News Releases

PUT YOUR FINANCIAL EGGS IN MORE THAN ONE BASKET

BMO Financial Group is using Financial Literacy Month to provide consumers a fiscal education lesson each week. This week's advice relates to diversifying financial assets.

CHICAGO, IL (April 5, 2012) - This Easter, as kids are dreaming of candy eggs and chocolate rabbits, parents should remember the old adage: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. While this is good advice for eggs, it rings especially true for personal finances.

"Diversifying assets plays an important role in building long-term financial security," said Dean Urbanski, Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager, M&I Financial Advisors, a part of BMO Financial Group "Although no investment policy can provide certainty of positive returns, diversification of assets can help reduce portfolio volatility over short-term market cycles."

Urbanski is offering some guidance on asset classes and allocation to aid consumers in their efforts to gain financial stability over the long haul. "The key to successful asset allocation is to identify your individual investment objectives which include age, goals, tolerance for risk, current financial situation and retirement timeframe."

A diversified investment portfolio includes asset allocations across several asset classes which include stocks, bonds and cash. Asset classes act differently under different economic conditions, which is why consumers should be aware of how their investments are allocated. Particular attention should be paid to how many years a person has until retirement. Many investors use the time until retirement as a gauge for risk.

Of course, a strategy that keeps a person up at night may help one determine that the strategy is not worth the risk. Consumers should invest at their comfort level and ensure that their portfolio is diversified across all asset classes.

A portfolio's value will change as market conditions change; therefore it is important to consult with a Financial Advisor to review your portfolio and asset allocation at least annually. Reevaluating your portfolio will ensure that your investments are properly allocated among all asset c lasses.

"Managing assets can be a daunting task, but a little guidance and education will go a long way to ensuring your investment health," added Urbanski.

BMO Harris Financial Advisors
BMO Harris Financial Advisors is a trade name of BMO Harris Financial Advisors, Inc. BMO Harris Financial Advisors, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, is an SEC-registered investment adviser and full-service brokerage, offering securities, investment advisory services, and insurance products to meet the needs of individual investor clients. With a focus on financial planning, BMO Harris Financial Advisors specializes in helping clients develop and implement personalized plans for long-term financial goals such as a financially successful retirement. BMO Harris Financial Advisors is an affiliate of BMO Harris Bank N.A. and a part of BMO Financial Group.

About Harris Private Bank, A Part of BMO Financial Group
Harris Private Bank offers a comprehensive range of wealth management services that include investment advisory, trust, banking and financial planning to meet the financial needs of high net worth clients. Through integrated teams of experienced financial professionals, Harris Private Bank helps its clients realize their financial and lifestyle goals with solutions that are custom tailored and delivered with the highest level of personalized service. Harris Private Bank is a member of the Harris family of wealth management services.

Harris Private Bank is a trade name used by various subsidiary financial service providers of BMO Financial Corp. Banking product and services offered through Harris Private Bank are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. and its bank affiliates. Member FDIC. Not all products and services are available in every state and/or location. Financial planning and investment advisory services provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros and Blayney, Inc., an SEC -registered investment advisor. Investment advisory se rvices are also provided by Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors, Inc.,an SEC-registered investment advisor. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment Advisory Services are also offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Securities, investment advisory services and insurance products are offered through BMO Harris Financial Advisors, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. SEC- registered investment adviser. BMO Harris Financial Advisors, Inc. and BMO Harris Bank N.A. are affiliated companies.

Investment products and insurance products offered: ARE NOT A DEPOSIT - NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY - NOT GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK - MAY LOSE VALUE.

United States Department of Treasury Regulation Circular 230 requires that we notify you that, with respect to any statements regarding tax matters made herein, including any attachments, (1) nothing herein was intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by you, to avoid tax penalties; and (2) nothing contained herein was intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, or referred to in any marketing or promotional materials. Further, to the extent any tax statement or tax advice is made herein, BMO Harris Bank N.A. and its affiliates do not and will not impose any limitation on disclosure of the tax treatment or tax structure of any transactions to which such tax statement or tax advice relates. BMO Harris Bank N.A. and its affiliates do not provide legal advice to clients. You should review your particular circumstances with your independent legal and tax advisors.