Free ACM Guide · 2025 Edition
Tactical Money Management
A Modern Solution for Today's Retirees and Investors
The 60/40 portfolio and the Rule of 100 were built for the 1980s and 1990s — and they failed retirees in 2008 and 2022. This free guide shows the modern, adaptive strategy ACM uses to protect retirement nest eggs from market volatility while still capturing meaningful growth.
Download the Free Guide (PDF)
10-page guide · Tactical vs S&P 500 performance · Vetted top 7 managers · Compliant disclosures
What's Inside the Guide
Why Traditional Strategies Fail
How the 60/40 portfolio, balanced mutual funds, and the Rule of 100 left retirees exposed in 2008 and 2022.
Adaptive Allocation
How tactical strategies reallocate assets in real time based on market signals — moving to cash or inverse positions during downturns.
ACM's Vetting Process
Our CFA-led RIA vetted nearly 100 tactical management teams and selected only the top 7 with proven track records.
FIAs as a Volatility Buffer
Why we use Fixed Index Annuities instead of bonds — non-correlated stability with a 0% floor and lifetime income options.
ACM Tactical vs. S&P 500
10 years ending May 2025 · Net of fees · OnPointe Risk Analyzer
Risk Score
20
ACM Tactical
71
S&P 500
Max Drawdown
−9.93%
ACM Tactical
−23.92%
S&P 500
Annual Return (CAGR)
18.65%
ACM Tactical
12.75%
S&P 500
Total Return (10 yr)
453.10%
ACM Tactical
231.96%
S&P 500
The above tactically managed portfolio holds 33% in an FIA as a volatility buffer instead of bonds — which is why the OnPointe Risk Analyzer score is so much lower than the S&P 500. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Why We Pair Tactical with Fixed Index Annuities
Annual Reset Provision
Locks in gains every year and resets the baseline — future growth begins from the highest locked-in point.
Principal Protection
0% floor means the insurance company assumes downside risk. Your principal is safeguarded in market downturns.
Lifetime Income Protection
Optional income riders deliver a guaranteed paycheck for life, mirroring the security of a traditional pension.
Non-Correlated Stability
FIAs don't participate in market losses — serving as a safety net that complements tactical strategies.
Get the Tactical Strategy for Your Portfolio
Book a free 20-minute review and we'll show you exactly how a tactical + FIA blend would have performed against your current allocation.
Related Resources
Closing the Retirement Income Gap
Companion ACM guide on income gap planning with FIAs.
Tactical Management Service
How ACM's RIA actively manages portfolios for clients.
Fixed Index Annuities
The volatility buffer behind the tactical blend.
Free Annuity Calculator
Estimate your guaranteed monthly retirement income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tactical money management?
Tactical money management is an active investment approach that adjusts asset allocations in real time based on market conditions — instead of the static buy-and-hold model. It can shift portfolios to cash or inverse positions during downturns to protect against significant losses.
How is tactical management different from a 60/40 portfolio?
A 60/40 portfolio is static and assumes bonds will offset stock losses — but in 2022 both fell together. Tactical management uses quantitative models to adapt allocations as markets change, aiming to reduce drawdowns while still capturing upside.
Why combine tactical management with Fixed Index Annuities?
FIAs serve as a non-correlated volatility buffer with a 0% floor — protecting principal during downturns. Pairing them with tactical management lets clients hold a higher percentage in growth assets while keeping a low overall risk profile. ACM's blended portfolios have shown roughly half the drawdown of the S&P with higher returns over 10 years (OnPointe Risk Analyzer, May 2025).
Who manages ACM's tactical portfolios?
ACM's Registered Investment Advisory firm — led by a CFA with 30+ years of experience — has vetted nearly 100 tactical managers and selected only the top 7 with proven track records.
Is this guide really free?
Yes. The 2025 ACM Guide to Tactical Money Management is 100% free and includes the full integrated strategy, performance comparison vs. the S&P 500, and academic research backing the approach.
Disclosure: Fixed Index Annuities have limitations including caps, participation rates, surrender charges, and tax implications. Guarantees are backed solely by the financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Past performance does not guarantee future results. See the full guide PDF for complete disclosures.