Investment Management Services

Are you tired of Investment Managers using tough markets as an excuse for weak returns?

Isn't the point of hiring an Investment Manager to add value in difficult markets?

We take asset management seriously, and our investment management process reflects that. No aspect of your investment management should be left to chance, it is too important to your long-term financial well-being. The design and implementation of your investment portfolio begins with the creation of your Investment Policy Statement and is further refined through the use of the Asset Allocation process as described below.




The Investment Policy Statement is the foundation of your investment planning. It is a "job description" for the assets in your portfolio. The most important reason for constructing an Investment Policy Statement is to discuss the various types of investment risk as they apply to your specific situation and establish investment parameters to address these risks.

All investors, even the ultra-conservative, will be forced to assume some degree of one or more types of investment risk. We believe that exposure to investment risk should be a deliberate, well-informed decision based on your need to assume the risk, your capacity to withstand the risk, and your desire to experience the risk. We also believe that investors should never assume a level of risk higher than what is necessary to realistically attain their financial goals.

A well thought out Investment Policy Statement will also address the tax implications of your portfolio, and identify any constraints caused by planned contributions, withdrawals, concentrated stock positions or other unique circumstances.

We will use your Investment Policy Statement as the basis for determining the appropriate allocation of funds among the various asset classes. The amount of funds available, your time horizon, tax issues and other considerations will influence the actual securities selected for your accounts. We may employ mutual funds, exchange traded funds, separately managed accounts, individual fixed income securities, variable annuities, real estate investment trusts, and natural gas limited partnerships in the design and funding of your portfolio. The investment vehicles we use have been extensively researched by our firm and due diligence team to the extent of visiting their home office locations and meeting the management of many of the investments that we recommend.




The asset allocation decision is one of the most important decisions we will make in the investment management process. It helps to cushion your portfolio from market volatility and reduce overall risk levels. Academic studies have shown that historically, the asset allocation decision has been responsible for more than 90% of a portfolio's overall results. (Source: Brinson, Hood and Beebower, "Determinants of Portfolio Performance", Financial Analysts Journal, January/February 1995). In other words, the combination of asset classes you choose - stocks, bonds, real estate or cash - is more important than the individual security selection within those asset classes.

Each asset class has different performance characteristics as measured by expected return and volatility. By combining them in an intelligent way within your portfolio, volatility can be reduced and long term performance may be improved. Determining the appropriate asset allocation for your portfolio is a four step process:

1. Reviewing and classifying your current investments into their respective asset classes.
2. Constructing a set of model portfolios along the continuum of investment risk.
3. Determining your risk tolerance, time horizon and tax situation.
4. Implementing the appropriate investment portfolio based upon these factors.

We then monitor, adjust and rebalance your portfolio in response to market conditions using a "forward-looking" process based on long term investment allocation targets and allowing for ample investment discretion required by ever changing market and economic conditions. Beating one index or another is not the true measure of success. Being able to retire comfortably, affording the college of choice, or being able to sleep during protracted market downturns are more meaningful barometers of successful investment management. We feel that the regular evaluation of your overall financial situation is where we really add long-term value.