Home Office About my practice As a Registered Investment Advisor, Nichols Investment Advisory Services provides asset management services to individuals as well as businesses. Asset Allocation and Portfolio Analysis The most important element of any investment planning activity is asset allocation. Nichols Investment Advisory Services develops investment portfolios with greater expected returns given various levels of risk. A written analysis is produced which considers a clients specific investment objectives and develops an appropriate mix of investment alternatives. A rational strategic plan for investing is produced. Typically recommended portfolios are implemented utilizing mutual funds which are carefully screened and selected considering many factors, including performance in up markets, performance in down markets, expense ratio, tenure of management, management style, and investment objective. Portfolios are implemented through Fidelity Investment Advisory Group and their institutional funds network. Sales charges and transaction fees are waived. Portfolios are examined quarterly and re-balancing is considered. Portfolio Analysis Portfolios often contain individual stocks and bonds as well as mutual funds. Nichols Investment Advisory Services performs a detailed analysis of these portfolios comparing them to the Standard and Poors 500 index and carefully screens each security. During this analytical process many aspects are examined including the historical performance of securities and sector diversification. Recommended portfolios are implemented through Fidelity Investment Advisor Group. Clients do not pay commissions, however Fidelity charges a small transaction fee for trades involving individual securities. Mutual funds are selected and purchased without sales charges or transaction fees. Portfolios are tracked and subsequent trades are placed utilizing a proprietary methodology. Modular Financial Planning Nichols Investment Advisory Services performs modular financial planning including retirement analysis, education funding analysis, insurance needs analysis, and goal planning analysis for a small fee. Pension Planning Nichols Investment Advisory Services works closely with businesses and small medical pratices to select a pension plan that will fully take advantage of the provisions that are available to them. Existing plans are examined for structure and existing assets are analysed. Proposed portfolios are implemented through Fidelity Investment Advisor Group and reporting and plan administration is performed by a third party national pension services company.