--- title: 4Thought Financial Group FAQs --- [![4thought\_footer-logo.png](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png?width=335&height=101&name=4thought_footer-logo.png "4thought_footer-logo.png")](https://www.4tfg.com/) - [![4Thought Financial Group](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/) [![4Thought Financial Group Compass](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4Though-Compass.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/) - [About 4Thought](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) - [Our Investment Methodology](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) - [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) - [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media) - [Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) - [Services](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) - [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) - [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) - [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) - [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) - [Resources](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) - [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) - [Portfolio Review](https://www.4tfg.com/portfolio-review) - [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests) - [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/cpe-continuing-education) - [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) - [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) - [Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) - Log In - [Goldman Sachs Accounts](https://custodysolutions.gs.com/client-app) - [Wealth Management](https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/SignIn?ema) - [Consolidated Reporting](https://client.myadvisorlink.com/auth/users/webportal/4tfg) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/rps-login) - - Log In - [Goldman Sachs Accounts](https://custodysolutions.gs.com/client-app) - [Wealth Management](https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/SignIn?ema) - [Consolidated Reporting](https://client.myadvisorlink.com/auth/users/webportal/4tfg) - [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/rps-login) ## 4Thought Investing Resources ## 4Thought Investing Resources [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/) [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/investment-strategy) [Personal Finance](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/personal-investing) [Business Finance](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/business-finance) [For Professionals](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/financial-professionals)[Compass and Crosshairs](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/topic/compass-and-crosshairs) # **Frequently Asked Questions** SUBSCRIBE Subscribe for free tips and articles to help you lead a smarter financial life. [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Bear Bull Wolf Eagle](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/bear-bull-wolf-eagle) ## [Investing in the Coronavirus Bear Market](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/investing-in-the-coronavirus-bear-market) A Bear Market is usually defined as a 20% or greater cumulative decline from a record high price. So while the impact of a Bear Market on an investment portfolio causes short-term pain for people that already own stocks, it also offers an opportunity for long-term investors that may only come along a few times in a lifetime. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/investing-in-the-coronavirus-bear-market) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-news) ## [Financial Planning Idea for the Day: Micro vs. Macro: Draft a Plan Before Moving Forward](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/micro-macro-draft-financial-plan) Learn the importance of developing a sound financial plan, and thinking macro, before making any investment decisions. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/micro-macro-draft-financial-plan) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-news) ## [Financial Planning Idea for the Day: Am I Paying High Investment Fees?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/why-am-i-paying-high-investment-fees) Yes, you may be. 4Thought Financial CFO Martin Levine suggests reviewing your options before moving forward to ensure you avoid paying high investment fees. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/why-am-i-paying-high-investment-fees) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-news) ## [Financial Planning Idea for the Day: Turn Life Insurance Into an Annuity For Income](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/life-insurance-into-an-annuity-for-income) Learn how the cash value of old life insurance policies can be directed to an annuity to create an additional income stream for seniors. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/life-insurance-into-an-annuity-for-income) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-news) ## [Financial Planning Idea for the Day: The Advantages of Retainer Fee Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/advantages-of-retainer-fee-financial-planning) Retainer fee-based financial planning puts the sole focus on objective financial advice, not on advisor commission. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/advantages-of-retainer-fee-financial-planning) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-news) ## [Financial Planning Idea for the Day: What Type of Life Insurance Company Should I Choose?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-type-of-life-insurance-company-should-i-choose) In this brief video, 4Thought Financial Group CFO Martin Levine discusses the benefits of mutual life insurance companies, which are owned by policyholders and focus on long-term value. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-type-of-life-insurance-company-should-i-choose) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) ## [What is a Wolf Market?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-a-wolf-market) Wolf Markets are defined as any period of 10% or greater downward price correction, beginning with the day of the initial peak price and ending at the day before the initial peak price is reached again. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-a-wolf-market) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) ## [What is an Eagle Market?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-an-eagle-market) Eagle Markets are defined as any period exhibiting trailing one-year returns of +30% or greater without an intervening 10% or greater downward price correction. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-an-eagle-market) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Accounts and Clients](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/accounts-and-clients) ## [How are fractional shares treated in my 4Thought account?