When I retired after more than three decades in wealth management, I assumed that chapter of my life had come to a close. I had the privilege of serving more than 100 families and helping oversee nearly $400 million in assets. I was proud of the work, but what I missed wasn't managing portfolios or discussing markets.
I missed the people.
I missed helping clients make important decisions with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Before long, I realized that retirement wasn't the end of my calling—it was simply the beginning of a different way to serve. That realization led me to found YourValues Wealth Counsel.
Choosing a name for the firm proved more difficult than I expected. I wanted something that reflected why this firm exists, not simply what it does. Then, almost unexpectedly, the words Your Values came to me.
Looking back, I realized those two words captured what I had learned over an entire career.
Too often, financial planning begins with strategies, products, tax ideas, or investment performance. Those things certainly matter. But they shouldn't come first.
People come first.
Before discussing solutions, I want to understand what truly matters to you—your family, your goals, your concerns, your faith, your legacy, and the life you hope your wealth will make possible.
Every word in the firm's name was chosen intentionally.
Your
The first word may be the most important.
Many firms naturally focus on themselves—their investment philosophy, their process, or their credentials. Those things have value, but they represent only one side of the relationship.
My focus begins with you.
What gives your life meaning? What are you trying to accomplish? What keeps you awake at night? What opportunities excite you?
When those questions are answered first, financial decisions become much clearer because they are grounded in what matters most to you.
Values
This is the heart of my work.
During my career, I learned that no two families define success in exactly the same way. Some value generosity above all else. Others prioritize security, family, education, entrepreneurship, or creating opportunities for future generations.
My values aren't the ones that matter.
My role is to listen carefully enough to understand yours.
After years of working with clients, I've come to believe that active listening is one of the most valuable skills a trusted advisor can possess. Only when I understand your values can I help you make financial decisions that are consistent with them.
Wealth
Wealth is about far more than dollars.
Financial resources provide opportunities, but they are not the ultimate goal. True wealth includes meaningful relationships, purpose, good health, generosity, gratitude, and the freedom to spend your time in ways that matter most.
Money is a tool—not a destination.
Used wisely, it allows us to care for our families, strengthen our communities, support causes we believe in, and experience the richness of a life well lived.
Counsel
The final word reflects what I hope to provide every client.
Counsel is different from advice.
Advice can be transactional. Counsel is relational.
It comes from years of experience, thoughtful listening, careful judgment, and walking alongside people as they navigate life's opportunities and challenges. Over the course of my career, I've helped clients through market declines, business sales, retirements, inheritances, charitable giving, family transitions, and difficult personal decisions.
Every situation is different because every person is different.
My goal is to offer guidance that fits your unique values and helps you use your wealth to live the life you were created to live.