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.