A Systematic Framework for Retirement Investing

For self-directed investors within 10-20 years of retirement who want discipline instead of emotion guiding their investment decisions

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March 2020: A Case Study in Frameworks

When the S&P 500 dropped 34% in three weeks, investors faced a fundamental choice.

Some sold in panic. Others froze, unsure whether to hold or exit. A third group—those following systematic, rules-based frameworks—had already reduced exposure in late February when momentum signals broke.

Not because anyone predicted a pandemic. Nobody did. But because their system followed a simple principle: when trend weakens and momentum fades, reduce exposure.

This pattern isn't unique to March 2020. The same dynamic played out in 2007-2009, in 2022, and in every significant market decline over the past two decades. Same framework. Different crises. Different outcomes for those who followed systems versus those who followed emotions.

Markets will decline again. The question: will you follow your emotions or follow a system?

Introducing the SmartSignal Investment System

A systematic, rules-based framework you can follow with your money in your account. Not predictions. Not stock picks. Not daily trading.

Monthly Updates

Clear position updates based on trend, momentum, and relative strength analysis. Takes about 5 minutes to implement.

Maximum Simplicity

Two ETF positions maximum. No complex analysis required. No daily market monitoring.

Tested Methodology

A framework designed to limit drawdown exposure during market declines while participating in uptrends.

How the System Works

The system analyzes trend, momentum, and relative strength for top-performing ETFs each month. When conditions are favorable, you're positioned for growth. When conditions weaken, you move defensive.

The Core Approach

Most investing approaches keep you fully invested regardless of market conditions. SmartSignal does something different: it changes what you hold based on what the market is actually doing—not what you fear it might do.

When signals are favorable: You're positioned for growth in areas showing relative strength.

When signals weaken: You move defensive—into cash or positions that historically hold up when markets don't.

When recovery signals appear: The system tells you it's time to come back in. No guessing whether the worst is over.

No watching CNBC, no calling your broker in a panic, no wondering if you should have sold yesterday. Five minutes a month to implement. That's the whole system.

Download the SmartSignal System Fact Sheet

Who Created This System?

RJ Hixson - System Designer & Lead Educator

  • 14+ Years Training Institutional Investors – Former VP of Research and Development at Van Tharp Institute, where he trained fund managers managing up to $1 billion.
  • System Development Expert – Designed and taught the Systems Development Course where RJ's collaborator mastered systematic investing principles.
  • Real-World Application – Manages his own family's money using this system. Not because he has to - because it's what he trusts with his own retirement.

System Development Collaborator - Applied Finance Research

  • Investment Systems Specialist – President previously held RIA status, now focuses on systematic strategy development.
  • Van Tharp Institute Instructor – Taught advanced strategies to individual investors, traders, and advisors worldwide.
  • Proven Track Record – Successfully managed family portfolios using similar methodology for 14+ years.

Who This System Is For

Ideal SmartSignal Subscribers

  • Mid-career through early-retirement professionals managing their own retirement accounts
  • Investors within 10-20 years of retirement where market volatility isn't just uncomfortable - it's potentially life-altering
  • Self-directed investors seeking discipline over emotional decision-making
  • People who value sleep over constant market monitoring
  • Those tired of buy-and-hold after watching accounts decline significantly in 2008, 2020, or 2022

Not For

  • Investors 20+ years from retirement (buy-and-hold strategies do make sense for someone with your retirement horizon)
  • Those who need daily or weekly trading action
  • Anyone expecting guaranteed returns or consistent 20%+ annual gains
  • People who are unable to follow monthly instructions dependably for whatever reason

How This Compares to Alternatives

vs. Buy-and-Hold

Buy-and-hold means riding every decline fully. In 2000, the S&P 500 dropped 49% and took 7 years to recover. In 2007, the S&P declined 57% and took until 2013 to recover.

SmartSignal's approach: Exit when markets turn down, limiting the depth and duration of portfolio declines.

vs. 60/40 or Target Date Funds

Traditional 60% stocks / 40% bonds or target date funds offer some protection but also curb upside potential.

SmartSignal's approach: Fully invested during uptrends, defensive during downturns. Adapts to market conditions.

vs. Financial Advisors

Typical advisor fee: 1.00% annually

SmartSignal at $365/yr on $500,000 account: 0.07% annually—or less than 1/10th of a typical advisor's fees.

Plus, you learn the methodology instead of outsourcing decisions.

Subscribe Now - $365/year

What You Get

Welcome Sequence

First 3 Days:

  1. Welcome Note
  2. Quick Start Guide
  3. How The System Works

Monthly Updates

Clear position updates at month-end. Maximum two ETF positions. Takes about 5 minutes to implement.

Support

Email support - typically within 24 hours on weekdays. The simplicity of the system and instructional materials ensure confidence.

90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

We can't guarantee the system will fit everyone perfectly. What we can do: Give you 90 days to evaluate it risk-free. Not satisfied? Full refund, no questions asked.

Your Questions Answered

Q: What if I miss an update?
A: You're fine. The system allows flexibility. Implementing within a day or two typically has little impact.
Q: When the system goes defensive, what actually happens?
A: Defense has layers. First, when market conditions deteriorate significantly, the system moves to cash—and stays there until a genuine recovery signal appears. No guessing when to get back in. Second, the system only uses index-based, highly liquid ETFs throughout—no exotic instruments. Third, under the right conditions, the system may position in areas that historically perform well when broader markets struggle.
Q: What's the minimum account size?
A: Technically, whatever opens a brokerage account. Practically, the system's cost doesn't exceed 1% annually unless your account is under $36,500.
Q: Could a beginner follow this?
A: Yes. Instructions are in plain English—not financial jargon. If you can buy and sell shares of an ETF (just like buying a stock), you can follow this system.
Q: What if the system stops working?
A: We're optimizing for limiting catastrophic losses while participating in most upside moves - not winning every single month. The core principles (trend, momentum, relative strength) are fundamental market dynamics, not current fads.
Q: Which brokerage should I use?
A: We don't recommend specific brokerages. The system works with regular brokerage accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and many 401(k) accounts on most major platforms that allow ETF trading.

What Subscribers Say

"The SmartSignal System helped me stay systematic and disciplined during the last major market decline. Following a rules-based approach instead of my emotions made the experience fundamentally different."
- Lisa M, Texas
"I've made the trip to Omaha several times to hear Buffett speak - long-time Berkshire investor. After a year with SmartSignal, it feels consistent with Buffett’s philosophy - gains don't always lead the market, but the drawdowns stay shallow. The trades are simple and take five to ten minutes a month. The results have given me enough confidence to allocate more of my money to SmartSignal this year."
- Glenn S, North Carolina
"SmartSignal did better last year than my managed accounts."
- Shahab Y, Ontario, Canada
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A Final Word

I manage my own family's retirement money using this system. My parents also follow the system. After 14 years of teaching systematic strategies to institutional fund managers and individual investors, this is the approach I trust fully when it's my own money on the line.

I can't promise this system will fit you perfectly. I can't predict what the market does next. What I can share is a methodology that's been tested, refined, and used successfully for over a decade. A framework that follows clear rules instead of emotional impulses.

The rest is up to you.

- RJ Hixson

Subscribe Now - $1/day, $365/year

Ready to Get Started?

Annual Subscription: $365/year

Payment options: Credit/Debit Card, Apple Pay, Klarna, Link, Cash App Pay, Amazon Pay

Subscribe Now - $365/year

Questions? Email RJ at help"at"gginvestor.com