Client-focused

The age of the finfluencer: Who should you listen to when everyone’s talking?  

April 29, 2025

With the rise of social media “finfluencers,” more people are seeking financial advice online. Yet this advice can be hard to parse. Some may be quite helpful, while some may be flat-out wrong. This article helps readers understand the risks online advice may pose, how it can lead down a path toward confirmation bias and what they can do to protect their money.

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Quarterly client letter: 2025 Q1  

April 2, 2025

The first quarter saw periods of increased volatility and a downturn in the market. Both events can be worrying. Putting them in perspective can help clients see they are a natural—and common—part of the market cycle.

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Credit freeze quick take  

March 27, 2025

We spend so much of our lives online that it’s easy to forget that our interactions may leave us vulnerable to fraud. This quick take offers clients a primer on credit freezes, a powerful tool they can use to protect themselves.

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Disruptive forces: Thriving in a world that won’t sit still  

March 14, 2025

The market and the economy are frequently buffeted by forces great and small, including the latest round of tariffs. This article looks at what history can tell us about these events, and how a diversified portfolio is already designed to address them.

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Client question: How can I give my kids a head start on investing?  

February 28, 2025

This piece explores what clients may do to help give the kids in their lives a leg up for their financial future. It touches on 529 plans, custodial accounts and custodial Roth IRAs. It closes with a suggestion that clients may use opening an account as an opportunity to teach kids about financial responsibility. Consider personalizing this article by mentioning how and why you’ve opened accounts for the kids in your life. Or perhaps touch on experiences you’ve had teaching kids about investing.

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Tax considerations for 2024: What you need to know before filing  

February 14, 2025

With tax time upon us, this piece reminds readers what they need to know to maximize their returns and avoid penalties when they file their 2024 taxes. It also looks ahead to the tax laws set to sunset at the end of 2025.

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Counterintuitive money advice: Investing against the grain  

February 3, 2025

When it comes to money, making smart decisions isn’t always easy. In fact, there are a lot of times where the intuitive move isn’t always the best one. This piece explores counterintuitive strategies that can help clients make sound financial choices.

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Quarterly client letter: 2024 Q4  

January 3, 2025

Commentary on strong market performance in back-to-back years and a reminder to focus on goals—not market movements—when building a financial plan.

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Money scripts—part 2: How to manage the script  

December 19, 2024

The first part in this two-part series introduced the idea of money scripts—our unconscious rules and beliefs about money that can have a big impact on the financial decisions we make. In part two, we examine how clients can better identify and manage their own scripts. Consider pairing this article with “Healing What Hurts: The Essential Role of a Financial Therapist” from the 2022 content library archive.

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Your 2024 year-end planning guide  

December 9, 2024

Share this piece with clients and prospects to offer financial best practices for the end of 2024. This year's tips include putting stuck cash to work, updates on retirement account rules, maximizing gifts to charity with a QCD and a reminder to take time to rest and recharge.

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A meaningful message for Thanksgiving or the holidays (2024)  

November 20, 2024

Use this short message to stay in touch with your clients during the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2024 holiday season. This piece shares reflections on gratitude and giving back.

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Presidential election reflection (UPDATED 11-2024)  

November 5, 2024

This client outreach offers four simple reminders on why it's as important as ever to disconnect your long-term investment activities from late-breaking political news. Updated on Nov. 5 for distribution post-election.

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Financial readiness: Preparing yourself before disaster strikes  

October 28, 2024

The recent hurricanes are a reminder that disaster can strike when and where we least expect it. This piece acknowledges these storms and the toll natural disasters can take. It offers tried-and-true preventative measures that can help ensure clients are prepared for disaster financially.

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Quarterly client letter: 2024 Q3  

October 1, 2024

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September. With these cuts comes a lot of speculation about what they’ll mean for the economy and market, much of which is contradictory or downright wrong. This quarterly newsletter takes a look at some of the things investors might hear and suggests that the best way to respond is through focusing on a long-term investment plan.

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Client question: I’ve got a lump sum in cash, should I invest it right away?  

September 23, 2024

In this new series, we address common client questions, starting with how to invest a lump sum of cash. We examine the merits of investing all at once or little by little with dollar-cost averaging.

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What we talk about when we talk about volatility: Magnitude vs percentage  

August 29, 2024

The news media often describes market volatility in ways that are attention-grabbing. Unfortunately, this can trigger fear and behaviors that don’t always work in investors’ favor. This article helps readers understand how the media presents volatility, preparing them to parse sensational headlines and avoid making decisions that could negatively impact their long-term goals.

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What does it take to take on risk?  

