CogentBlue Conversations, Vol. 2, Issue 1 - January 2020

Looking Back & Planning Ahead 

In sending this today, I recognize that this may seem a bit after-the-fact. The truth is that I began drafting this message around the holidays, with the intention to reflect on 2019 and “vision cast” for 2020. However, as I began writing, it occurred to me that perhaps it would be better to wait until after the new year had started. We’re closer now to the one-year anniversary of CogentBlue and are arguably at a better vantage point to reflect on the past year with 2019 now fully behind us. And what a year it was! 2019 brought many successes, taught many lessons, and the seeds were planted for an exciting future. Here are a few high points:

• CogentBlue successfully launched in February, bringing to fruition a vision I have been growing for the last sixteen years.
• Our partnership with Wealthcare Advisory Partners brought the benefits of scale without sacrificing autonomy or control. In addition, we successfully established partnerships with all of the major custodians to make the transition for our existing clients as seamless and smooth as possible.
• CogentBlue lowered client expenses significantly from where they were previously, by more than 15% in some cases, through a combination of lower management costs and the elimination of all transaction fees. Additional savings are being implemented as we speak due to the ongoing refinement of our investment strategies, which have resulted in lower portfolio expenses. When coupled with our focus on tax optimization, the impact to our clients’ bottom line is significant.

• We launched our website and Client Financial Dashboard in July, which provides an integrated view of our clients’ lives, from portfolio data/research to financial goal progress to secure document storage and much more. 

• The addition of our Chief Investment Strategists, Eric Stein and Mario Nardone, increased our “bench strength” significantly. Together, they support us with portfolio oversight, investment due diligence, and the ongoing development/refinement of the firm's investment models. Each of them brings more than two decades of investing experience, including senior roles at Vanguard, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and RSM U.S. Wealth Management. 

• We have continued to grow by referrals from our clients. Thank you for your trust and confidence.

And we’re confident 2020 won’t disappoint either. In the year ahead we plan to:

• Integrate tax preparation into our wealth management services
• Launch The Analog Advisor podcast and blog, which will focus on the irreplaceability of the human-to-human connection and the value of understanding when it comes to advice
• Roll out a banking partnership to provide high-yield checking and savings options, yielding 7-12x the national average* with up to $2.5m in FDIC protection
• Hold client events to provide compelling thought leadership in a more personal format
• And much, much more!

All that being said, our biggest pledge for the coming year is to provide you with unparalleled service and support through whatever life brings your way. It is my distinct honor and privilege to walk alongside you and serve your families by bringing clarity and confidence to your financial lives. Here’s to making the ‘20s our best decade, yet!

Cheers! 

Advisory services offered through Wealthcare Advisory Partners, LLC (WCAP), a registered investment advisor.

*Source: FDIC's national average checking and savings rate as of 1/28/20.