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Do you focus solely on investment management, or do you also advise on taxes, estates and retirement, budgeting and debt management, and insurance?
We lead with the financial planning topics, and also provide investment management.
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What is your investment philosophy?
We believe passive, index-based investing is the right approach for the vast majority of people and circumstances for their core investment portfolio. If you prefer a primarily active investment policy, you should seek a different advisor.
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Are your fees negotiable?
Yes. That said, exceptions are very rare. We are required to apply consistent fee structures across our clients.
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Do you believe you can beat the market?
No, and particularly not over a period of more than 2-3 years
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Will you consider charging by the hour or retainer instead of an annual fee based on my assets?
We will not consider charging hourly. We avoid short-term engagements because it hinders your success. We do use an annual, flat fee based on your financial profile, not a % of your assets.
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How often do you trade?
As a passive investor, we recommend rebalancing once a year, perhaps twice a year. Rebalancing may also be needed to adjust for a life event, such as a windfall.
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Can you tell me about your conflicts of interest, orally and in writing?
Yes. We can and we will.
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How do you report investment performance?
After all expenses, compared to an average of highly similar assets that includes dividends or interest income, over the short and long term. If you wish to see investment performance that is also net of any sub-advisor fees, please contact us.
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Which professional credentials do you have, and what are their requirements?
James has an MBA and has held management accounting and auditing credentials in the past. Both James and Jordan are candidates for CFP® certification, and both have passed the CFP® exam and completed the education requirements.
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After inflation, taxes and fees, what is a reasonable estimated return on my portfolio over the long term?
Equities on average have historically returned between 9% and 10%. Inflation consumes 2-3%, taxes perhaps 3%, and fees less than 1%, which leaves 3-4%. This is why we believe strongly in lower cost investing philosophies and why we advocate for saving early, often, and preferably in accounts that grow tax-deferred.
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Who manages your money?
We do. We use the same methods we recommend to our clients.
