ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but my family never struggled with the basics: We always had a roof over our heads, a warm bed to sleep in and food in the refrigerator. Here’s what that taught me:

Work hard for what you want.

Our 1-acre garden needed constant attention during the spring and summer. Then, in the fall and winter, we needed to cut down trees, split and stack wood, and constantly stock the furnace. In order to have the things we needed, we had to work hard.

Never sacrifice life’s essentials for material items.

We never drove fancy cars, rarely went out to dinner and didn’t wear high-end clothes. While I don’t believe there is anything wrong with a lavish lifestyle, we simply couldn’t afford it.

Live within your means.

Even when my father was unemployed for six months, we never suffered financially. That’s because my parents’ philosophy was “save money whenever and wherever possible.” My parents never made a six-figure income; however, through their hard work and saving, they were able to retire at 62, move out West and accumulate well over seven figures.

Be in it for the long run.

I was inspired by the way my parents saved, how they let their money grow over time and the amount of assets they were able to accumulate. I know firsthand what a good saving pattern and a solid financial plan can do. This motivation led me to acquire my degree at the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, where I graduated with honors. I dabbled in several business-related fields until I found my calling in the financial services industry in 1998. Within two years, I was leading my own division at the company where I worked.

In 2002, I started Financial Foundation Group (FFG). Today I hold numerous financial designations, but the credential I feel is most important to my practice is my Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®). 

Less than 2 percent of all financial advisors hold this credential, and it demonstrates my completion of rigorous training and examination requirements, as well as my commitment to professional and ethical conduct.

Commitment Counts.
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Today, I’m committed to implementing the lessons learned from my parents about the value of money in my own life, as well as sharing my financial education and experience with others. I love establishing and nurturing long-term relationships with clients and seeing them financially succeed. I take great pride in my client work as well as my commitment to consistent and open communication. My goal is always to make my clients not only financially responsible, but also develop trusted business partners and friends.