FINANCIAL PLANNING

Investment Advisory Services

Matson Financial Advisors has been helping clients plan for their financial future since 1985. As independent investment advisors, we have access to research on nearly all mutual funds and stocks and can provide unbiased recommendations on a broad array of investment opportunities. We work with our clients to help define and prioritize their goals and create an individualized investment strategy to achieve these goals. We believe in the financial planning process and the importance of a coordinated estate plan.

What is our investment planning process? While each client is unique and brings his or her own set of circumstances to the investment planning process, the goal is to manage risk and help enhance earnings. We believe our approach to investment management reduces risk and increases the potential for success. By diversifying assets according to an allocation model, our clients are positioned for potential market fluctuations. We take a long-term approach to investing. We do not try to "time" the markets. Our clients strive for sustained investment performance to create long-term wealth and do not engage in daily stock, exchange traded fund or mutual fund trading. We believe that creating and maintaining wealth is accomplished by staying focused on goals and monitoring investment performance over time. It is our obligation and desire to listen to our clients' dreams and goals. The steps outlined below assist the financial advisor in recommending an investment portfolio that will help our clients achieve the stated long and short-term objectives.

Clarify goals and objectives

Am I ready to take my retirement plan distribution? How can I take control of these retirement assets and properly prepare for any tax consequences? What is the best way to save for our children's education? How much income will we need at retirement? We work to clarify and prioritize our clients' goals and plan for the successful achievement of their objectives.

Determine the time horizon

How soon will the money be needed? Should the portfolio grow aggressively until passed on to next generation? Short-term and long-term needs first define the investment options. Short-term needs (1-3 years) require a lower risk tolerance and accessibility to funds. Money market accounts, certificates of deposit and bonds may offer a lower return on investment, but the risk to principal is reduced. Allocating assets to stocks and mutual funds that invest in stock (equities) both in and outside the U.S. is necessary and prudent for clients with a longer term time horizon. Some investments may focus on a particular industry (technology or healthcare) or geographic location (Europe). A longer term goal affords the opportunity to achieve potentially higher returns through investment in growth (stock) accounts.

Diversify by asset class*

Many studies have shown that a properly diversified portfolio enhances investment performance and reduces volatility. Allocating investments in a variety of asset classes- large cap growth, small cap growth, domestic and international companies - helps to minimizes the effect of market volatility on the overall portfolio and provide for sustained growth. Each client's goals will determine the percentage of investment dollars allocated in each asset class.  Diversifying by style provides yet another way to minimize risk. Stocks and stock funds can generally be classified as either "growth" or "value" and at any given time, one style may outperform the other. Growth stocks are characterized as having rapidly growing sales and earnings that fuel higher stock prices. Value stocks may be temporarily undervalued compared to earnings and sell at lower prices.  By allocating assets in both styles, we are able to provide balance and again, minimize the effect of market volatility.

Monitor allocations and performance over time

We provide periodic portfolio summaries to our clients on all investments handled by our firm. We keep the long-term goal in mind and do not overreact to fluctuations in short-term market performance. Monitoring individual investments against peer groups over time provides a benchmark with which to gauge relative performance. Regular review of the portfolio helps assure that as the investments grow, the appropriate allocation is maintained.

* Diversification does not guarantee a profit or ensure against a loss. 

Securities offered through registered representatives of Walnut Street Securities, Inc (WSS).  Member FINRA/SIPC.  Investment advisory services and financial planning offered through investment advisor representatives and financial planners of Matson Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor.

Matson Financial Advisors, Inc is not an affiliate of WSS.

The information contained in this website is not intended to and cannot be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This document supports the promotion and marketing of this firm. You should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. 

Neither WSS or its representatives offer tax or legal advice.  You should consult with your legal or tax advisor before making any decisions.