Investment Philosophy
At Financial Coach, we are evidence-based investors. We focus intensively on what works, what matters, and what we can control in the investing process. This also means that we avoid speculation, predictions, or pretending that there is some “wizard behind the curtain.”
Our investing process begins by recognizing core principles that evidence shows us to be true and meaningful. We create strategies that reflect those truths, then employ the tactics and discipline required in aiming to maximize success for our clients.
For example, we believe:
- Global diversification and asset allocation are of paramount importance.
- Keeping expenses low adds an amazing amount of value over time.
- After tax returns are the only returns that matter.
- Markets are not predictable in the short run. They are not controllable ever, yet human intuition is at odds with these facts.
- Avoiding mistakes is usually the most important tactic in investing.
- Successful investing is somewhat boring, because it has no room for speculation.
When we design and implement investment strategies, sensibility and simplicity emerge as common themes. We integrate the investment strategy according to each client’s specific financial plan and personal benchmark. From there, ongoing investment management consists of overseeing the portfolios while managing investor behavior.
Our portfolio management process is driven by fundamental values:
- Diversification reflects an acknowledgement of the basic premise of unpredictability.
- Getting the correct allocation of assets among stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash is the most important step in anyone’s investment plan.
- A “total return” approach to investing is superior to “yield based” investing.
- Employing a rebalancing discipline adds value.
- We insist on earning as much of the market returns as possible by reducing expenses and taxes.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
MEMBERSHIPS
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute. Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ and CRPC® are trademarks or registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning in the United States and/or other countries.