Wealth Management Blog | WrapManager (42)

New eBook! Finding a Better Financial Advisor

Posted by WrapManager's Investment Policy Committee

November 6, 2014

New eBook! Finding a Better Financial Advisor

How do you know whether your financial advisor has your best interest in mind or is simply doing just enough to fulfill their basic duties?

This is an important question to ask yourself because the security of your future depends on your retirement lifestyle planning, investing, and wealth management strategies. While you take care of the many different aspects of your life, your financial advisor can help look after your future. This is one of the many advantages of hiring a financial advisor.

But not all financial advisors act as fiduciaries, putting your best interest at the forefront of investment decisions. Your retirement plans may not be as safe as you think if you have put your trust in a financial advisor whose motives are unclear or who is incentivized to recommend certain financial products.

Our new eBook, Your Guide to Finding a Better Financial Advisor, can help you understand the very important question above: how do I know whether my financial advisor has my best interest in mind? And how can you find a better financial advisor?

How to Fix 6 Common Retirement Mistakes

November 4, 2014

Mistakes in your retirement plan can have a big impact on your future retirement income. The good news is that there are relatively simple solutions to these kinds of mistakes. The key is to identify these mistakes before they’ve had time to become problems. Once you’ve identified them, you can take the appropriate measures to get back on track. In fact, using your financial advisor as a sounding board and involving your loved ones can help fix the following 6 common retirement mistakes. A Do-It-Yourself Mentality Many investors have a knack for taking care of themselves, whether it’s installing a new bathroom floor or investing on their own, but this do-it-yourself mentality can backfire when it comes to your retirement investment plan. [+] Read More

WrapManager's Top Money Manager Picks 2014 - Q4 Update

October 30, 2014

Here are WrapManager's Top Equity Money Manager Picks for the final quarter in 2014. Selected by our Investment Policy Committee, the report highlights certain money manager strategies for investors to consider. Download the report to learn more about: Risk-Managed - Newfound Research LLC Dividend Equity - Brookmont Capital Management Multi-Cap Growth - ClearBridge Investments Small Cap Growth - Granite Investment Partners International Equity – Cambiar Investors [+] Read More

Rising Interest Rates – Time to Adjust Your Portfolio?

October 28, 2014

Since the mid-1980s interest rates have been declining1 and have now remained low for the past few years. These low rates have made it challenging for many investors to generate the retirement income they need to reach their retirement goals. However, a recovering economy could suggest the possibility of rising interest rates by the Federal Reserve. [+] Read More

3 Early Tips for Year-End Investment Planning

October 23, 2014

Part of planning for the end of the calendar year includes a thorough review of your investment plan. One of the problems that many people face is discovering they may have not paid as much attention to investment planning as they originally thought. While the stock market has stayed fairly strong through most of 2014, it may still be a good time to re-evaluate your portfolio, especially if your goals have changed and you have yet to adjust your investment plan. Here are a few topics to cover with your Financial Advisor before year end. [+] Read More

Is Your Retirement Portfolio Diversified Enough for this Market?

October 21, 2014

For investors who are heavily invested in the US markets, there may have been some disappointment when they saw their returns during the six month period ending in September. The S & P 500 has shown an 8.3% return year to date as of September 30th, but some overseas markets such as India (+24.7% over the same time period) have shown higher returns.1 Portfolio diversification strategy is important for all investors. While diversification does not guarantee profit or protect against loss in declining markets, investing mainly in US stocks (or any single country or region) can be harmful to your portfolio and ability to reach your goals. The below chart demonstrates the importance of a balanced portfolio and shows how different markets and asset classes can perform well one year, and not so great the next year. [+] Read More

5-Star Mutual Funds May Not Be Your Best Option – New Study Finds

October 16, 2014

The Wall Street Journal recently asked Morningstar to conduct a study on “five-star” mutual funds, to get an idea of how many were able to maintain their top rating over 10 years (July 2004 – July 2014). What they discovered will likely surprise you. Of the 408 mutual funds reviewed, the majority of them no longer had five stars. This and another study by S&P Dow Jones Indices underscore the common fallacy that investing in a five-star mutual fund increases the likelihood of a positive long-term outcome.1 Determining which funds to invest in should go well beyond a five-star rating system. In fact, you need a financial advisor who is dedicated to your needs and specializes in independent and ongoing assessment of investment options. High net worth investors should consider separately managed accounts instead of mutual funds given potential tax and visibility benefits. [+] Read More

Year-End Investment Planning Checklist for 2014

October 15, 2014

It’s that time of year again—time to look back, review your investments and look forward to the coming year. Below are a few areas and tips to review with your Wealth Manager during your upcoming quarterly review. Be sure to provide as much information as possible so that any needed adjustments can be made to your investment plan, accounts and investments. Tax Planning Strategies Capital losses are deductible against capital gains. In 2014, up to $3,000 in net capital losses may be deducted against ordinary income. If you had net capital loss amounts in excess of $3,000, you may carry the excess forward indefinitely.1 [+] Read More

Getting Through the Next Stock Market Correction

October 14, 2014

Getting through stock market corrections begins before they happen. While it is almost impossible to predict exactly when a market correction will begin and end, there are things you can do now to help reduce the stress felt by many investors during these events. Remember that corrections are temporary and a normal part of healthy markets. You can get through any stock market correction if you have the right frame of mind, adhere to a few basic guidelines and use your financial advisor as a sounding board. Avoid Hasty Investment Decisions It’s normal to feel anxious during corrections and think about changing direction with your investments. But timing the market rarely, if ever, works. By the time you’ve made a decision to change investments, it’s possible the correction could be half over. Once you’re out of the market, the next decision is when to get back in, which is also timing the market. [+] Read More

Research Money Managers with the Money Manager Directory

October 9, 2014

WrapManager’s Money Manager Directory helps investors find and request information on money managers and their strategies. This information is often hard to find and can be biased, especially if the money manager is providing it to you themselves. Information may include: Performance information Comparison to similar investment strategies In depth strategy information How the strategy could fit into your portfolio One of our Wealth Managers will reach out to you with the information. If it’s not available, they can show alternative money manager strategies that we recommend to appropriate clients and how they could work for you. [+] Read More