Investment Management

Why Is Professional Investment Management Important?

For clients who engage us for ongoing investment management, advisory fees are based on assets under management (AUM). Clients seeking standalone financial planning may instead choose hourly or flat-rate planning services. All fees are fully disclosed before services begin.

At Guide My Finances® we are Fiduciaries who strive to make the best possible investments for each of our clients based on their specific goals, risk preferences, liquidity needs, tax situation and investment desires. One of our most important missions is that we provide exceptional customer service, specifically making sure that our clients feel that our recommendations are in their best interest and not ours.

Our investment management services are provided under a transparent advisory fee structure, with all fees clearly disclosed before services begin. We design investment strategies for each of our clients, utilizing individual stocks and bonds, as well as low-cost non-commissionable mutual funds, exchange-trade funds (ETFs), fixed income instruments and other security types.

Some of our clients have existing investments but need to re-evaluate their strategy due to life changes such as shifting economic climates, or uncertainty surrounding a current investment strategy. While long-term investment is our goal, we believe it is important to continually analyze your financial picture and make adjustments to maximize your potential.

What Is Our Investment Management Philosophy?

Our investment philosophy focuses on disciplined, long-term investing strategies built around diversification, tax efficiency, risk management, and sustainable wealth accumulation rather than short-term market speculation.

• We believe the market is efficient, and to maximize its efficiency, we believe in building long-term, well diversified, low cost, portfolios emphasizing areas of the market with higher expected return potential.
• We avoid hype, fads and risky investments. Instead we invest in quality securities to build sustainable wealth over time.
• We do not believe in trying to outguess the market. Multiple studies have shown that trying to time the market results in lower long-term returns. We maintain discipline in down markets to avoid locking in losses.
• We are fiduciaries.
• We offer flexible engagement options, including hourly or flat-rate financial planning and ongoing investment management through an assets-under-management (AUM) advisory fee structure, depending on each client's needs.

How Are Investment Management Services Priced?

• Financial Planning: Available on an hourly or flat-rate basis for clients seeking standalone financial advice.
• Investment Management: Available through an ongoing advisory relationship with fees based on a percentage of assets under management (AUM).
• Fee Disclosure: All fees are clearly disclosed in writing before any engagement begins so clients understand exactly how their services are structured.

Why Work With a Fiduciary Investment Advisor?

Working with a fiduciary investment advisor provides personalized investment guidance, ongoing portfolio management, tax-efficient strategies, and support during changing market conditions and major life transitions. Depending on your needs, our relationship may include standalone financial planning, ongoing investment management, or both.

• In addition to building and managing risk-appropriate portfolios for our clients, our support continues far beyond the investment strategy alone.
• Many investors make investment decisions based on emotion, not reason. We work with our clients to discuss market concerns and to educate them on the risks of emotional investing.
• We coordinate the strategy across all of your investments including non-managed 401ks and company retirement plans.
• We update your financial plan annually to track progress towards your goals.
• We manage tax efficiency. We ensure you properly fund tax-efficient accounts and manage tax efficiency within your non-retirement accounts.