Pages

Blogs and Insights

News

People

  • Our Services
    Individuals & Families Corporations Nonprofits
    Back

    Who We Serve

    • Individuals & Families
        • Wealth Management
          • Investment Solutions
          • Estate and Gift Planning
          • Financial Planning
          • Insurance Planning & Risk Management
          • Tax Planning & Preparation
          • Marital Financial Planning
          • Cross-Border
          • Trust Services
          • Wealth for Women
        • Business Owner Advisory
          • Business Owner Financial Planning
          • Practice Owner Financial Planning
          • CFO & Accounting Services
        • Family Office
    • Corporations
        • Workplace Solutions
          • Executive Financial Counseling
          • Beneficiary Financial Counseling
        • Retirement Plan Consulting
          • Defined Benefit Plans
          • Defined Contribution Services
        • Corporate Venture Capital
          • For Corporations
          • For Entrepreneurs & Investors
    • Nonprofits
        • Advisory for Nonprofits
        • Cerity Partners OCIO
  • About Us
    Our Team Locations Careers Awards & Accolades Join Our Partnership Contact
    Back

    About Us

    Our advisors utilize their experience and expertise and that of their colleagues to develop the best solutions for your complex personal and professional financial situations.

    • Our Team
    • Locations
        • California
        • Colorado
        • Florida
        • Georgia
        • Illinois
        • Indiana
        • Kentucky
        • Maryland
        • Massachusetts
        • Michigan
        • New Jersey
        • New York
        • North Carolina
        • Ohio
        • Pennsylvania
        • Texas
        • Virginia
        • Wyoming
    • Careers
    • Awards & Accolades
    • Join Our Partnership
    • Contact
  • Insights
    Back

    Insights & Resources

    Actionable planning strategies to inform and guide your decision-making.

    • Insights
    • News
    • Upcoming Webinars
  • Login
    Back

    Login

    • Addepar
    • Orion
    • Black Diamond
    • eMoney
    • Cerity Partners Cash Management
    • MoneyGuide Pro
    • ShareFile
    • Box | Login
    • Secure Email
Login
  • Addepar
  • Orion
  • Black Diamond
  • eMoney
  • Cerity Partners Cash Management
  • MoneyGuide Pro
  • ShareFile
  • Box | Login
  • Secure Email
Request an Intro
  • Login
    Back

    Login

      Howdy

    • Addepar
    • Orion
    • Black Diamond
    • eMoney
    • Cerity Partners Cash Management
    • MoneyGuide Pro
    • ShareFile
    • Box | Login
    • Secure Email
  • Legal

Investment Strategy? We’ll Never Agree on That!

Let the Experts at Cerity Partners Help Navigate the Emotional Terrain of Investment Choices in Relationships.

The couple walks into our conference room and sits down at the table. We offer coffee or soft drinks, exchange pleasantries about the weather or the Astros, and thank them for becoming clients.

Before long, the conversation turns to how we will invest his EMSP account, their IRAs and their brokerage account.

“So,” we ask, “how comfortable are you investing in a diversified portfolio of about 60% stocks and about 40% fixed income or bond funds?”

Why might a simple question generate much discussion or even outright disagreement?

The answer: money is emotional.

Their investments, the money they’ve saved, is the basis for retirement and their dreams for the future.

It’s to provide that home on the lake, the financial legacy to leave the kids, the freedom to do what they want after they stop working, the travel plans, and the education for the grandkids. All those hopes and dreams surface when there’s a big decision about money.

Couples come to the question from varying backgrounds and experiences.

  • One or both may be relatively uninformed, unsure what a bond is or what owning a stock means.
  • One may have followed the stock market for years, while the other prefers to ignore Wall Street.
  • One likes taking risks (“no risk, no reward!”), while the other wants to sleep soundly at night, knowing their money isn’t subject to market volatility.
  • Their goals may be different. One wants to live big in retirement and leave the undertaker with an unpaid bill, while the other fancies a quiet life at home with a chunk of change left to the kids.
  • One lived on the wrong side of the tracks as a child and saw parents spend money foolishly, while the other began a savings account at nine.

So, how should couples and their financial advisor attempt to reconcile these divergent views?

