Asset Allocation

Several stages are involved in the asset management process. The initial stage is for the client to become comfortable with the financial services advisor. Next, the advisor must learn more about the client’s situation and goals, including emotional as well as financial dimensions. The third stage is for the advisor to educate the client about options that meet his or her goals. The fourth and final stage is actual implementation of the plan that the advisor and client prepare.

We typically use no-load mutual funds that have a competitive fee ratio. This provides diversification as well as cost efficiency for the client. Among the fund families that we use are Vanguard, American Century, Dodge & Cox and Fidelity. In determining the investments to recommend, we look at each mutual fund manager, as well as the fund family and other relevant factors.
In addition, we purchase individual bonds when interest rates and the market permit. Some bond funds are utilized depending on the market conditions, although more typically individual bonds are purchased.