August 23, 2024

Figuring out a client’s risk tolerance is an important building block for any investment plan. This piece serves as a conversation starter to help clients understand their willingness to take on risk—including financial and behavioral factors—so they’re better positioned to meet their goals and manage their financial and emotional health.

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A bad day in the market: What now?  

August 7, 2024

The market has taken a tumble this week. And while there may be a number of factors contributing to the most recent volatility, this client letter helps assure clients they don’t have to act on any of them. Instead, they can fall back on their long-term portfolio built to weather the short-term ups and downs in the market.

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Compound returns quick take  

July 29, 2024

This piece serves as a quick primer on compounding returns and explores the levers investors may pull to make the most of this powerful tool, including saving early and putting more money to work inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

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Quarterly client letter: 2024 Q2  

July 1, 2024

As the market continues its rally and headlines and pundits fret about potential global uncertainty, this edition of the quarterly client letter examines the twin emotions of fear and FOMO (fear of missing out) and takes the opportunity to remind your readers of the lessons history has to teach us about long-term investing and a portfolio built to match their goals, timeline and risk tolerance.

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Equity compensation: Big opportunities, but beware the risks  

June 27, 2024

Equity can be an important part of a new employee’s compensation package or a way for employers to show their appreciation for a job well done. While equity compensation can lead to a nice financial payout, it is not without risk. This article explores the basics of equity compensation, understanding potential downsides—including concentration risk—and how to solve for that risk.

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Quarterly client letter (2024 Q1)  

April 1, 2024

Reflections on strong Q1 markets and the importance of avoiding stock picking and market timing in hot and cold markets; also includes an homage to the late Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman.

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Quarterly client letter: 2023 Q4  

January 1, 2024

Commentary on the strong 2023 annual returns nobody saw coming, along with timeless advice for informing 2024 investment decisions.

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A meaningful message for Thanksgiving/Holidays (2023)  

November 3, 2023

Use this short message to be in touch with your clients for the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2023 holiday season. This piece shares an upbeat message on the value of year-end reflections.

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Quarterly client letter: 2023 Q3  

October 1, 2023

Reflections on a mixed-bag quarter and how to remain focused on long-term outcomes and personal financial goals instead of reacting to the latest undependable forecasts.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2023 Q2  

July 3, 2023

This quarterly letter celebrates strong quarterly and YTD returns, while encouraging clients to stick with their long-term investment strategy across strong and weak markets. It also includes an homage to the recently passed Nobel laureate Professor Harry Markowitz.

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Is the Debt Ceiling Bringing You Down?  

May 10, 2023

A client reach-out to reinforce the importance of sticking with a personalized, globally diversified portfolio, regardless of how the debt ceiling crisis plays out.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2023 Q1  

April 2, 2023

This quarterly letter reflects on the impact of inflation, interest rate, and banking news in the quarter past, and how, if you’d missed the events in real time, you may not even have known they’d happened. Invest instead according to your investment strategy and individual goals.

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Bank Run News  

March 13, 2023

A client reach-out to comment on current bank runs, beginning with Silicon Valley Bank.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2022 Q4  

January 4, 2023

This quarterly and year-end client letter looks back on negative returns in 2022, and cautions clients against letting potential pessimism alter their asset allocation decisions. You never know what the near-term future holds, so long-term planning remains advised.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving/Holidays (2022)  

November 2, 2022

Use this short message to be in touch with your clients for the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2022 holiday season. The message shares gratitude and reflects on spreading gratitude on to others.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2022 Q3  

October 3, 2022

This quarterly client letter reflects on having entered bear market territory, and why it still makes sense to remain invested in a globally diversified portfolio that reflects each investor's personal financial goals. It references both current commentary as well as historical insights.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2022 Q2  

July 4, 2022

This quarterly client letter touches on a series of disorienting conditions in current markets, such as the fact that stocks and bonds are down simultaneously, and reinforces sticking with one's long-term, globally diversified portfolio, including a value tilt when appropriate.

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Investing in I Bonds  

May 4, 2022

An overview of what I Bonds are, why currently high interest rates might make them an appealing place to store cash reserves and/or emergency funds, caveats to consider, and how you can help clients incorporate them into their greater investment portfolio.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2022 Q1   Free Sample (Click on title to download)

April 4, 2022

This quarterly client letter explores the essentials of investment planning amidst current market volatility, aggravated by inflation, interest rates, and economic concerns. It optionally points to the recently completed three-part report on the same.

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Ukraine  

February 24, 2022

A timely client reach-out with timeless reminders to guide investing during the current Russian/Ukraine crisis.

