Aspire Investment Philosophy
Built upon a rigorous, time-tested, research-driven approach, our core investment philosophy incorporates three distinct steps:
1. ) Modern Portfolio Theory. We utilize the tried-and-true principles of Modern Portfolio Theory (a Nobel Prize-winning concept) to ensure portfolios are well diversified across all major asset classes. According to MPT, investors are inherently risk-averse—not willing to accept risk unless the potential returns sufficiently compensate for it. MPT also shifts the focus away from individual security analysis toward efficient allocation of capital across specific asset classes to optimize long-term risk and return.
2.) Tactical Asset Class Shifts. Our team continuously monitors global and domestic market trends—both long-term “secular” movements (three to five years) and short-term “cyclical” shifts (three to twelve months). This thorough research allows us to create asset class forecasts that inform our portfolio structure. In practical terms, we make incremental adjustments to reduce exposure where markets may be overpriced and increase allocations where we see undervalued opportunities. This adaptive approach aligns with our philosophy of guiding you confidently through life’s twists and turns.
As a result of these "tactical asset class shifts", a portfolio’s holdings will change from the "strategic allocation" weighting for each asset class. Importantly, however, the portfolios we recommend always include core holdings among each of the three major asset classes (domestic stocks, foreign stocks, and bonds/cash).
3.) Manager/ETF Selection. We know that the key to consistent, long-term performance hinges on the scrupulous evaluation and selection of managers/ETFs for the asset classes we build into our portfolios. That’s why we conduct comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis on institutional money managers before partnering with them. Through a series of intricate investment criteria, we select approximately 200 managers that we follow on a daily basis. From this group, each manager undergoes a thorough evaluation to determine whether it fits our asset class and style diversification criteria. We focus on:
Who makes the key decisions?
How long have they been managing the fund?
What is their investment philosophy?
What is their management style?
Can they move quickly if market and economic conditions warrant it?
Throughout this process, we always keep our clients’ concerns in mind. As a result, at the end of this rigorous process, we have a high level of confidence in the mutual funds/ETFs that are included in our diversified portfolios.
Investment MANAGEMENT fees
We charge a competitive rate for the assets we manage directly for you. While we do not require that 100% of your assets be under our management, all clients must agree to have at least $1 million in liquid assets managed by Aspire within 12 months of signing their initial financial planning agreement. By separating out our financial planning fees to address individual requirements, we can lower our investment management rates across all portfolios:
**We do not charge fees on accounts held outside our custodian. Examples are 401(k)s, 403(b)s, Pensions, Annuities, or any employer-based retirement accounts.
Focusing on Your Future
Your financial needs will change over time—whether you’re planning for retirement, changing careers, caring for family, or looking for a new place to call home. As your fiduciary advisor, Aspire Planning Associates tailors your investment strategy to align with your evolving goals. We begin by assessing your current investments and risk tolerance, then craft a diversified plan designed to help you move forward with confidence—no matter where life leads.
Want to learn more?
Aspire Planning Associates can help you objectively assess your existing investments, risk profile, and select the strategy that gives you the best chance of achieving your financial goals. Call us at (925) 938-2023, or complete our online form to schedule a consultation with an Aspire Planning Associates advisor today!
