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“Investment Strategy? We’ll Never Agree on That!”

Let the experts at Cerity Partners help you explore strategies to reconcile diverse financial perspectives and create a balanced investment plan that suits both partners.

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

Before long, the conversation turns to how we will invest his JNJ 401(k) 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 – Most benefits advisors agree that using your 401(k) or other investment options for short-term needs is not advisable. Market fluctuations are a given; you don’t want to be in a position where you have to liquidate assets during a downturn. Employees concerned about near-term financial needs can consider more conservative options within their benefits package. On the other hand, investments aimed for long-term goals like retirement should be able to withstand market volatility. Employees should think about the timing of their life goals when choosing their benefits strategy. Opting for stable options for immediate needs is a wise choice.

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 Ryan Eversole

Ryan is a Principal in the Cincinnati South office. He works with a team of specialists to help provide clarity to executives, high net worth...Read more

Meet Ryan
Ryan Eversole

Cerity Partners is not contracted with, endorsed by or affiliated with Johnson and Johnson.

Please read important disclosures here.

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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

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

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.

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

Register Now: Q2 2025 Economic & Market Outlook Webinar

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blog image background

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  • 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.