Michael Most

In 1996, I unexpectedly found my way into the financial advising realm at American Express Financial Advisors. Over the next 17 years, I wore various hats within the organization, transitioning from an advisor to a training manager and eventually a district manager.

Initially joining the firm as American Express Financial Advisors, the name changed to Ameriprise Financial in 2005. My journey involved significant time in management, where I trained new advisors, participated in client appointments, and crafted financial plans. However, after nearly a decade in management, I felt a strong pull to return to my roots and be a financial advisor once again.

My client base has evolved to focus on business owners and executives.

My approach centers around building trust with clients. By actively listening to their needs, clients share invaluable insights, allowing me to tailor a strategy tailored to each individual. It's been a two-way learning process – while I've imparted financial knowledge, I've gained valuable lessons from clients as well.

Success stories vary; some clients thrive due to their substantial income, while others excel through disciplined and effective financial habits. This diverse learning has enabled me to amalgamate financial expertise with personal insights. Recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, I customize approaches based on individuals' distinct personalities and financial circumstances. For those facing challenges in saving, I create tailored routines that include effective ways to allocate funds and establish spending accounts.

My expertise lies in the realm of retirement planning, where I specialize in preserving, growing, and generating retirement income. This extends to individuals who are at the stage of considering stepping away from their current endeavors, even if the term "retire" might not precisely capture their future plans. These individuals have typically reached a point where they've accumulated enough financial resources to explore different career paths, even if they are not as financially lucrative.

When it comes to planning for retirement, my approach varies based on the individual's proximity to retirement. For those in their 20s and 30s, the emphasis is on aggressive growth since time is on their side. However, it's crucial to balance this by avoiding the pitfall of being "retirement rich" and struggling day-to-day, considering that most assets can't be accessed until after 59 and a half.

In their 40s, the strategy maintains a balance, leaning slightly towards ensuring that their retirement assets are robust and ready when needed. As clients enter their 50s or 60s, a more conservative approach is adopted. This stage involves preserving, growing, and generating income. The focus shifts from aggressive growth to maintaining a stable financial foundation while still incorporating some equity exposure to outpace inflation.

When it comes to wealth generation, many individuals use model portfolios, funds, and similar instruments. My approach involves a diversified mix, incorporating mutual funds, alternative investments such as real estate investment trusts, and blue-chip stocks. While mutual funds and alternative investments may offer stability over the long term, integrating quality stocks introduces the potential for higher returns. However, the addition of stocks requires careful selection, seeking blue-chip stocks with the worst-case scenario being a flat performance while continuing to generate dividends.

Working with Savvy has been a distinctive experience for me. Having previously been associated with larger companies, I appreciate the desire to do things differently. At Savvy, I find the space to communicate ideas freely. I value the openness to being wrong because it provides an opportunity for dialogue and learning. If someone can explain why I might be wrong, it's a chance to either course-correct or confidently defend my perspective.

Savvy's ability to swiftly turn ideas into action is impressive. They possess the capacity to not only support but also elevate your initiatives to the next level. While I've always considered myself efficient working independently, the collaborative environment at Savvy makes me hopeful that I can achieve even more by running faster and further with their team.

The biggest benefit of partnering with Savvy vs. a larger firm or working independently is that a boutique firm like Savvy can course-correct more quickly. Moreover, Savvy's cutting-edge technology and I feel their adaptability to the evolving landscape set them apart. In a world where technology, especially AI, is rapidly advancing, I want to embrace and leverage these changes to benefit those I work with.

As for prospective clients, I believe in one-on-one relationships. People will either like you or they won't, and it's important to avoid letting ego dictate. I'm here to earn your business and would love the opportunity to talk and see if we align.

My favorite aspect of working with clients as a financial advisor is the genuine connection I build with them. Many of my clients have evolved into friends over time. Establishing relationships with clients allows me to gain a profound understanding of their lives, personalities, habits, and routines.

It's crucial to recognize and address the unique needs of clients, especially those who are risk-averse but still seek growth. I've developed effective communication strategies to put them at ease. The goal is to design financial plans that not only cater to their requirements but also helps to  ensure peace of mind. For clients with a higher risk tolerance, I understand that it doesn't necessitate taking excessive risks. If a modest rate of return can meet their goals, exceeding that becomes an added bonus. Striking this balance helps to ensure that clients feel secure in their financial decisions without losing sleep at night.