Advisors often work within a “niche” – providing services to a specific clientele.
I particularly enjoy working with widows looking for professional investment and financial planning expertise, and any other kind people, seriously interested in multi-generational tax and wealth transfer strategies to optimize for their family.
Why?
These clients can need a fair amount of help, appreciate it, and will likely execute on the plan.
I grew up with an especially close relationship with my grandparents, so I tend to gravitate to my elders.
The gratitude means a lot to me. So this is a positive feedback loop where I thrive.
Helping people when away from my family is the goal, so this is how I can make a high impact.
Not having to entertain the latest wild ideas from CNBC helps a lot too. That is my professional kryptonite.
Aside from ongoing planning, I regularly drop whatever I’m doing to help clients during major life events such as illnesses, deaths, career changes, and other difficult circumstances.
Those who know me are aware I’m a voracious learner. The best of what I find is often shared on LinkedIn or in my periodic newsletters. My content also features things beyond current financial insights – you might also see pictures of my family in addition to Ichthyology (I’m a fish nerd!) and some humor.
I believe in giving back when I can do so efficiently and with high impact. I enjoy providing pro bono financial planning services. I support and serve enthusiastically on the board of the Let’s Go Fishing with Seniors charity.
Along with my financial planning experience, I have the formal education and certifications:
> A finance degree from The University of San Diego with a minor in psychology
> A Certificate in Financial Planning from Southern Methodist University
> A Masters of Security Analysis and Portfolio Management (MSAPM) from Creighton University
> I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Away from the office, I cherish spending time with my wife Allison and our four children. We love boating, fishing, traveling, and mostly just being together.
I encourage you to check out some of my articles if you want to learn more about me and what I do.
Thanks for taking a look, and I look forward to hearing from you if you think we should talk!
-Tom Gartner, MSAPM, CFP®
AGING WELL
If you know someone who is grieving, these rough notes may be helpful
How Ninety Pounds Changed Financial Planning!
A brilliant Seussian adaptation to an important topic
CHARTS AND INFOGRAPHICS
So excited with my new normal distribution device!
I literally just got 10 Trillion dollars in the mail
COLLEGE PLANNING
Eight late-stage college planning strategies you don't know about but should
FIDUCIARY
Did you ever hear these sayings?
Times continue to change for the better
First World Problems & Alleviating Complexity
Discrimination (against the not yet wealthy) is Still Open and Common in Wealth Management
FINANCIAL AND ESTATE PLANNING
Stress Testing – What if I get killed in a car accident today?
Loving Equally and with Mathematical Precision
Schwab is now providing charitably minded clients a checkbook for their IRA's!
Why not have your cake and eat it too?
The top 10 reasons someone actually seeks out (financial) advice
HOUSEKEEPING
Sometimes Tom's Articles Bore Me...
BREAKING NEWS: NOT ALL HEADLINES ARE IMPORTANT
Another Day Another Fear Mongering Sales Pitch
SAVING MONEY
PSA on Health Savings Accounts
Costco tip to maybe save you $400
Allison may hate this, but I think our maintained $4,000 SUV works just fine
Will your kid's or grandkids be going to private school?
I told a millionaire to think about taking out a car loan the other day
INVESTING
The World is Changing, Should Your Investments Change Too?
What is a "Hybrid Bond" Investment
The Dow just passed twenty-six thousand, should you sell?
Gut Check - Now that the market is high, it may be time to revisit the risk
If you bet on the end of the world and you "win", who are you going to collect from?
On Market Timing and Risk Management
So, you are eligible for the company's 401k. Now What?
Lessons from the Bernie Madoff Scandal
TAXES
How to Make Money on Your Tax Payments in Retirement?
Decision Decisions – If you get to the bottom maybe you should convert some dollars to a Roth IR
Turning 70 can be a confusing time for investors
I'm Moving to a No Tax State, Do I Need A New Financial Planner?
SOCIAL SECURITY
An 8% Simple Return for Eight Years
Social Security tips from the Guru herself