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5 Reasons Why Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) Are Your Best Bet for Retirement

Written by VGA Investment Team | Oct 10, 2024 7:00:00 PM

5 Reasons Why Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) Are Your Best Bet for Retirement


Planning for retirement can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, if you want a smart, personalized approach, Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) might be your perfect choice. Let’s explore five reasons why SMAs are a powerful tool for retirement planning.

 

1. Personalized Investment Strategy

No two investors are the same, and when it comes to retirement, a cookie-cutter approach simply doesn’t work. SMAs allow you to build a custom portfolio based on your specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

If you're getting closer to retirement and prefer safer, income-generating investments, an SMA gives you the flexibility to focus on options like dividend-paying stocks or bonds. This ensures that your investment mix is designed for you and your future, not just a generalized pool of investors.

 

2. Direct Ownership of Assets

One of the standout features of SMAs is direct ownership of individual securities. Unlike mutual funds or ETFs where you own a share of the fund, SMAs provide you with control over the underlying assets.

Direct ownership comes with benefits like greater flexibility for tax planning and more control over your portfolio. If managing capital gains taxes is a priority for you, an SMA allows for targeted buying and selling, helping you minimize your tax exposure while keeping your retirement plan on track.

 

3. Tax Efficiency and Flexibility

When preparing for retirement, protecting your wealth is just as important as growing it. SMAs are known for their tax efficiency, allowing you to take advantage of strategies like tax-loss harvesting.

By selling investments that have decreased in value, you can offset any capital gains and reduce your overall tax bill. Over time, this level of tax efficiency can have a significant positive impact on your retirement portfolio, helping your money last longer and work harder for you.

 

4. Professional Management and Expertise

With an SMA, you get more than just an investment account - you gain access to professional investment management. A dedicated manager oversees your portfolio, monitors the market, and makes adjustments to ensure your retirement goals stay in focus.

If the stock market takes a dip, your manager can make the necessary moves without emotional decision-making. This guidance is invaluable, especially as market conditions fluctuate. Having a professional oversee your retirement investments means you're not left guessing or making reactive choices. Knowing that your portfolio is being carefully managed by an expert can help alleviate worry.

 

5. Transparency and Control

SMAs offer complete transparency, so you know exactly what you're invested in, when trades occur, and how much each investment is worth. This clear visibility helps build trust and keeps you informed every step of the way.

Unlike mutual funds or ETFs where you might not have full insight into trade timing or decision-making, SMAs allow you to stay engaged and in control. You’re able to communicate directly with your investment manager, making sure that your portfolio is aligned with your evolving goals. This level of transparency allows the comfort that you always know where you stand financially as you approach retirement.

A Smarter Way to Retire

Separately Managed Accounts offer a unique combination of personalized strategy, tax efficiency, and professional oversight. They allow you to directly own your assets while giving you the flexibility to adjust your portfolio according to your financial needs. As you prepare for retirement, SMAs provide the tools you need for a secure financial future - without relying on generic, one-size-fits-all solutions.

So, when it comes to retirement planning, consider adding SMAs to your portfolio. Their tailored approach, combined with tax advantages and professional management, makes them a smart choice for anyone looking to help ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

 

Vineyard Global Advisors offers 13 fee-only, actively managed, including hedged and long-only investment strategies via separately managed accounts. Contact Us to learn more.

Knowing how to evaluate potential risks and rewards carefully can be
overwhelming. Look for a manager who has the experience and ability to tailor your portfolio and who can access specialized funds, strategies, and opportunities.