You might wonder why you need this book if you already have a financial professional looking after your investments. The answer is simple. Because it is highly probably that you are among the 90% of individual investors whose portfolios underperform their benchmarks, destroying capital in the process. This book can benefit you in two ways. First, it will give you tools to evaluate the quality of your investment advisory relationship. How do you know that the investment advice you receive is the best possible? Measure your investment process against the standards of practice provided in this book. Second, The Investors' Advocate provides tools for you to use to make more money over time. A great deal more. And reduce risk while you do. Most portfolios significantly underperform, destroying capital because of mistaken assumptions, policies, practices, and processes. Author Payson Hunter has crafted the one guide that you need to ensure this doesn't happen to you.
The Investors' Advocate examines the primary issues that hurt investors—including over-diversification—and then shares the philosophy and processes needed to be a successful investor. This includes creating a Statement of Investment Objectives, a Financial Plan, and Investment Policy Statement for you to direct your financial advisor. In addition, Hunter explains the characteristics of a great investment candidate and how using the Graham Formula can help investors estimate the value of securities, enabling the investor to focus on finding great investments at discounted prices that provide wide margins of safety to help protect capital and enhance returns. The proprietary "Deals of the Dow" investment strategy is an example of how to identify opportunity. After reading this book, and incorporating the tips and tools provided, you will have what you need to be in control of your investment advisory relationship and ensure your portfolio is travelling the path to financial independence.
