Investing in What Matters

Our Approach to Investments

From Planning to Investing: Developing a Strategic Asset Allocation

Developing an “all-weather” asset allocation plan is one of the primary goals of our wealth planning process. This goal is made possible by the principles outlined in Modern Portfolio Theory. Through thought-provoking conversations and an unwavering commitment to deep engagement with our clients, we assess risk and return requirements, evaluate tax considerations, and incorporate individual preferences as we determine a long-term investment plan for aligning our client’s balance sheet with their needs and goals.

Modern Portfolio Theory's Role In Asset Allocation

The asset allocation process was codified by Harry Markowitz’s seminal Modern Portfolio Theory[1]. This Nobel Prize winning research was among the first to formalize the notion that investors MAY reduce risk without sacrificing expected returns by including imperfectly correlated assets in a portfolio. This insight demonstrated that efficient portfolio allocations can be created for investors with varying degrees of risk tolerance by adding cash and government bonds to a portfolio of corporate stocks and bonds. We follow Markowitz’s approach in building broadly diversified portfolios aligned with our clients’ goals.

Our Investment Philosophy

We believe that when implementing an investment plan, the less people between you and your money the better. Opaque fee structures, layered fees from third party money managers, and expensive, tax-inefficient mutual funds are things we avoid. As PIM® Portfolio Managers, our team takes pride in our independent investment approach. We curate bespoke allocations by synthesizing research from across Wall Street and steering clear from proprietary products. Our clients have the advantage of working directly with us as their portfolio managers, professionals who are intimately acquainted with their financial goals and concerns.

Private Investment Management (PIM®)

Our Approach to Portfolio Management

PIM® is a customized portfolio management program where we act as your personal portfolio manager and allocate investments toward specific goals outlined in an investment plan. Whether you are a hands-on investor or a delegator, by appointing experienced investment professionals who meet stringent criteria based on experience and expertise to provide you with sound investment advice and retool your investment allocation when necessary, you free yourself from the day-to-day management of your portfolio. This allows you focus on your goals and awards you the flexibility to be as involved in the investment process as you choose. As part of this process, we help ensure that your portfolio remains invested in financial instruments most suited to your current needs and objectives while balancing tax and personal considerations.

Our Approach to the PIM® Platform

When selecting the securities for your portfolio, we conduct a detailed analysis of companies, industries, and overall economic conditions, but perhaps more importantly, we diligently consider the impact of fees and taxes. We believe that the primary driver of long-term returns are asset allocation and time in the markets, not market timing. Impatience, fees and taxes are some of the primary detractors to the goal of generating lasting gains. For these reasons, having a plan, focusing on fee-conscious implementation, and striving for tax efficiency are essential. Our portfolios use individual stocks and low-cost ETFs, providing investors with low-cost direct ownership, enhanced control, and transparent insight to their investment allocation. This approach awards us the flexibility to make tax-efficient trading decisions – whether we are starting an investment plan from scratch or taking over management for an existing portfolio.

The Private Investment Management (PIM®) Platform is Designed for Investors Who:

Want a customized investment approach rooted in the wealth planning process
Prefer a portfolio manager who can make investment decisions on their behalf
Are seeking long-term portfolio management and diversification while managing underlying investment costs
Value a high level of professional services and personal attention

What Does it Mean to Have a Fiduciary Duty?

Fiduciary duty represents the highest degree of trust and confidence that the investment advisor will act in your best interest.

When our clients enter an advisory agreement with our firm, we have a fiduciary duty to act in their best interest. This responsibility is foundational to our practice and is reflected through our commitment to rigorous wealth planning, consultation of research from across Wall Street, and our in-house portfolio management. We take our fiduciary responsibility seriously as we work to help ensure our clients are informed, educated, and invested in alignment with their goals.