Investment Management

Investment Philosophy

I don't try to beat the market by picking stocks or timing trades. Instead, I build diversified portfolios using low-cost index funds and ETFs from providers like Vanguard, Schwab, and Fidelity. This approach is grounded in decades of academic research showing that keeping costs low and staying disciplined beats most actively managed strategies over time.

Most investors underperform the market not because they pick bad funds, but because they react emotionally to volatility, chase recent winners, or pay unnecessarily high fees. Investment costs compound over decades, turning seemingly small differences into significant impacts on your long-term wealth. Add in the behavioral cost of buying high and selling low during market swings, and the average investor lags the market by even more. Discipline and low costs aren't exciting, but they work.

Drawing on my IRS background, I'm particularly focused on after-tax returns, not just pre-tax performance. A fund that generates strong returns but triggers significant taxes annually may leave you worse off than a comparable fund with slightly lower returns but minimal taxable distributions. This is why tax-efficient investing isn't a nice-to-have; it's fundamental to keeping more of what you earn.

Tax-Efficient Investing

Where you hold your investments matters as much as what you hold. I use a strategy called asset location to place tax-inefficient investments (like bonds) in tax-advantaged accounts and tax-efficient investments (like broad index funds) in taxable accounts. Over time, this can significantly reduce your lifetime tax burden.

Other tax strategies I use:

• Tax-loss harvesting in down markets

• Managing capital gains when rebalancing

• Coordinating investment decisions with Roth conversions

• Minimizing dividend drag in taxable accounts

Portfolio Construction

Every client's portfolio is built around their goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. I typically recommend:

• Broad U.S. stock market exposure

• International developed and emerging markets

• Investment-grade bonds matched to your risk level

I avoid high-fee products, complex alternatives, and anything I wouldn't put in my own portfolio.

Who Benefits from Investment Management

Investment management is most valuable when you have accumulated significant assets and want a thoughtful partner to manage them with discipline and tax efficiency. Clients who benefit most typically have:

• Taxable investment accounts beyond retirement accounts, where tax-loss harvesting and asset location strategies create meaningful savings

• Complex compensation such as RSUs, stock options, or deferred compensation that requires coordinated planning

• Multiple account types (401(k)s, IRAs, taxable accounts, 529s) that need coordination for optimal tax efficiency

• A desire for objectivity and transparency without product sales, commissions, or conflicts of interest

• Limited time or interest in managing investments themselves but high expectations for thoughtful execution

I work with professionals and business owners in Silver Spring and the Washington, DC metro area who value data-driven decisions, clear communication, and a straightforward approach to growing wealth over time.

Ongoing Monitoring

Investing isn't set-it-and-forget-it. I monitor your portfolio continuously and rebalance when needed. You'll get regular updates and have direct access to me when questions come up. If your life changes (a new job, inheritance, or major expense) we'll adjust your plan accordingly.

How Investment Management Integrates with Your Financial Plan

Investment management doesn't exist separately from your broader financial plan. It's directly connected to tax planning, retirement timing, and estate planning decisions. Tax planning determines which accounts to tap first in retirement, when to harvest losses, and when Roth conversions make sense. Retirement planning dictates your asset allocation, withdrawal strategies, and how to manage sequence-of-returns risk. Estate planning influences beneficiary designations, trust structures, and wealth transfer strategies.

This integrated approach is what distinguishes comprehensive investment management from simple portfolio allocation. You can learn more about related services through Financial Planning, Tax Planning, and Retirement Planning.

Next Steps

Ready to discuss a tax-efficient investment approach? Schedule a free introductory call to talk about your portfolio and goals. You can also review fees and service options or visit the FAQ for answers to common questions.