Putting Your Best Interest First.
No Exceptions.
We are a team of experienced financial professionals committed to providing the highest level of comprehensive service and trusted advice to our select client base. We are driven by a commitment to integrity, transparency and innovation in all we do. As fee-only fiduciary advisors, we put our clients’ best interests first, at all times and in all situations.
We have extensive experience helping clients navigate the complexities of executive benefits, implement custom employer-sponsored retirement plans and health care benefits, save and invest for future generations of family members, and maximize the value of their businesses. As an independent, fiduciary advisory firm, we have no corporate mandates, sales quotas or investment limitations. Instead, we are free to provide truly custom advice specifically designed to meet your needs, with no conflicts of interest.
What does all this mean to you? Put simply, we’re committed to achieving your goals because we succeed when you succeed.
LET’S GET STARTEDOur Process
We follow a disciplined process as we work to implement custom financial solutions in an effective, efficient manner.
Many years ago, I was invited to speak at an insurance industry conference, by a large insurer, because of some of the innovative ways we were using insurance products to solve financial problems through our sister company Wealth Preservers, LLC.
The president of the inviting insurer was speaking to the audience of insurance agents stating that they needed to change their tactics or perish. He was quite resolute in his believe that stockbrokers were “eating their lunch”, referring to the agents in attendance. His solution was to begin using titles such as financial advisor, financial consultant, financial planner, etc.
I was the next speaker and rather than use my prepared speech I knew I had to set the record straight. I took the stage and briefly spoke about some of the financial problems were able to solve using this tool called insurance but then pivoted. I spoke about how my team were referred into cases that enabled us the opportunity to find solutions to the problems presented to us. We were not referred by an allied professional to sell their client a product, we were referred to solve a problem. True Wealth Management is about solving financial problems so that the client can realize their financial and personal goals. If our referring partner saw the team as product salespeople, we would never had the opportunity to solve the financial problems that afforded us the invitation to the conference.
So, what is Wealth Management? It is a process! It is not the products you sell, the software you use to create the multicolored charts and graphs or glossy 4 color brochures. It is a process!
Wealth Adviser
Financial Steps
Our Process
We follow a disciplined process as we work to implement custom financial solutions in an effective, efficient manner.
Many years ago, I was invited to speak at an insurance industry conference, by a large insurer, because of some of the innovative ways we were using insurance products to solve financial problems through our sister company Wealth Preservers, LLC.
The president of the inviting insurer was speaking to the audience of insurance agents stating that they needed to change their tactics or perish. He was quite resolute in his believe that stockbrokers were “eating their lunch”, referring to the agents in attendance. His solution was to begin using titles such as financial advisor, financial consultant, financial planner, etc.
I was the next speaker and rather than use my prepared speech I knew I had to set the record straight. I took the stage and briefly spoke about some of the financial problems were able to solve using this tool called insurance but then pivoted. I spoke about how my team were referred into cases that enabled us the opportunity to find solutions to the problems presented to us. We were not referred by an allied professional to sell their client a product, we were referred to solve a problem. True Wealth Management is about solving financial problems so that the client can realize their financial and personal goals. If our referring partner saw the team as product salespeople, we would never had the opportunity to solve the financial problems that afforded us the invitation to the conference.
So, what is Wealth Management? It is a process! It is not the products you sell, the software you use to create the multicolored charts and graphs or glossy 4 color brochures. It is a process!
Wealth Adviser Financial Steps
STEP 06
Monitoring and Adjusting
While all steps are important, step 6 is the most important in our view. Without this crucial step you are simply driving using only your rearview mirror.
STEP 01
Getting to know each other
The advisor needs to ask pertinent questions to learn about the prospective client.
What does their family look like (if any)? What are they trying to accomplish? What are their issues?, etc. The prospective client also needs to ask probing questions regarding the advisor such as experience, certifications, client and regulatory issues, etc. No financial relationship can truly form without complete trust of both parties.
STEP 05
Implementation
Once the client is satisfied with the planning path, implementation of the plan takes place. Clear Financial Strategies, LLC is a strict fee-only RIA and does not permit compensation outside of the client’s fee, so we look for the best products to implement the plan at the least cost. This does not mean the cheapest, it means the best at the least cost.
For example, if financial solution A is more expensive than financial solution B but A has a better net return and potentially even lower risk, we may opt for what looks like, at first blush, the more expensive solution. Since we are fee-only, the more the client makes the more we make as your fiduciary, so we are always looking after your best interest because it is also ours.
STEP 02
Gathering Data
Once trust and report have been established both sides can work together as a team.
Sometimes the relationship never makes it to step 2 and that is good as well. Both the client and advisor have to have confidence in the other. Now the discovery process takes place where the advisor is gathering necessary documents and being introduced to the other advisors on the client’s team.
In this stage it is not uncommon for the advisor to request permission to engage their other advisors such as CPA, Attorney’s, Insurance Agents, etc.
STEP 04
Develop and Present
Now we reach the point where we re-engage the client to present a plan that we believe will solve their problems and give the a clear path toward their personal and financial goals.
In this stage it is not unusual to make some changes to the plan because, a reasonable solution cannot be found, and we need further input from the client.
STEP 03
Analyzing and Evaluating
In this step we are using various software and database systems in order to understand not just how each component works but how each component works or doesn’t with the others.
In this stage it is not uncommon for the advisor to request permission to engage their other advisors such as CPA, Attorney’s, Insurance Agents, etc.
Wealth Management is very time consuming and data intensive. Done correctly, it can positively change the financial life of the client, and the advisor.
The advisors at Clear Financial Strategies, LLC use a holistic wealth management process that coordinates the client’s personal, business and financial life together for a comprehensive goal of success.
Call +1 (844) 372-5900 to learn more or schedule a convenient appointment by clicking here.
Meet Our Founder
Allen Bronton, AIF®, CEPA®, LUTCF
Managing Member
Allen serves as a financial quarterback to clients by helping to ensure the successful collaboration of the firm’s services with outside advisors and trusted partners. By doing so, he acts as each client’s personal financial advocate. Allen also serves in a fiduciary or co-fiduciary capacity as an ERISA advisor to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Allen founded the firm in 2006 as Wealth Preservers, LLC. In 2011, Clear Financial Strategies took over the Registered Investment Advisory business and Wealth Preservers continued as an insurance agency for the exclusive benefit of Clear Financial Strategies. Prior to founding the firm, Allen served as an advanced markets lead advisor for the Financial Network Investment Corporation. He also served as president and chief operating officer of Crown Investments, Ltd., a firm that he co-founded with his father.
Allen has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Southern Illinois University. He has obtained the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and the Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) designations and is a Life Underwriting Training Council FellowSM (LUTCF). Allen is a candidate for the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation confirming his expertise in working with affluent and high-net-worth individuals and organizations. He has also passed the FINRA Series 7, 24, 27, 63 and 65 exams.
Allen serves as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. He is a past board member of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association and the Village of Lakewood, Illinois, Economic Development Counsel.
Allen and his wife of nearly 20 years have five children together and enjoy traveling as a family, exposing their children to cultures and traditions outside the USA for greater understanding. Allen’s interests outside of work and family include exotic cars, wine, golf and saltwater beaches.
Ready To Take The First Step?
Schedule a call with a member of our team.