Business principles
Our clients’ interests come first. Always. We have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in everything we do. Though we may be involved in a wide variety and heavy volume of activity, we would, if it came to a choice, rather be best then biggest. Integrity and honesty are at the heart of our business. We maintain high ethical standards, both in our work for the firm and in our personal lives.
Service standards and communication
Each client is treated promptly, fairly, and with respect. Regular meetings are held, information is disseminated in a timely and candid manner, and phone calls are usually answered well within 24 hours. We hold ourselves to a self-imposed service standard that includes expanding the ways and times that clients can reach us. In addition to traditional communication channels, clients are provided with enhanced accessibility via a private toll free number and an after-hours cell phone.
Expenses and tax management
We believe professional investment counsel at a fair price is worth more than an amateur opinion from the lowest cost provider. Transaction and asset based expenses are conduits for investment counsel, risk management, financial planning, tax minimization and estate planning and removes any perceived conflict of interest. Furthermore, we believe that the purpose of tax planning is not to minimize taxes but to maximize after-tax wealth.
Risk management
While there is no single sure way to make successful investments, The Wheelock Investment Group believes the only prudent approach is to diversify. And while investment strategies should be adapted as changing conditions warrant, our belief is that success comes from consistently implementing and living with the strategy over a long period of time. The loss of capital is more regrettable than loss of opportunity; hence if we err, we prefer to do so, on the side of conservatism.
Equity management
To help minimize risk, accounts should be divided between large and small companies, as well as international and domestic. Clients should be further diversified among "growth" and "value" investment styles. No single stock should represent more than 8% of a portfolio and no industry should constitute more than 30% of an account.
Fixed income management
Because the goal of bonds is capital preservation, it is inappropriate to assume "credit risk" in search of higher returns. Accordingly, bonds should be rated "BAA" or better. "Bond mutual funds" are one of the most frequently misunderstood investments. They are generally not recommended. To minimize interest rate risk, a bond portfolio should be structured so that equal amounts mature in successive years (bond ladder). The average maturity should not exceed 10 years.