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Fighter Planes and Market Turmoil  

January 26, 2022

Use this client reach-out to quell nervous reactions to current market volatility and encourage clients to stick with their existing investment plans.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2021 Q4  

January 3, 2022

This quarterly client letter explores recent and future market returns in the context of investors' personal financial goals--considering the "parts" and the "whole."

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving/Holidays (2021)  

October 26, 2021

Use this short message to be in touch with your clients for the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2021 holiday season. The message shares gratitude and reflects on enjoying the meaning already within one another's lives.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2021 Q3  

October 4, 2021

This Q3 2021 quarterly client letter puts recent market highs and lows in the context of more enduring news and views.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2021 Q2  

July 1, 2021

This 491-word Q2 2021 quarterly client letter compares recent speculative ventures like FINRA-fined Robinhood’s IPO filing, with the 50th anniversary of index investing.

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Three advisor firm fact sheet cover letter templates  

May 26, 2021

These three cover letter templates complement our Advisor Firm Fact Sheet and are available at no added cost to any advisor who purchases this product. Use them to share your custom-branded fact sheet with prospects, clients, and centers of influence (such as attorneys or CPAs). Content-Sharing Library members also can download and adopt these cover letters for use with any firm brochure or fact sheet they’ve created.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2021 Q1  

April 1, 2021

This 416-word Q1 2021 quarterly client letter reminds clients why it's just as important to ignore hot hands as cold fears in ever-changeable markets.

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Understanding The 2021 Recovery Rebate Stimulus Payments  

March 12, 2021

An 864-word overview summarizing how the newly passed American Recovery Act of 2021 Recovery Rebate Stimulus Payments work: Who will receive them, how much they can expect to receive (if anything), and the three ways they may qualify for full or partial payments based on their 2019, 2020, and/or 2021 AGI.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2020 Q4  

January 4, 2021

This 487-word Q4 2020 quarterly client letter reviews the wild ride 2020 delivered and why it’s important to stay the course through both bear and bull markets. It lists the ways you’ll be helping them do that, in the context of current financial and political news.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving/Holiday Season (2020)  

November 12, 2020

Use this 260-word message to be in touch with your clients for the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2020 holiday season. The message expresses gratitude for your client's business, and acknowledges the painful disruption the pandemic has brought to most families' holiday traditions.

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Presidential Election Reflection (UPDATED)  

November 9, 2020

UPDATED FROM OCT. 2020: This 426-word client reach-out offers three simple reminders on why it's as important as ever to disconnect your long-term investment activities from late-breaking political news. Updated on Nov. 9 for distribution post- instead of pre-election.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2020 Q3  

October 1, 2020

This 558-word Q3 2020 quarterly client letter reminds clients of why it’s important to ignore distractions that might have detracted from their ability to participate in the market’s recent strong overall returns. Illustrations include chasing FAANG stocks, trying to predict presidential elections, and more.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2020 Q2  

July 2, 2020

This 460-word Q2 2020 quarterly client letter reminds clients of the importance of sticking to plan despite near-term market noise in 2020.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2020 Q1  

April 3, 2020

This 652-word Q1 2020 quarterly client letter prepares clients for putting last quarter's returns in perspective. It reviews the activities you're doing on their behalf, encourages them to be in touch if their investment resolve is wavering, and reminds them of the perils of market-timing.

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A CARES Act Overview (Updated 4/3/20)  

April 1, 2020

Share this 1,450-word CARES Act Overview with clients or (slightly modified) with prospects to provide an approachable but relatively substantive summary of critical content within the Act. The overview is organized by audience, such as items applicable to employees, to employers, to businesses, to students, etc. It includes a list of resources referenced, for additional insights. (UPDATED 4/3/20 to reflect SBA clarifications.)

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A Coronavirus Round-Up Report  

March 27, 2020

Use this 812-word overview as an additional reach-out to your clients during the coronavirus crisis (or edit for general purposes). It reviews what you, they and the markets can do at this time, and reminds them of the many ways you're supporting them at this time.

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Taking a New View on Coronavirus  

March 13, 2020

Share this 727-word piece as another timely outreach to your clients (or for general audiences with some edits), to help them remain resolute during current COVID-19-fueled crises. The piece acknowledges the current risks being realized, while pointing out that these same risks are likely to generate important insights for seeding future expected social resilience and market growth.

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Three Thoughts During Scary Markets   Free Sample (Click on title to download)

March 9, 2020

As market headlines go from bad to worse, share this 685-word confidence-building reach-out with your clients (or, with modest edits, with a wider audience). Includes a review of the relationship between risk and expected reward, the significance of being prepared in advance for these kinds of downturns, and a reminder that you remain available to provide objective advice.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2019 Q4  

January 2, 2020

Use this 540-word quarterly client letter to reflect on one- and 10-year retrospectives in the new year, including how and why to separate short-term reactions from long-term strategy.

