Henssler Financial follows strict criteria when selecting equity investments. Our philosophy, The Ten Year Rule, states that any money you will not need within 10 years should be invested in high quality, individual common stocks or mutual funds that invest in common stocks. Once you estimate the portion of your portfolio that will not be needed within 10 years, you should consider investing these funds in equities.
We recommend dollar cost averaging (DCA) as the most appropriate approach to adding funds to equities, and believe this approach affords most clients the best opportunity to achieve long-term gains in the equity market. We do not believe in trying to “time the market.” We normally recommend using a 12- to 15-month time period to DCA funds from cash into equities. This may mean either buying additional shares of one or two mutual funds each month, or adding a few new stock positions each month until your portfolio is built.
Individuals or couples with more than $50,000 to be invested in equity investments should consider high quality, individual common stocks, or tax-sensitive equity mutual funds. To be properly diversified, you should own at least 10 to 16 different stocks in at least six different industries. In taxable accounts, stocks give the investor more control over when to realize capital gains. In all accounts, holding stocks gives the investor more control over which industries to invest in heavily, and which industries to avoid. Tax-sensitive equity mutual funds are funds that attempt to minimize capital gains whenever possible. These funds can simplify the task of choosing equity investments by allowing funds to be managed by a professional money manager.
If you decide to purchase high quality, individual common stocks, we only recommend purchasing stock in companies that are at least rated “A” by Value Line for financial strength, at least “2” by Value Line for safety, or at least “A-” by Standard & Poor’s for quality. We recommend stocks with the intent of holding them for a long period of time. However, if changes occur in companies’ situations, or if the firm’s general feeling on economic trends change, you should be ready to make changes in your portfolio. Low turnover in the portfolio should be the goal, but should not prevent you from making necessary changes to your portfolio when economic forces or news about the company may change your thoughts concerning a company’s prospects.
We recommend mutual funds that invest in common stocks to those individuals with less than $50,000 to invest in equities. Mutual funds provide instant diversification, and are more cost-effective for these investors, as the commission costs of building a diversified stock portfolio can be prohibitive when less than $50,000 is invested. Mutual fund selections should be reviewed regularly to ensure the funds still meet your goals, management and objectives have not changed, and the performance is still adequate. We generally recommend only no-load mutual funds.
If you decide to purchase mutual funds that invest in common stocks, typically, we recommend only funds that are rated four and five star by Morningstar, or funds that employ a strategy and a philosophy that we anticipate leading to better returns than already realized. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Henssler Financial at 770-429-9166 or at experts@henssler.com
Disclosures
This article is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to buy. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
