As Kevin Bacon’s character said in one of the most memorable lines from Animal House, “Thank you, sir! May I have another?!”
While we would certainly love to take credit for the robust year we have experienced in 2013, we would be quick to remind you not to confuse good markets with genius. The truth is this: We did not do anything differently for you this year than we have in the past. We have a plan in place that accounts for both good years and bad years, and that plan is … stick to the plan!
Unless there has been a material change to your goals or financial situation, do not expect us to say that it’s time to “get more aggressive in this bull market,” or that you should “get more conservative because we anticipate a pullback.” Our message remains the same for 2014 — stick to the plan.
Our firm has been built around this philosophy. It’s a message we have been delivering consistently to you, as we strive to help you move closer to your long-term goals by maintaining a disciplined approach to your investment portfolio.
Our hopes for a strong 2014 are certainly high, but we know enough to know that hope is not a strategy. And although market performance does matter, we do not have control over the market. We will continue to keep our focus on the things that matter that we can control.
Hope you had a wonderful holiday season.