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You, Your Retirement, and the SECURE Act – CLIENT Audience  

December 24, 2019

Use this 1,300-word document to provide CLIENTS with an overview of what to expect from the newly enacted U.S. SECURE Act -- emphasizing how you will be assisting them in applying the changes according to their best interests. Refer to separate piece revised for GENERAL AUDIENCE use.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving/Holiday Season (2019)  

November 6, 2019

Use this 323-word message to be in touch with your clients for the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2019 holiday season, thanking them for their business and wishing them "joie de vivre." The message also includes language for making an optional gift along with the letter, for all or some of your client relationships.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2019 Q3  

October 2, 2019

Use this 442-word quarterly client letter to remind clients to stay the course amidst breaking global news. It explores how reflexes in your brain can play tricks on your financial resolve.

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A Timely Reminder on the Perils of Market Timing  

August 25, 2019

A 735-word client reach-out about the prospect that a trade war with China could lead to a recession. The piece covers four reasons why trying to engage in market-timing in reaction to the unfolding news remains as ill-advised as ever.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2019 Q2  

July 2, 2019

Use this 632-word quarterly client letter for Q2 2019 to describe Daniel Kahneman's research into decision-making "noise," and how it can be employed for improved investing.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2019 Q1  

April 1, 2019

This 520-word quarterly client letter reflects on the differences between breaking news and timeless investment tenets, noting in particular the contrast between Q1 performance and recent volatile returns just prior.

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A Client Referral Reach-Out  

March 7, 2019

Use this 260-word piece to reach out to clients in an email or postal mailing, reminding them that you warmly welcome their referrals whenever they know of someone who may benefit from a conversation with you or your firm.

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An Homage to John “Jack” Bogle  

January 17, 2019

Use this 340-word note to reach out to clients to celebrate Jack Bogle's life and remind them that you're here to help them pursue their own best pursuits in similar fashion.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2018 Q4  

January 2, 2019

This 515-word quarterly client letter offers two talking points on how to consider current market conditions in the context of long-term market performance. "Average" returns aren't the norm, and recency bias is a risk.

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2018 Year-End Market Volatility Client Reach-Out  

December 6, 2018

Use this 2018 year-end client reach-out to help clients ride out current market volatility. The document contains two versions: (1) a 580-word extended reach-out that includes references to Hans Rosling's new book "Factfulness," and (2) an abbreviated, 330-word reach-out that omits the reference to Rosling's book.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving/Holiday Season (2018)  

November 11, 2018

Use this 280-word message to be in touch with your clients for the U.S. Thanksgiving or the general 2018 holiday season, thanking them for their business and wishing them all the best with a warm and thoughtful reach-out.

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Global Diversification: The Antacid for Market Turbulence  

October 10, 2018

A timely 600-word client reach-out to reflect on the October 10, 2018 U.S. stock market tumble. Emphasizing the continued importance of remaining globally diversified according to one's goals and risk tolerances, the message also reminds them of your role as their fiduciary advisor. Ideal for a client email, the piece can also be modified for more general purposes.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2018 Q3  

October 1, 2018

This 530-word quarterly client letter offers three reasons investors should avoid the temptation to engage in market-timing by abandoning their existing plans and investments out of concern that the market may be "overpriced" and headed for a fall.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2018 Q2  

July 3, 2018

This 400-word quarterly client letter reflects on the mixed bag of scary and enticing market news from the quarter, encouraging clients to stay on course with their well-built portfolio to maintain the highest odds of achieving their personal goals.

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New client welcome letter/email and fact sheet  

May 8, 2018

Customize these templates—a brief letter/email and fact sheet—to welcome new clients to your firm, remind them of their next scheduled meeting with you, and provide key contact information.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2018 Q1  

April 2, 2018

This 500-word quarterly client letter reflects on the recent uptick in market volatility, encouraging clients to be in touch with you if they need a "pep talk," a shift in their investment plans, or both.

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The Current Market Decline in Context  

February 5, 2018

This 430-word message is optimized for reaching out to your clients about the current market decline. It encourages them to stay the course according to their personal plans (unless their own goals have changed). It also reflects on how market drops are normal, and how popular headlines are often designed to grab attention rather than inform readers. The message can be modified to share with prospective clients or for other purposes.

