Our Philosophy

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Our fees are not for attempting to predict the short-term movements of the markets or what the economy will do

No one can accurately or consistently do that.  Our fees are for comprehensive financial planning and preparation, not predictions and products.

Financial markets are complex but don't require complex solutions

Although more complicated or exotic strategies could possibly prove correct, the simplest solutions usually make the most sense and are the easiest to execute and manage.    

Remember what DaVinci said  "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".

The enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan

The is no such thing as a perfect plan.   If there is a perfect plan, it's the one you can stick with year in and year out.

Time is more important than timing

Investment decisions should be made within the context of a multi-decade time horizon and not based on current market conditions, political or world events.

Investment behavior plays a key role in outcomes

Good investing isn't necessarily about earning the highest possible returns. It's about minimizing mistakes and doing the same thing for decades on end. 

Focus on what you can control

How much you spend, save, investment costs, asset allocation, emotional responses, investor behavior, tax efficiency, etc.   These are areas in which you can actively improve outcomes. They deserve substantially more attention than attempting to predict the future.  Ignore the things that you have no influence or control over.

If you want action, go to Vegas

If investing is exciting, you're not investing, you're speculating...gambling. 

Investing should be simple and boring.  The market favors those with patience that can ignore the noise.   There will be lots of noise.

The markets are volatile

Volatility is a feature of the markets, not a defect.   We do not call you everytime the market hiccups.   There will be lots of hiccups.   We do not make long-term decisions based on current events.

A fiduciary advisor is legally required to act in your best interest.   

Fiduciaries must also be upfront about fees and avoid conflicts of interest.  We work directly for our clients, not brokerage firms or insurance companies.

By contrast, a Series 7 Registered Representative works for a brokerage firm, not the client. The same is true for most insurance agents.  They represent their company’s interests while offering "suitable" advice or products—sometimes favoring commission-based options that benefit the firm. 

The suitability standard is a lower standard of care, as they are not legally required to put your best interests first. 

Gibson Wealth Advisors is held to a the higher fiduciary standard.