Philosophy

At The Erickson Hudacek & Leibman Group, managing risk is critical to our investment approach. Put simply, our clients don’t want to lose money.

As a team that managed clients’ assets and emotions amid 2000, 2008 and 2020 volatility, we are proud that virtually all of those clients remain with us today. We believe that’s due in large part to our enlightened perspective on mitigating investment risk.

Before we allocate a single dollar of a client’s portfolio, we examine how their assets, liabilities, and overall wealth are structured. We ask ourselves, “Where can we achieve tax efficiencies? What’s missing?” Following discussions with clients about risk vs. reward and their previous experience with investing, we build a framework from which we can formulate their investment strategy

 Led by Jude Leibman – our highly respected principal and portfolio strategist – we follow a basic premise: That a client’s portfolio should reflect no more risk than is necessary for that client to achieve his or her goals. Rather than speculate, our experience as long-term investors tells us that, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Using Merrill research and model portfolios, we craft each client’s portfolio – individually – based on their objectives, liquidity needs, investment timeline, appetite for risk and other preferences.

 Additionally, we find that “asset allocation” is a major factor in managing risk. Accordingly, we customize each client’s portfolio with investments across asset classes, sectors and borders – typically with individual equities, bonds, ETFs and some mutual funds. Additionally, we may recommend alternative investments* which allow clients to benefit from non-correlated assets that we deem attractive and likely to offer reduced volatility.

Finally, limiting tax exposure is vital to growing and preserving our clients’ wealth. For this reason, we blend our investment management with tax awareness – maintaining a watchful eye on clients’ tax consequences throughout the year. When structuring an investment strategy, we can work alongside clients’ CPAs to account for tax ramifications.

 *Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s investment objectives will be achieved.

*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.

Focus On Individuals, Families and Small Businesses

We believe that financial success can be achieved when you’re able to make investment-related decisions and trade-offs that can help you reach personally meaningful goals. Whether you’re planning your retirement, saving to buy a home or funding a child’s education, the process begins by getting to know you and how you feel about the following:

• Health: Managing healthcare expenses, now and in the future
• Home: Upsizing, downsizing, remodeling or buying a vacation home
• Family: Taking care of your family and other people in your life
• Leisure: Spending your free time in meaningful ways
• Giving: Volunteering, mentoring others and giving to charities
• Work: Working in retirement, selling or starting a business
• Finance: Bringing it all together and defining your financial goals

Success will be measured by the amount of progress you are making toward reaching your goals, making thoughtfully considered adjustments as events and conditions warrant.

This material should be regarded as general or educational information on healthcare or Social Security considerations and is not intended to provide specific healthcare or social security advice. If you have questions regarding your particular situation, please contact your legal or tax advisor.

At The Erickson Hudacek & Leibman Group, we are inspired by the goals and concerns of our clients. In listening to them, we learn that many seek financial freedom and a feeling of independence – as they near (or already enjoy) a well-deserved retirement. Most clients are quite busy with careers and families. They explain that wealth brings comfort and the potential to achieve financial and emotional wellness.

At the start of our disciplined, planning-based approach, we help clients explore and prioritize their most cherished goals for themselves and the people they love. By asking questions and listening more than talking, we help clients identify the purpose of their wealth, so that the multi-pronged strategy we develop can help them feel confident in its pursuit.

Among the questions we ask, “How is your health and that of your immediate family? Who are you responsible for – an elderly parent, a special needs child? What’s your experience with investing? What do you like to do? What’s still on your bucket list? And what causes are important to you?”

While each client is unique in their situation and ambitions, most worry about having enough money for retirement – or enough capital for their business. Through honest dialog with both spouses, whenever possible – where we share our own stories and lessons learned – we work to help clients “see around corners” to prepare financially and emotionally for what they envision.

In crafting a thoughtful financial strategy, we go beyond risk-managed investing to optimize both sides of clients’ balance sheets – assets and liabilities. Why?Because timely liability management is critical to our mission and client success. In addition to residential lending, we offer access to securities-based lending through Bank of America, N.A. We also work closely with our own trust specialists and clients’ attorneys to formulate and align estate-planning strategies.

Rather than being a one-time event, our planning process continues over time, to address what clients envision in the near future and later, for their children. In discussing their families, we remind clients that part of our job is helping them leave memories, as well as money – that it’s essential to find joy along the path to meaningful outcomes.

At The Erickson Hudacek & Leibman Group, it is incumbent upon us to help manage each client’s wealth responsibly and in the most respectful manner. Results and relationships matter to us – and to the generations of clients we serve.

At the core of our offering is a commitment to act as a caring, trustworthy steward of clients’ best interests – financial and otherwise. At every opportunity, we encourage the input of both spouses and, when appropriate, clients’ grown children. And rather than make assumptions, we make time – for multiple meetings with clients at their kitchen tables, our conference table, or via WebEx.

Early in the pandemic, we sent “Covid Kits” of mask, sanitizers and other products to clients. Each year, we celebrate clients’ birthdays with cards and best wishes. Each day, we put our heads and hearts together to explore what we can do for clients, beyond our roles as financial advisors. We believe that evidence of our efforts is that we know at least one half of clients socially and virtually all by the sound of their voice when they call.

Regardless of what drives clients, we are driven to be their “first and only call” when any issue arises – from liquidity to lending (for cash management or a mortgage), from investing to retirement and inter-generational wealth planning. Decades of experience have provided us with a rich repository of knowledge – having addressed situations that are similar and often identical to what clients face today.

When clients’ life transitions bring about significant financial challenges, we take a “hands-on, hands-held” approach. With decades of experience, we are sensitive, as well as seasoned. By helping clients make thoughtful, unhurried decisions and feel comfortable with the road ahead, we aim to strengthen their financial and emotional wellbeing.

Many clients were referred to us by their other trusted advisors, colleagues, and family. These referrals tell us we’re proficient in assisting a wide range of clients – from those with financial needs that are rather straightforward, to others whose aspirations require sophisticated wealth management strategies.

Backed by our proactive support staff, we are able to keep each client updated on progress being made toward key milestones and their long-term objectives. Finally, we believe that clients appreciate our deep level of insight and involvement. With mutual interests and outlooks, we find it fulfilling to assist clients we admire for their achievements and values.