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Cover Intro for Dimensional 2017 Market Review  

January 9, 2018

This 500-word summary provides an introduction you can use to share Dimensional's 2017 Advisor Byline Market Review. You can use it to be in touch with your clients or as a prospecting piece for those interested in evidence-based investing.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2017 Q4  

January 1, 2018

This 425-word, fourth quarter client letter reminds clients of the importance of adhering to their Investment Policy Statement using disciplined rebalancing in the context of strong 2017 market returns.

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Year-End Reflections on the New U.S. Tax Law  

December 21, 2017

Use this 550-word client message to reach out to clients about the U.S. tax law changes, to remind them you're available to assist and to suggest potentially advantageous actions they could take before year-end -- such as increasing charitable contributions or shifting taxable income into 2018.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving (2017)  

November 9, 2017

This 500-word client letter reflects on the true meaning of happiness as you wish your clients a Happy Thanksgiving. Global advisors can modify the letter to use as a general season's greeting to clients.

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Quarterly Client Letter — 2017 Q3  

October 1, 2017

This 330-word, third quarter client letter reminds clients why an evidence-based investment approach remains in their best interests, using an illustration from a Russell quarterly report based on less-dependable advice.

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Equifax Breach Commentary  

September 18, 2017

Use this 785-word client communication to comment on the recently announced Equifax security breach, offer guidance, and remind them of the timeless "Avoiding Financial Scams and Identity Theft Slams" materials you can share with them (also available in the Content-Sharing Library, under Technology). You may also wish to modify this piece to share with additional audiences.

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Hurricane Harvey Texan Client Reach-Out  

August 28, 2017

A 284-word client reach-out for advisors based in Texas, to be in touch with clients about the effects of Hurricane Harvey. (A version for advisors NOT based in Texas also is available as a separate download.)

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Hurricane Harvey General Client Reach-Out  

August 28, 2017

A 238-word client reach-out for advisors NOT based in Texas, to be in touch with clients about the effects of Hurricane Harvey. (A Texan advisor version also is available as a separate download.)

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2017 Q2  

July 4, 2017

This 440-word, second quarter client letter reminds clients to avoid market-timing and focus instead on asset allocation and rebalancing -- in good markets and bad.

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Misperceptions About Market Corrections: Are You Prepared?  

June 4, 2017

This 750-word document can be used in letter, email, article or video script format to help clients and prospects prepare for any future market corrections following the current long stint of relative calm. It encourages readers to ensure their portfolio meets their long-term goals and risk tolerances. Choose from two calls to action at the end, depending on whether you're sharing it with clients or prospects.

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Client Reach-Out on Microsoft Ransomware Alert  

May 15, 2017

Use this 245-word email to reach out to clients and alert them to the current global Microsoft ransomware outbreak. The alert encourages them to install any outstanding Microsoft patches on their devices if they've not yet done so. It also references the new materials on financial fraud and identity theft just added to the Content-Sharing Library. These offer you additional ways to add value to your clients' financial well-being.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2017 Q1  

April 4, 2017

This 525-word, first-quarter client letter summarizes some of the noteworthy market and economic events in Q1 2017 and puts them into the usual "stay the course" context.

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Cover Intro for Dimensional 2016 Market Review  

January 12, 2017

This 450-word summary provides an introduction you can use to share Dimensional's 2016 Advisor Byline Market & Economic Review. It's primarily for being in touch with your clients, although it can be modified to serve as a prospecting piece as well.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2016 Q4  

January 3, 2017

This 425-word, fourth quarter (year-end) client letter acknowledges that 2017 remains an unknown and reminds investors of the durability of what really drives market returns -- which is global human enterprise.

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Canadian Tax-Loss Harvesting: Opportunities and Obstacles  

December 20, 2016

Modified for Canadian use, this 800-word handout can be used to inform clients about what tax-loss harvesting is, how it can be used (as well as when it may not be appropriate), and how it serves as another way you, as their adviser, seek to add value to their investing. With minor edits, it could also be used as a piece to share with prospective clients. (We published U.S. and Anglicised versions of this piece in October 2017).

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Client Cover Letter for Sharing Dimensional Materials  

December 7, 2016

This 260-word (single page) cover letter can be used to share one or more recent resources Dimensional Fund Advisors has made available to advisors who are approved to use their fund line-up. Use this letter to remind CLIENTS of the value that Dimensional funds can add to their evidence-based investing. It references Dimensional's WSJ reprint "The Active-Passive Powerhouse," a Pensions & Investments reprint, "Dissecting Dimensional," and Dimensional's book, "35 Quotations." (The Content-Sharing Library also contains a separate letter for sharing these same materials with PROSPECTS.)

