.  The ongoing evaluation of market cycles, examining asset allocation approaches and diverse manager perspectives is a process that will continue throughout our relationship.

Our Six-Step Investment Process is an established framework for identifying, analyzing, and implementing investment opportunities.  By following a discipline investment process, we're able to make rational investment decisions, focused on long-range goals, which are designed to maximize long-term results.

Understanding Your Needs, Goals and Circumstances

Before providing you with a recommendation, we need to fully understand your current financial situation.  Together, we will complete a comprehensive Discovery Workbook that gives a clear picture of your financial circumstances, challenges, and objectives. We work with you to explore fundamental issues such as investment goals, time horizon, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, investable resources and income needs.

How Should You Allocate Your Assets?

Most investors focus on individual security selection and often overlook the importance of asset allocation to their portfolios.  Yet, according to several academic studies, 90% of portfolio variance is determined by how your assets are allocated among equity classes, fixed income securities and cash.

Various approaches may be suitable for different investment objectives, risk profiles, and market environments.  They range from Strategic Asset Allocation approaches that attempt to capture long-term market averages, to various Tactical Asset Allocation approaches that are able to respond to shorter term opportunities and risks.

Whichever approach to asset allocation we incorporate, the goal will be the same: to keep your portfolio aligned with your investment goals.

Which Portfolio Strategist Meets Your Needs?

Because your asset allocation decision is one of the primary determinant of portfolio performance, the expertise of your Portfolio Strategist(s) is critical. We adhere to rigorous criteria in selecting our Portfolio Strategists, who are charged with selecting the asset classes and deciding on the appropriate mix in your portfolio.

As your Financial Advisor, we’ll work with you to find, based on your investment objectives and risk tolerance, exactly the right Portfolio Strategist(s) for you.  After years of research, we’ve developed relationships with many institutional strategists, rarely available to individual investors.  Some of those Strategists include

• Goldman Sachs Asset Management
• JP Morgan
• State Street Global Advisors 
• Morningstar
• Vanguard

Investment Implementation

Working with us, you have a wide possible choice of investment solutions, which may include no-load mutual funds, exchange traded funds, privately managed accounts or individual securities.  You have the assurance that we are dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals.

Keeping You Aligned With Your Goals

Managing your investments takes proven capability, time, and focus. Market forces and economic conditions are constantly changing, which can directly affect your asset mix and prompt the need for reallocation and rebalancing.

It’s our job always to be on watch for you. As your Financial Advisor, we continually monitor your investment portfolio, oversee the Portfolio Strategist’s decisions to rebalance and realign your portfolio, and then clearly communicate changes to you.

You Need Knowledge, Not Just Information

Our goal is to engage you in the investment process by reporting – clearly, concisely and in a timely manner – everything you need to know about your accounts. An important part of our job is to keep you well informed about your investment strategy and performance. Each quarter, we show you exactly where you stand in relation to your goals and objectives. We send you print and online portfolio information, via monthly custodial statements, quarterly Performance Reviews and year-end tax reports.

While some clients prefer quarterly written reports, others want around-the-clock online access to their financial information. When you work with us, we deliver both. Our secure, online client resource center provides daily updated account information, market commentary and investment research.