By Richard W. Stout III
There’s not much in life that induces more feelings of anxiety or vulnerability than finances. Whether you experience it or not, financial security can significantly affect your quality of life. Your financial situation determines what options are available to you, drives your decision-making, and can either bestow freedom or cause stress.
I became a financial planner so I could make a difference in people’s lives. With my knowledge, expertise, and commitment to my clients, I am able to help them feel confident not just about their financial future, but about the rest of their lives, too. My goal is to relieve the burden of wealth management so that they have the freedom to do those things they really enjoy.
Starting My Career
After high school, I attended the University of Connecticut and earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Anthropology. In the years following, I earned a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations.
After working for several financial firms in a variety of roles, I wanted something more. While much of the financial services industry follows the “production mode,” where personal compensation is driven by selling, I was drawn to the idea of providing a higher standard of care to clients, with a focus on service. In 2007, my partner Tom Britt and I formed Benchmark Wealth Management, LLC, bringing to fruition a long-held desire to provide financial planning and investment advice that is independent, highly personalized and specifically tailored to our clients’ needs.
Branching Out/My Career Today
As an advisor, I work with my clients and their families to address all aspects of wealth management, including wealth protection and enhancement, reducing taxes and volatility in retirement, and tax-efficient estate planning. Typical clients are successful small business owners, professionals or retirees who have been referred to our firm by existing clients and fit our client profile. My clients have worked hard to create their wealth and I strive to make sure their wealth works for them.
Hurdles and Triumphs
While there are stresses, such as having a difficult conversation with a client, I can’t imagine having another career; it’s incredibly fulfilling. I am relentless in my commitment to providing clients with a genuine understanding of their unique needs. I work hard every single day because of the enduring relationships I’ve developed with my clients and my dedication to strengthening their financial life. In all that I do, I live by this motto: “Why be mediocre when you can strive to be great?” I aspire to do all things with excellence so that my clients can live their ideal lives. It’s deeply satisfying to me when someone tells me that I’ve helped them live a life that is meaningful and impactful to them.
Taking the Next Step
Working towards a secure future can be less strenuous if you have a knowledgeable partner by your side. If we are currently working together, know that I am grateful for your trust. If you are someone interested in learning more about how I work, who I serve, and how I may be able to help you, I encourage you to reach out. Please call 860.434.6890 or email me at richard.stout@bwmllc.net to schedule a consultation.
About Rick
Richard W. Stout III is managing director of Benchmark Wealth Management, LLC, with 23 years of experience in the financial industry. He specializes in financial planning and asset management for individuals, families, and institutions seeking to build and monitor durable and sustainable plans for their financial futures. Rick is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional. He has earned a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning. He obtained his MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his BA in Economics and Anthropology from the University of Connecticut. He also completed the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AIF®) program through the Estate and Wealth Strategies Institute at Michigan State University. He has extensive background experience in lending, credit review and analysis, and real estate and partnership management. Learn more about Rick by connecting with him on LinkedIn.
Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2, available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure site, www.iapd.com, searching with our company name or unique identifier, CRD # 160192. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Securities offered through Private Client Services, Member FINRA, SIPC in the following states: AR, CA, CT, FL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, WA. (Securities-related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not previously listed) Advisory services offered through Benchmark Wealth Management, LLC a registered Investment Advisor. Private Client Services is an unaffiliated entity
