What is involved in opening an account?
We set up a meeting where I learn your goals for the future, your current financial situation and responsibilities, and your tolerance of risk. If we both agree that opening an account is best for you, we together fill out a modest amount of paperwork.
Is there anything I will need to do after the account is opened?
The account needs to be funded. We can do this at our meeting or at a later date. You can write a check, or we can arrange a transfer from your existing holdings.
What kind of control do you have other my assets? How can I see exactly what you’ve done with my money?
We take only what is known as “limited trading authority.” That is, we cannot remove any funds whatsoever; only you can do that. All we can do is invest, lend, purchase and sell. And you can see exactly what we’ve done, and when, at anytime online. If you prefer, you can speak by phone to an independent third party to find out the status and history of your portfolio.
How can I monitor what you’ve done and how I’m doing on an ongoing basis?
Your account gives you immediate access to any transactions we perform on your behalf. You can look up your holdings, the prices that were paid, earnings, rates-of-return and other important information and statistics in easy to understand format on a real-time basis. In addition, we are always ready to explain what we are doing with your portfolio.
What do you do differently from other investment managers?
Most importantly, we treat every single client individually. We don’t manage funds; that is, we don’t lump different people together as the large fund managers do. That’s easy, but we feel it is not right. Rather, we learn as much as we can about you, your situation and your requirements, and tailor an investment strategy to you, not to a fund.
We have experience in all facets of the investment universe, from stocks and bonds to options and international securities and instruments. Hence, we never have the need to “push” clients into any one type of investment.
Do you handle IRA’s, 401(k)’s and other retirement programs?
Yes, we do. We have the equipment to handle most types of retirement and tax-advantaged investment programs. We have the expertise to help you think about your future needs and tailor an investment strategy accordingly.
How quickly and easily can I get my money out?
Crucially, we invest only in marketable securities and instruments. We do not invest in real estate, physical commodities, limited partnerships or private equity. Nor do we “downstream” client money to hedge funds or any other type of investment manager. This means we can offer you complete liquidity. That is, with only a few days’ notice, you can withdraw the entire balance of your portfolio, no strings attached and no questions asked.
How do you charge?
We are entirely fee-based. In other words, we are not paid based on transactions. This means that our one and only concern is your portfolio – we have no conflict of interest. We receive a flat management fee as a percentage of assets.
There are zero hidden charges. Nor do we charge any special maintenance fees for IRA’s, 401(k)’s, etc.
Will you be taking risks with my money?
Every investment contains some risk. We’ll never say that we don’t take risk. What we do say is that the level of risk we allow into your portfolio will be commensurate with your particular situation and tolerance of risk.
What kind of experience do you have in this business?
I have been in the securities business for over thirty years. Before establishing my practice of managing money for clients, I was an economist at the Federal Reserve, a Wall Street trader, a consultant for some of the largest financial institutions in the world, and a professor of finance at leading universities.
What are my obligations while I am a client?
Once you have opened an account and made your initial investment, you are under no obligation to invest more. We hope, however, that you will be satisfied with our service to you and add funds in the future.
Do you guarantee any returns?
We do not – and it is unethical to – guarantee returns to any client. Furthermore, past performance should not be taken to imply similar results for the future.