Investment Management
Our philosophy regarding your investments is characterized by three fundamental beliefs:
- Investors should be adequately compensated for the risks they take
- Investment programs should help provide a high probability of success relative to our clients' goals
- Investors should not be exposed to potentially avoidable catastrophic risks
Utilizing our proprietary AdviceSolutions™ Consulting Methodology, we employ a process that will help to establish a client's investment goals and then develop a plan to work toward those goals while monitoring your progress along the way. Specifically the process involves the following steps:
Goals & Liquidity Requirements
We begin by identifying goals and clarifying liquidity requirements for a client’s investments. Sources, timing, distribution, and uses of each client’s cash flows are documented. Assets needed to satisfy short-term (less than five years) cash flow needs are quantified. When possible (i.e. when client engages us for financial planning) the appropriate needs-based analysis is also factored into the investment plan.
Risk Profile
Determining a risk profile includes identifying the risk tolerance, risk need, and risk capacity for each client. The client's risk profile, in conjunction with their time horizon, financial situation and goals, form the foundation of the investment strategy.
Investment Strategy
The investment strategy is communicated to the client through the development of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS).
An IPS is developed for each client that contains the detail to define, implement, and monitor the client’s investment strategy. Specifically, an IPS will:
- Define the duties and responsibility of all parties involved
- Define diversification1 and rebalancing guidelines consistent with specified risk, return, time horizon, and cash flow parameters
- Define the due diligence criteria for investment options and service vendors
- Define the monitoring criteria for investment options and service vendors
- Defines appropriately structured, socially responsible (ESG or environment, social & governance) investment strategies (where applicable)
1Diversification (and/or asset allocation) does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss; it is a method used to help manage risk.
Asset Allocation Plan
We use the information gathered and stated in the Investment Policy Statement to recommend an appropriate Asset Allocation model for the client’s assets. The Asset Allocation plan defines the specific mix of asset classes that produces the highest historical return given the level of risk that is consistent with a client’s risk profile. This is typically referred to as specification of a portfolio that resides along the efficient frontier. The result is the assignment of an investment model that is consistent with the client’s goals, objectives, time horizon, and financial situation.
Due Diligence Process
We employ a comprehensive due diligence process for the selection of appropriate investments that we incorporate into each of our investment models. We have developed this due diligence process over many years using several different sources of investment intelligence. Our due diligence process is continually revised, and we review our models and their investment components on a quarterly basis.
Implementation
A carefully selected ensemble of no-load and/or load waived mutual funds and separately managed accounts are typically used to form most portfolios, although other investment vehicles, such as, but not limited to: Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), individual stocks and/or individual bonds are used as circumstances warrant. Assets are held in custody at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services assuring our clients of reliable execution and reporting.
Management and Monitoring
Following the implementation of a client’s investment strategy, we monitor the performance of the investments relative to the investment goals. Clients are provided with monthly and quarterly reports on their investment portfolio, target allocations, and related performance information. These reports include the tracking of portfolio holdings, interest and dividend payments, capital gains payments, and overall portfolio performance. We periodically compare the performance of each investment against an appropriate index or peer group, and due diligence procedures defined in each client’s Investment Policy Statement. We will meet with clients on a regular basis according to guidelines established in the Investment Policy Statement to review their current situation and investment portfolio and to make any appropriate adjustments.
Our Partners
Our clients, with whom we establish investment management services, will be involved with three different entities. Specifically...
Engler, Garrow & Roth, Ltd.
We are Investment Advisor Representatives and will be your primary contacts for your investments. Client accounts will be managed by John Engler, Matthew Garrow, Timothy Roth, & Karla Stanton. Clients will receive an ADV supplement brochure that will inform them of pertinent information about each of these individuals.
Sigma Planning Corporation
Sigma Planning Corporation is the Registered Investment Advisor for the investment advisor representatives at Engler, Garrow & Roth Ltd. Clients will receive an ADV brochure from their investment advisor representative that will give them information concerning this entity. They will also receive a Client Services Agreement from this company that will outline the parameters of the client's relationship to Sigma Planning Corporation and their investment advisor representative at Engler, Garrow & Roth Ltd. as well as outlining the fees that they will be charged.
Fidelity Investments
This company serves as custodian for most investments. This is also the company through which most trades are placed.
A Word about Fees
Our investment management programs are provided on a fee basis. Fees are calculated as a percentage of assets under management and, depending on the client’s preference, can include ongoing financial planning services. For details, please contact our office.
For clients who do not desire active management of their investments and the associated fees, we offer an extensive selection of non-proprietary investment products available for retail purchase, including but not limited to Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities, Fixed Indexed Annuities, Mutual Funds, REITs, Brokerage Accounts, etc.