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Building The Foundation

Investment Portfolios

At our core, we embrace an open architectural investment model rather than adhering to a singular investment philosophy. Each opportunity is meticulously evaluated on its own merits, harmonized with a client’s broader portfolio, goals, and aspirations. This approach drives us to continuously seek ways to enhance our clients’ investments and elevate their portfolio performance. Moreover, we integrate a client’s current and projected tax circumstances, alongside a comprehensive view of their assets, into our investment recommendations. By prioritizing after-tax returns, we empower clients to adopt a holistic and strategic approach to wealth-building.

Portfolio construction and recommendations are inherently influenced by an array of market, economic, political, and business risks. While investment decisions aim for profitability, success is not guaranteed, and there is no safeguard against potential loss of principal. Below, we present portfolio examples that may serve as a starting foundation for tailored client recommendations.

Advance

Not suitable for majority of clients due to additional risk factors.

The advance portfolio is strategically allocated with 30% in alternatives and 70% in equities, designed for individuals with an exceptionally high risk tolerance. This approach is typically suited for investors aged 20 to 30, whose investment horizon extends beyond 20 years. The guiding thesis rests on the belief that markets are efficient, and through low-cost ETFs, investors can access a diversified portfolio poised for growth. This strategy assumes that disciplined investing, coupled with embracing heightened portfolio volatility, can yield superior returns over time.

Within the alternatives segment, 30% of the portfolio is allocated to leveraged ETFs targeting amplified exposure to the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100, enhancing potential upside. The portfolio is built on the conviction that the United States offers unparalleled investment opportunities, underpinned by an expectation of sustained economic resilience and growth.

Investment Breakdown 

  • 5% |  TQQQ | ProShares UltraPro QQQ ETF
  • 5% |  UPRO | ProShares UltraPro S&P500 ETF
  • 10% | QLD | ProShares Ultra QQQ ETF
  • 10% | SSO | ProShares Ultra S&P 500 ETF
  • 20% | VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • 20% | QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • 10% | VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • 5% | VOT | Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
  • 10% | VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • 5% | VBK | Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF

Historical Portfolio Returns (Backtesting)

The following links direct you to Portfolio Visualizer, an external website tool that enables backtesting of portfolio allocations. Please note that the returns depicted may not reflect your individual performance, and historical results of portfolios do not assure future outcomes. We encourage you to thoroughly review the data and settings on the website to gain a clear understanding of the backtesting methodology. Additional notes and disclosures are available at the bottom of the linked site for further context.

Return Profile | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

Investment Substitutes

Below is a selection of alternative investments to those outlined in the portfolio above. These substitutes share comparable risk and return characteristics and can be swapped based on your preferences. For those who favor index funds over ETFs, I’ve included several options to accommodate that choice as well.

TQQQ | ProShares UltraPro QQQ ETF
  • No substitute available
QLD | ProShares Ultra QQQ ETF
  • No substitute available
VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • FXAIX | Fidelity ® 500 Index 
  • VFIAX | Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral 
  • IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • FSMDX | Fidelity Mid Cap Index
  • VIMAX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJH | IShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • FSSNX | Fidelity Small Cap Index
  • VSMAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
UPRO | ProShares UltraPro S&P500
  • SPXL | Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X Shares
SSO | ProShares Ultra S&P 500 ETF
  • SPUU | Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X Shares
QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • FNCMX | Fidelity® NASDAQ Composite Index® Fund
VOT | Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
  • FMDGX | Fidelity Mid Cap Growth Index
  • VMGMX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral
  • IJK | iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF
VBK | Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF
  • FECGX | Fidelity Small Cap Growth Index
  • VSGAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral
  • IJT | iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF

Disclaimer & Risks With Leveraged ETFs

These investments carry an elevated level of risk and will only be recommended when they align with a client’s explicitly stated investment objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and overall suitability.

Leveraged ETFs entail significant risks and are generally not intended for long-term holding periods. They are explicitly designed for single-day use, meaning holding them beyond one day—as implemented in the Alternative portfolio—introduces substantial risk. These ETFs aim to deliver multiples of the daily performance of the index or benchmark they track, utilizing strategies such as swaps, futures contracts, and other derivative instruments to achieve their goals.

Most leveraged ETFs “reset” daily, meaning their stated objectives are calibrated for a single day’s performance. As a result, their returns over extended periods—such as weeks, months, or years—can deviate significantly from the multiple of the underlying index or benchmark’s performance over the same timeframe. This discrepancy can be amplified in volatile market conditions.

