1. A California investment management firm may invest mutual funds for individual investors. These clients usually do not have a high net worth individually although the total fund can be extremely large.
2. Capital management firms also manage endowments, foundations and pensions for non-profit organizations. These investments use a more conservative strategy than mutual funds.
3. Hedge funds are another type of fund frequently managed by investment firms. California hedge funds typically invest in public securities and may use a wide variety of strategies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select California investment management firms that look at long term results

Minimization of risk is the primary goal of investment management firms. California investment managers of long term funds look for undervalued stocks with a high earnings potential.

I recommend: Learn more about long term investments and access resources on investment management at Benchmark Capital Advisors. Trilogy Financial Services specializes in long term success and offers articles on financial planning and business solutions.

Locate investment companies in California that work for affluent clients

Wealthy investors frequently require unique investment management plans. The investment management firm should work closely with the client's financial advisors to increase the client's wealth over the long term.

I recommend: Pacific Investment Advisory caters to clients with a high net worth and also has articles and newsletters on investment management. Learn more about investment strategies for wealthy investors at Hornberger Associates, a firm that specializes in marketing to affluent clients.

Create a diversified portfolio with California investment firms

Diversification is an investment strategy that manages risk by mixing a variety of investments. The fluctuations of a single security, therefore, have less impact on the portfolio.

I recommend: California Investment Trust Group features diversified no-load mutual funds that provide an affordable way to invest in a variety of funds. Learn more about diversified portfolios at Orion Capital Management, a firm that creates and manages a diversified portfolio of stocks from companies that have excellent prospects for growth.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fund performance is the gold standard by which asset management companies in California are measured. Financial analysts use standard indices and peer groups to compare the performance of different funds over the same time period. An asset management firm in California should assess fund performance over a long period, usually at least three years. This time frame will minimize the effect of short term fluctuations and the business cycle.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find California investment companies that seek long-term results

Creating a highly diversified portfolio to minimize the risks is the goal for these investment firms. Investment management firms in California should pick stocks with a high earnings potential and a value that is not reflected in their current prices.

I recommend: The Service Employees International Union is the fastest growing union in North America and lists several investment firms in California that specialize in retirement planning. Complete the form at Retirement Job Center and a single agent licensed to sell retirement planning services in California will contact you.

Select investment companies in California that cater to wealthy investors

Wealthy clients often need an investment plan customized to their unique needs. An investment management firm with experience working with affluent clients will work closely with their financial advisers to increase each client's worth over the long-term.

I recommend: Wealth management is one of the core businesses of Wachovia. You can locate Wachovia's nearest financial center by entering your city and state or zip code at its website. Smith Barney provides a range of financial services, including wealth management. You will begin the financial consultation questionnaire by entering your zip code or city and state along with the search radius.

Select investment management firms in California to support local businesses

Local money managers are best able to select the businesses in your area in which to invest your funds. That local knowledge will put your money to good use, not only increasing your own worth, but helping other local business owners expand and prosper as well.

I recommend: Benefit Planning Services has its headquarters in Orange and uses asset allocation to achieve consistent results in investment management. Hershberger Financial Services is a fee-only company specializing in employee benefits and retirement planning.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You should use the type of assets that are being invested to predict the performance of long-term investments. For example, a California investment management firm usually holds that the investment of equities produces a higher return than bonds, which in turn are more profitable than cash. Financial theory predicts this because equities have a higher risk than bonds, which are more volatile than cash.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate data on the responsibilities of working in California investment firms

California investment management firms vary greatly in their goals in acquiring returns on principal. Some firms invest in securities like stocks and mutual funds for individuals, while others focus on building wealth through real estate, while others handle retirement accounts for both the public and private sector.

I recommend: Check out the descriptions, pay ranges, responsibilities, and requirements of seeking employment at California Investment companies by viewing the California Employment Development Department website. Also, The University of California, Berkeley offers a comprehensive look at the education required and expectations that coincide with a career in working at an investment firm. Simply click one of several links for your appointed area of interest.

Go to college and qualify for investment management firms in California

It's no secret that the better student you are while attending a university, then the better applicant you'll be when you apply for a job. Secure a degree with a strong focus of business that includes accounting, finance, economics, investment management and more.

I recommend: Search for colleges that are well regarded in business, apply, get accepted and attend. Check out the page at US College Search which provides a list of all of the business schools in California. This list is updated regularly. Also, check out Education Portal's comprehensive look at the best business schools in the state. Just remember to tailor your focus toward finance and investment.

Pass the applicable exams to obtain licenses for employment in California investment firms

Depending on the kind of investment management firm in California that you wish to work for, you'll need to complete securities, insurance sales and other financial exams in order to buy, sell and trade stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Many people diversify and take a multitude of exams so they can be of the utmost service to the asset management firm where they seek to be, or are currently employed.

I recommend: Check out the Kaplan Professional Schools website for comprehensive information on studying for and taking various exams in order to be able to trade securities and complete other financial transactions when working for California investment managers. Also, check out the state of California Department of Insurance website for up-to-date information on the licenses required to sell insurance, which are necessary if you want to sell investment policies as part of an investment portfolio.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many California investment managers look for an employee who is completing or has completed his Masters degree. Some employers will even pay partial or full tuition costs. Complete your Masters degree so that you can stay competitive and build a long-term career working for a California investment firm.