The wild gyrations in the market over the past few weeks – the Dow closing in “correction” territory and below its 200 day moving average. It all makes me want to say:

I love the smell of volatility in the morning!

Okay, so I’m being a bit facetious as I write that. It does remind me of what I see most mornings on select financial news channels though. I hear things like:

This is a great opportunity – Stock XYZ is exhibiting bullish trends as it breaks through its 50 day moving average. Call option is high. This stock is…….

If you have ever seen any of the shows, you understand what I’m saying. Basically, I am just so incredibly tired of hearing how the stock du jour is the best opportunity you have to make some money in an overall sluggish market. This is usually being hyped on a media outlet – one that is concerned with keeping ratings high. Not one that is concerned about how the stock works with your overall asset allocation or how this stock is helping you move closer to your goals.

I seldom hear about how a truly comprehensive plan from an unbiased fiduciary is the best option in the long run. Why? Because what we do is not sexy…it is not glamorous….it does not make anyone rich overnight. We are not touting how we are going to be able to add significant alpha (i.e., Beat the Market) to portfolios.

What we do is much much more important than looking at investment performance. We do the boring work. The stuff like:

Planning the best way to pay for college for their children

Retire in a manner consistent with their desires

Manage their cash flows

Achieve a balanced asset allocation that is consistent with their risk profile and goals

Sleep better at night

Save time

We all have different personalities so each planner you talk with may do things a little bit different. But there is one thing we all agree on and that is our ultimate objective. And that is to do what is in the best interest of the client. Not what is going to be best for us. Not what is going to be best for the company we work for. But what is best for the client and the client alone.

If investment performance alone is what leads you to choose the type of financial professional you work with, then my style is not the right one for you. If you want to get rich quick via the market, then my style is not the right one for you. If you want an objective evaluation of your finances and a systematic approach to help you achieve your goals, then we may be the right ones for you.

Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions…