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Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Financial Avenues LLC Celebrates 15 Years of Fiduciary Financial Guidance
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Financial Avenues LLC (Financial Avenues), a fee-only (commission-free) financial planning and investment advisory firm, is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary. Over the past fifteen years, Financial Avenues has grown from a staff of just one to over half a dozen that has served more than 350 financial planning and investment advisory clients in the Kansas City area. Founder Tracy St. John, RICP® (St. John) is one of the first female financial planners in Missouri and Kansas to serve clients on a fee-only fiduciary basis, a business model that reduces conflicts of interest and clearly aligns client/advisor goals and priorities. 'I'm deeply passionate about helping individuals who want to learn but often feel overwhelmed by the jargon used in the financial industry. My goal is to make personal finance accessible and understandable for everyone.' The firm's focus on providing services on an hourly, as-needed basis, or on a continuous basis makes it possible for people from all walks of life to receive support. Managing assets is not the focus or requirement; however, it is an option, and this service is not a percentage of assets under management (AUM) and instead, charged on a flat fee basis. This service structure, which is not the norm in the financial services industry, has contributed to the firm's ongoing success. Reflecting on why she founded Financial Avenues, St. John shared, 'My vision has always been to empower people seeking financial advice without the pressure of being sold products or the requirement to manage money. I'm deeply passionate about helping individuals who want to learn but often feel overwhelmed by the jargon used in the financial industry. My goal is to make personal finance accessible and understandable for everyone.' As the summer and fall months unfold, celebratory open houses will be held at each office location, providing an opportunity to interact with the firm's local teams—and most recent new employee—and to donate to the Rose Brooks Center and Synergy Services, local organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, abuse, and homelessness. Kids are welcome and attendees will also have the opportunity to congratulate financial planner Beth Watts on earning the CFP® marks of distinction. Later this year, the firm will be offering 'Ask an Advisor' events. There will be a special blog series focused on personal finance and business success, and corresponding webcasts. OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE Leawood Office: 4701 College Boulevard, Suite 214, Leawood, Kansas 66211 Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Liberty Office: 8 Westowne Drive, Suite 801, Liberty, Missouri 64086 Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 15 YEARS / 15 INSIGHTS To mark fifteen years of empowering individuals and professionals with professional, fiduciary financial guidance, Founder Tracy St. John will be developing '15 Years, 15 Insights,' a special blog series that will distill over a decade and a half of business insights and personal financial planning experience into actionable advice for readers. This series is designed to offer something for everyone—from individuals and families seeking to build a secure financial future to business professionals and entrepreneurs looking for fresh perspectives. Each post will deliver concise, practical insights that reflect the core principles of Financial Avenues: simplicity, clarity, and empowerment. Topics will range from effective budgeting techniques to strategies for navigating investments in uncertain markets to retirement planning essentials, ensuring readers gain valuable knowledge applicable to their unique financial goals. The blog series will be capped with special webcasts. Hosted by St. John, the virtual presentation will expand on each of the fifteen blog posts, providing insight with practical tips—plus an opportunity to participate in a live Q&A. Members of the press and interested others are invited to explore the blog series and register for the webcasts by emailing Connect@ ABOUT ROSE BROOKS CENTER Over the past 46 years, Rose Brooks Center has offered domestic violence services and programming in the Kansas City Metro area and beyond. While hundreds of individuals and pets find safety in the emergency shelter, thousands more are served outside of shelter through groundbreaking community programs. Their mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse. In 2024 alone, Rose Brooks Center served over 14,000 victims of abuse and violence. In recognition of their work, Rose Brooks Center has maintained their designations as both a Platinum-level and 4-star charity through Guidestar and Charity Navigator. Rose Brooks continues to be there at every point of a survivor's journey, both behind their shelter walls and throughout the entire Kansas City community. ABOUT SYNERGY SERVICES Synergy Services, Inc. began in 1970 as Synergy House, the only shelter for runaway and homeless youth in western Missouri. Synergy now provides a full continuum of nationally accredited care to assist children and families with immediate respite from violence, and services which empower clients to find and choose good options for future safety and success. In addition to their work to treat the effects of violence, Synergy provides supportive services to families in crisis in an effort to prevent violence. They also focus on community education to build a safer society. Their programs include crisis hotlines, emergency shelter, transitional housing, therapeutic services, advocacy, mentoring and violence prevention programs throughout the greater Kansas City area. ABOUT TRACY ST. JOHN AND FINANCIAL AVENUES Founded by Tracy St. John, RICP®, in 2010, Financial Avenues, LLC, is an independent, fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. With a mission to provide transparent and compassionate financial guidance, the firm offers customized planning services without the pressure of product sales or asset minimums. Emphasizing education and empowerment, Financial Avenues ensures clients receive clear, jargon-free advice tailored to their unique financial journeys. St. John entered the financial planning field after a career in the retirement plan industry, consulting on corporate retirement plans and providing employee education and investment advice. She holds a Master's Degree in Family Financial Planning from Kansas State University in 2004. This degree represents two years of study, which included family economics, real estate, behavioral psychology and financial counseling. In addition, she earned a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning through Kansas State University in 2002, including study in the core topics of insurance, taxes, retirement, estate planning and investments, including the required courses to qualify for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ exam. She received the Retirement Income Certified Professional RICP® through the American College of Financial Services in 2018. St. John also served as Director of Public Awareness for the Kansas City Financial Planning Association (FPA) from 2010 to 2014. With two locations currently established (Leawood and Liberty) from which to meet with and serve clients as well as offering virtual meetings, the firm is happy to schedule a confidential get-acquainted conversation with anyone interested in exploring options and opportunities. For more information, visit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mission Wealth Launches MissionForward™: A Mobile App for the Next Generation of Investors
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Wealth, a nationally recognized wealth management firm headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, is proud to announce the launch of MissionForward™, a forward-thinking digital platform designed specifically for the evolving needs of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging affluent families. Recognizing a growing demand among digital natives for financial advice that is flexible, cost-effective, and conveniently accessible, MissionForward is a mobile app that extends Mission Wealth's commitment to personalized, expert guidance to those who may not yet meet the firm's traditional high-net-worth profile. This new offering reflects the firm's strategic initiative to broaden its reach and support the next generation of investors at earlier stages of their financial journey. "We understand that today's investors want a modern, mobile-first approach to managing their personal finances," says Sara Clark, Partner and Chief Client Officer at Mission Wealth. "MissionForward is our way of meeting these clients where they are—offering clients real-time access to expert advice, digital financial planning tools, and relevant educational content that supports their life goals." Built for convenience and empowerment, MissionForward provides a subscription-based model for financial planning and investment management, with no minimum asset requirement. The app offers secure, on-demand communication with dedicated CFP® professionals, goal tracking, budgeting, financial planning updates, and access to Mission Wealth's investment strategies—all in a user-friendly, mobile experience. To learn more about MissionForward or to join the growing community of next-generation investors, visit "We see MissionForward as a tool designed for the life you are building," explains Clark. Whether launching a career, managing a growing family, or navigating early-stage wealth accumulation, MissionForward can help clients take confident steps forward—without the traditional barriers to professional financial advice. Key Features of MissionForward™ Include: Secure messaging with a dedicated CFP® professional Personalized financial planning with annual updates Access to professionally managed Mission Wealth investment portfolios In-app scheduling, document uploads, and real-time task tracking Educational resources and insights tailored to individual goals Watch a short introduction video about MissionForward on YouTube from Mission Wealth's Co-Founder, Seth Streeter. Please note: MissionForward is a new service designed specifically for emerging investors. If you are already a Mission Wealth client utilizing their comprehensive wealth management services, please continue to use the MissionAccess mobile app for your ongoing financial planning and portfolio management needs. About Mission WealthSince 2000, Mission Wealth has been a nationally recognized Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) dedicated to serving over 4,190 valued clients and families and managing assets exceeding $11.9 billion across the United States. For comprehensive information about Mission Wealth's core values and services, please visit or contact us at 805-516-5187 for a complimentary consultation. Follow Mission Wealth's Growth: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube MISSION WEALTH IS A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR. 00760396 07/25 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mission Wealth Management, LP Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sam Huszczo, CFA®, CFP® Named InvestmentNews' 2025 Investment Advisor of the Year
