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Our Investment Philosophy

At Niehaus Financial Services, each client’s circumstances are unique. Therefore, the guidance we provide is specific to each client’s situation. Still, our underlying investment philosophy influences our approach with all clients. The general principles that we use to determine our investment recommendations are listed below.

We advocate:

Goal-Oriented, Purposeful Asset Allocation Decisions

  • Consider time horizon, risk tolerance, and necessary rate of return
  • Follow research-based models as a guide (see AdvisorIntelligence information below)
  • When applicable, sell what is in favor to generate income

Diversifying Your Investments

  • Own bonds and fixed investments (savings & CDs, or similar) designed for short-term safety and stability
  • Own stocks for long-term growth potential
  • Use alternative investments when appropriate relative to core investment vehicles

Professional Investment Management

  • Prefer long-tenured, successful money managers, with an understandable approach
  • Limit individual stock exposure
  • Measure investment performance over multi-year periods

Flexibility in Your Investment Plan

  • Establish an emergency fund for unanticipated needs
  • Make conservative assumptions about inflation, rate of return, income need, and savings rate
  • Allow for changes to investments that help minimize tax costs and investment expenses

Our Primary Source for Investment Research: AdvisorIntelligence

AdvisorIntelligence provides institutional-quality research for investment professionals.  It is a digital investment, globally-researched, communication engagement platform.  AdvisorIntelligence leverages the global asset management network of iM Global Partner and select research alliance partners.  Niehaus Financial Services, LLC, began subscribing to AdvisorIntelligence (formerly a service of Litman Gregory) in mid-2008.

The mix of stocks, bonds, and alternative investments that we recommend for clients  (their portfolio's asset allocation) depends on their return expectations as well as risk tolerance.  We suggest a strategic model that seems to align with their preferences.  See below for examples. Then we may make tactical adjustments (i.e. overweights, underweights, and special additions) based on the multi-year investment outlook provided by AdvisorIntelligence. 

Disclosures:

Certain material in this work is proprietary to and copyrighted by iM Global Partner and is used by Niehaus Financial Services, LLC, with permission. Reproduction or distribution of this material is prohibited and all rights are reserved.

Investments in model strategies may expose the investor to risks inherent within the model and the specific risks of the underlying investment directly proportionate to their allocation. All investments involve the risk of potential investment losses.

Defensive Balanced Model: preservation of capital with minimal tolerance for losses and fluctuations. Asset allocation ranges are as follows; Large-Caps 0 - 30%, Small-Caps 0 - 25%, Developed International Equities 0 - 25%, Emerging Markets Equities 0 - 25%, REITS 0 - 10%, High-Yields Bonds 0 - 20%, Investment Grade Bonds 20 - 100%, Alternative Investments 0 - 30%. IMGP seeks to earn the maximum return consistent with attempting to limit losses in this portfolio to no more than 2.5% over any 12-month period. There is no guarantee the portfolio will not lose more than 2.5% in any 12-month period

Conservative Balanced Model: preservation of capital with slight tolerance for losses and fluctuations. Asset allocation ranges are as follows; Large-Caps 0 - 40%, Small-Caps 0 - 25%, Developed International Equities 0 - 30%, Emerging Markets Equities 0 - 30%, REITS 0 - 15%, High-Yield Bonds 0 - 20%, Investment Grade Bonds 20 - 90%, Alternative Investments 0 - 30%. IMGP seeks to earn the maximum return consistent with attempting to limit losses in this portfolio to no more than 5% over any 12-month period. There is no guarantee the portfolio will not lose more than 5% in any 12-month period.

Balanced Model: a balanced approach seeking preservation of capital with some tolerance for short-term fluctuations in value to seek moderate growth. Asset allocation ranges are as follows; Large-Caps 10 - 50%, Small Caps 0 – 30%, Developed International Equities 0 - 35%, Emerging Markets Equities 0 - 35%, REITs 0 – 15%, High-Yield Bonds 0 – 20%, Investment Grade Bonds 10 – 70%, Alternative Investments 0 – 30%. IMGP seeks to earn the maximum return consistent with attempting to limit losses in this portfolio to no more than 10% over any 12-month period. There is no guarantee the portfolio will not lose more than 10% in any 12-month period

Equity-Tilted Balanced Model: primary emphasis on capital growth with only moderate concern for short-term fluctuations in value. Asset allocation ranges are as follows; Large-Caps 15 - 60%, Small-Caps 0 - 30%, Developed International Equities 0 - 40%, Emerging Markets Equities 0 - 40%, REITS 0 - 15%, High-Yield Bonds 0 - 20%, Investment Grade Bonds 0 - 60%, Alternative Investments 0 - 30%. IMGP seeks to earn the maximum return consistent with attempting to limit losses in this portfolio to no more than 15% over any 12-month period. There is no guarantee the portfolio will not lose more than 15% in any 12-month period

Equity Model: long-term growth of assets without concern for short-term losses. Asset allocation ranges are as follows; Large-Caps 20 - 80%, Small-Caps 0 - 30%, Developed International Equities 0 -40%, Emerging Markets Equities 0 - 40%, REITS 0 – 15%, High-Yield Bonds 0 – 20 %, Investment Grade Bonds 0 – 45%, Alternative Investments 0 – 30%. The ups and downs of the portfolio’s returns are likely to be as wide as the equity market. There is no guarantee the portfolio will not lose more than the stock market in any 12-month period.

This is not a sales solicitation but rather a research profile on a specific investment option. It is intended only for one-on-one presentations with a financial advisor present.

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC and advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Niehaus Financial Services, LLC, the Securities America Companies, and AdvisorIntelligence are unaffiliated.