Education and Innovation.

It all started with the lack of advice.

As a first-generation American, my family arrived in the United States with very little in their pockets and much less in the understanding of the American way. Minimal comprehension of the English language meant that they were ignored and neglected from the institutions that were designed to serve them.

When they were able to invest, their financial professionals were not interested in hearing their concerns, dreams, or goals. They were just viewed as a sales transaction and resulting commission.

So from a very early age, I had to dedicate myself to the education needed to transact finances on behalf of my family. Being the household English translator meant that I had to anticipate the potential concerns and stay ahead of the conversation.

The financial advice we sought was never freely given. Pieces were provided during the transaction but we had no choice but to heavily depend on trust. Trust that the advisor would provide prudent advice that was in our best interests.

In the industry of personal wealth, this system of how advice was distributed went unchecked, more so in the corporate retirement planning system. The area in which fiduciary plan sponsors needed the most help was where the advice failed them the greatest.

Shedding the barriers that separated the status of advisor and client has become my objective. I believe that if we can bring down these obstacles and distribute usable knowledge in actionable ways then plan sponsors and plan participants can walk together in doing what’s right for plan participants and investors.