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving (2016)  

November 15, 2016

This 350-word client letter thanks your clients for their relationship with you and encourages them to celebrate their other life relationships during the upcoming U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Global advisors can modify the letter to use as a general season's greeting to clients.

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Post-Election Reflections: The Morning After  

November 9, 2016

This 470-word client letter is a slightly updated and modified version of the client letter posted yesterday (Nov. 8), now that the U.S. presidential election results are known. Either version can be used to contact clients about the unexpected outcome, encourage them to remain on course with their investment strategy and be in touch with you if they have questions.

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Post-Election Reflections  

November 8, 2016

This 440-word client letter can be used on Nov. 8 as U.S. presidential election results are announced, or within the next few days following the election. Use it to remind clients you are available to help them stay the course with their carefully constructed investment strategy ... or to assist them in making updates if warranted.

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Tax-Loss Harvesting: Opportunities and Obstacles  

October 24, 2016

This 800-word handout can be used to inform clients about what tax-loss harvesting is, how it can be used (as well as when it may not be appropriate), and how it serves as another way you, as their adviser, seek to add value to their investing. With minor edits, it could also be used as a piece to share with prospective clients.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2016 Q3  

October 4, 2016

This 480-word, third quarter client letter reflects on a relatively quiet summer, celebrates some recent market milestones and reminds clients that, despite continued domestic and global uncertainties, the best approach is the long-term, evidence-based strategy.

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Intro for “Reflections on Real Estate Investing” Report  

July 19, 2016

For advisers who are receiving timely queries about the current (July 2016) sell-off of U.K. Open Ended Property funds, this 200-word cover letter can be used to share the separate "Reflections on Real Estate Investing" report. The report can be used along with this intro, or it can serve as a general, stand-alone piece on real estate investing.

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Quarterly Client Letter – 2016 Q2  

July 4, 2016

This 360-word, second quarter client letter reminds clients that the markets' responses in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum illustrate the inherent uncertainty involved in maintaining a disciplined, globally diversified portfolio designed to manage risks and capture expected market returns.

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Brexit Vote and Market Outcomes  

June 24, 2016

This 680-word piece can be used to reach out to your clients to remind them that you are there for them and to encourage them to stay the course during the days ahead. With minor modifications, it could be used for a general e-blast, video script or similar content for wider audiences.

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On Investing and Entertainment: John Oliver’s Take  

June 21, 2016

This 435-word client letter can be used to share John Oliver's recent "Last Week Tonight" popular HBO segment on retirement investing. It summarizes Oliver's key messages and encourages your clients to share the video with others who may find the message appealing -- along with a referral to your firm.

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You, the Capital Markets and Your Brexit Fears (Anglicised)  

June 15, 2016

For advisors to reach out to clients who are contemplating abandoning their investment plan in the face of Brexit-generated market volatility, this 500-piece letter reiterates the timeless, evidence-based reasons it's important to avoid reacting to breaking news. Assuming the letter is most appropriate for UK audiences, it is edited for Anglicised references and spellings.

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DOL Fiduciary Ruling Client Reach-Out  

April 10, 2016

A 525-word client reach-out on the DOL's new fiduciary rule, reflecting on its strengths and weaknesses, inviting them to contact you with any questions, and reinforcing the true fiduciary care you've been providing all along.

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April Q1 2016 Client Letter (Guess the Media Source)  

April 1, 2016

This 445-word, first quarter client letter reinforces the importance of staying invested according to plan. It juxtaposes distracting headlines from the popular press with timeless advice from solid sources such as WSJ's Jason Zweig as well as your own evidence-based investment advice. It also reminds clients that you are there to serve their highest financial interests (in case they've been seeing the news about the DOL's impending fiduciary regulations).

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Cover Intro for Dimensional 2015 Year in Review  

January 21, 2016

This 540-word summary provides an introduction you can use to share Dimensional's 2015 Advisor Byline Market & Economic Review. The introduction is a little longer than in most years, given the current market climate. It's primarily for being in touch with your clients, although it can be modified to serve as a prospecting piece as well.

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Additional China-Oil Response  

January 17, 2016

As the market continues to remain in a state of flux, you may want to send another reach-out to your clients (or an initial one if you've not yet been in touch), reminding them that the best course through volatile markets is an evidence-based course. This 380-word message will help you do that.

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Client New Year Greeting-China/Oil Response  

January 7, 2016

Happy New Year! Here is a short, 350-word message you can use to reach out to your clients in light of the market volatility we're experiencing in the opening days of 2016.

