Why Use This Tool?

We offer fee only financial planning and investment management. We work on whatever basis makes the most sense for a client - billing hourly or as a percentage of assets under management. We pride ourselves on finding the most cost-effective solutions.



Clients often come to us because they are unsure if they have the right investments to meet their goals and perhaps want a second opinion. In making this determination, we consider the most important elements to be diversification and risk. Greater return comes from taking on greater risk, which can be mitigated with diversification.



To that end, we have adopted a "core and explore" investment philosophy. Tax-efficient, low-cost mutual funds and ETFs provide the core of the portfolio. Layered on to that are funds in some corners of the market ("explore") where managers can actually add value as well as diversification.



Greater return also comes from holding down costs. Most investment managers overcharge, in our opinion, some shockingly so. We believe that financial planners add real value to people’s lives, but most investment managers fail to add value through their security selection. Rather than striving for the highest possible return, we seek the best return for the level of risk that is appropriate and required to meet your goals. Determining this is a function of financial planning. Investment management and financial planning are inextricably linked.



We are part of Garrett Investment Advisors and affiliated with the Garrett Planning Network. Garrett provides a network of talented professionals who work together and adhere to the highest standards. Garrett has been recommended as a source for fee-only financial advisors by the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and other publications.





http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/press-media/2012-press-coverage-media-interest/

Tom Fredrickson, CFP®, has been a financial planner since 2008 and before that worked as a journalist for 20 years.

While working as a senior reporter at Crain’s New York Business, Tom found the time to take the coursework and pass the rigorous exam required to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Armed with that experience, Tom joined Manhattan-based Altfest Personal Wealth Management, where he worked for nearly five years as a financial planner and advisor. He put together comprehensive retirement plans and answered questions on topics ranging from mortgages and real estate to college funding, annuities and insurance.

In addition, he played a key role on the investment side of the business. He was co-head of municipal bond trading and served on Altfest’s Investment Committee. He also handled day-to-day account management and served as a primary point of contact for many clients.