Getting What You Pay For—and More 

Empyrion Wealth Dimensional

How often does a favorite product or service get less expensive? It almost always goes the other way, right? In a world where just about everything gets more pricey all the time, it’s surprising and refreshing to get news of an actual price drop.

Thus, you can imagine my excitement to learn of the recently announced decrease in management fees by Dimensional Fund Advisors, one of my most trusted and reliable mutual fund companies. Effective February 28, 2020, Dimensional will be reducing the management fees on 77 funds offered in the US: an average reduction in fees of 8% on an asset-weighted basis. I have worked closely with this investment group for a number of years because I’m a great admirer of their evidence-based, Nobel Prize–winning investment research and methods. To me, this announcement once again demonstrates how seriously Dimensional takes the responsibility to offer the greatest possible value to the investors who place their confidence in the company’s expertise and research.

I especially appreciate Dimensional’s commitment to providing the most efficient and cost-effective service to investors because this mirrors my pledge to my clients. As I work with thriving retirees, family stewards, women in transition, and others, I am dedicated to providing value that goes far beyond simple execution of trades. My clients depend on me to have deep knowledge of their individual situations, goals, and priorities. My responsibility to my clients goes beyond portfolio management; I walk with them on their journey through life.

It’s also important to remember that carefully managing fees and expenses is crucial for the long-term performance of your portfolio. As the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy recently pointed out, even a fraction of a percent in extra fees and expenses can make a huge difference in the funds you’ll have available to support your retirement or other long-term goals. A $100,000 portfolio with a long-term average growth rate of 4% would increase to almost $210,000 over 20 years, assuming investment fees and expenses of 0.25%. But that same portfolio can only grow to $180,000 if the fees and expenses are as much as 1%.

Investors should not have to wonder what their investments are costing them in fees and other expenses. The fee structure of my clients’ accounts is completely transparent, and my promise to them is that their accounts will always be managed as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Thanks to the conscientious and value-conscious professionals at Dimensional Fund Advisors, that just got a little easier.

Stay Diversified, Stay YOUR Course!

Empyrion Wealth Management (“Empyrion”) is an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Information pertaining to Empyrion’s advisory operations, services and fees is set forth in Empyrion’s current Form ADV Part 2A brochure, copies of which are available upon request at no cost or at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The views expressed by the author are the author’s alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Empyrion. The information contained in any third-party resource cited herein is not owned or controlled by Empyrion, and Empyrion does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any information that may be found in such resources. Links to any third-party resource are provided as a courtesy for reference only and are not intended to be, and do not act as, an endorsement by Empyrion of the third party or any of its content. The standard information provided in this blog is for general purposes only and should not be construed as, or used as a substitute for, financial, investment or other professional advice. If you have questions regarding your financial situation, you should consult your financial planner or investment advisor.

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