1

Approach # 1: Education can inform decision-making

Couples may lack a basic understanding of investing. Telling someone their feelings are wrong or should know more than they do is a losing proposition. Acknowledge the desire for safety or lack of experience someone may feel. Historical data showing returns of stocks over bonds despite higher volatility and the long upward trend of a balanced portfolio may comfort the novice investor.

2

Approach # 2: Meet in the middle

If a couple disagrees about the percentage of stocks in an overall portfolio, It’s possible to blend investment preferences into a middle ground, combining an aggressive strategy with a conservative one. The result is a balanced or moderate investment approach.  If she wanted all stocks and he wanted all fixed income, a 50-50 mix of stocks and bonds might enable each to feel their preferences were taken seriously.

3

Approach # 3: Take the holistic view

In discussions with clients, we often point out that an investment portfolio is only part of their wealth. We encourage ExxonMobil employee clients to consider their pension benefit as they invest their EMSP—the pension benefit doesn’t depend on stock market performance; it can be taken either as an annuity (effectively, fixed income) or as a lump sum (cash). Additionally, many couples have equity in their home and prospects of Social Security benefits that may provide a healthy percentage of daily living expenses. These other assets mitigate the “risk” of the EMSP or other equity-heavy investment accounts. A partner who seeks safety can appreciate that the “risky” investment account is not all the couple’s wealth.

4

Approach # 4: Match strategy with cash needs

Most advisors agree that investing cash needed within a couple of years in stocks or intermediate or long-term bonds is not prudent. Market corrections are commonplace; you don’t want to have to raise cash by selling stocks at the bottom of a bear market. The person desiring security can legitimately seek a conservative investment for assets to fund near-term needs. Retirement assets invested for ten or more years should be able to ride out market volatility. Couples should consider the timing of cash needs in determining an appropriate investment strategy. Safety is a good attribute for near-term needs.

Investors should be comfortable with how they are invested. No portfolio is so good that it justifies damaging a marriage. For many, the secret to financial success is less about portfolio composition than controlling spending and the urge to sell when markets are down or buy as markets soar.

Agreeing from the start of your relationship on an investment strategy is terrific if it happens, but making concessions to keep both parties engaged and invested is a good strategy, too. A fiduciary financial advisor can serve as a neutral party to help develop an investment strategy you both can live with. Let’s talk!

 

Meet Doug Garrison

Doug is a Partner based in the Houston office and a member of the firm’s Wealth Management practice. He is responsible for delivering investment...Read more

Meet Doug
Doug Garrison

Cerity Partners is not contracted with, endorsed by or affiliated with Exxon Mobil Corp.

Please read important disclosures here.

Related Reading

blog image background

Doug Garrison

Partner

Retirement

6 Questions If You’re Within 5 Years of Retirement at ExxonMobil

April 27, 2021 - If retirement is only five years or less away, you should have a pretty good notion of what life will look like for you in…

blog image background

Doug Garrison

Partner

Retirement

Choosing Between Traditional Medicare and the ExxonMobil Medicare Primary Option (MPO)

November 7, 2023 - You’re an ExxonMobil retiree and about to turn 65. You need to make a decision about health insurance. You can move seamlessly from the ExxonMobil…

blog image background

Doug Garrison

Partner

Investing

4 Investing Mistakes in the EMSP

February 9, 2021 - Learn from the mistakes of others? Our blogger reflects on investing mistakes he’s seen participants in the EMSP make over the past forty years.

blog image background

Doug Garrison

Partner

Investing

4 Strategies to Deal with XOM Stock in the EMSP

April 20, 2023 - ExxonMobil stock is at near-record levels. For many, selling stock now presents a dilemma. If you’re a retirement-eligible employee and you don’t want to sell…

Doug Garrison

Book a 30 minute, no-obligation meeting.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Request an Introduction

Your Introduction to a Trusted Financial Partner Awaits

Our Concierge Program offers a simple, personalized approach to finding your ideal financial advisor.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Lead Concierge

Call us to Schedule: (212) 202-1810

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Call Us: (212) 202-1810

or

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Where are your liquid assets held?

Book your meeting

This 30-minute call with me is designed to better understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Looking forward to
speaking with you!

