We Value Candor and Close Contact

We believe that financial advisors—like physicians, attorneys and other professionals—should spend most of their time with clients. By taking the time to listen and to learn what is most important to clients now—and what is likely to be important in the future—we believe that we can offer the insights they need to make better-informed financial decisions.

The more we know about clients and their families, the more effectively we can assist them in clarifying their financial goals and staying on track to pursue them. In our view, open and honest communication is essential to designing a wealth management strategy that evolves along with client needs. We are not afraid to disagree with clients if we think their approach to financial decision making may not be serving their best interests.   

In our work with families, we are sensitive to the needs of different generations, as well as concerns such as caring for aging parents or children with disabilities. At the clients' request, we can engage with other members of their professional advisory team to give guidance on financial strategies that address retirement income planning, estate planning services, gifting, time horizon, liquidity needs, risk tolerance and other needs. 

We can also offer access to the broad resources of Bank of America, including cash-flow management services, as well as credit and lending capabilities.

Successful Investing is simple but not easy

Successful investing requires patience – that is the need to wait 5-20 years to see results. Historical market assumptions often do not apply in the shorter term (1-4 years).  

Fundamental investment principals we have learned over the twenty years of helping clients achieve their goals:

1. Start with a long-term time frame 5-10+

• 5-6 asset types – U.S Equity, International Equity, REITs, Investment Grade Muni Bonds, Emerging Market Equity
• Avoid Turnover/taxes and high costs, avoid Leverage
• Money is purchasing power - $1 today is not $1 in twenty years, loss of purchasing power through inflation is persistent

• To get market returns, need to be invested in the markets
• Market Timing is impossible, human nature is a failed investor, temperament is more important than IQ
• Be diversified, index invest – avoid active management, data tells us it will underperform

• Cash, tbills, CD’s, money markets

A Defined Process With a Personal Touch

Our approach to wealth management is process-driven, yet highly personalized. Clearly defined and disciplined processes drive everything we do, from bringing new clients on board to allocating investment assets and reviewing investment portfolio performance. Disciplined does not mean rigid, however. Close client relationships are the core of our business, and we strive to be accessible whenever clients have questions or concerns.

We invest considerable time in learning about prospective clients, and helping them learn about us, even before we decide to work together. Our step-by-step process focuses on:

1. Discovery: In our first meeting, we learn all we can about the prospective client's personal and family concerns, values and motivators, as well as financial goals and objectives.
2. Diagnosis: In our second meeting, we present wealth management strategies based on what we have learned.
3. Commitment: At our third meeting, The Trinkoff Wattick Group and the client confirm a mutual decision to work together.
4. Follow-up: We have additional meetings that we prefer to hold 45 days and 90 days after the client relationship begins, to address concerns and review progress in implementing a wealth management strategy.
5. Ongoing: We are committed to reviewing this strategy periodically so that we can make adjustments to pursue the client's evolving needs.

As part of our regular communication process, we conduct periodic reviews to discuss each client's investment portfolio performance, expectations and progress toward meeting specific financial goals. Our goal is to meet face-to-face for at least one of these sessions each year.

Although performance reviews offer opportunities to learn more about changes that may affect financial circumstances, we have found that surprises are rare. We believe that is because our commitment to frequent, close contact keeps us aware of important developments in clients' lives.

Approach

Every relationship begins with a conversation, helping you identify and prioritize which goals matter most to you. Whether it's transferring wealth to the next generation, customizing your financial approach to help you pursue your passions, or providing advice and guidance to help you stay informed, we start by listening to learn more about you and your family.

Your approach to investing

Drawing upon research in the field of behavioral finance, Merrill developed the Investment Personality Assessment to help us get to know you better as an investor and potentially help you refine your own investing preferences. By gaining a deeper understanding of how you think and feel about investing through this assessment, we can customize the financial approach we develop together to help you pursue what matters most to you. Our Investment Personality Assessment is one of the ways to help us get to know you - to understand your goals and priorities. These questions will help us provide you with additional insights and resources.