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-are-fractional-shares-treated-in-my-4thought-account) Fractional share accounting means we do not have to trade only in whole shares, which would limit our ability to get you exactly to your target exposures. The use of fractional shares enables your portfolio to obtain near-exact exposures to the assets we want, even for the smallest of accounts. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-are-fractional-shares-treated-in-my-4thought-account) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Robo Advising](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/robo-advising) ## [What is a “robo advisor”?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-a-robo-advisor) A robo-advisor is the preferred term of the financial media used to describe a variety of digitally-delivered online services that leverage technology to attempt to automate the bulk of (if not all of) the investment advisory services process for retail investors, and in some cases parts of the fee financial planning process. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-a-robo-advisor) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Accounts and Clients](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/accounts-and-clients) ## [What happens to idle cash in my 4Thought account?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-happens-to-idle-cash-in-my-4thought-account) For investors taking systematic withdrawals from their account, cash from dividends and other income will be allowed to accumulate in the account to ensure liquidity needed to fund withdrawals. For investors that are not taking systematic withdrawals, any accumulated excess cash will automatically be reinvested [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-happens-to-idle-cash-in-my-4thought-account) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/wealth-management) , [Accounts and Clients](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/accounts-and-clients) ## [How does tax loss harvesting work for 4Thought’s portfolios?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-does-tax-loss-harvesting-work-for-4thoughts-portfolios) For taxable accounts, the use of tax loss harvesting to attempt to minimize tax liabilities without hampering returns can be done in two ways through 4Thought: Intra-account harvesting and Inter-account harvesting. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-does-tax-loss-harvesting-work-for-4thoughts-portfolios) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/wealth-management) ## [Do I need life insurance?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/do-i-need-life-insurance) Is there anyone that you provide financial support for? Are you potentially subject to estate taxes? Do you have concerns about the continuity of a business you’ve worked hard to build? For these and other reasons, life insurance could be a vital part of your overall financial plan – but it’s not necessary for everyone. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/do-i-need-life-insurance) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Investment Strategy](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/investment-strategy) , [Bear Bull Wolf Eagle](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/bear-bull-wolf-eagle) ## [How do I create a balanced portfolio?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-do-i-create-a-balanced-portfolio) The simplest approach to achieve diversity in a portfolio is to select an appropriate percentage split between stocks and bonds (and potentially other types of assets) based on your objectives and tolerance for risk, and then select a variety of different types of stocks and bonds to fill out the allocation. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-do-i-create-a-balanced-portfolio) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Retirement](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/retirement) ## [How can I calculate what I’ll need to retire comfortably?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-can-i-calculate-what-ill-need-to-retire-comfortably) How much do you spend now? How much do you want to spend in retirement? What is your household income, your current asset values, an expected rate of portfolio growth, and an assumed inflation rate? The formula itself is relatively simple, but there are complicating factors. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-can-i-calculate-what-ill-need-to-retire-comfortably) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/wealth-management) ## [What is a Trust and do I need one?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-a-trust-and-do-i-need-one) A Trust is a legal entity created by a document that explains its purpose, the parties involved, and its terms. There are many types of trust, and each has its own set of legal rules of operation. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-a-trust-and-do-i-need-one) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Accounts and Clients](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/accounts-and-clients) ## [How do I view my 4Thought account online?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-do-i-view-my-account-online) We provide a consolidated reporting web portal so that you can see all of the accounts we manage for you with all custodians in one place, and we also provide direct access links to the individual custodian web portals. To access both of these options, go to the 4Thought Financial Group website at www.4tfg.com, click “Log In” at the top right and sign in with your username and password. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/how-do-i-view-my-account-online) [FAQs](https://www.4tfg.com/faq) , [Financial Planning](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/financial-planning) , [Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/topic/wealth-management) ## [What is the difference between financial planning and wealth management?](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-financial-planning-and-wealth-management) Financial planning is a component of wealth management, which is generally more comprehensive in scope. [Read More](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-financial-planning-and-wealth-management) [All posts](https://www.4tfg.com/faq/all) ## Leave a Comment ### Search 4tfg.com This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Other Questions [--- ![Bear-Bull-Wolf-Eagle-Market-Icons](https://www.4tfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bear-Bull-Wolf-Eagle-Market-Icons.png?width=600&name=Bear-Bull-Wolf-Eagle-Market-Icons.png)](https://www.4tfg.com/bear-bull-wolf-eagle-markets) - [Call 1-516-300-1617](tel:+15163001617) - [Email info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com) - ABOUT 4THOUGHT [Investment Philosophy](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media) [Sign Up](https://www.4tfg.com/sign-up)[Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) SERVICES [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) RESOURCES [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources) [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests) [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/CPE-continuing-education) About 