Money Matter$

This summer we changed our client performance and document portal from Advyzon to GDX360; and we recently changed custodians from TD Ameritrade to Schwab (not our choice, but because of the acquisition of TD Ameritrade by Schwab). What remains the same with our technology are the three most important platforms the SFM team utilizes daily to add value to our clients: Our Client Relationship Management software, our Financial Planning software, and our Investment Management software.

There are three categories of things we discuss when reviewing your financial plan: 1. Things you can control 2. Scenarios that may affect your financial outcome, but that we have no control over 3. Strategies that we can assist with to improve your financial outcomes

In our financial planning software, “success” is determined by still having at least $1 in your investment accounts at death. Naturally, most clients want 100% probability of success. We review very few plans with 100% confidence—there are far too many future variables.

While leverage typically amplifies returns on both the upside and downside, return-stacking—if done correctly—provides you the opportunity for increased diversification without reducing your stock exposure—potentially lowering volatility.

We review the best times/strategies to invest in real estate via the following six instruments: 1) BRRRR method (buy properties) 2) Private Real Estate partnerships and REITS (Fundrise, etc.) 3) Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) 4) Publicly-traded REITs 5) REIT Fund (mutual fund or ETF) 6) Interval Fund (hybrid between Private REIT and public REIT fund)

While the past year has seen a steady, heady increase in the stock market and your account values, we know it won’t last forever. There will be another pandemic, another election, another war, another something—anything—that will cause markets to tumble. We want to be properly invested for when that market decline arrives, but we also want to enjoy the ride on the way up.