We Are Rooted in Purpose
I grew-up in a large family in northeast Indiana to blue-collar, hard-working, persistant parents. My family taught me to always do the right thing, show compassion, be diligent and work hard.
My parents sacrificed to provide me with a private school education - for this I am greatful. It was not for status or prestige but to give me the best shot at an excellent education and success in life. After High School, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics & Finance from Olivet Nazarene University. How did I get to this place?
My Parent's Money Story
My father was born during the Depression, served in the Korean War as a U.S. Marine. When he returned from Korea in 1952, he began a job working for a refinery in Fort Wayne, Indiana and then later a piston factory. His work included long hours, lots of dirt and sweat. His health forced him to retire in just his early 60s. He had his factory pension and few dollars in an IRA.
My mother was an elementary school librarian. She authored several books and would work part-time throughout the year. She resides in Fort Wayne still serving her church, non-profit senior center and at a campground. She also retired with her pension and few dollars saved in an IRA.
Despite their hard work and all the money they earned, they found retirement, as they dreamed, to be elusive. When they left the factory and school, they quickly learned their plans to travel, improve their home and spend time at the lake would cost much more than they thought. They still owned a mortgage and thousands of dollars in credit card debt making it more difficult to enjoy retirement. To compound the situation, when my father passed in 2012, my mother lost his factory pension and was left with my father's Social Security, her librarian pension and a very small life insurance policy. This was far from the retirement of their dreams.
Why I do What I Do
My parent's money story became my, "Why". After seeing their sacrifice and hard work turn into just getting by, I made it my mission to help others Plan, Prepare and Execute a successful retirement. My parents did not have a fiduciary, working for their best interest to help them create financial goals, payoff debt, save, invest and plan. Instead, they relied on emotions like worry, hope and fear.
You and those you love do not need to experience the kind of ill-prepared financial life my parents experienced. I started Integrated Financial Wellness LLC and became a CFP® Professional to take the guesswork out of my client's financial futures. From data & research to anecdotal client experiences, we know emotions like hope and fear are not sound investment strategies. It takes specific goals, continual implementation and regular check-ups to be prepared for the retirement of your dreams.
If you would like to see if you are on track for the retirement of your dreams or would like a second opinion, please reach out to our office below to see what a wholistic approach to your best financial life looks like!
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