Details Are Part of Our Difference
Embracing the Evidence at Anheuser-Busch – Mid 1980s
529 Best Practices
David Booth on How to Choose an Advisor
The One Minute Audio Clip You Need to Hear
Category: Philosophy
The Importance of Tracking Goals
One of my favorite parts of my job is talking to our clients about their goals. Sometimes their objectives are specifically related to money; at other times, not as much. Either way, understanding where clients want to go (their goals) allows us to help them get there (through careful planning).
In my family’s case, one goal we have set is to see our hometown St. Louis Cardinals play in a different city each summer. This is usually my favorite yearly trip. A few weeks ago, we had an opportunity to go to Chicago to see the Cardinals play the White Sox. We spent time on Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and other “tourist” spots. We were also fortunate to see our Cardinals pull out a 3-0 victory.
This year’s trip was especially memorable because we combined it with visiting some of our favorite long-time clients, Larry Baumann and Dana Brehm. While not from Chicago, Larry and Dana made it their goal years ago to have a place in Chicago. After they both retired, they realized that goal and have a beautiful home there.
Numerous studies have shown that making your goals known to others increases your odds of achieving them. We love doing our part in helping clients achieve their goals. And if you aren’t tracking your goals, please let us know. We’d be happy to help.
Independent Difference Campaign
I’m proud to be a part of the independent advisor community. In the most simplistic definition, independence means that our firm does not fall under a major brokerage firm, bank or trust company. We operate independently and work for you, not a corporation. This is a hugely important distinction because our model allows us to operate objectively.
I was recently invited to be a part of a national ad campaign supporting independent advisors around the country, and I was taped saying lines like:
I am a fiduciary, not just some of the time, but all of the time.
As a fiduciary, I promise to put your interest first. Always.
As a fiduciary, I promise to always act in the best interests of you and your family.
We believe these statements at our core and think every investor deserves to be served by someone who works solely for them, as their fiduciary. Reciting these lines came naturally and we’re honored to help support the broader community of advisors.
Stay tuned for more information on the campaign, who it’s associated with, and when it will air!
Image of the Month
Each year, Dimensional analyzes investment returns from a large sample of US-domiciled funds (over 4,000). This year’s study updates results through 2022 and includes returns from mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) domiciled in the US. The evidence shows that a majority of fund managers in the sample failed to deliver benchmark-beating returns after costs. We believe that the results of this research provide a strong case for relying on market prices when making investment decisions.
