Set Goals. In order to determine the right financial plan, it’s essential to first know where you are headed. Sycamore can help you focus by preparing a comprehensive financial plan and facilitating goal setting discussions. Appropriate investment goals should be measureable and attainable, and success should not depend upon inappropriately large investment returns, impractical savings, or unrealistic spending restrictions.
Choose an Asset Allocation. A sound investment strategy starts with an asset allocation suitable for your goals. The allocation should be built upon reasonable expectations for risks and returns, and should use diversified investments to avoid exposure to unnecessary risks.
Invest with High Quality & Low Costs. While markets are unpredictable, costs are forever! Therefore, Sycamore believes the lower your costs, the greater your share of an investment’s return. Moreover, research suggests that lower-cost investments have tended to outperform higher-cost alternatives. Sycamore also believes you should be invested in the highest quality securities for the lowest price. Higher quality generally helps modulate volatility, making a portfolio more sustainable over a long investment horizon.
Stick to It! Investing involves risk and can spark strong emotions. For this reason, some investors may find themselves making impulsive decisions or becoming paralyzed, unable to implement their financial plan. Sycamore offers trusted advice that can help you remain disciplined and retain perspective — qualities that can help you stick with your investment plan through periods of market uncertainty.