Recently answered a call. It was Fisher Investments. We talked a little, I gave them an idea of where we are at financially. They stated that at our net worth, we should be investing in individual stocks and not mutual funds. They had a number of reasons, (lack of personalization, lack of flexibility, complex fee structures, heavy fees, tax disadvantages and diversification that could be off from what you think it is). They stated that investing in individual stocks mitigates these mutual fund issues.
We meet with our financial advisor annually, we have access to him throughout the year as needed, we have a plan, we are appropriately diversified for our risk tolerance, we are balancing returns and expense fees as needed.
I understand that there are plenty of people that invest in individual stocks, but I have not heard that for the casual/non-professional investor that individual stocks are better for your portfolio. Does anyone else have advice regarding individual stocks being better for your portfolio than mutual funds?
Mutual Funds -> Individual Stocks
byu/SailCamp inpersonalfinance
Posted by SailCamp
9 Comments
Fisher Investments is trying to sell you something. Of course they will say their ideas are the right choice.
Just some raw notes:
1. If somebody calls you and says they want to discuss your finances… hang up the phone. Nobody is cold calling you for your benefit.
2. No, you don’t want to be trading in individual stocks for investing. If you want to pick up gambling as a hobby, moving money around on a board where the other players have a significant edge on you… go for it, pick up some individual stocks.
3. You probably don’t need a financial advisor, but if you like having one, take a good hard look at how they’re getting their cut, and whether they’re actually a fiduciary. A financial advisor who’s pay check is based on what products and services they convince you to buy is going to fleece you under the auspices of guiding you to magical investing tips.
ETFs are better than mutual funds.
I remember hearing the same pitch from them and that was the point I realized I cannot take them seriously. Now I do not pick up when they call !
Practice this line for next time they call: sounds great; why don’t you put the details in an email? Bye now
“lack of personalization”?
WTF…this is your financial nestegg, not your middleschool trapperkeeper.
How are they supposed to make money off you if you just put it in a mutual fund?
Was it Aerotyne stock with huge upside potential?
never judge him on his winner but judge him on his losers since he has so few.
Fisher Investments is a horrible place to move your money. I worked in the industry for decades, DO NOT GO THERE.
ETFs and index funds/ETFs are more tax efficient than actively managed mutual funds (and generally lower fees).
You dont need any advisor. Learn basics
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started