Our fundamental values are loyalty and trust - it is the foundation from which we grow a relationship with our customers. This is what sets us apart. From first-time investors to those seeking stability for their twilight years, we are here to support, educate, and offer insight to every individual we encounter.
In the dizzying world of stock markets and financial lingo, advisors can become too fixated on the immediate numbers and lose sight of the bigger picture. We take time to understand what truly matters to you and tailor a holistic financial plan that gives you confidence today and tomorrow. We care as much about why you are investing as what you are investing in.
Your goals are the most important part of any financial planning process. The market should not dictate whether you achieve success but rather a thoughtful plan that blends your risk appetite, tax situation, and time frame. It’s more about what you keep, not what you make. In Christopher’s practice, a strong focus is paid to “total return” when assembling investments to pursue a client’s goals.
Multigenerational planning is another satisfying part of this profession - helping as many as four generations of the same family work on everything from budgeting for new babies, planning for college, and advanced estate planning for great-grandparents. Throughout his career, Christopher has advised hundreds of families and businesses on investment strategies, retirement planning, and tax strategies.
Diversity, inclusion, and allyship are also vital to our philosophy. Supporting diversity initiatives as well as promoting acceptance and allyship towards the LGBT community are important to LPL, IAA, Blackbridge, and Christopher himself. In financial planning, an inclusive and diverse practice must be more than a statement on a website. We are committed to our ongoing education around our client’s unique needs, circumstances, and opportunities available to them and ensuring a wealth of resources are available to meet those needs.
Some of the most rewarding moments are on the last day of a client’s career. Being able to give them the confidence to leave the workforce on their own terms is very rewarding. As important - the ability to navigate planning that allows clients to stay until they’re ready.
There are bad days too – when Christopher gets a call from clients and families notifying him that the tragic or unexpected has struck. The following days are very long and incredibly hard, as Christopher carefully guides the family through the next steps. Innumerable times, there is the realization that while unexpected, there was a financial plan in place, and what would have otherwise been both emotionally and financially devastating is now only the former. These are the most rewarding moments that Christopher wishes he never had to experience.
From LPL: As communities become more diverse, LPL Financial is developing innovative approaches to better equip advisors in growing and supporting an evolving client base. LPL Financials' Advisor Diversity and Inclusion team is creating new materials and presentations focused on serving the LGBT community.