Before placing your holdings of securities under the supervision of a Portfolio Manager, it is a good idea to review the nature of such a relationship. If you choose not to use professional client advisor management, you should recognize that you are the portfolio manager of your investments.

One of the most difficult tasks that individuals, and the financial advisors who advise them, face is choosing investments with characteristics that will help the individual meet his or her near and long term goals. While there are many courses that teach portfolio design, none can teach instinct and common sense. These two elements are ultimately the most important factors in developing an investment strategy. 

As people grow older, they should begin to make plans for later years. It is important to think about retirement and those activities you would like to pursue. It is important also to think about the possibility that, at some time, you or a loved one might require some help with ordinary everyday activities or need care over an extended period. 

Despite the lack of guarantees, the advantage of equity investments still remains for beating inflation and for rapid accumulation of investment dollars. Part of the secret to maximizing that advantage is in recognizing the value of diversification by placing money in a variety of products. Consider the value of employing a mix of cash reserves, cash value life insurance, tax deferred variable annuities and a total return of growth mutual fund versus a single guaranteed fixed return.