Communication & Performance Reporting

We ensure our clients know that their wealth is being managed well. It can be hard for a client to assess without proper reporting. Everything that Girard, Pilkey & Associates Wealth Management does allows us to manage wealth properly, including frequent updates and portfolio performance reporting so each client knows how their portfolio is performing, and how they are progressing towards their goals.

Technical expertise is important when building and managing a portfolio. However, it's also important to know how that portfolio is doing. Only then can you properly assess whether the investment decisions being made are adding or subtracting value. Knowing your investment returns is also vitally important to determine how you are progressing toward your goals.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of firms don't provide their clients with detailed performance reporting. Girard, Pilkey & Associates Wealth Management is meticulous about this and, therefore, spends considerable time compiling and providing the following information for clients (so they always know what they're paying, what they're getting, and how they're doing):

• An annual, detailed portfolio performance report. This report clearly shows the total portfolio's return since inception (when we began managing the assets), average annual compounded return since inception, and annual calendar year returns for the last five years (all net of fees and adjusted for cash flows). The performance is then compared to the portfolio's target rate of return and a basket of index benchmarks; so you always know how you're money is doing relative to the alternatives.

• An annual fee summary; so you know exactly what you're paying

• Updated financial planning analysis as circumstances warrant (retirement, education funding, tax, business)

In addition to comprehensive performance reporting, you can also expect emailed market commentaries, periodic mid-year portfolio updates, and standard industry monthly account statements.

The heart of the above reporting is so you always know four simple pieces of information, which seem straight forward but, amazingly, virtually no investor knows:

1. What has been the rate of return on your portfolio since you started investing (adjusted for contributions, withdrawals, and fees)?

2. How does this compare to the market in general?

3. Are you on track to meet your goals?

4. What are you paying ?

Simple. Important.

Aside from the above outgoing communications, Girard, Pilkey & Associates Wealth Management encourages clients to call us whenever they have a financial question. With just one phone call, we'll provide accurate information and strong advice for whatever the situation requires. And that advice will always be objective. No commissions, no agendas.

In a nutshell, we have developed our practice to perform as a financial concierge, or a partner for managing your wealth, which means being highly transparent regarding costs and results. Our boutique-style approach allows us to thoroughly get to know each of our clients and work with them in this direct customized fashion.