EBI is a decision-making framework that makes it possible to evaluate the related topics confronting today’s investor and challenge the wisdom of conventional investment advice. EBI offers a way to navigate the investment landscape in a systematic, analytical, and scientific manner, all with the goal of maximizing risk-adjusted after-tax returns for investors. EBI guides investors to make decisions based on data, academic research, and defined processes, rather than speculation, greed, and fear. The following formula expresses EBI:

In each of the above ratios, your numerator should be higher than your denominator. Because we obviously can’t precisely quantify these metrics, think of it as more of a personal scorecard. If you assess yourself honestly and come up with an overall “EBI Score” of greater than five, you are well on your way to being a bona fide practitioner of Evidence-Based Investing.

EBI is critical to Savant’s investment philosophy because it removes emotion from the equation and focuses on an objective, data-driven solution. Without employing an EBI framework, investors can fall victim to their own emotional biases, we believe, often to the detriment of their portfolio.

Market participants drive the short-term evolution of capital markets. EBI allows investors to step away from the mob dictating asset price movements and focus on the bigger picture. By taking a 30,000-foot view of the market environment, we can objectively focus on the factors that are critical to the long-term investing journey.

For a deeper dive into EBI and its potential benefits, click here to download our white paper, in which we explore the history and principles of our investment approach.

A fiduciary is a professional with a special relationship of trust, confidence, and/or legal responsibility with a client. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor, meaning we are legally required to act in our clients’ best interests. We take this responsibility very seriously.

We base our fees on a percentage of the assets we manage for you. Your financial advisor can provide more information.

Unlike a brokerage firm, Savant does not receive commissions from buying and selling securities. As a registered investment advisor, Savant must meet a fiduciary standard, which requires placing our clients’ best interests first. Brokers adhere to a lower standard that requires them to sell products that are “suitable” for a client; however, they can choose to recommend suitable products that also pay a larger commission.

“Fee-only” means we don’t sell financial products. Instead, we charge a fee for our advisory services. We don’t receive commissions or other payments for the products we recommend, which helps us avoid a potential conflict of interest.

We typically work with clients who have at least $750,000 in assets. That said, we also consider partnering with individuals and families who expect significant growth potential from a future inheritance, career trajectory, or other expected financial gains.

While we provide a full range of traditional wealth management offerings—like financial planning, investment management, tax strategy, estate planning, trust guidance, and family office support—we go beyond the basics. Our team includes professionals with deep experience serving executives with stock-based compensation, women navigating divorce, university faculty, and families supporting aging loved ones.

Lifelong learning is one of our core values, and it drives us to continually expand our knowledge and capabilities. As your needs evolve, so does our commitment to providing thoughtful, specialized support tailored to your life’s complexities.

Finding a financial advisor isn’t something to rush—it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your financial future. Taking the time to ask thoughtful questions and understand how an advisor works can pay off in reduced stress, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of financial security.

As you evaluate potential advisors, consider these key factors:

• Professional qualifications and credentials
• Breadth and depth of planning and advisory support
• Years of experience and areas of specialization
• Investment philosophy and planning approach
• Size and structure of their team
• Compensation model and transparency of fees
• Potential conflicts of interest
• Types of clients they typically serve

There’s no single right way to manage wealth—what matters most is finding a partner whose approach aligns with your goals, values, and expectations. Ensure you understand how they prioritize your interests, receive compensation, and how their experience can support your family’s future. The right relationship should bring clarity, not confusion.