Who We Serve

Whether you are an educator, researcher, or part of the health care system, we understand the unique opportunities and challenges that come with working for a university. We work with employees across academic and medical campuses to help them make informed decisions about their retirement and financial planning.

We are familiar with the different types of retirement programs offered—including the traditional pension, the hybrid plan, and the newer defined contribution match plan. Each option has its own rules, benefits, and considerations, and we can help you understand how they fit into your overall financial picture.

For University of Missouri employees, we also provide guidance on Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBAs). An SDBA is an investment option within your retirement plan that gives you access to a wider range of mutual funds and other investments than what is typically available in the core lineup. This may be of interest if you are looking for more flexibility or the ability to tailor investments more closely to your personal goals and risk tolerance.

Our role is to help you evaluate these options, understand the potential benefits and risks, and create a strategy that aligns with your long-term objectives.

We are big Dave Ramsey fans. We model our own financial plans around Dave's "baby steps" and encourage our clients to follow much of Dave's advice as well. In fact, we are such big fans of Dave Ramsey that we have become SmartVestor Pro's for investing in the Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri areas. As SmartVestor Pros, we are independent, have the heart of teachers, and aspire to make complex financial planning concepts as simple as Dave would. We love helping Dave's fans when their consumer debt is gone and they're saving for a successful retirement. 

As a financial services firm with strong connections to education, we are proud to serve teachers and school employees throughout Missouri. Many of our team members have close ties to the profession, and that experience has given us a deep appreciation for the important role educators play in our communities.

We have specific knowledge of the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS) and the unique considerations they present. These retirement systems can be complex, and we help educators understand how their benefits fit into their overall financial plan.

Areas where we provide guidance include:

--Helping you understand the options within PSRS/PEERS, such as lump-sum distributions and survivor benefit elections
--Exploring how pension income can work alongside personal savings and other retirement assets
--Reviewing how different retirement timing scenarios may affect your long-term outlook
--Discussing how purchasing years of service could influence your pension benefits

Our role is to provide clarity, answer questions, and help you feel more confident in making decisions about your financial future.

As a financial services firm with a deep commitment to supporting families, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with caring for a loved one with special needs. Many of our clients are navigating questions not only about their own financial future, but also about how to provide for a lifetime of care, resources, and security for their child or family member.

We have specialized knowledge in special needs financial planning and are experienced in helping families coordinate their plans in a way that protects benefits while supporting long-term goals. These considerations can be complex, and we work to help families bring clarity and structure to their decisions.

Areas where we provide guidance include:
--Exploring options such as Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts, and how each can be used effectively
--Coordinating retirement and estate planning to ensure resources are aligned with lifetime care needs
--Reviewing insurance and other funding strategies to support a comprehensive plan
--Helping families prepare for transitions across different stages of life and care

Our role is to be a trusted resource—helping you explore your options, ask the right questions, and build a plan with confidence for both today and the future.

Many families reach a point where they pause and ask, “Are we on the right track?” Whether you are saving for retirement, funding education, paying down debt, or simply trying to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s goals, these questions are natural.

We work with families who want to take a closer look at their financial picture and make sure their plans are aligned with what matters most to them. Our role is to provide clarity—helping you evaluate where you are today, explore possible gaps, and outline strategies to move forward with confidence.

Areas where we often provide guidance include:

--Reviewing retirement savings progress and future income needs
--Coordinating investment accounts across different providers
--Understanding how taxes may affect your plan
--Balancing multiple priorities, such as college funding and retirement planning
--Creating a financial roadmap that reflects your family’s goals and values

Our goal is to help you feel informed and empowered as you make decisions for both today and the future.

Reaching the threshold of retirement is a significant milestone, one that reflects years of dedication and hard work. At this stage, many people are looking for guidance on how to transition from saving for retirement to living in retirement. It can feel overwhelming to balance income needs, taxes, and long-term goals, and few want to risk financial insecurity during this important chapter of life.

Our team provides strategic financial planning to help you approach retirement with clarity and confidence. We work with you to develop a customized income strategy that considers all of your available resources, including:

--Pension benefits
--Social Security payments
--Retirement account withdrawals
--Investment returns and dividends
--Tax implications of different income sources

By viewing these elements together, we aim to create a coordinated plan that supports your retirement goals and helps you feel prepared for the years ahead.