Individual investors often do not make prudent long-term investment decisions and underperform against an index or unmanaged bundle of investments. The difference, known as the “behavior gap,” may be explained by investors chasing after hot investment categories or fleeing from perceived danger. The key to managing behavior is to have a process for making decisions.
Determine Risk Preference
Before building your portfolio we need to understand your tolerance for risk and will have you complete a psychometric risk assessment. We will review your results to explain how you perceive and tolerate variations in your portfolio.
Construct a Portfolio
We will construct a well diversified portfolio consisting of low cost mutual funds, and tilt the allocations to assets that try to capture risk premiums over the long term. Though periods of short-term volatility for stocks are to be expected, it is crucial to bear in mind that stocks have historically rewarded patient, long-term investors.
Align Portfolio to Goals
We will help you define your short, medium, and long-term goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Once your risk profile and goals are combined in your plan, simulations will be run to determine how much risk you need and how much risk could jeopardize the plan.
Rebalance Assets
From time to time, market conditions may cause the various asset classes in a portfolio to vary from the approved allocation. We have systems that alert us of opportunistic times to rebalance the portfolio that may help take advantage of volatility by capturing market movements, selling off assets that have gone up and buying into assets that have gone down.
Adjust Allocation
We will schedule a regular review cycle to check in on your goals, objectives, and resources as they change over time. Updating the plan projections will help us to determine whether there is a need to adjust the portfolio allocation.
Monitor Pricing of the Markets
By comparing what investors are currently paying for stocks to what they have historically paid for stocks, we can evaluate the current pricing of the market. This can help give perspective on current market conditions based on objective data rather than speculation or guessing.
Andrew Sivertsen, CFP®, explains the three stages of The Planning Center’s Investment Management process.
Request more info >An investment portfolio should be a good reflection of a well-designed financial plan. A basic understanding of how capital markets work and the “time value” of money are required to begin any investing journey. Managing your expenses and increasing the diversification of your assets are two critical components of success.
Learn moreGiven the market’s infinite volatility, wealth creation is more than simply “picking stocks.” It is essential to structure a portfolio with your risk tolerance and goals in mind, which can minimize your anxiety as an investor. In addition, a defined process of portfolio rebalancing and allocation adjustments can add significant value to your investments over time.
Learn moreIn the eyes of the IRS, not all investments are treated equally. Integrating tax planning with portfolio planning will increase the diversification of your portfolio and the likelihood of success. Careful planning is required to ensure that all of your accounts and assets are working together and tailored to meet your financial needs.
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