Options-Based Investing

A Smarter Way to Grow and Protect Wealth

Options-based investing is a distinctive investment philosophy built for successful professionals and families who want more than “set it and forget it” strategies. 

Traditional approaches often rely on static models and outdated withdrawal rules, but today’s markets demand adaptability, precision, and purpose.

As a fiduciary advisor serving clients nationwide, I use advanced, transparent techniques to help individuals with $1 million or more in investable assets build wealth strategically, control risk, and keep more of what they earn.

The Seven Pillars of Michael’s advisory practice:

Options-Based Portfolio Design

Our Investing strategy starts by going beyond simple stock‑and‑bond mixes. I selectively use options strategies to enhance income potential, manage volatility, and shape risk in a more precise way than traditional portfolios. The objective is not complexity for its own sake, but a more controlled path to growth.

Dynamic Risk Management

Risk is not a one-time setting; it monitors markets, volatility, and positioning and adjusts as conditions change, rather than relying on a static allocation. This helps keep your portfolio aligned with both your risk tolerance and the realities of the current environment.

Tax-Efficient Strategy Integration

What matters is not just what you earn, but what you keep after taxes. Our strategy intentionally integrates tax considerations into portfolio design, trading, and withdrawal planning. By thinking about account types, timing, and tax impact up front, we work to improve your after-tax results over time.

Quantitative Analysis and Scenario Modeling

Every key decision is informed by data, not guesswork. Investment strategies use quantitative tools and scenario modeling to test how strategies may behave under different market conditions before implementing them. This helps compare trade-offs clearly and choose paths that best align with goals and risk profiles.

Customized Cash Flow Engineering

No single rule, including the traditional 4% withdrawal rule, fits every client. Together, we design a flexible income and withdrawal strategy tailored to your lifestyle, resources, and time horizon. The aim is to support the way you want to live today while protecting your long-term financial independence.

Behavioral and Strategic Coaching

Even the best strategy can be undermined by emotional decisions. I act as a thinking partner and coach, helping you stay disciplined through market noise, avoid reactionary moves, and remain aligned with the longer-term plan. This behavioral guidance is often as valuable as any investment decision.

Continuous Research and Tactical Adaptation

Markets, tax law, and economic conditions are always evolving, and your strategy should reflect that by adjusting the portfolio when warranted. Our strategy is designed to be a living framework that adapts as the world — and your life — changes.

What Makes Our Investing Strategy Different

Beyond Traditional Wealth Management

Most advisory models rely on static asset allocations, Modern Portfolio Theory, and outdated withdrawal rules. Our investing strategy takes a different path — combining options-based strategies, dynamic risk management, and tax-efficient planning to magnify risk-adjusted outcomes. The goal is simple: protect what you’ve built and intelligently pursue more.

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Company

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Advisory services are provided by Royal Fund Management, LLC (“Royal Fund”). Royal Fund is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in the U.S. in states where it is properly notice filed or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC or any other securities regulator and does not mean the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Michael Berlau is an  Investment Adviser Representative of and investment services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Adviser. 401(k) Maneuver is another business name for Royal Fund Management, LLC. Insurance product guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. The adviser is paid commissions on the sale of insurance products only. Royal Fund Management is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting, and any advice provided should not be construed as legal or accounting advice. The information discussed and presented herein is intended to serve as a basis for further discussion with your financial, legal, tax, and/or accounting advisors. It is not a substitute for competent advice from these advisors. 

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