Our Philosophy

We subscribe to the idea (well-established by the academic literature) that it is quite difficult to “beat the market” over the long term. Very few succeed. Those who fail, often fail by large margins. As a result, we believe in the following principles when it comes to managing your money: 1) Simple, understandable, widely traded investments, 2) Diversification with long-term, buy-and-hold funds, 3) Low-cost investing that minimizes expenses and fees.

We do not employ market timing or stock-picking techniques, and do not recommend individual stocks to our clients. Instead, we base our portfolios primarily on low-cost index funds that represent broad-based asset classes. Portfolios are constructed as simply as possible to achieve wide-spread diversification to meet a client’s desired risk tolerance and need for investment return.

In general, STK Planning recommends portfolios consisting of three to five broad asset classes designed to best help a client meet their desired objectives. On occasion, we may suggest a more complex portfolio of six to eight asset classes, but only if we are confident that the client understands that a more complex portfolio may not result in increased return or decreased risk. We tend to recommend bond funds for most clients but have expertise in building “ladders” of individual Treasury bonds for those clients who prefer individual bonds over bond funds.

Minimizing investment fees, expenses and taxes are a top priority in every investment strategy suggested by our firm.

Financial Planning is a process designed to answer three related questions regarding financial and life goals: Where am I today, where do I want to go, how do I get there?

These answers rely not only on “numbers”, but also on attitudes and personality, and are unique to each individual, each family. STK Planning realizes that no financial plan can be complete which does not take all of these aspects into account. We will work with you and attempt to truly understand you as we work together to create your plan. At the same time, we realize that some people simply need help with a relatively straightforward or focused question, such as “should I contribute to a Roth IRA or a 401k?” or “should I pay off my loans as fast as possible or should I invest that money instead?”

Whether you need a complete financial plan which might last you for many years, or whether you have a few quick questions, we can work with you. We don’t have minimum fees for financial planning like most firms do.

The term “coach” in the context of financial wellness and education does not have a defined meaning, though is frequently used to describe a person who provides general education and guidance with respect to money, employment, small business and related issues. A “fee-only” and “advice-only” financial planner is by definition a financial coach, with expertise in a full range of financial topics. A financial advisor should also have the experience and knowledge to address the personality/psychologic/relationship issues inherent in personal finance. Sotirios views himself primarily as an educator. Financial planning is certainly not limited to numbers and “math” but should also address one’s relationship and attitudes towards money and employment or retirement. We provide all of the benefits typically offered in a “Financial Coaching” relationship, but can provide additional services which are currently reserved for people and firms with specific licenses and registration. For example, specific or non-generalized advice related to your existing investments, such as suggesting changes to your investment, currently requires state and/or SEC registration and oversight.