Independent Fiduciary Advice and Quantitative Investment Management

Many people have accounts, insurance, taxes, and estate plans handled in separate places, with no one looking at how they fit together. I started Acanto to give independent, fiduciary-minded advice that begins with your whole picture. Clarity comes first, strategy second.

It means decisions grounded in published research and testing, not forecasts or opinions. Acanto publishes original research papers and explains the methods and limits. The research uses historical data and hypothetical results, which don't predict future results.

Large declines can matter a great deal, especially near or during retirement, when withdrawals continue through a downturn. Part of my work is studying ways to manage that risk, such as diversification, risk-based position sizing, and momentum signals that may reduce exposure when markets weaken. These approaches may limit some losses but cannot eliminate them, and they can lag when markets recover. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Momentum looks at which assets have recently been stronger and tilts toward them. It's one of the topics in Acanto's research. Momentum strategies can underperform, and trading can create costs and taxes.

Risk parity sizes positions by how much risk each contributes, not by dollar amount, to seek a more balanced mix of risks. It relies on historical estimates of risk that may not hold in the future, and it can lag in some market conditions.

Some Acanto strategies may use them where suitable. Alternative ETFs use approaches beyond traditional stocks and bonds, and some are designed to generally not move with the broad market. They can still lose value, and they carry their own costs, risks, and tax considerations. Whether they fit depends on your circumstances.

Life, disability, and long-term care coverage are part of seeing the whole picture. When it's relevant, I coordinate with independent insurance professionals. Insurance has costs, limits, and eligibility requirements, and what makes sense depends on your situation.

Acanto's research papers and explainer videos are on the Strategies page of this website. They include hypothetical results with risk disclosures.

You'll speak directly with me. I take introductory calls personally, so we start with a clear understanding of your goals.

Start with your Asset-Map® (about 15 to 30 minutes, complimentary). Then book a 30-minute video call with me. We use the call to look at your picture together and talk through your questions, including how I approach investing. It's educational, and you decide what happens next.

No. The initial conversation and your Asset-Map® are complimentary. If you later choose to work together, I'll explain how we are compensated in writing before you decide anything.

Your goals, what's on your mind, and what your Asset-Map® shows. It's also a good time to ask how I invest. I can explain Acanto's research on momentum, risk parity, and ways to manage market declines, and where alternative ETFs may fit. All of it carries limits: these approaches can underperform, and all investing involves risk of loss. The call is educational, not personalized advice.

Your Asset-Map® and a list of questions. I recommend starting it before the call, since we can then spend our time on your situation instead of introductions. You don't need account statements.

About 30 minutes. That's enough time to look at your Asset-Map® and cover your main questions.

No. This call is educational and focused on you. Whether Acanto's planning and investment approach fits is your decision, and there's no pressure either way.

First, you decide, with no obligation and no deadline. Second, if we both see a fit, I send a written proposal that explains the scope of the work and how we are compensated. Third, if you move forward, we gather your account details and review your full financial picture. If it isn't the right fit, I'll still point you to helpful educational resources.

Yes, all of my meetings are virtual. I work with clients by video or phone, so you can meet from wherever you are. You'll receive a meeting link and any materials ahead of time.

Not on the first call. If we decide to move forward, I'll gather that information as part of the planning work. Your Asset-Map® gives us a starting picture.

That's fine. I explain everything in plain language, and no question is too basic. Your Asset-Map® puts your accounts, insurance, and debts on one page, which makes the conversation easier.

Use the scheduling link on this page to pick a date and time. You'll get a confirmation with a meeting link, and I'll send you the link to your Asset-Map® if you haven't started it. Starting it before our call makes the time more useful.