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For starters, allow us to provide a quick definition:
Diversification (n.): (1): the process of making diverse; giving variety to (2): to divide funds with the expectation that the positive performance of some will offset negative performance of others (as in investing).
Diversification can be compared to a kitchen sink casserole; it takes time, requires a handful of ingredients and if not executed well, it can result in an experience that is hard to stomach. Just as we believe in making use of food that may spoil, we also believe in diversification. However, there are a few issues that investors should consider when developing a diversification strategy.
Why Should I Diversify?
The goal of diversification is to reduce risk. The logic is quite simple. If you invest in things that do not move in the same direction, at the same time, or at the same pace, then you will reduce your chances of losing all of your money at the same time or at the same pace. For example, in 2008 the S&P 500 had a negative return of 37.00%, which, on a $100k investment would have resulted in an ending value of $63k. Alternatively, if you had allocated just half of your funds to the fixed income, your ending value at the end of 2008 would have been approximately $84,120.
How Do I Diversify?
Diversification is more than holding different types of investments like stocks and bonds. It is also important to diversify within your stocks and bonds. Within your stock piece, it is important to allocate to companies within different sectors of the market (i.e., technology and healthcare). It is also important to diversify among the size of companies in terms of their representation in the overall market. This is referred to as market capitalization ([# of shares in the market x stock price] = market capitalization). Within your bond piece, it is important to diversify among different types of bonds (i.e., government bonds, corporate bonds, and high-yield bonds). Different types of bonds respond differently to a change in interest rates so spreading funds among various types can help reduce interest rate risk as well as default risk (the risk that the corporation, for example, goes out of business and cannot pay interest or return principal).
As you might suspect, diversification can be challenging because it requires an investor to make an informed investment decision on a number of investments. Those that do not believe they have the time, knowledge, or desire to do the research required for diversification may elect to diversify by using mutual funds or ETFs. Through these vehicles, investors can delegate the research and selection process to the fund manager who pools their funds with other shareholders to buy a large number of investments.
Do I Need to Diversify Across Firms?
Clients will often explain to me that the reason they have so many accounts spread across different companies is to diversify. This may have been necessary 30 years ago, but today you can buy the same stocks and ETFs through TD Ameritrade that you can through Schwab. Most large brokerage firms have selling agreements with the major mutual fund companies to offer their funds as well (i.e. Vanguard, American Funds, Fidelity). Diversifying across firms makes it increasingly difficult to manage your investments effectively. Putting together a clear picture of your portfolio and gauging performance will take a lot of manual work and tedious calculations from your statements.
How Can Diversification Go Wrong?
Diversification can go wrong on either extreme, too little, or too much. A portfolio invested in 100% stocks, even if spread among a number of diverse stocks is too little because of the lack of other investment types like bonds. Similarly, a portfolio of 5 stocks weighted equally at 20% is too little. Opinions vary on the amount of exposure (percentage) that should be allocated to a particular investment. We generally believe that any more than 5% in one investment is considered concentrated; however, if you are using multiple strategies managed by independent managers, then as much as 9% in an investment can be considered conviction versus concentration.
Warren Buffet once said, “Wide diversification is only required when investors do not understand what they are doing.” There is such a thing as “over-diversification”. When adding additional investments to a portfolio, each additional investment lowers risk but remember lower risk = lower return. Over-diversification occurs when an additional investment lowers the potential return more than it offsets the potential risk. Over-diversification can also be sectional in nature. Sectional over-diversification occurs when there are a large number of investments in a particular industry and the behavior of the investments is quite similar. Take for example Pepsi and Coke. The companies are similar in a number of ways so rather than buying both, we would recommend buying the company that presents the best value.
Over-diversification is not only time-consuming and inefficient, trading commissions on a large number of investments can be quite costly which may ultimately reduce your overall return.
Diversification Tips
If you could benefit from a conversation with our advisory team, we would be happy to provide a complimentary consultation.
