Our value-oriented investment style guides us in every decision we make for our clients. But, becoming a successful value investor requires discipline and the dedication to attain a certain level of skill. That’s why we’ve created an audio series – Value Investing 101 – using our straight-talking, common sense approach, to help investors understand what it takes to succeed for the long-term.

Lesson 1: How to Develop a Successful Investor Mindset
The dream of financial independence is achievable but what does it take to get there? Investors generally drift from one investment style or system to another, seeking the latest trend to help them realize this dream. While there are no short cuts to success, having a certain mindset can help you achieve your financial goals.

Lesson 2: Developing a Core Set of Beliefs
Just as it’s important to have a set of moral values to guide the decisions you make in life, it’s also important to have a core set of investing beliefs to guide your long-term success as an investor. Investment markets are often volatile and a set of guidelines will keep you focused on your financial goals and help you resist emotional decision-making. .

Lesson 3: What to Read and Study to Be an Informed Investor
Investment analysis and research are critical to making investment decisions, but often, investors follow what someone on TV may suggest rather than what may be best for their financial situation. So, what are the important publications to focus on to (a) increase your general knowledge and understanding of investing (specifically value investing) in order to lay the foundation for building your portfolio; and (b) spot future investment opportunities?

Lesson 4: The Importance Having a Financial Plan.
The balancing act between the emotions of fear and greed is the battle that investors constantly fight when investing for their financial future. That is why the development of a financial plan is so important. It can help protect you from succumbing to either emotion by providing a road map for the future while outlining the allocations necessary for achieving your goals.

Lesson 5: The Proper Asset Allocation in Your Portfolio.
Is proper asset allocation truly important? It is in regards to risk reduction. With the understanding that a diversified portfolio acts very differently than the individual assets within it, having a proper asset allocation allows you to find ways to improve your return while minimizing your risk.

Lesson 6: How to Pick Stocks – Part 1: The Fundamental Aspect.
Successful stock picking requires the ability to analyze the underlying fundamentals of a business. It is so important, that you should spend eighty percent of your time on the analysis of the company - picking it apart and fully understanding how the business works.

Lesson 7: How to Pick Stocks – Part 2: The Valuation Level.
“Don’t overpay for a stock.” The rule seems easy, but it is very difficult for the average investor to follow. For many this is because they get caught up in the excitement of the market momentum during periods of high profit margins. The end result is often buying a company that doesn’t have a sustainable competitive advantage, and paying a premium multiple to own it. It is much better to be patient and focus on the underlying value of the business and not on speculation.

Lesson 8: Knowing How and When to Sell.
Too many investors find the sell decision to be the hardest part of the investment process. The reason is simple – they most likely have not put enough work into knowing why they bought the stock in the first place. Understanding why you bought the stock should help you know when you should sell.