Daniel E. Driscoll - Ameriprise Financial Advisor

10/15/2026

As we enter the final months of 2026, Ameriprise Financial experts discuss the key forces shaping markets and the economy, including inflation, interest rates, Treasury yields and the outlook for investors.

09/16/2026

Welcome to Beyond the Advice, a blog dedicated to exploring the conversations within the advisor client relationship.

Today's topic: Risk

What is your level of risk? How much is too much?
Most investors focus on performance because it's easy to measure after the fact. Risk matters more because it must be evaluated before the unexpected occurs, not after the damage is done.
One of the first things I tell clients is that risk is relative. It's relative to your goals, your time horizon, your tax situation, and how each account fits into your overall financial plan.
Consider an investor with multiple accounts:
• A taxable brokerage account
• A Traditional IRA
• A Roth IRA
Should all three accounts have the exact same allocation? How correlated to one another are they? In an ideal world, the risk should be aligned to the use of the dollars. When are you going to use some or all of the dollars in each account ?
Each account should have a different purpose, different tax characteristics, and a different expected spending timeline.
Money that is needed in the near term should warrant a different level of risk than assets intended for future generations. Assets expected to grow tax-free for decades may be positioned differently than assets likely to be withdrawn sooner.
Rather than asking, "What is my risk tolerance?" investors should first ask, "What purpose does this account serve, and how much risk is appropriate for these dollars?" The role of the account should help determine the level of risk that it assumes.

Good advice recognizes that not all dollars have the same job to do.

Risk is not only a concern for retirees. Investors who take too little risk, or who concentrate too much of their portfolio in a single area, may face consequences that can be just as harmful as taking on excessive risk. Employer stock or target date funds could be an example of this.

When we align risk with the purpose of each account, we can build portfolios that are more intentional, more tax-aware, and more closely connected to a client's goals.

The final test of whether a portfolio's risk is appropriate is, "What are the results telling you?" In other words, is the risk being appropriately compensated?
If a portfolio's risk is properly understood, intentionally assumed, and aligned with an investor's goals, performance over time should reflect that relationship.

The goal isn't for every account to look the same. The goal is for every account to work together.

Beyond the Advice isn't about finding the right investment. It's about making sure every financial decision has a purpose.

Thank you for your time. If you think some of these questions pertain to your financial situation, feel free to reach out.

Daniel E. Driscoll
(585) 295-2140 Ext.170
[email protected]
https://bit.ly/4xXSKsd

09/15/2026

Here’s why today's bond market may offer compelling income opportunities for investors, according to Ameriprise Financial Fixed Income Strategist Brian Erickson.

09/07/2026

Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication and perseverance that shape our lives in meaningful ways every day.

Wishing you a relaxing and well-earned Labor Day!

08/28/2026

Introducing Behind the advice

Exploring the hidden alpha of financial advice: better decisions, deeper planning, and greater confidence.

Most people only see the outcome.

The handshake. The introduction. The occasional meeting.

"Oh yeah, that's my financial advisor."

What they don't see are the conversations behind the scenes. The questions that uncover what's truly important. The planning that turns uncertainty into a path forward. The guidance that helps people make confident decisions when life gets complicated. They don't see the moments when someone realizes they've been taking too much risk, or not enough. The explanation of why one account is positioned this way vs that way. The reasoning behind staying in the market. The dynamic portfolios. The discussions that challenge conventional wisdom. The decisions that move a financial plan from generic to personal.

But meaningful financial advice goes far beyond that.

I'm excited to launch Behind the Advice, a new series that provides an inside look at the conversations, guidance, and planning that help people make better financial decisions. This will run weekly to start but could be more or less based on levels of engagement, availability etc.

Throughout this series, I'll share real-life situations, common challenges, and the reasons people choose to work with me and my team. More importantly, I'll share the "why" behind the advice that helps individuals and families navigate important financial decisions with greater confidence.

Maybe something here will resonate with you. Maybe you'll keep scrolling for that funny post you've been looking for. Maybe you'll pick up an idea that helps you manage your own finances more effectively. Or maybe, just maybe, it'll inspire you to get a second set of eyes or ears on that nagging question or accounts that haven't gotten the attention they deserve.

Either way, I hope you'll stop by from time to time and join the conversation.

From retirement planning and market uncertainty to major life transitions and legacy goals, you'll get a closer look at the value of having a trusted advisor in your corner.

Because often, the most important financial decisions aren't about picking the right investment. They are about asking the right questions. They're about having the right guidance at the right time. They are about having a plan.

Welcome to Behind the Advice

Daniel Driscoll is an Ameriprise Financial Advisor serving the Rochester, NY area. Get the personal financial advice you need to achieve your goals.

08/24/2026

08/11/2026

As the 2026 U.S. midterm elections approach, Ameriprise Financial experts share their perspectives on how the results may influence the broader market, economy and investments.

07/16/2026

As we head into the second half of 2026, Ameriprise Financial experts break down key market and economic trends shaping the investment landscape.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who lead with care, strength, and support. Wishing you a day of appreciation and time well spent with those who matter most.

06/09/2026

A growing disconnect between two market forces — AI and consumers — may test the recent stock rally. Ameriprise Financial Chief Market Strategist Anthony Saglimbene explains this widening divide and how it could become a key risk for markets going forward.