Important Disclosure: This content is for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Beacon Pointe has exercised all reasonable professional care in preparing this information. Some information may have been obtained from third-party sources we believe to be reliable; however, Beacon Pointe has not independently verified, or attested to, the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Nothing contained herein should be construed or relied upon as investment, legal or tax advice. Only private legal counsel may recommend the application of this general information to any particular situation or prepare an instrument chosen to implement the design discussed herein. An investor should consult with their financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and prearranging your future for security and peace of mind, is a wise investment. But for many, the prospect of selling their homeand determining whether the housing market is favorablecan feel like a daunting hurdle.Holding off might seem like the safest choice, but waiting could present unexpected challenges. In reality, knowing when to move to a senior living community could make all the difference.So why is 2025 the time to make the move? Keep reading to learn more.National Housing Market in 2025As of January 2025, the U.S. housing market presents the following trends:Home Prices: Zillow forecasts a 2.6% increase in home values for 2025, indicating a relatively modest appreciation similar to the previous year's growth.Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time since mid-2024, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rising to 7.04%, according to Freddie Mac.Housing Starts: In December, U.S. single-family homebuilding reached a 10-month high, rising to 3.3%, according to the Commerce Department.If you're like many of our residents and have owned your home for several years, selling in 2025 could be a highly profitable move. With home values expected to rise by 2.6%, you can look forward to growing your home equity, resulting in a strong return on your investment. This makes 2025 an excellent time to cash inyouve earned it!Mortgage rates are another key factor that makes selling now a wise choice. While mortgage rates are expected to ease in 2025, improving affordability for buyers, this will also likely lead to increased demand. As a result, home prices are expected to remain high and could even rise further.Another encouraging sign for sellers is the limited housing inventory. A recent Zillow analysis revealed that the U.S. is short by 4.5 million homes to meet demand. When supply can't keep up with demand, its the perfect time to enter the market. Leaving behind the hassles of homeownership, you can enjoy a more relaxed, resort-like lifestyle thats better suited for your retirement!No more worries about finances.Unlike being at the mercy of the unpredictable housing market and the financial challenges of maintaining your own home, moving to a continuing care retirement community gives you control over your future at fixed, predictable prices. With a range of convenient amenities designed to make life easier and more enjoyable, you can rest assured knowing your well-being is supported by a reliable, long-term health plan.All Acts Retirement-Life continuing care retirement communities offer Acts Life Care, a contract that secures your future health care needs and protects your savingsno matter the economic or global uncertainties. This contract guarantees access to care options like assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more, should you ever need them.Acts Life Care isnt just about planning for the unknownits about offering peace of mind. Imagine knowing that your future health care costs are already covered and that your monthly fee remains stable. This solution shields you from the fluctuations of the stock market and the rising costs of health care.Staying Active and Engaged in a Vibrant CommunityAs we age, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, and there's no better way to do that than by having a plethora of activities available at your fingertips to engage your body, mind, and spirit. Many of us find that isolation increases as we get older, which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Moving to a senior living community means staying social and fostering meaningful companionship.Residents also have easy access to a wellness suite with a full-time Nurse Practitioner who is available to address common health concerns and provide regular check-ups, helping you stay ahead of your health needs.Check out the amazing health benefits of a social lifestyle in retirement.Peace of Mind with Acts RetirementWe've highlighted that every Acts community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), but what does that truly mean? Simply put, a CCRC allows you to move in as a healthy and independent adult, choosing from apartment homes, villas, or cottages, depending on your preference. You make a one-time entrance fee payment that secures the benefits of Acts Life Care, along with a predictable monthly fee that covers essential services like maintenance, utilities, chef-prepared meals, and a range of other amenities.Should your care needs evolve, the Acts Life Care contract ensures your monthly fee wont change because of it. Your fee stays consistent regardless of the level of care you need.The Acts Life Care contract isnt just a benefitits a promise that gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your future health care needs are already paid for, at todays prices, allows you to rest easy and focus on enjoying life without worrying about unexpected costs.No such thing as a "free" home! Learn about the hidden costs of home ownership.As we age, managing the day-to-day upkeep of our homes can become a real burdenone that may be too much to handle. In an Acts continuing care retirement community, you can say goodbye to the stress of home maintenance: no more costly repairs, lawn care, snow removal, hurricane preparations, or fixing broken appliances.Security with Acts RetirementWhen it comes to senior living, the options can be overwhelming. So, why choose continuing care retirement living with Acts Retirement-Life Communities? One word: Security.With over 50 years of leadership in the senior living industry, Acts is one of the most trusted and experienced organizations in the field. As a not-for-profit entity, our focus is on improving the lives of our residents, not generating profits for shareholders. Additionally, our Acts Life Care plan ensures that residents savings are protected for life. All these factors, along with the other benefits well highlight below, contribute to Acts maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating among current residents.Acts communities also benefit from the strength of its network. With 28 continuing care retirement campuses in nine states, Acts provides a range of options for residents to experience our unparalleled lifestyle. Our on-site healthcare centers consistently rank among the nations top facilities according to state and federal agencies.When it comes to retirement living, Acts Retirement offers unmatched strength, security, and peace of mind.
