Our Mission & Six Step Investment Process
OUR MISSION
Dedication To Clients Needs
At Bernard R. Wolfe & Associates, Inc., our team strives to help our clients meet their wealth
management goals. Our in-depth knowledge of our clients situation greatly enhances our ability to
advise. We pride ourselves on communicating regularly with our clients through in-person meetings,
conference calls and through regular commentaries. We feel this constant dialogue enables us to
adapt quickly to changes in our clients financial situation.
Building Your Wealth Management Team
I found out early in my hockey career that the success of any team is based on good communication
among the team members comments Bernie Wolfe. When assembling a wealth management team,
we know it is essential to choose professionals who communicate with other members of the team.
We believe in working closely with other members of the wealth management team including CPAs
and attorneys. We know that when we all work together our clients benefit. In the end, that is all that
matters.
OUR SIX-STEP INVESTMENT PROCESS
The following Six-Step Investment Process illustrates how we plan to meet your objectives now and in
the future.
Step 1: Your Financial Analysis
Before making a recommendation, we first need to understand your current financial position, your
investment objectives and any unique challenges you face. The feedback you provide during our
discovery process is used to determine which Risk/Return Profile best describes your tolerance for
risk and sets the framework for all future decisions.
Step 2: Asset Allocation1
While asset allocation is responsible for over 90% if the variance of portfolio returns, there are various
approaches to asset allocation. These allocations range from fairly broad and stable allocations to
tactical approaches that can shift at anytime to stay aligned with changing market environments.
Selecting the right approach for your needs is important to the success of your plan as well as your
ability to stay committed to it.
Step 3: Selecting Your Portfolio Strategist
Your Portfolio Strategist is responsible for constructing and managing a diversified portfolio consistent
with your selected Risk/Return Profile.
The complexity of todays capital markets requires institutional capabilities to adequately construct a
forward-looking asset allocation strategy. Thats why our team limits our search for Portfolio
Strategists to institutional firms that demonstrate:
Experienced asset allocation approach
Substantial research capabilities
A disciplined repeatable investment process for ongoing management
An investment policy committee comprised of senior investment professionals
Step 4: Investment Management Firms Implementing Your Portfolio
Once an appropriate asset allocation strategy has been constructed, exposure to the asset classes
chosen by the Portfolio Strategist may be made. These firms either select individual securities* such
as stocks, fixed income instruments, no-load mutual funds, or exchange traded funds. In certain
cases, non-traditional asset classes such as alternative investments or annuities may also be utilized.
Step 5: Monitoring and Rebalancing2 Your Portfolio
The Portfolio Strategist is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of your asset allocation and directs
periodic rebalancing or reallocation of your portfolio.
Rebalancing is the process of periodically returning your allocation to its set policy mix or range.
Reallocations are tactical adjustments designed to capture short-to-intermediate term opportunities or
to help mitigate short to intermediate term risks according to the Portfolio Strategists current
thinking. Rebalancing and reallocating occur on an ongoing basis.
Step 6: Ongoing Review of Your Portfolio
An integral part of our investment process is our ongoing monitoring of both your portfolio and your
personal financial situation. In addition, we will meet periodically to review your personal financial
circumstances and your current investment solutions to help ensure that your portfolio is aligned
appropriately for your long-term risk and return objectives.
Asset allocation does not protect against the loss of principle due to market fluctuations. It is a
method used to help manage investment risk.
1
Rebalancing assets can have tax consequences. If you sell assets in a taxable account you may have to pay
tax on any gain resulting from the sale. Please consult your tax advisor.
2