Investment Portfolio Management

For decades, our firm has managed portfolios, large and small, with the goal of maximizing returns, minimizing volatility and making investment choices that are as tax efficient as possible. We do this through strategic asset allocation which allows us to diversify investment choices across numerous sectors that can weather different financial climates. Above all else we want to help you grow your wealth over time.

What is Inside a Portfolio?

Portfolios are customized based on a client’s goals, risk tolerance, tax burden as well as their personal values and investment philosophy. Some of the investment products we might consider include:

· Bonds and bond funds

· Stocks and equity funds

· Annuities

· Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

· Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

“Financial planning anticipates a client’s income needs in retirement and creates the most efficient path to managing that income over their lifetime.”

- Lee Rosenberg, CFP®, CEO and Founder

What is New in Portfolio Management?

With people living an average of ten to fifteen years longer, and interest rates on CDs and bonds fluctuating, we now consider alternative investments that can generate income so that people don’t outlive their nest eggs. Today the focus is on generating dividends and employing equity strategies for greater income and returns.

One of the greatest improvements in portfolio management is the availability of financial instruments designed to minimize risk and maximize returns. So, while the market may experience volatility, investment choices are now better geared to weather storms.

What are the Risks of Going it Alone?

The speed at which markets can change over a short period of time requires vigilant monitoring, which the average investor doesn’t have the ability to do. Nor do they necessarily understand the ramifications of what is happening in the market or how to respond. But one of the biggest downsides of going it alone is tending to sell low and buy high because emotions drive the decisions. In other words, if an investor is spooked by a downward trend, they may sell off instead of knowing the right time to make changes.

Another drawback for investors who manage their own portfolios is that they don’t keep asset allocation in mind. Instead they gravitate towards what is popular and may also be less diligent about monitoring their investments. An ignored portfolio can be very costly.

By working with a Financial Planner at American Investment Planners LLC, investors have the benefit of teaming up with trained professionals who are equipped to handle all aspects of smart investing. They will help you choose the best in breed investments, reduce tax burdens, maintain a diversified portfolio, and continually monitor performance to ensure that a client’s goals are being met. In general, investors do better than going it alone because costly mistakes are prevented in the first place.

“Our firm takes a team approach when developing a client’s financial plan and we can do that because we offer a multitude of expertise in one place. Whether it is tax or estate planning, insurance, investments, college funding, preserving and protecting assets with insurance products, we can make sure that each component of the plan works in tandem with the others.”

- Lee Rosenberg, CFP®, CEO and Founder

FAST FACTS ABOUT 529 PLANS

A 529 Plan is a college savings investment account that is intended solely for the purpose of helping a student pay for their education and related spending. Under Section 529, these plans are administered in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Open to Anyone… Parents, grandparents, guardians or family friends can start a 529 Plan for a child and/or beneficiary. Investors can even create one for themselves but only one beneficiary can be listed on each account.

This is a tax advantaged program… A 529 Plan grows tax-deferred and withdrawals are also tax-free assuming the funds are used strictly for qualified education purposes. Plus, contributions which are considered gifts may qualify for a tax break.

Diversified Investment Options… 529 Plan account holders can choose from a variety of investments including Mutual Funds, fixed income money markets, stocks and CDs. In addition to creating an appropriate asset allocation (which can only be changed twice per year), there is also an age-based option which automatically adjusts more conservatively as the beneficiary gets closer to needing funds.

529 Plans Cover All Education Related Expenses… 529 Plans are not exclusively used for higher education. K-12 private school expenses can also be covered and will offer the same tax advantages. In addition, funds can be used to cover supplies, tuition, room and board and since 2019, can also help settle loan repayment.

Contribution Caps and Minimums… Though they differ by state, 529 Plans have total contribution limits ranging from $235,000 to $529,000. There are also initial lump-sum and contribution minimums (around $25 to $50) depending on the plan. Be sure to review your state’s policies.