4Thought [Investment Philosophy](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-methodology) [Management Team](https://www.4tfg.com/management) [In the Media](https://www.4tfg.com/media)[Contact](https://www.4tfg.com/contact) Services [Private Individual Investing](https://www.4tfg.com/investing) [SMAs for RIA /Institutional /Family Office](https://www.4tfg.com/financial-advisors-and-institutions) [Services for CPAs](https://www.4tfg.com/cpa-investing-services) [Retirement Plan Services](https://www.4tfg.com/retirement-plan-services) [Private Wealth Management](https://www.4tfg.com/wealth-management) Resources [Financial News](https://www.4tfg.com/resources/) [Investment Performance](https://www.4tfg.com/investment-performance-services) [CPA Continuing Education](https://www.4tfg.com/CPE-continuing-education) [Investing Questionnaire](https://4tfg.typeform.com/to/ZRF2dJ) ![4Thought Financial Group](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4thought_footer-logo.png "4Thought Financial Group") The information provided by 4Thought is educational only and is not to be interpreted or construed as investment or tax advice. © 2026 4Thought Financial Group Inc. Investment Advisory Services are offered through 4Thought Financial Group Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The content presented here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment advisory services or performance. This website is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services except, where applicable, in states where we are registered (or notice filed) or where an exemption or exclusion from such registration exists. Information throughout this site, including, but not limited to, stock quotes, charts, articles or any other statement or statements regarding market or other financial information, is obtained from sources which we, and our suppliers believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future performance. Neither we nor our information providers shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies, regardless of cause, or the lack of timeliness of, or for any delay or interruption in the transmission thereof to the user. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RESULTS OBTAINED FROM ANY INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS OR ANY LINKED WEBSITE. [Form CRS, Firm Brochure (ADV Part2), Privacy Policy Notice, and Wrap Fee Program Brochure](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Firm_Brochure_ADV_Pt2-Privacy_Policy-Wrap_Fee_Program_Brochure.pdf) [Disclosure](https://www.4tfg.com/disclosure) [BrokerCheck](http://brokercheck.finra.org/) Any opinions presented here are subject to change at any time without notice. Any comments or postings are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors. \*4Thought Financial Group claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. The GIPS firm definition excludes any third party asset management programs over which 4Thought maintains oversight advisory agreements on behalf of its clients, any arrangements under which 4Thought provides recommendations for client self-implementation, and any assets under advisory but not under direct management (in which 4Thought provides allocation changes or trading signals to third party firms but does not take discretion over the trading of client accounts). GIPS-compliant performance information for 4Thought's strategies may be obtained by email at [info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com); on the 4Thought website at [www.4tfg.com/performance-requests](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests); or by phone at (516) 300-1617. Disclaimer [Form CRS, Firm Brochure (ADV Part2), Privacy Policy Notice, and Wrap Fee Program Brochure](https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/Firm_Brochure_ADV_Pt2-Privacy_Policy-Wrap_Fee_Program_Brochure.pdf) [Disclosure](https://www.4tfg.com/disclosure) [BrokerCheck](http://brokercheck.finra.org/) Investment Advisory Services are offered through 4Thought Financial Group Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The content presented here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment advisory services or performance. This website is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services except, where applicable, in states where we are registered (or notice filed) or where an exemption or exclusion from such registration exists. Information throughout this site, including, but not limited to, stock quotes, charts, articles or any other statement or statements regarding market or other financial information, is obtained from sources which we, and our suppliers believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future performance. Neither we nor our information providers shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies, regardless of cause, or the lack of timeliness of, or for any delay or interruption in the transmission thereof to the user. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RESULTS OBTAINED FROM ANY INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS OR ANY LINKED WEBSITE. Any opinions presented here are subject to change at any time without notice. Any comments or postings are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors. \*4Thought Financial Group claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. The GIPS firm definition excludes any third party asset management programs over which 4Thought maintains oversight advisory agreements on behalf of its clients, any arrangements under which 4Thought provides recommendations for client self-implementation, and any assets under advisory but not under direct management (in which 4Thought provides allocation changes or trading signals to third party firms but does not take discretion over the trading of client accounts). GIPS-compliant performance information for 4Thought's strategies may be obtained by email at [info@4tfg.com](mailto:info@4tfg.com); on the 4Thought website at [https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests](https://www.4tfg.com/performance-requests); or by phone at (516) 300-1617. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Syosset", "addressRegion" : "New York", "postalCode" : "11791", "streetAddress" : "6851 Jericho Turnpike Suite 120" }, "alternateName" : "4 Thought Financial Group", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "latitude" : "+40.8100713", "longitude" : "-73.5172286" }, "geoRadius" : "150 km" }, "description" : "", "email" : "[GDelorenzo@ClearHorizonGroup.Com, info@4tfg.com, no-reply@4tfg.com]", "image" : "https://www.4tfg.com/hubfs/4Thought-Financial-Group-OG.jpg", "logo" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2201374/4thought_header-logo.png", "naics" : "523920", "name" : "4Thought Financial Group", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/4ThoughtFinancialGroup", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/3043702", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEHRK-25mAwfTlNzdvFSN3g", "http://investment-advisors.credio.com/l/39493/4thought-Financial-Group-Inc" ], "telephone" : "516-300-1617", "url" : "http://www.4tfg.com" } ```