By John NicoletteWhether its deciding what we want for breakfast in the morning or when our next trip to visit family is going to be, life is filled with decisions, and each one makes some kind of impact on our lives big or small. When it comes to aging, we all have a choice to make how do we want to live out retirement? Perhaps you think youd best thrive in an independent living community, where you can make friends with like-minded individuals and indulge in high-quality dining and a robust calendar of engaging activities. Or, like most retirees, you may prefer to enjoy your retirement in the home you worked so hard to achieve. AARPs 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey discovered that seven in 10 adults aged 50+ want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as they can. Only 6% would prefer to move in with a family member or friend. Since most older adults want to independently age in place, what steps can they take to make possible?This doesnt have to be a journey you embark on alone the right resources, like an age-in-place program, can provide a plan that you have control over. Age-in-place programs ensure that while you live the life youve worked so hard for, your current needs and future health care needs, as well as financial assets, are covered through a comprehensive, membership-based program. An age-in-place program, which is also known as continuing care without walls, allows you to live in your home, while also providing the comfort and security of a life plan community it's the best of both worlds.Similar to a life plan community, healthy, independent retirees can join with a one-time membership fee and an associated monthly service fee that will ensure future care in their home. With membership, you receive a life-long guarantee of personal care coordination and care for if or when you require it. Age-in-place programs bring security to your doorstep by making sure that your home is safe for you to continue to live in as you age. For example, Senior Choice at Home, the only age-in-place program based here in Southwest Florida, provides its members with a home inspection upon joining the program. That inspection addresses current and potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards, uneven staircases and inadequate hallway lighting.Personal care coordinators included in the programs membership also learn members medical history, medications and preferred physicians so that in an event that a member cannot advocate for themselves, their coordinator will. They also arrange for services if needed in the future, including homemaker services, home health aides, live-in companions and a transition into assisted living if that is preferred or needed.Just as you would any other major life decision, its imperative that you dedicate time to proactively plan for your aging in place journey it is a financial commitment and requires proper planning to ensure your assets are in order prior to selecting a program that works best for you. Enrolling in an age-in-place program comes with a set cost. It means you won't have to worry about rising long-term costs or what insurance will cover. Youll know exactly what you will pay for a lifetime of long-term care right from the start.In the era of an influx of Baby Boomer retirees, thousands of older adults will soon have a decision to make will you age in place, or take the leap into a senior living community? Whatever your decision may be, there are resources to guide you through the journey. Aging in place with the security of a membership-based program presents numerous benefits, but at their core, they guarantee retirees exactly what they need in this new chapter advocacy, financial and emotional security, and freedom.About the author John Nicolette is the director of Senior Choice at Home, an age-in-place program serving older adults in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Senior Choice at Home is regulated by the state of Florida as a premier life plan community without walls. To learn more, visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com or call 239-788-0694.
By Diana NicolOne of the most valuable things in life is time. Each second, minute and hour count toward something, big or small. In Southwest Florida, volunteerism is embedded in our community. With over 600 nonprofits in Lee County alone, its clear that Southwest Florida has a heart for giving. That generosity, care and patience spans across generations, from adults spending their weekends off work cleaning up our beautiful beaches, to high school students helping out at local food banks after school wraps up for the year.For students at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, theyve chosen to venture over to a local senior living community, Gulf Coast Village, after the final bell rings. Why? To offer support on a subject most Gen Zers consider themselves experts at: technology.Computer Literacy Education Outreach, or CLEO, is a student-run organization at Oasis High. The program initially started in 2022 at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, but it quickly took the community and nation by storm. Since its inception, CLEO has expanded to more than 50 schools in 20 states and has served over 3,000 older adults. Its mission is to empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral, has been working with CLEO students since the summer of 2023, when they welcomed students from Cape Coral High School into the community. When the 2024-25 academic year began, the community began partnering with the Oasis High School division of CLEO. Shya Ruiz, a 2025 graduate of Oasis High, joined the program with a friend in 2023 during its first year at her school. After her first year, she loved it so much that she was elected to the role of president in 2024. I just like the feeling of helping other people when theyre needing help, said Ruiz. The smiles that you get when they finally understand or their problem gets solved...its rewarding.As president, one of her primary responsibilities was scheduling the sessions at Gulf Coast Village. Its an organized system: once a month, a group of five to six student volunteers visits Gulf Coast Village to assist residents. If theyre in need of help, residents can register for a 15-minute time slot. When their time comes, they are matched up with a student to receive specialized one-on-one support for whatever technology issues theyre having. And the possibilities are endless. Whether its needing help getting