FAQ  #9. What is your professional philosophy?

I prefer the so-called life planning approach, over and beyond product sales, investment or risk management, and mainstream financial planning.

I believe that we should deal with finances not for its own sake but because of objectives beyond finances. One consequence of it is the need to advocate ‘Wise and Decent’ dealing with finances (WaD, an extension of the concept of socially responsible, green, ethical investing).

Risk management and cost control are vital. I think that individual stock or fund selection is secondary; disciplined portfolio approach is the key to success.

Both passive and active money management have their own merits. Some people can be better off if they buy investment products directly, without sales people. However, studies have shown that many of those Do-It-Yourself investors who do not seek any help are not as successful as investors who utilize the expertise of professional advisors.