To ensure full comprehension of the risks associated with holding leveraged ETFs for prolonged periods, additional agreements may be required during discussions about these investments. This step guarantees that clients are fully aware of and comfortable with the heightened risks they are undertaking.

Growth

The growth portfolio is strategically allocated with 90% in equities and 10% in short-term bonds (money market). This composition is ideally suited for individuals with a high risk tolerance, a long investment horizon, a strong desire for elevated returns, and the capacity to withstand significant volatility. It typically appeals to investors aged 30 to 40. The core investment thesis hinges on the belief that markets are efficient, enabling individuals to build a diversified portfolio through low-cost ETFs. Additionally, the portfolio is grounded in the conviction that the United States remains the premier destination for investment, supported by an expectation of continued economic expansion.

Investment Breakdown 

  • 30% | VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • 30% | QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • 10% | VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • 5% | VOT | Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
  • 10% | VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • 5% | VBK | Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF
  • 10% | $CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
    • $CASH is not a ticker. It used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage.

Historical Portfolio Returns (Backtesting)

The following links direct you to Portfolio Visualizer, an external website tool that enables backtesting of portfolio allocations. Please note that the returns depicted may not reflect your individual performance, and historical results of portfolios do not assure future outcomes. We encourage you to thoroughly review the data and settings on the website to gain a clear understanding of the backtesting methodology. Additional notes and disclosures are available at the bottom of the linked site for further context.

Return Profile | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

Return Profile  | 2023  |  2022  |  2021  |  2020  |  2019  |  2018  |  2017  |  2016  |  2015  |  2014  |

Investment Substitutes

Below is a selection of alternative investments to those outlined in the portfolio above. These substitutes share comparable risk and return characteristics and can be swapped based on your preferences. For those who favor index funds over ETFs, I’ve included several options to accommodate that choice as well.

VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • FXAIX | Fidelity ® 500 Index 
  • VFIAX | Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral 
  • IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • FSMDX | Fidelity Mid Cap Index
  • VIMAX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJH | IShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • FSSNX | Fidelity Small Cap Index
  • VSMAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • FNCMX | Fidelity® NASDAQ Composite Index® Fund
VOT | Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
  • FMDGX | Fidelity Mid Cap Growth Index
  • VMGMX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral
  • IJK | iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF
VBK | Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF
  • FECGX | Fidelity Small Cap Growth Index
  • VSGAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral
  • IJT | iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF
$CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
  • $CASH not a ticker and is used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage
  • VMFXX | Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund
  • SPAXX | Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund

Moderate

The moderate portfolio is allocated with 80% in equities and 20% in cash or bonds. This balance is well-suited for individuals with a high-to-medium risk tolerance, a long-to-medium-term investment horizon, and the ability to tolerate moderate volatility. It typically resonates with investors aged 40 to 50. The underlying investment thesis rests on the principle that markets are efficient, allowing individuals to construct a diversified portfolio using low-cost ETFs. Furthermore, the portfolio reflects our confidence in the United States as the optimal investment landscape, bolstered by an outlook of sustained economic growth.

Investment Breakdown 

  • 30% | VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • 30% | QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • 10% | VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • 10% | VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • 10% | BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
  • 10% | $CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate 
    • $CASH is not a ticker. It used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage.

Historical Portfolio Returns (Backtesting)

The following links direct you to Portfolio Visualizer, an external website tool that enables backtesting of portfolio allocations. Please note that the returns depicted may not reflect your individual performance, and historical results of portfolios do not assure future outcomes. We encourage you to thoroughly review the data and settings on the website to gain a clear understanding of the backtesting methodology. Additional notes and disclosures are available at the bottom of the linked site for further context.

Return Profile | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

Return Profile | 2023  |  2022  |  2021  |  2020  |  2019  |  2018  |  2017  |  2016  |  2015  |  2014  |  2013  |  2012  |  2011

Investment Substitutes

Below is a selection of alternative investments to those outlined in the portfolio above. These substitutes share comparable risk and return characteristics and can be swapped based on your preferences. For those who favor index funds over ETFs, I’ve included several options to accommodate that choice as well.

VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • FXAIX | Fidelity ® 500 Index 
  • VFIAX | Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral 
  • IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • FSMDX | Fidelity Mid Cap Index
  • VIMAX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJH | IShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
$CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
  • $CASH not a ticker and is used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage
  • VMFXX | Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund
  • SPAXX | Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund
QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • FNCMX | Fidelity® NASDAQ Composite Index® Fund
VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • FSSNX | Fidelity Small Cap Index
  • VSMAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
  • FTHRX | Fidelity® Intermediate Bond Fund
  • VBILX | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares

Conservative

The conservative portfolio is structured with 70% in equities and 30% in cash or bonds. This allocation is tailored for individuals with a medium risk tolerance, a medium-term investment horizon, and the capacity to handle moderate volatility. It is typically well-suited for investors aged 50 to 60. The investment thesis is anchored in the belief that markets are efficient, enabling individuals to create a diversified portfolio through low-cost ETFs. Additionally, the portfolio is built on the premise that the United States offers the strongest investment opportunities, supported by expectations of ongoing economic growth.

Investment Breakdown 

  • 25% | VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • 25% | QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • 10% | VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • 10% | VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • 15% | BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
  • 15% | $CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
    • $CASH is not a ticker. It used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage.

Historical Portfolio Returns (Backtesting)

The following links direct you to Portfolio Visualizer, an external website tool that enables backtesting of portfolio allocations. Please note that the returns depicted may not reflect your individual performance, and historical results of portfolios do not assure future outcomes. We encourage you to thoroughly review the data and settings on the website to gain a clear understanding of the backtesting methodology. Additional notes and disclosures are available at the bottom of the linked site for further context.

Return Profile | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

Return Profile | 2023  |  2022  |  2021  |  2020  |  2019  |  2018  |  2017  |  2016  |  2015  |  2014  |  2013  |  2012  |  2011

Investment Substitutes

Below is a selection of alternative investments to those outlined in the portfolio above. These substitutes share comparable risk and return characteristics and can be swapped based on your preferences. For those who favor index funds over ETFs, I’ve included several options to accommodate that choice as well.

VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • FXAIX | Fidelity ® 500 Index 
  • VFIAX | Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral 
  • IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • FSMDX | Fidelity Mid Cap Index
  • VIMAX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJH | IShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
$CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
  • $CASH not a ticker and is used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage
  • VMFXX | Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund
  • SPAXX | Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund
QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • FNCMX | Fidelity® NASDAQ Composite Index® Fund
VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • FSSNX | Fidelity Small Cap Index
  • VSMAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
  • FTHRX | Fidelity® Intermediate Bond Fund
  • VBILX | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares

Protection

The protection portfolio is designed with 60% in equities and 40% in cash or bonds. This allocation is ideal for individuals with a low risk tolerance and a medium-to-low-term investment horizon. It is typically tailored for investors aged 60 and above. The core investment thesis is based on the conviction that markets are efficient, allowing individuals to build a diversified portfolio using low-cost ETFs. Additionally, the portfolio reflects our belief that the United States remains the premier investment destination, with an expectation of continued economic growth.

Investment Breakdown 

  • 25% | VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • 25% | QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • 5% | VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • 5% | VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • 20% | BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
  • 20% | $CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
    • $CASH is not a ticker. It used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage.

Historical Portfolio Returns (Backtesting)

The following links direct you to Portfolio Visualizer, an external website tool that enables backtesting of portfolio allocations. Please note that the returns depicted may not reflect your individual performance, and historical results of portfolios do not assure future outcomes. We encourage you to thoroughly review the data and settings on the website to gain a clear understanding of the backtesting methodology. Additional notes and disclosures are available at the bottom of the linked site for further context.

Return Profile | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

Return Profile | 2023  |  2022  |  2021  |  2020  |  2019  |  2018  |  2017  |  2016  |  2015  |  2014  |  2013  |  2012  |  2011

Investment Substitutes

Below is a selection of alternative investments to those outlined in the portfolio above. These substitutes share comparable risk and return characteristics and can be swapped based on your preferences. For those who favor index funds over ETFs, I’ve included several options to accommodate that choice as well.

VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • FXAIX | Fidelity ® 500 Index 
  • VFIAX | Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral 
  • IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
VO | Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
  • FSMDX | Fidelity Mid Cap Index
  • VIMAX | Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJH | IShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
$CASH | U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Rate
  • $CASH not a ticker and is used to represent your money market fund at your brokerage
  • VMFXX | Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund
  • SPAXX | Fidelity® Government Money Market Fund
QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust ETF
  • FNCMX | Fidelity® NASDAQ Composite Index® Fund
VB | Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
  • FSSNX | Fidelity Small Cap Index
  • VSMAX | Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral
  • IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
BIV | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
  • FTHRX | Fidelity® Intermediate Bond Fund
  • VBILX | Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares

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