Investing philosophy
When investing for our clients, our goal is to help you create and preserve wealth. Determining your risk tolerance, goal setting, diversification and realistic forecasts are the building blocks of our relationship because we believe they help enable us to better assist you in reaching your financial goals.
We believe that the markets can be a priceless benefit to most people over the course of a lifetime. To help reach the destination, we must observe risk and consider market volatility. We try to match the level of return with the level of risk for each client.
Investing based on facts, not emotions
While your feelings about money play a prominent role in determining the strategy that is right for you, we do not think anyone’s emotions—including our own—should have a role in making everyday decisions about your investments. That is why we do not act on stock tips, guess where the TSX will be in six months or try to predict the direction of interest rates. Your money is too valuable to be managed on the basis of hunches.
Controlling risk is key
Over the years, we have found that unexpected risk is the number one reason investors abandon their strategies and fail to achieve their goals. A diversified portfolio can help you manage risk, and knowing we’re only a phone call away when you have questions can do more for the long–term health of your portfolio and your chances of reaching your goals than almost any ‘hot new fund’ or ‘sure bet’. By spreading risk over different types of investments we can also help protect you from the ups and downs of market and economic cycles.
This doesn’t mean we think everyone should own low–risk investments; far from it. We also have strategies for middle–of–the–road and more adventurous investors. Our mantra, no matter what your risk tolerance, is the same: “We do all we can to help achieve the results you want at the lowest possible level of risk.” This helps make it easier for you to stay with the program long enough to reach the financial goals you’ve been working toward.
Expenses, taxes and realistic forecasts matter
Expense ratios, taxes, and asset turnover can impact performance and erode a fund’s returns. Our methods take these factors into account. We know that no one can tell exactly how much your portfolio will be worth when it is needed most. But when you know about the range of possible risks and returns, you’re in a better position to prepare for the future.
Investing (as opposed to speculating) is a long–term commitment
Because it reduces risk and increases the likelihood of success, we encourage our clients to adopt a long–term view of investing and we work to keep your portfolio appropriately allocated and diversified, even in difficult market conditions. Returns can vary widely in the short run, even with investments that have traditionally been considered conservative and secure. Owning investments for a longer period of time, especially five years or more, reduces the impact of year–to–year fluctuations.
What’s next?
Interested in finding out more? Get started today by booking an appointment with one of our financial security advisors. We can help—from answering questions to putting together a comprehensive strategy. Get us working for you!
