Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Question
What is your philosophy?

Answer
We use a conservative style of portfolio management. We believe that it is better to strive for steady, consistent, above average returns rather than expose the portfolio to high risk. Investment objectives we seek are:

1. Preservation of Capital It is essential that principal remain intact if long-term investment objectives are to be achieved.

2. Growth of Capital Steady growth of capital leads to accumulation of wealth and the achievement of investment goals.

3. Maximization of Income It is important that the portfolio maximizes income and reinvests income within the given risk parameters in order for compound growth to take place.

4. Growth of Income Income growth is essential to preserving purchasing power through the years.

5. Reduction of Taxes Individuals in high income tax brackets must be aware of and concerned about after-tax returns. Investments in tax-free or tax-deferred vehicles are commonly used.

Question:
Do you specialize in working with any particular type of client?

Answer:
Our Clients Include:

1. Retired individuals seeking income and growth of capital.

2. High net worth individuals seeking preservation of capital and tax-free income.

3. Young professionals seeking growth of capital.

4. Small businesses seeking to have their retirement plans assets invested and managed in a prudent manner.

5. Pension funds and other institutions with assets of $1 million or more seeking professional portfolio services at competitive rates.

Question:
Can you tell me about the staff?

Answer:
Please click here to learn more.

Question:
How are you compensated?

Answer:
We have the flexibility to offer our clients a choice in both investment strategy and method of compensation.

1. Fee based professional management

2. Fee based traditional brokerage

3. Fee based asset allocation of load and no-load mutual funds

4. Traditional transactional brokerage

Our method of investment management is based on a time proven approach to total financial planning:

1. Evaluation

2. Design

3. Implementation

4. Monitoring

Our goal is to provide clients with enhanced long-term returns while attempting to minimize risk through active investment management.

Question:
What is your investment design philosophy?

Answer:
Please click here for an overview.

Question:
What types of investments do you offer?

Answer
           1. Fixed Income

We use U.S. Treasury bonds, tax-free municipal bonds and high-grade corporate bonds.

When choosing bonds we reduce risk by staggering maturities. We seek to maximize income by investing along the most efficient points of the yield curve. Risk is further reduced, in the case of municipal bonds, by diversification geographically and in the case of corporate bonds, by diversification among industries.

2. Equities

Stock selection is generally conservative. We seek companies that not only fit a theme, but also generally have a history of rising earnings and dividend growth. Risk is reduced by diversification among industries, where no more than 10 percent of the portfolio is in any one company

3. Mutual Funds

We have access to detailed information on over 2000 mutual funds. When choosing a fund we emphasize the experience of the portfolio manager, stability of management, established long-term history of performance, and low volatility. We believe that anyone with less than $25,000 to invest should consider mutual funds.

4. Independent Money Management

Our Consulting Group allows us to choose from a wide array of investment managers. When choosing a money manager, like mutual funds, we commonly emphasize the experience of the manager or managers, stability of the management, and long term history of performance that consistently betters the standard indices with the lowest degree of volatility.