Tribute to John Bogle
Submitted by Holzer & Company, Inc on February 12th, 2019It is a snowy day in February and I have been meaning to write this blog for about 2 weeks, since Mr. Bogle passed away.
I have read tributes by many well known financial advisors and writers. He was a legend and leader in the industry. Most of all, he fought for the average investor.
He cared about the pension plans and savings of working people who cannot afford to take big risks and pay high fees for advisory services.
I heard him speak a a few times and have some books signed personally. His message has definitely influenced how I advise my clients. I have given his books as gifts to client over the years.
In some cases, my "style" was not exciting enough or glamorous enough. We focus on the overall asset allocation to meet a client's goals and fill asset classes with low cost index funds whenever possible.
In the long run, it works pretty well. Portfolios have weathered through many downturns, including the financial disaster of 2008.
Not exciting, not glamorous, but it gets good results.
In one of Mr. Bogle's later books entitle "Enough", it really made me think about what we strive for, what our goals should be and how we can give back.
And I often ask a client, so what is "enough" for you.
It always gave me a sense of security that John Bogle was still out here, at the age of 93, still fighting. Now, it is his legacy that will have to carry us and hope that much of what he advocated has become a part of the system that will not go away easily. And that institutions like Vanguard will continue to provide affordable low cost services and products for all investors.