Look up the word “atlas” in the dictionary and you’ll find three key entries. The first is “a collection of global maps.” The second is “Titan, the mythical creature condemned to support the sky on his shoulders.” The third is “Charles Atlas, famed body builder.” All three definitions could very well describe Atlas Advisory Group.

Based in Cranford, NJ, Atlas Advisory Group is comprised of a collection of carefully selected, seasoned professionals who are willing to carry the heavy weight of overseeing the day-to-day management of affluent individuals’ investments. Through the construction of tailored accounts that leverage the firm’s strengths, the results are proficiently wrought, profitable portfolios for each and every client.

One of the standout professionals at Atlas is partner Gregory Dillon. His client base is comprised of corporate leaders, successful business owners and Wall Street executives. Dillon’s areas of expertise run the gamut from investment portfolio design to charitable gifting to estate planning to insurance to retirement planning. And speaking of retirement planning, Dillon says an increasing number of high net-worth individuals are grossly lacking in this crucial area.

“One of the reasons is the unwillingness of individuals to re-enter the market after the financial crisis of 2008/09,” Dillon explained. Other factors for “this lack of preparedness for retirement” are “an increase in life expectancy, a decrease in the number of companies and governments that offer pension plans and the low interest rate environment.”

Enduring five years of near zero interest rates, many investors are tempted to take on more risk in exchange for high yield. This “risk-on” willingness has given rise to any number of available financial planning products, some convoluted, some non-transparent and some quite dicey. “It’s become very sophisticated. Our job is to educate and inform clients on all types of products we offer, minimize risk and maximize returns,” Dillon explained.

A former UBS fixed-income trader, the dedicated Dillon always has a keen eye on global and US markets. But he stresses that his investment approach is for the long haul. “Although I do watch the markets, daily movement should not impact long-term financial planning decisions.”

With all three U.S. major indexes on a tear year-to-date, many investors might feel tempted to fall back into the “get rich schemes” familiar during the dot com boom and pre-2008 era. And recent history shows long-term investing works only as long as market participants are making money. The answer is investing with “active risk management,” something most investors aren’t equipped to handle and best left for professionals like Dillon.

The bottom line is that all investment strategies can and do hit bumps in the roads. Without a mapped-out plan prepared by an astute pro and unwilling to bear the burden of sharp declines, scores of investors give up – but not Atlas Advisory Group.

When the going gets tough, Atlas merely gets tougher.

For more information, please visit: www.atlasadvisorygroup.com