Author Archives for Andrew Leonard
Geometric’s philosophy on global stock diversification
With the U.S. stock market[1] dramatically outperforming the rest of the world over the past 16 years, it would be understandable to question whether one should invest internationally at all, let alone allocate a significant portion of their portfolio to international stocks.
Tax-efficient fund placement (a.k.a. “asset location”) – how and why we do it
By managing all of a client’s accounts as a single, holistic portfolio, we’re able to implement a strategy of tax-efficient fund placement (also known as “asset location[1]”). This technique is especially valuable for high-earners in high marginal tax brackets.
Podcast interview with Dimensional’s CEO, Gerard O’Reilly
Earlier this year, Gerard O’Reilly (former rocket scientist and current co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors) was interviewed on our favorite investing podcast, Rational Reminder. Gerard is obviously brilliant, but he’s also one of the best communicators in the investment world.
Inflation’s impact on your portfolio and balance sheet
With inflation in the headlines, some might be wondering about its impact on their portfolio or overall financial situation.
Trevor Sarif-Killea and Julie Higgins join Geometric Wealth Advisors
We are thrilled to introduce two new members of Geometric’s team, Trevor Sarif-Killea and Julie Higgins.
Tracy Johnson joins Geometric Wealth Advisors
We are pleased to introduce the newest member of Geometric’s team, Tracy Johnson. As a Wealth Advisor, Tracy will focus on helping us to grow our practice area serving Partners and other senior professionals at top-tier consulting firms. She is uniquely qualified to understand this audience.
What to do about GameStop
Two weeks ago, we emailed our clients to address the story of GameStop. Figuring that others might appreciate our viewpoint, below is the entirety of that email.
The election and your portfolio
Last week, we emailed our clients to address anxiety over the upcoming election and its potential impact on their portfolios. Figuring that others might appreciate our viewpoint, below is the entirety of that email.
The economy does not equal the stock market (in the short-term)
Earlier this week, we emailed our clients to review the lessons learned from the unprecedented market volatility of the past few months. Figuring that others might appreciate our viewpoint, below is the entirety of that email.
Rebalancing client portfolios – how, when, and why we do it
Each of our clients has a specific allocation target for every asset class and category in which we invest. An example might be the following[1]:
Updated thoughts on the Coronavirus / market decline
As the market continued to swing wildly — mostly downward — at levels not seen since the financial crisis, we sent updated thoughts to clients on March 12th. Below is the entirety of that email.
Thoughts on the Coronavirus / market decline
Earlier this month (on March 2nd), we emailed our clients to discuss the onset of the recent stock market decline. Figuring that others might appreciate our viewpoint, below is the entirety of that email.
Why we “tilt” portfolios towards small cap and value stocks
There have only been a handful of truly monumental “discoveries” in the history of investment theory. The three-factor model, developed in 1992 by Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama (University of Chicago) and Professor Kenneth French (Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College), is on that short list.
Thoughts on the recent market decline
Earlier this week, we emailed our clients to discuss the recent stock market decline. Figuring that others might appreciate our viewpoint, below is the entirety of that email.
Why all investors – even those in their 30s – should own bonds in their portfolios
The majority of our clients are at least a decade away from retirement, and most are still 20+ years out. Yet all of our clients have at least a small portion of their portfolios allocated to bonds (via low-cost, passively-managed, diversified bond mutual funds or ETFs).
Our thoughts on Bitcoin
With Bitcoin (and other “cryptocurrencies”) in the news on a daily basis, we wanted to provide our quick thoughts on whether or not it belongs in your portfolio.
Discounted mortgage rates (via Bank of America Private Bank) now available to Geometric’s clients
We are excited to announce a partnership with Bank of America Private Bank that provides Geometric’s clients with discounted mortgage rates and flexibility in loan structure.
Our criteria for investing in an asset class
When evaluating an asset class for inclusion in client portfolios (and our own), we consider three things:
Recognizing our Conflicts of Interest
The Department of Labor’s “Fiduciary Rule[1]” is a welcome change. It will require all financial advisors who manage retirement assets to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.
Is buying a house a good investment?
Attached for download (click on the image below) is our whitepaper that analyzes both the financial and intangible benefits – and drawbacks – of homeownership. Editorial Note: This paper was published by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE) in their 2nd Quarter 2017 Newsletter (Link).
The election’s impact on your investment plan
Earlier this week, we emailed our clients to discuss how the election results should (or should not) affect their investment plans. Figuring that others might appreciate our viewpoint, below is the entirety of that email.
John Oliver’s brilliant segment on investing
It’s not often that the media makes any mention of the low-cost, transparent investment philosophy that we care so deeply about. Which isn’t surprising, because it’s boring.
Patrick S. McGough joins Geometric Wealth Advisors
When we launched Geometric, we made a commitment to only hire advisors who are as bright and capable as our clients. Given the professional and academic achievements of our clients, we are intentionally creating a very high hurdle. We believe that’s part of what sets us apart.
Why we prefer Dimensional to Vanguard (in most cases)
As a longtime passive investing geek, there is no company I hold in higher regard than Vanguard, and no businessperson I admire more than its founder John Bogle. A handwritten note from Mr. Bogle is framed above my desk. I am a proud “Boglehead.”
Why we built Geometric Wealth Advisors
If you’re reading this, some or all of the following likely describe you: