Beyond the Privacy Policy - Securing Confidential Information

As the custodian of sensitive and private information, we recognize the importance of protecting confidential information from loss, misuse and unauthorized access.  Our Privacy Policy states that we will maintain a secure office and computer environment to ensure that our clients' information is not placed at unreasonable risk. 

We already encrypt all of the data on our computer systems.  We have added the capability of sending secure/encrypted email and a file sharing system that allows our clients to send documents to us over a secure browser link. 

We want to remind everyone to be cautious when sending confidential data across the Internet in an unencrypted email.  Unencrypted email can be accessed and it is difficult or impossible to detect the filtering or collection of email by an unauthorized party.

Scott and Brent have been named as Five Star Wealth Managers - Again

Scott and Brent have been named as Five Star Wealth Managers by Texas Monthly again in 2012.  Scott also received this award for 2009 and 2011 and Brent received the award for 2010 and 2011.  Bob, Brent, Scott, and Dave are in D Magazine's October 2010 issue list of the top wealth managers in Dallas - Fort Worth. Visit our awards page here to learn more.

Portfolio Model Performance Updated Through March 31, 2012

We have updated the returns for our model portfolios through March 31, 2012 and added a benchmark index for each portfolio.  Benchmarks are constructed using a blend of the MSCI World Index (net div) and the Citigroup World Government Bond Index 1-3 Years (hedged) with the same equity/fixed income weightings as the portfolio models and are rebalanced on the same schedule as the portfolio models.  To view the results, click here.

Talis 2012 Q1 Quarterly Investment Review

Click here to access the Talis 2012 Q1 Quarterly Investment Review in the Library section of our website. The review contains a discussion of market performance for the last quarter. It begins with a global overview, then features the returns of stock and bond asset classes in the US and international markets. The report also illustrates the performance of globally diversified portfolios.

Dimensional Stories: People Putting Ideas Into Practice

Dimensional Stories: People Putting Ideas Into Practice is a multipart series in which the people of Dimensional Fund Advisors reflect on the values, events, and decisions that defined the firm and inspired a better way to invest around the world.

Visit the Fama French Forum

Updated 2012 Form ADV Part 2A

Our 2012 SEC Form ADV Part 2A is now available on the SEC's Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website.  The new Form ADV Part 2A is significantly expanded and is now written in plain English, per the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.  If you are a client or are considering becoming a client, we strongly suggest that you read it in its entirety.  It contains a information about our firm's ownership, our fee structure, portfolio management practices, custodians and numerous other important topics.

Behavioral Biases and Investment Implications

Behavioral Biases and Investment Implications reviews the research that indicates that that humans are not naturally wired for prudent, long-term investing. Scott Bosworth, Vice President and Regional Director at DFA, describes common forms of behavioral bias and discusses how these biases influence investment decision making. He also explains how knowledge and discipline can help investors control their instincts for a better investment outcome.

A Comparison of Strategic Asset Allocation Portfolio Performance

A Comparison of Strategic Asset Allocation Portfolio Performance to Mutual Fund Tactical Asset Allocation Performance - Updated through December 2010 is now available.  In this paper, we conduct a comparison of a globally diversified strategic asset allocation portfolio to diversified tactical asset allocation portfolios using load-adjusted 10-year annualized return and the Sharpe Ratio.

Should equity investors be alarmed

Should equity investors be alarmed by the prospect of greater government intervention in the US economy? In the presentation Government Intervention and Stock Returns, DFA's Weston Wellington looks at examples of US intervention in the past and examines the record of stock returns around the world over the last thirty-nine years. The evidence suggests that government intervention is just one factor among many affecting stock returns, and that an above-average degree of intervention is not necessarily associated with below-average returns.

Managing Inflation Risk

In Managing Inflation Risk, we discuss how more investors have shifted their concern from weathering the financial crisis to anticipating the inflationary effects of rising federal spending and debt.  Many people are asking how they can prepare for potentially higher inflation.  This article explores two basic ways to address inflation uncertainty and highlights asset groups that may prove useful.