What is a good investment? 

Over the years, we have found that to be the first question asked by many prospective clients.

Quite often, they are shocked when we don't immediately produce some sales literature and begin selling them the snazzy investment product of the day. They are shocked, because that is the typical approach taken by most investment professionals they met in the past.  We refuse to go down that road. 

We believe that suggesting a product or investment without first understanding a client's needs and goals is inappropriate.  We want to gain a thorough understanding of where you are, and where you are going.  Only after gaining that knowledge can we begin to help you plan a route and  choose an appropriate vehicle to get you there as safely as possible. It's just good financial planning.

What does all that matter you ask? Let's take this away from the arena of investing for a moment and  consider this analogy:

Imagine yourself going to a travel agency to seek assistance with arrangements for your annual vacation.  You tell the agent you are taking vacation and he or she immediately suggests that you take the train.  They go on to explain that trains are great these days, they are safe, you can see parts of the country you have never seen before, the seats are big and the ride is comfortable! The agent whips out the nicely printed brochure that shows a happy couple sitting in big over-sized seats.  Another picture shows the Rocky Mountains through the window of the nicely appointed sleeper car.  When it comes to dining, the pictures of the food are gourmet all the way.  It all looks pretty good... so the agent sells you two tickets.

As you board the train things seem just as described. In fact everything seems to be going well.  Several days into your trip you are convinced the agent really knows his stuff. Trains are a GREAT vehicle!

And then... all of a sudden ... you hear the conductor shout ... end of the line ... everyone off! As you disembark you realize that you are in Cleveland. This is a serious problem, because your hotel is in Honolulu and your intention was to spend 10 days seeing Hawaii with your spouse.  You have been on the train for 5 days and you are nowhere near Hawaii.

The problem was this.  The agent did not ask you where you were were, where you were going or how long you had to get there.  He simply sold you a good vehicle. The Train.

Investments are vehicles that must carry you on the longest vacation of your life ... it's called retirement. We spend the time to thoroughly understand  where you are, where you are going, how long you have to get there.  Only then can we help you plan a route.  Once the route is planned, we can help you choose what vehicles are best suited to get you there. 

Call now or click the link below to set an appointment for a Free Financial Planning Consultation. We would be pleased to get to know you and your situation.