What You Can Expect

My philosophy is simple:  In order to chart an effective path toward your financial goals, you must first define where you are going.  I begin each relationship by developing a clear understanding of my clients' life goals.  I understand that in order to pursue these goals, oftentimes, finances are the most important resource.  This is why I think a clearly articulated written investment plan with actionable steps and ongoing stewardship is a necessity.  This philosophy guides my work with my clients and is exemplified in my investment process.

 

My investment process begins with a discussion.  The first step in understanding how best to guide new clients is to understand their current financial situation.  I take the time to review your existing investments and issues surrounding your estate plan and work with you and, at your discretion, your accountant and attorney to ensure all of the components of your investment and estate planning strategies are working together.  I utilize a formalized five-step process to help you pursue your financial goals.

 

I begin the process of charting your financial future by organizing your financial data and assessing your current and long-term goals, objectives, and risk tolerance.  I evaluate your current investment assets, cash flow requirements, liabilities, and tax situation to gain a better understanding of where your path begins.  This concentrated information gives me the basis to determine your risk/return profile.

 

I create a written investment plan based on your unique situation that includes the following:

 

Your investment plan becomes the blueprint from which investment decisions are made.  The plan is reviewed and adjusted during our client reviews. Stifel does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult with your legal or tax advisor regarding your particular situation. 

 

Finding new investment opportunities is a major part of Stifel's expertise.  Stifel's team of research analysts is made up of recognized leaders in the industry, and we leverage their knowledge in designing an investment portfolio tailored to help you pursue your financial goals.  Whether your accounts are structured as fee-based or trade-specific, the guidance you receive is objective and designed to address your particular needs.  Research has shown that an overwhelming determinant of the variance investment performance is the asset allocation strategy.  We carefully construct your portfolio to capitalize on a broad array of investment options designed to help maximize portfolio return and reduce risk through diversification. Keep in mind that asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or help protect against loss.  There are no guarantees that the portfolio and strategy will meet its stated objectives. 

 

I create or rebalance my clients' portfolios according to the guidelines set forth in the investment plan.  This step helps mitigate risk by implementing sell discipline strategies.  Our sell discipline is based on the following factors:  extreme valuation, falling margins, declining earnings estimates, poor growth prospects, or a changing competitive environment.  Rebalancing may have tax consequences, which you should discuss with your tax advisor.  

 

To maintain progress toward my clients' financial goals,  my goal is to provide periodic review of investment portfolios with my clients.  As your advisor, I review the relative value of the asset classes in your portfolio to make certain they continue to reflect your appropriate risk/reward level based on your investment plan.

 

Each month, you will receive a detailed monthly statement identifying your portfolio's performance and activity.  Each quarter, our objective is to review your investments and my outlook on the markets with you.  I also review any changes in your circumstances or needs to ensure your plan still accurately reflects your goals.