their printer connected to their cell phone or trying to figure out how to change their profile picture on Instagram, the students are able to help with whatever the residents need. The troubleshooting is diverse. One resident, Bill, had a few finnicky issues with his Samsung cell phone. He needed some help setting up his facial recognition and managing notifications, but his main issue was that when he received a text message, he was unable to find it. After a few minutes with Oasis students, Bill figured out how to access his texts. Now, hell never miss a text from his loving wife, Marguerite.Some residents, like Jayne Jennings, face some challenges with social media, as it continues to be an ever-popular way for retirees to stay connected to their loved ones. Luckily, Zers are social media afficionados. Ava Plainte, a CLEO student, showed Jennings the ropes, and she left the session with a new profile picture and a newfound knowledge of how to favorite photos in her iPhone camera roll.Some issues are a bit trickier, like connecting a printer to a cell phone or clearing out the junk storage of an iPad, while some are simpler, like showing residents how to set a morning alarm or mute an Instagram story they didnt want to see. With each presented issue, the students and residents work together for a solution. Most importantly, the students are compassionate, patient and attentive. They walk the residents seeking help through the process step-by-step so that when the session is over, theyre able to navigate the solution on their own.Opportunities for generations of both older and younger to connect are special. Intergenerational relationships present several benefits, like relationship building and avoiding adolescent egocentrism, but they also present the opportunity to learn. Through CLEO, retirees across the nation have the chance to learn something new every day from the generation that grew up on technology.About the author Diana Nicol is the life enrichment coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
Beacon Pointe is one of the nations largest Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms, providing comprehensive financial solutions for institutions, defined contribution plans, high-net-worth individuals, and families. Our success is driven by our peoplea team of talented, diverse, and passionate professionals committed to fostering an uplifting company culture and delivering premier service experiences to our clients.Our ServicesPrivate Wealth ServicesOur Private Wealth Management services offer comprehensive wealth planning and customized investment strategies, empowering clients to make well-informed financial decisions that align with their life goals.Institutional ConsultingWe provide objective and transparent investment solutions, offering long-term strategic planning tailored to the unique portfolio goals and mission of each institutional client.Retirement Plan ServicesOur team delivers expert investment guidance and comprehensive service solutions for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, ensuring clients receive the highest level of fiduciary support.Advisor PartnershipsBeacon Pointe collaborates with successful RIAs and wealth advisors nationwide, fostering synergistic partnerships focused on enhancing efficiencies, value, and long-term growth.With a client-centric, fiduciary-first approach, Beacon Pointe is dedicated to providing strategic financial guidance that helps individuals, families, and institutions achieve lasting financial success.
Beacon Pointe is one of the nations largest Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms, providing comprehensive financial solutions for institutions, defined contribution plans, high-net-worth individuals, and families. Our success is driven by our peoplea team of talented, diverse, and passionate professionals committed to fostering an uplifting company culture and delivering premier service experiences to our clients.Our ServicesPrivate Wealth ServicesOur Private Wealth Management services offer comprehensive wealth planning and customized investment strategies, empowering clients to make well-informed financial decisions that align with their life goals.Institutional ConsultingWe provide objective and transparent investment solutions, offering long-term strategic planning tailored to the unique portfolio goals and mission of each institutional client.Retirement Plan ServicesOur team delivers expert investment guidance and comprehensive service solutions for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, ensuring clients receive the highest level of fiduciary support.Advisor PartnershipsBeacon Pointe collaborates with successful RIAs and wealth advisors nationwide, fostering synergistic partnerships focused on enhancing efficiencies, value, and long-term growth.With a client-centric, fiduciary-first approach, Beacon Pointe is dedicated to providing strategic financial guidance that helps individuals, families, and institutions achieve lasting financial success.
Beacon Pointe is one of the nations largest Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms, providing comprehensive financial solutions for institutions, defined contribution plans, high-net-worth individuals, and families. Our success is driven by our peoplea team of talented, diverse, and passionate professionals committed to fostering an uplifting company culture and delivering premier service experiences to our clients.Our ServicesPrivate Wealth ServicesOur Private Wealth Management services offer comprehensive wealth planning and customized investment strategies, empowering clients to make well-informed financial decisions that align with their life goals.Institutional ConsultingWe provide objective and transparent investment solutions, offering long-term strategic planning tailored to the unique portfolio goals and mission of each institutional client.Retirement Plan ServicesOur team delivers expert investment guidance and comprehensive service solutions for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, ensuring clients receive the highest level of fiduciary support.Advisor PartnershipsBeacon Pointe collaborates with successful RIAs and wealth advisors nationwide, fostering synergistic partnerships focused on enhancing efficiencies, value, and long-term growth.With a client-centric, fiduciary-first approach, Beacon Pointe is dedicated to providing strategic financial guidance that helps individuals, families, and institutions achieve lasting financial success.