What Does Your Financial Advisor Stand For
Making the choice to partner with a financial advisor can be a big decision.
Of course, there are the obvious things to look for when trying to find the right advisor, such as the firm’s expertise in your particular situation or their investment and planning philosophy. But beyond this there are other things to look for to make sure you can connect at a deeper level. First and foremost, it’s important that your values align with the firm’s mission and values. When this happens a deeper level of trust and connection can take place that can help ensure your concerns and needs are addressed and that a plan can be put in place to allow you to reach your ultimate long-term life goals.
At Ohana Wealth & Life Planning, we have three main pillars of what our firm stands for that are integrated into everything we do. These are our guiding principles by which we help create a meaningful and successful long-term client relationship with all the healthcare and university professionals we work with.
1. Purpose
Living your purpose and working towards creating your ideal life is central to having a life worth living. This is where the Life Planning process comes in and why we spend so much time in this area before we even discuss finances. Without first going through this process, you risk putting a financial plan in place that’s uninspiring and tedious. If, however, you plan out exactly what’s most important to you in your current life, you can then build a financial plan that supports them. Our hope is that your passions can help determine your purpose, which can hopefully help determine your profession. The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
2. Impact and Values
Your values should be intertwined with everything you do and every decision you make. At Ohana, we value family, compassion, honesty, kindness, and integrity, amongst others. We also take this a step further and, if interested, design a portfolio with companies and investments that will align with your personal values. Whether it’s environmental issues, social issues, or corporate governance, building an investment plan that revolves around areas of meaning and importance to you can create a deeper connection to align your financial life with areas of personal meaning.
3. Community
At some point in life, most come to realize that life is bigger and more important than just being about them or their immediate family. This concept is what inspired our firm’s name.
Ohana means family. Derived from Hawaiian culture, the word "Ohana" is used to describe one's support system. This may include their family, friends and various communities or groups.
Our goal at Ohana is to positively impact each of our clients so that they in turn can positively make an impact with their own “ohana.” It’s also the reason why we donate 2% of our revenue and personally volunteer in areas that we each have a personal interest in or passion with that can lead to positive changes.
While we are first and foremost experts in the financial aspects of the planning process, we also realize there are other important components when creating a fulfilling and well-rounded life. This is why in our Ohana Newsletter and blog posts, in addition to financial articles, you’ll find information on health and fitness, meditation, productivity and any other areas that can contribute to making the planet a better place for all of us. It’s part of who we are and an important part in leading a balanced and productive life.
There’s a good financial firm to partner with for just about anyone, especially with technology that enables anyone to find and work with an advisor no matter what part of the country they are located in. We encourage everyone to find a financial partner that not only is proficient in their financial situation, but also someone who’s values are aligned.
Jeff Spitzmiller is the CEO of Ohana Wealth & Life Planning based in Cincinnati, OH. Ohana specializes in life and financial planning along with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing principles for professionals in the healthcare and university fields. The firm is an independent financial advisor and a fee-only fiduciary. Jeff and the firm also enjoy volunteering and giving back to the local community. You can reach Jeff at jeff@ohanaplanning.com.
This was prepared by Ohana Wealth & Life Planning; a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Ohana Wealth & Life Planning Form ADV Part 2A & 2B can be obtained by written request directly to: Ohana Wealth & Life Planning 212 East Third St. Ste. #100 Cincinnati, OH 45202. All opinions and estimates constitute the firm’s judgment as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice. This is provided to investment advisory services clients of Ohana Wealth & Life Planning. It is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. Investing may involve risk including loss of principal. Investment returns, particularly over shorter time periods are highly dependent on trends in the various investment markets. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The information herein was obtained from various sources. Ohana Wealth & Life Planning does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information provided by third parties. The information given is as of the date indicated and believed to be reliable. Ohana Wealth & Life Planning assumes no obligation to update this information, or to advise on further developments relating to it. This is for informational purposes only. It does not address specific investment objectives, or the financial situation and the particular needs of any person. An index is a portfolio of specific securities, the performance of which is often used as a benchmark in judging the relative performance of certain asset classes. Indexes are unmanaged portfolios and investors cannot invest directly in an index. An index does not charge management fees or brokerage expenses, and no such fees or expenses were deducted from the performance shown.