The most popular stocks might not be the best option for investors to reach their financial goals.
So says Roger S. Green, founder and principal of Green Financial Resources, LLC, based in Duluth, Georgia.
Green knows this goes against the mainstream mindset of the investment world where selections from within the S&P 500 are often sought. Yet, he stands by his decision to select investment options from within emerging international markets and smaller companies that aren’t necessarily grabbing the headlines of the financial news industry. Instead, they are creating value for investors – especially those tolerant of some risk for a long-term gain.*
“One of the biggest things that I see within the financial services industry that needs to fundamentally change is a lack of true diversification amongst asset allocation,” Green said. “Ninety percent of the (invested) money is in the top 1000 stocks. The most popular stocks are not always the best ones to invest your money in because the return is too minimal.”
It takes education – and lots of it – to prove his viewpoint, and again Green does not shy away from standing behind his philosophy.
Client education is the hallmark of Green Financial Resources. Since 1997, Green has been teaching courses via firm-sponsored seminars and at local colleges. He draws upon his own experience and education – including his master’s degree in financial management and several industry certifications – to create courses that are full of the pertinent financial information to help people make educated choices. The material is presented in an easy-to-understand format that lacks confusing industry jargon.
The firm is also sponsoring online financial literacy programs within some local middle schools.
“We believe financial education is really important; it is incumbent upon us within the financial industry to ensure that economic and money issues are being taught at all levels, and that it is being taught in the right manner,” Green said.
Recognizing that money issues are a taboo subject for many people who often shut-down when financial matters are the topic of conversation, Green makes this point: their financial futures cannot be improved unless the mistakes from the financial past are acknowledged and corrected in the financial present.
For some of Green’s clients, their first meeting with him may be the first time in their lives that they have talked openly and vulnerably about financial matters. Green values their trust and seeks to build relationships that will increase client knowledge as well as their retirement savings.
“I think it’s really important for us to offer more examples and have more open dialogue with people about making the right decisions, being successful, and knowing the efficacy of different paths,” said Green. “That only comes from doing it, getting down and rolling up your sleeves, and spending some time with someone,” Green said.
Learn more Green Financial Resources, LLC, online at rogersgreen.com
Roger S. Green of Green Financial Resources, LLC is a Registered Representative of, and securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera and Green Financial are not affiliated. Roger’s office is located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway Duluth, GA 30096.
*Investments in securities do not offer a fix rate of return. Principal, yield, and/or share price will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and, when sold or redeemed, you may receive more or less than originally invested.