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January Q4 2015 Client Letter (Peek-a-Boo Markets)  

January 4, 2016

This 420-word year-end client letter observes that 2015 markets were like a game of peek-a-boo with respect to global returns. It reminds clients how "recency" can trick them into making the wrong moves at the wrong time, and why it's important to stay invested in their personalized, evidence-based, globally diversified portfolio.

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Giving Thoughts  

December 18, 2015

Use this 575-word letter or e-mail to send to your clients to thank them for their business, wish them a Happy New Year and share some uplifting information about increased global philanthropy. The piece also reminds them to consider the big picture for both giving and investing,

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Reflections on Paris  

November 17, 2015

A short (330-word) message to clients offering them thoughtful reflections on your advisor relationship with them in the wake of the Nov. 13 attacks on Paris. For example: "We aim to do all that we can – even if it may never be everything – to nurture what is good and true in our lives." This also can be used as a Thanksgiving or holiday reach-out, or as video script.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving-2015  

November 7, 2015

A 400-word message to send to clients as a Thanksgiving greeting (mail or e-mail), sharing some lighthearted "turkey talk" and expressing gratitude for their business. Each of the Library's annual Thanksgiving messages are timeless, so if you've not yet used messages from years' past, you can choose your favorite among them to send to clients. (Filter by the Holiday category to find them all at https://contentlibrary.thewritingcompany.com/documents/category/holiday/)

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Advice That Adds Up During Down Markets  

October 14, 2015

Here is a 700-word piece you can use to remain in touch with clients who may still be nervous after receiving their third-quarter report during the current down market. It encourages them to stay the course with their carefully planned portfolio, already designed to endure market risks. It reminds them why this is your advice, and how an objective third-party can help them overcome their instinctive reactions to down markets. Use as follow up to your clients' third quarter reports or to reach out to clients or prospects in general. It could also serve as good narrative for a video.

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October Q3 2015 Client Letter (Google Hits vs. Long-Term Investing)  

October 3, 2015

This 470-word article looks at how popular Google results, similar to other forms of headline news, may distract investors from their long-term strategy. It provides salient recent quotes on the importance of remaining disciplined during market uncertainty.

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Client Reach-Out About Bad Market News  

August 22, 2015

You can use this brief, 450-word piece to reach out to clients and prospects in an e-mail or mail distribution, or it could serve as language for a short video. Created for the August 2015 market decline, but applicable with minor edits to any "bad news" market conditions. The piece reminds clients that it is your role as their advisor to put bad market news in context, that this is exactly what realized market risk looks like, and that they should stick to their existing Investment Policy Statement to reap the market's long-term expected rewards.

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July Q2 2015 Client Letter (What We Know Now)  

July 3, 2015

This 400-word letter reminds clients that current market conditions fueled by the Greek debt crisis are an illustration of how and why (1) market risk contributes to future expected returns, and (2) they are probably already best prepared to ride out the risks with their existing, globally diversified portfolio. Use this letter with your quarterly client reports to share a timely message with your clients.

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April Q1 2015 Client Letter (Relevant/Fiduciary Advice)  

April 2, 2015

This 350-word client letter addresses the timeless relevance of robust advice versus secondary and/or "robo" advice. It describes how the advice you offer complements evidence-based investing and best serves adviser and investor alike. Two versions of the letter are bundled into this downloadable zip file: The US version uses the term, "fiduciary." A global version references transparent, objective advice.

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Helping New Clients Break Up With Their Broker  

March 3, 2015

Here are two short letters/e-mails (bundled into a single, two-page Word document) to help your new clients “break up” with their broker after they have selected you as their new advisor. The first piece is a cover letter or e-mail to send to new clients, explaining the material; the second is content they can send to their former broker/advisor to ease the transition.

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January Q4 2014 Client Letter (Recency & Tracking-Error)  

January 4, 2015

This 390-word client letter can be used as a cover letter to accompany your quarterly client reports or as a stand-alone communication. It advises clients to avoid recency and tracking-error regret as they consider 2014 annual returns (when a concentrated large-cap U.S. position outperformed the typical globally diversified strategy).

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving-2014  

November 11, 2014

This 300-word letter/e-mail is a template you can use to reach out to clients, to send them Thanksgiving greetings. This year's theme focuses on the way you are grateful to your clients for their personal and professional relationship with you. Use the piece as a client letter or e-mail, or modify it for other purposes as appropriate.

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October Q3 2014 Client Letter (CAPE ratio)  

October 2, 2014

This 420-word client letter can be used as a cover letter to accompany your quarterly client reports or as a stand-alone communication. It presents recent media coverage of Shiller and Malkiel's assessments of the CAPE ratio and stock pricing, and why it remains prudent for clients to stick with their long-term globally diversified portfolio.

