Our Gears

GEARS – Building a Realistic, Holistic Strategy

Many financial advisors have what we believe are narrow perspectives. They look almost exclusively at assets that clients “bring to the table.” Then, they develop a rather straightforward strategy for optimizing those assets, with an objective of growth and minimized risk. This approach may fall well short of meeting clients’ individual circumstances, real-world needs and long-term goals.

Your wealth management strategy is a “dependent” continuum of variables. Therefore, it needs to be flexible for two key reasons. First, because change happens to you and the markets. Second, because each element in your picture affects those around it. Sure, it would be nice if all elements moved continuously at expected speeds, but they don’t.

That is why we think in terms of “Gears.” We navigate the landscape of your specific needs and the financial markets by understanding that they are connected and interdependent. This thinking helps us gauge how to build a more resilient wealth management designed to work for you (and you alone).


Here’s an example:

Your current income powers what you have. But your expenses drive what you keep. Think of “what you keep” as your savings. These can be invested in the markets, in a business, in your home, set aside to pay near-term expenses, or others. That’s why everyone’s gears are different. One set of circumstances adds another gear.

Please use this drawing as an example of our GEARS process. How we work with you will look different – because your life is.

By examining and re-evaluating the “sample gears” above – as well as others specific to a client’s situation – we can build holistic and realistic wealth management strategies that are literally “powered” by specific circumstances in each client’s life.

We Want Clients to Lead Fulfilled Lives

We want clients to lead FULFILLED LIVES – measured not just by financial achievements, but by personal ACCOMPLISHMENTS, as well.

Rather than define clients by their financial assets, we see clients for whom they are. In all cases, we devote significant efforts in getting to know them. We believe this approach directly correlates with these numbers:

  • Our typical client has been with us an average of 15 years.
  • More than 90% of clients from nearly 20 years ago have remained with us.
  • Most clients have been referred by colleagues and friends – with a large number turning to us in 2008 and since then.

Did You Know?

Our independent research is at the core of our unbiased asset management, retirement planning and wealth transfer recommendations. In addition to delivering recommendations with rationales, we are distinct in that we provide frequent updates that take the form of friendly meetings and visits, as well as monthly conference calls and ongoing education. Caring about client needs and education has led to trusted client relationships that last decades and, in some cases, span generations.

We Are Determined

We are determined to
“make history for clients, not record it.”

Proactive in our market analyses, we work to anticipate corrections and upswings. To assemble client portfolios with “tactical, multi-asset class dynamic holdings,” we employ time-tested formulas and analyses, with ongoing oversight. Designed to help weather market conditions and short-term volatility, each client’s portfolio is actively managed and includes meticulously-researched investments that align with their key considerations.*

Before you visit other pages on our website,
please be mindful that we:

  • Deliver high-touch service, communicating with you frequently.
  • Do what it takes to know you, appreciate your aspirations, and address your concerns.
  • Travel to see you. Most of our clients live outside Virginia. As they can attest, we are never out of touch, or out of reach.

*There is no assurance that any investment plan will be successful. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of capital.