The following are working principles that I try to apply to my business and personal life. To the extent I am successful in following them, I am nearly always better for it. They do not guarantee quantity, but they do promise greater quality of life. As the proverb says, "Better is a little with peace than wealth with strife".

The underlined Principles are linked to articles describing them in more detail. I plan to add to these periodically, so keep coming back.

Please feel free to use these principles and articles with my permission within your family, business or organization. My only restrictions are that you may not publish or broadcast them in anything for which anyone receives compensation or with any profit motive without my express written permission, and that proper acknowledgment of authorship and copyright be clearly referenced along with my address, 604 McKnight Park Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 and/or phone number, 412-367-9076.

Mission Statement:

The mission of SFA is to assist individuals, families and organizations in realizing their dreams through careful, realistic financial planning and advice regarding appropriate use of financial institutions and products and to develop unique planning tools, programs and products that will help make this a reality. This mission is to be pursued within the context of a commitment to honesty, integrity and Christian principles of business management and relationships.

Principles:
By J. Andre Weisbrod
(All copyrights reserved)

Companies Are The Economy
Consumer Debt is a Negative Investment; Avoid It Like The Plague
Everything Has A Risk
Be an Owner of Valuable Assets
Debt Can Be Productively Used as Leverage
Do Not Cosign for the Debt of Others
Pay What You Owe
Don't Go Alone: Seek Guidance From Competent and Trustworthy Advisors
"Whatever You Make, Spend Less"
Plan and Budget With Care and Intelligence
All Budgets Fail So Build Failure Into Your Budget
Live Within Your Means
Be Careful of Uncontrolled Appetites
Maintain a "Murphy's Law" Fund
The Rate of Discipline is More Important than the Rate of Return
Make What You Have Grow for Greater Use
Conservative Assumptions Make Success More Likely
The Higher The Return Desired, the Greater the Risk Assumed
Consider The Risks Before the Rewards
If It Looks Too Good To Be True, Guess What?
Diversification Spreads Out Risk
Insurance is an Investment for the Unknown
Buy Low: Depressed Markets Usually Indicate a "Sale" is On
Sell High: Big Run-Ups Usually Require Corrections
Save and Invest on a Regular, Planned Basis
Complexity is Best When It Results In Simplicity
Simplicity is Best When It Avoids Stupidity
Beware the Hyperbolists
Thankfulness Brings Perspective
Remember the Poor
It is Better to Give -- Be a Giver in Search of Needs
Place First Things First
Do Not Be Conformed -- Following the Crowd Can Be Dangerous
Take Care of Your Family
Make Friends With Your Resources
Treat Others as You Would Have Them Treat You
People Are More Important Than Money
Use Things, Love People
Place Integrity Before Wealth
Seek Quality and Excellence
Hard Work Can Produce Value While Sloth and Laziness Destroy
Choose People and Institutions Carefully
Keep Control
Delegate Wisely
Trust in More Than Yourself
Don't Make Promises Lightly and Keep Those You Make
Only a Moving Ship Can Be Steered
Avoid Envy and Covetness
None of Us Is Perfect
Create a Legacy
Pass These Principles On

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