Q: Why should I have a professional investment advisor manage my portfolio?
A: Expertise and time. We provide specialized knowledge and professional expertise that can help guide you to clarify your investment objectives and pursue them with confidence. We work full time on your portfolio, so you can pursue personal and professional interests knowing that all aspects of your financial affairs are being managed in your best interest.
Q: Why should I have my portfolio individually managed, and not just invest in mutual funds?
A: We manage your portfolio in concert with your personal investment objectives. In addition, you know and have direct access to your portfolio manager as well as client services. You do not have access to the managers of a mutual fund and they are currently being transferred so often that it is difficult to track who is managing the mutual fund.
Q: How much money does Belvedere Group currently manage?
A: $65 million. Our accounts are divided between pension and profit sharing plans, trusts and select individuals.
Q: What are the advantages of a small investment advisor?
A: Personalized attention and confidentiality. You have direct access to your portfolio manager, no matter what size your investment. With a smaller firm, it is easier to maintain confidentiality.
Q: Which brokerage firms do you deal with?
A: We deal with large brokerage firms that provide Belvedere Group with superior analytical research, economic forecasts and cost efficient trading capabilities.
Q: Does the computer make decisions about my investments?
A: No. We use the computer to generate reports, screen and filter equity research. Trades are requested and confirmed online, stock prices reported in real-time over radio frequencies, and spreadsheets rank stocks based on several complicated criteria in seconds. We have a commitment to using this technology for the benefit of our clients. The infrastructure of our company is based on state-of-the-art computer technology. Not only does this allow us to carry out our business more efficiently, it insures that client information can be accessed readily and accurately to respond to changes in the financial markets and/or client circumstances. Our computer systems allow our clients to receive accurate, detailed reports quarterly, and upon request.
Q: Who is the custodian of the funds?
A: Custody of clients' funds is maintained at either a brokerage firm or a custodian bank. We do not have access to the funds in any of our clients' accounts.
Q: Do most portfolios look alike?
A: They are similar in composition, although the asset allocation percentages differ according to the comfort level and investment objectives of individual clients. There also may be different tax considerations for different investors and portfolios.
Q: Do I need to do any accounting or keep track of the trades?
A: No. We provide a year-end tax statement summarizing realized capital gains, total interest and dividends received. Duplicates of all transactions are sent to the client from the broker. All of this information can be sent directly to your accountant.
Q: What is your minimum initial account size?
A: Approximately $500,000
Q: What time frame should I use to make initial assessment of the portfolio progress?
A: Many times it is not appropriate to gauge portfolio performance until the portfolio has had time to work for one year.