We work closely with our clients through a sophisticated, goal-oriented and, risk-minimizing investment planning process known as Wealthcare. Each client relationship is founded on a financial/investment plan that includes life goals, current investments, current and future cash flow, within the framework of an institutional-grade risk analysis program. The program stress-tests each client's plan over 1,000 simulated lifetimes using actual historical market returns by asset class to determine its potential for success or failure.  The process better informs the recommendation and decision process by identifying critical areas of the client's plan.  Through sophisticated statistical modeling the software provides probabilities as to how well the chosen portfolio will do in meeting the stated goals. It is based on over 70 years of market data for multiple asset classes. To add further confidence, the model includes not only actual market returns, but statistically possible returns under the assumption that the worst and the best markets may not have occurred. 

Our client-advisor relationship begins with an extensive, yet painless interview designed to identify as many of the important life goals and requirements as the client wishes to share.  We do not unnecessarily burden the process with extensive financial fact-finding and budgeting requirements as is characteristic of some financial planning experiences.  We concentrate on the important facts that most clients can answer on the spot.  Digging through old checkbooks, statements, and financial reports is not required. 

The next step is a review of our analysis and recommendations.   We show the client how he or she might best achieve his or her goals with a high degree of confidence and the least amount of risk to investments or sacrifice to current lifestyle. We identify the most sensitive parts of a client’s plan and we use his or her low priorities to “pay” for the higher ones. For example, if we find a lower degree of confidence in a plan and we know that our client enjoys her work, we might suggest that she retire a year or two later to improve the liklihood that her retirement income will be sufficient to meet all of her needs.  While it is usual practice of financial planners and investment advisors to accurately determine the level of risk their clients can tolerate then structure portfolios that give it to them, our process often suggests less risk.  When we identify excessive sacrifice on a client’s part, such as saving money at the expense of current lifestyle or desires to give, or taking greater risk than is necessary, or working longer than is required to meet one’s goals, WE POINT IT OUT. Based on our understanding of our client’s priorities we make recommendations to reduce sacrifice and risk where possible, yet still offer a plan with a high degree of confidence. It is also possible for the client to participate in what-if sessions on line or in our office to see first-hand where changes in his assumptions might have the greatest impact on his future.  

We invest the assets entrusted to us according to the plan.  We offer six model portfolios that can be further tailored to match a client’s unique requirements. Further, portfolios can be specifically tailored to a client’s needs such as state-specific municipal bonds or low-basis stock holding that might be reduced over time.  We use low-expense market indexes for majority of asset classes required.

Our process continues.  We monitor accounts daily and assure that each client is invested according to his plan. On at least a quarterly basis, and more often if necessary, we update each client’s plan with current asset values and any changes in goals or requirements to ensure that they remain in the “Comfort Zone” and on track to meet their goals.  Like all managers, we report past model performance, but our focus is on each client's current degree of confidence in meeting their goals and requirements. If adjustments are indicated after significant market moves, changes in goals, failure to save or spend as planned, or other reasons, we contact our client and suggest changes. The suggested changes are typically modest and are based on our understanding of our client’s priorities. 

We look forward in our analysis to identify needed changes that are likely minor compared to what might be required if ignored for years. Most clients who ask the question “how am I doing?” are treated to page after page of colorful charts and graphs showing them the history of their investments and how they have done relative to benchmarks that Wall Street considers relevant. We believe that clients prefer to know how they are doing relative to their future, their real-life goals. We do this by providing a quarterly "Comfort Zone" report that graphically demonstrates the statistical probability of their plan's success in a format that is easily understood and tracked.  Yes, we  provide the colorful performance reports too, but we emphasize the future, not the immutable past.

We are compensated by a fee that covers management services as well as transaction costs or by a slightly lower fee which does not include commissions. The fee is determined by the account and/or relationship size as well as the expected activity in the account. A complete description of fees and the way they are structured is covered in our SEC ADV Brochure