A well-structured approach to pursuing your objectives
We believe that a sound, definable and repeatable process is the most essential element in providing investment advisory, consulting and management services. This is not only important from an investment return standpoint, but also from the standpoint of fiduciary liability. We have such processes for serving both institutional and individual clients.
Our planning process for institutional clients
We customize our approach for each institution we serve. Our focus stems from our belief and experience that no two institutional clients are exactly alike in their needs, objectives and circumstances. We begin by helping you define the objectives, goals and parameters through the development of an investment policy statement.
This statement is the foundation for how an investment program is expected to operate, providing clear risk and return objectives, performance evaluation standards, and any portfolio constraints that must be considered. We believe proper development and review of the policy are keys to the success of an investment strategy.
We apply objective quantitative and qualitative screening of thousands of investment managers and funds to find the most appropriate investments to meet your participants’ needs, and follow up with ongoing due diligence on all plan menu investment options.
We employ an extensive program that scrutinizes investment returns, asset allocation and expenses to help ensure that all aspects of your plan are performing according to design.
Important steps we follow include:
- We make investment recommendations for the board’s approval.
- We prepare a watch list of investments for clients to review.
- We notify vendors of any changes so they can replace or delete investments on their platform, then let participants know when any changes are made.
- We conduct educational meetings for plan participants and quarterly investment reviews for plan sponsors.
Gary Handler can provide investment advisory services as an ERISA fiduciary in a 3(21) capacity, as set forth in, and subject to applicable agreements.
Our planning process for individuals
A customized financial plan serves as a “how-to” for pursuing the important goals in your life. Our process gives us an orderly way to identify relevant strategies for moving forward and fully addressing your needs. Here are the basic steps that outline the process we use for personalizing your financial plan.
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First, we’ll build an understanding of your personal goals, current financial situation, investment experience and risk tolerance. We’ll also make you aware of our capabilities and explain the services we offer that can help you meet your objectives.
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Next, we will analyze what you’ve shared with us in order to design your plan. This step may include collaborating with your other professional advisors, such as your accountant and lawyer. We present our recommendations to you, answer your questions, consider alternatives and outline the steps we need to take to implement your plan.
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With your approval, we will execute your customized strategy using the extensive research and resources available to us through Raymond James. This involves the selection of specific account types, investment products and optional services, and the handling of all necessary paperwork.
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Once your plan is implemented, we will review its progress relative to your defined objectives and suggest any changes where needed. We accomplish this by providing ongoing reporting of your account activity and by conducting periodic reviews. A key to this step is your involvement and communication of any significant changes in your life.
