Financial teacher and author Larry Burkett envisioned such a newsletter in the late 1980s, and he encouraged his friend, investment professional Austin Pryor, to launch it. After a time of prayer and reflection, Austin took up the task and published the first issue of SMI in July 1990.
"I saw the need for an experienced source of information written in a 'user-friendly' way," Austin says, "one that could guide Christians step-by-step toward building their own fully diversified portfolios."
One of SMI's core investing strategies, known as Fund Upgrading, gained 79.2% over the 10-year period that ended March 31, 2010, while the U.S. stock market (as measured by the Wilshire 5000) was up only a scant 0.6% during that same period.
"SMI allows me to keep my perspective, with God as my focus and not bigger profits," says long-time reader Jeff Carr in Ohio. "I find it easy to get greedy when working on my portfolio — SMI helps me remember who really owns the money."
Reader Cate Brizzell in New York says her family has "developed a workable budget, paid off debt, started a contingency fund, opened college savings accounts, and went from negative returns in our retirement accounts to positive returns" by following the advice in SMI.
SMI's monthly newsletter, available in print and online, is focused on timely do-it-yourself recommendations. Each issue also includes recommendations of specific mutual fund investments and suggestions regarding when to buy or sell. SMI Web members have access to additional resources, including online tools for tracking retirement investments and running various "what if" scenarios on asset allocation.
Sound Mind Investing has long been lauded for its clarity, objectivity, and biblical perspective. "Austin Pryor writes without vested interests in any specific plan or fund," comments Randy Alcorn, author of Money, Possessions & Eternity. "This means great candor and objectivity."
Financial author Ron Blue, president of Kingdom Advisors, noted that Austin's investment counsel "has proven to be extraordinarily wise and discerning over a long time period."
In addition to its monthly newsletter, SMI also publishes the Sound Mind Investing Handbook, a step-by-step guide to managing money from a biblical perspective. The Handbook, with more than 100,000 copies in circulation, is now in its Fifth Edition.
About Sound Mind Investing
SMI was founded in 1990 by former investment adviser Austin Pryor. The company exists "to help individuals understand and apply Biblically based principles for making spending and investing decisions in order that: 1) their future financial security would be strengthened, and 2) their giving to worldwide missionary efforts for the cause of Christ would accelerate,"
The Sound Mind Investing newsletter is distributed in print and online to more than 10,000 subscribers each month. The July 2010 newsletter is the company's 20th Anniversary issue.
July's cover story, focused on giving generously, is available free online at http://www.soundmindinvesting.com/
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In 2005, SMI's management team entered into an agreement with another firm to form SMI Advisory Services (an independent entity) and launch the Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX)—a mutual fund based on SMI's core investing strategy known as Fund Upgrading. Using SMIFX, investors who would prefer not to implement SMI's Upgrading strategy themselves have access to a professionally managed fund based on the same principles and approach. In January 2007, a second fund was launched, the SMI Managed Volatility Fund (SMIVX).
Contact:
Kevin Woo, Director of Marketing
Sound Mind Investing
502-426-9238
http://SoundMindInvesting.com
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About Sound Mind Investing
SMI was founded in 1990 by former investment adviser Austin Pryor. The company exists "to help individuals understand and apply Biblically based principles for making spending and investing decisions in order that:
1) their future financial security would be strengthened, and
2) their giving to worldwide missionary efforts for the cause of Christ would accelerate,"
The Sound Mind Investing newsletter is distributed in print and online to more than 10,000 subscribers each month. The July 2010 newsletter is the company's 20th Anniversary issue.
July's cover story, focused on giving generously, is available free online at http://www.soundmindinvesting.com/