Dustin Ribergaard

Lead Concierge

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Thank you for your interest

Thank you for your interest in our financial services. We appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn about your financial goals. A representative will be in touch to discuss your financial needs.

Questions? (212) 202-1810

Thank you for booking a meeting with us!

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Here are some valuable insights to read before your meeting

blog image background

Natalia Tchetchoulina

Partner

Estate Planning

How to Pass Down Prized Jewelry, Art, and Cars  

May 28, 2025 - Contemporary collectors want to convey their legacy to future generations. Learn how to properly pass down jewelry, art, and more to ensure the legacy endures.

blog image background

Kim Curtis

Partner

Individuals and Families

5 Mistakes Athletes Make with Name, Image, and Likeness Income  

May 29, 2025 - The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has transformed collegiate athletics, but that opportunity comes with responsibility. Learn how to avoid five common mistakes.

blog image background
Economic and Market Outlooks

Video: June 2025 Economic & Market Outlook

June 2, 2025 - Markets have rebounded, and recession risks have eased—Jim Lebenthal weighs in on what investors should watch in this market outlook.

  • General inquiries: click here
  • Institutions and non-profits: click here
  • Corporations: click here

Learn about our Privacy Policy

By clicking “Schedule Now”, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.

Get ExxonMobil Employee Insights in your inbox.

By clicking “Submit”, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.

Logo

Your source for comprehensive financial advice and oversight.

  • Individuals & Families
  • Wealth Management
    • Investment Solutions
    • Estate and Gift Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Insurance Planning & Risk Management
    • Tax Planning & Preparation
    • Marital Financial Planning
    • Cross-Border
    • Trust Services
    • Wealth for Women
  • Business Owner Advisory
    • Business Owner Financial Planning
    • Practice Owner Financial Planning
    • CFO & Accounting Services
  • Family Office
  • Corporations
  • Workplace Solutions
    • Executive Financial Counseling
    • Beneficiary Financial Counseling
  • Retirement Plan Consulting
    • Defined Benefit Plans
    • Defined Contribution Services
  • Corporate Venture Capital
    • For Corporations
    • For Entrepreneurs & Investors
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Advisory for Nonprofits
  • Cerity Partners OCIO
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Locations
  • Careers
  • Join Our Partnership
  • Awards & Accolades
  • Contact
  • Insights & Resources
  • Insights
  • Webinars
  • News
  • LOCATIONS
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming
  • © 2025 Cerity Partners
  • Client Relationship Summary
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • CCPA Notice
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Cerity footer logo-background

Your Introduction to a Trusted Financial Partner Awaits

Our Concierge Program offers a simple, personalized approach to finding your ideal financial advisor.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Lead Concierge

Call us to Schedule: (212) 202-1810

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Call Us: (212) 202-1810

or

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Where are your liquid assets held?

Book your meeting

This 30-minute call with me is designed to better understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Looking forward to
speaking with you!

Dustin Ribergaard

Lead Concierge

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Thank you for your interest

Thank you for your interest in our financial services. We appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn about your financial goals. A representative will be in touch to discuss your financial needs.

Questions? (212) 202-1810

Thank you for booking a meeting with us!

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Here are some valuable insights to read before your meeting

blog image background

Natalia Tchetchoulina

Partner

Estate Planning

How to Pass Down Prized Jewelry, Art, and Cars  

May 28, 2025 - Contemporary collectors want to convey their legacy to future generations. Learn how to properly pass down jewelry, art, and more to ensure the legacy endures.

blog image background

Kim Curtis

Partner

Individuals and Families

5 Mistakes Athletes Make with Name, Image, and Likeness Income  

May 29, 2025 - The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has transformed collegiate athletics, but that opportunity comes with responsibility. Learn how to avoid five common mistakes.

blog image background
Economic and Market Outlooks

Video: June 2025 Economic & Market Outlook

June 2, 2025 - Markets have rebounded, and recession risks have eased—Jim Lebenthal weighs in on what investors should watch in this market outlook.

  • General inquiries: click here
  • Institutions and non-profits: click here
  • Corporations: click here

Learn about our Privacy Policy

By clicking “Schedule Now”, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.