Virtues & Values
“…the purpose of a business firm is not simply to make a profit, but is to be found in its very existence as a community of persons who in various ways are endeavoring to satisfy their basic needs, and who form a particular group at the service of the whole of society.”
Virtues
Our firm’s corporate values list starts first with the cardinal virtues, The four cardinal virtues are prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice. These virtues are part of classical philosophy and are considered to be virtues of mind and character. The word "cardinal" means "hinge" because these virtues are what the rest of the moral life hinge upon. It would not make any sense to discuss corporate values without first establishing the foundation upon which values lay.
Prudence, or practical wisdom, is the ability to discern the right course of action amidst complexity. In wealth management, prudence calls for careful planning, research, and foresight to ensure that our clients’ financial decisions are informed and free from deception or impulse. At University Wealth Advisors, prudence is reflected in the personalized strategies we design, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals while remaining vigilant to avoid risks that could compromise our clients’ financial well-being.
Temperance is the virtue of balance, enabling us to moderate our desires for legitimate goods and avoid excess. In financial planning, temperance means helping clients make disciplined decisions that align with their values, rather than being driven by materialism or unchecked ambition. By fostering a sense of proportion in how wealth is earned, spent, and saved, we help clients achieve financial peace while focusing on what truly matters in life.
Fortitude, or courage, involves regulating emotions and standing firm in the face of challenges to pursue what is right. In the context of wealth management, fortitude is vital during times of market volatility, economic uncertainty, or personal hardship. At University Wealth Advisors, we guide our clients with steadfastness and encouragement, ensuring they stay true to their long-term plans even when faced with adversity.
Justice is the commitment to give others their due, grounded in fairness, generosity, and respect for human dignity. As wealth managers, we uphold justice by ensuring transparency, fairness in our recommendations, and a deep respect for our clients’ goals and values. Justice also compels us to view financial planning as an opportunity to serve the greater good, reminding our clients that their resources can be used to support charitable causes, care for their families, and uplift their communities. As Pope John Paul II once said, “Justice will never be fully attained unless people see in the poor person, who is asking for help in order to survive, not an annoyance or a burden, but an opportunity for showing kindness and a chance for greater enrichment.”
By rooting our corporate values in these four cardinal virtues, we provide a solid moral and ethical foundation for the way we approach wealth management. They not only guide our firm in serving our clients but also inspire us to help them integrate their financial decisions with their values, ensuring that their wealth serves a higher purpose.
Values
Corporate Values are the subjective additions to the cardinal virtues that our firm has adopted to differentiate us from our competition. These values lay on top of the cardinal virtues and are particular to the way we serve our clients, whereas the virtues are foundational and should be universal.
Education - We believe that knowledge empowers. By fostering financial literacy and providing clients with clear, thoughtful insights, we enable them to make informed decisions that align with their values and long-term goals. Every conversation, report, and strategy is an opportunity to educate and equip our clients with the tools to navigate their financial journeys confidently.
Excellence - Excellence is at the core of everything we do. In wealth management, this means leaving no detail unchecked, ensuring every plan, analysis, and recommendation is thoughtfully crafted to reflect our clients’ unique circumstances. At University Wealth Advisors, we are inspired by the timeless beauty of well-crafted architecture that make up many university buildings, where every element is intentionally designed and no detail is overlooked. Just as a cathedral reflects the harmony of vision, precision, and craftsmanship, we strive to bring the same level of care and artistry to the financial plans we create for our clients. Excellence means not only meeting expectations but surpassing them, delivering results that stand the test of time.
Transparency - We believe trust is built on a foundation of openness. Transparency in our communication, fee structure, and processes ensures our clients have a clear understanding of their financial strategies and can approach their plans with confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, fostering trust and clarity in every interaction.
These values elevate our service and reflect the way we integrate the intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions of wealth management. At University Wealth Advisors, we are committed to upholding these principles in every interaction, helping our clients align their financial lives with their deeper purpose.
Corporate Philanthropy
A Commitment to Financial Empowerment
At University Wealth Advisors LLC, our mission extends beyond serving university faculty and staff—we believe in using our expertise to promote financial empowerment on a global scale. As part of our commitment to responsible wealth stewardship, we have chosen The Charis Project as our cause partner, aligning our corporate philanthropy with a mission to lift families out of poverty through financial infrastructure, literacy, and inclusion.
For every family that becomes a client of our firm, University Wealth Advisors donates to The Charis Project, directly supporting initiatives that create long-term, sustainable financial stability for underserved communities.
How The Charis Project Makes a Difference
In many underdeveloped regions, access to financial services is scarce, leaving families vulnerable to predatory lending and economic instability. The Charis Project addresses this challenge by:
Establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)- These community-driven financial cooperatives provide families with a safe way to save, borrow, and earn interest, offering a sustainable alternative to high-interest loan sharks.
Promoting Financial Literacy – Through education and training, The Charis Project equips families with the knowledge they need to manage household finances, build financial security, and escape cycles of poverty.
Why It Matters
At University Wealth Advisors, we recognize that financial stability is foundational to human flourishing—whether in a university setting or an underserved village across the globe. Our partnership with The Charis Project reflects our belief that financial knowledge and access should not be privileges, but universal opportunities.
Through this initiative, our clients become part of something greater: every financial plan created, every investment managed, and every retirement strategy developed contributes to building financial security for families who need it most. Together, we are not only shaping financial futures for our clients—we are helping to transform lives around the world.