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Market Mania and Investor Resolve … Again  

July 31, 2014

This 500-word timely client letter can be used to contact clients who may be concerned about the July 31 2014 steep market decline (or modifiable to be used in the days ahead, depending on continued news). Borrowing on language from past periods of market risk, it reinforces the importance of avoiding herd mentality and instead staying the course during times when market risk appears.

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July Q2 2014 Client Letter (Wm Sharpe)  

July 1, 2014

This 375-word client letter can be used as a cover letter to accompany your quarterly client reports or as a stand-alone communication. Based on a SensibleInvesting.tv interview with Nobel laureate William F. Sharpe, it reminds readers that, even as time, technology and terminology march on, some investment essentials remain as strong as ever. (Ties well with recent Evidence-Based Investment Insights series covering the benefits of diversification.)

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Heartbleed Security Reach-Out  

April 10, 2014

This 280-word e-mail alerts your clients that you are aware of and following up on the Heartbleed Security bug announced this week and that you will be in touch promptly should they need to take any action at their end. A Mashable link is provided to help you inform your clients whether their specific account custodian appears to be affected by the breach. (Most of them appear not to be, since brokers/banks don't seem to be using OpenSSL where the breach occurred), The event also serves as a good reminder that they should routinely update their account passwords every 60-90 days.

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April Q1 2014 Client Letter (Michael Lewis & HFT)  

April 3, 2014

This 475-word client letter can be used as a cover letter to accompany your quarterly client reports or as a stand-alone communication. It addresses Michael Lewis' March 30th, 2014 "60 Minutes" discussion about his new book on high-frequency traders. The incident is a good lesson on why clients need to be aligned with a fiduciary advisor like you to look out for their interests in a market that is expected to reward patient investors, but that clearly has its dark side.

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Portfolio Analysis Offer – for Prospects & Client Referrals  

March 27, 2014

Two letters or e-mails for the price of one! These 350-word calls to action offer a complimentary portfolio analysis to qualified prospects. One version is for sending directly to qualified prospects. The other is to remind your clients that you are available to help others they care about with an objective, confidential portfolio analysis.

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Cover Intro for Dimensional 2013 Year in Review  

January 29, 2014

Here's a 230-word letter or e-mail you can use to share Dimensional Fund Advisors' Advisor Byline 2013 Year in Review (assuming you are a Dimensional firm). There is a version directed to clients and another directed to prospective clients, encouraging them to read Dimensional's report and be in touch with you for follow-up. Both versions help remind the reader about the importance of adopting an evidence-based investment strategy.

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January Q4 2013 Client Letter  

January 5, 2014

This 350-word (one page) client letter can be used as a cover letter to accompany your quarterly client reports or as a stand-alone communication. It reminds clients that, in the context of great 2013 returns but an uncertain future, it's better to base one's decisions on the durable science of investing than on past performance or attempts to time the market.

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2013 Holiday/Year-End Reach-Out Client Letter  

December 18, 2013

Here's a short & sweet, 200-word letter or e-mail to send to your clients wishing them an uplifting holiday season and new year. Includes a feel-good link to a recent report that the US has regained its standing as the world's most giving nation.

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A Meaningful Message for Thanksgiving-2013  

November 15, 2013

This 430-word communication is a template you can use to reach out to clients, to send Thanksgiving greetings as well as a meaningful reminder of how an evidence-based investment strategy helps them more fully enjoy the things that matter most during the holiday season: friends, family, interests and expressions of gratitude. Referencing an entertaining anecdote shared by Carl Richards in one of his New York Times blog posts, the template also includes an optional offer to send clients a free copy of Carl's book, The Behavior Gap. Use the piece as a letter or e-mail, or modify it for other purposes as appropriate.

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Professor Fama’s Nobel Prize and You  

October 14, 2013

This 570-word article celebrates Professor Eugene Fama's receipt of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Economics, and how Fama's work contributes to your clients' personal investment experiences. It also explains how you, as their advisor, add value by translating sometimes conflicting academic evidence (such as Fama’s/Shiller's respective work) into practical application toward achieving individual end goals. Use the piece as a direct client communication or modify/customize for wider use.

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October Q3 2013 Client Letter  

October 4, 2013

This 340-word (one page) client letter can be used as a cover letter to accompany your quarterly client reports or as a stand-alone communication, reminding clients to stick with their disciplined plan in the face of current political and economic uncertainty (government shutdown, debt ceiling, interest rate climate, etc.)

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July 2013 Client Letter  

July 2, 2013

Overview of market conditions in Q2, 2013.

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