Rowan Financial LLC

I take a very client-centric approach to my work.  I ask questions in our initial meeting, but also spend a lot of time just listening to each prospective client's hopes, goals and dreams related to money as well as their worries and fears.  From this initial meeting I design a customized financial plan that either confirms the new client is on the right track with their spending, saving and financial-related decisions or point out what the client needs to do to get themselves on track for their short-term and retirement financial goals. 

My background is in Engineering.  I have a BS in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.

As my career moved more toward business, I went back to school for an MBA with an emphasis in Management of Technology from Lehigh University.

Finally, when I started work in the Financial Services industry, I earned the Certified Financial Planner designation, which is often considered the gold standard of the many certifications available within the industry.

For comprehensive financial plans, I charge between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the complexity of your financial situation.

I also have a Quick Start package that focuses on your three most important financial priorities.  This is offered for $750.

Finally, I offer Investment Management Services for 1.00% of Assets Under Management.

When I had just graduated college, my Dad was starting to think about his retirement.  He was very worried about whether he had saved enough to provide for a decent standard of living upon his retirement.  I told him I could help and put together a simple spreadsheet that he updates each month and calculates whether he is on track with his retirement goals.  This was 25 years ago.  My Dad has now been happily retired for 20 years now.  His money worries are long gone, but he still uses that spreadsheet each month to track where he is financially.  It was seeing first-hand the sense of relief and security that simple financial plan gave my Dad that put me on the road to founding my own company. 

I have worked with many different types of customers including business owners, senior level executives, doctors, retirees, those transitioning into retirement and corporate employees

My twin daughters have recently left for college.  For the last five years that they were home, I had the privilege of performing annually in their dance recital in the Father/Daughter dance.  I danced with one of my daughters and my Dad (who was aged 74-78 at the time!) danced with the other.  We had a great time on stage and it also brought us closer together to have this shared experience.  

Interview multiple financial advisors.  Look for the CFP designation.  It requires a deep understanding of each component of the financial planning process and also requires annual continuing education requirements that keep the advisor current in their field. Look for fee-only advisors.  This means that the advisor never earns a commission by recommending a certain fund or financial product to you.  This helps you know that your advisor's interests are aligned with your interests.

What are your financial goals? Rank order them, which are most important and which are least important to you?

Does it seem like your current spending and saving decisions support your financial goals?

How do you talk to yourself about money?  What money-related sayings do you find yourself using?