DETROIT, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SGH Wealth Management is proud to announce that its Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Sam Huszczo, CFA, CFP®, has been named InvestmentNews' 2025 National Investment Advisor of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes excellence in financial advice, innovation, and client impact at the highest level in the wealth management industry. This recognition, part of the prestigious InvestmentNews Awards ceremony in New York, highlights Sam's outstanding contributions to the financial advisory profession. Huszczo stood out among a competitive national field for his data-driven investment strategies, client-first approach, and his rare ability to blend academic rigor with practical, real-world advice. His background as a CFA charterholder and CFP® professional underlines a deep commitment to discipline, transparency, and long-term thinking, values he also shares with the diligent clients he serves. The annual InvestmentNews Awards celebrate top-performing advisors who exemplify leadership, innovation, and transformative results for clients. "Winning this national honor underscores our mission of empowering clients through disciplined, data-driven advice and transparent client-first values," said Huszczo. "Our success is shared with the remarkable families and individuals who trust SGH to manage their financial futures." Known for his relatable storytelling and market commentary, Huszczo often brings humor and honesty to his role, blending references from Newton's market failures to barefoot earnings calls, all while reinforcing a simple truth: The best financial advisors don't just ride market waves, they pivot, protect, and plan. This national recognition reflects the strength of the SGH Wealth Management team and Huszczo's unwavering dedication to helping clients live their version of success, on purpose. Outside work, Sam is active on the board of Leaders for Kids, Finance Committee for the Detroit Economic Club, and regularly speaks at financial literacy workshops across Metro Detroit. Along with National TV recognition with Huszczo appearing on: CNBC's Squawk Box, Bloomberg TV, Fox Business News, CBS TV, & more. "Starting a firm from scratch required an incredible amount of faith and discipline, values our clients embody in their own financial journeys," said Huszczo. "Our clients invested consistently for decades and this level of discipline deserves an Advisor who genuinely puts their interests first." Learn more at: View source version on Contacts SGH Wealth Managementhttps:// Sam Huszczo, CFA, CFP248-731-0029info@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Sam Huszczo, CFA®, CFP® Named InvestmentNews' 2025 Investment Advisor of the Year
DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SGH Wealth Management is proud to announce that its Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Sam Huszczo, CFA, CFP ®, has been named InvestmentNews' 2025 National Investment Advisor of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes excellence in financial advice, innovation, and client impact at the highest level in the wealth management industry. This recognition, part of the prestigious InvestmentNews Awards ceremony in New York, highlights Sam's outstanding contributions to the financial advisory profession. "Starting a firm took faith and discipline—the same traits our clients show in their financial journeys," said Huszczo. "Their decades of consistent investing deserve an Advisor who truly puts their interests first." Share Huszczo stood out among a competitive national field for his data-driven investment strategies, client-first approach, and his rare ability to blend academic rigor with practical, real-world advice. His background as a CFA charterholder and CFP ® professional underlines a deep commitment to discipline, transparency, and long-term thinking, values he also shares with the diligent clients he serves. The annual InvestmentNews Awards celebrate top-performing advisors who exemplify leadership, innovation, and transformative results for clients. 'Winning this national honor underscores our mission of empowering clients through disciplined, data-driven advice and transparent client-first values,' said Huszczo. 'Our success is shared with the remarkable families and individuals who trust SGH to manage their financial futures.' Known for his relatable storytelling and market commentary, Huszczo often brings humor and honesty to his role, blending references from Newton's market failures to barefoot earnings calls, all while reinforcing a simple truth: The best financial advisors don't just ride market waves, they pivot, protect, and plan. This national recognition reflects the strength of the SGH Wealth Management team and Huszczo's unwavering dedication to helping clients live their version of success, on purpose. Outside work, Sam is active on the board of Leaders for Kids, Finance Committee for the Detroit Economic Club, and regularly speaks at financial literacy workshops across Metro Detroit. Along with National TV recognition with Huszczo appearing on: CNBC's Squawk Box, Bloomberg TV, Fox Business News, CBS TV, & more. 'Starting a firm from scratch required an incredible amount of faith and discipline, values our clients embody in their own financial journeys,' said Huszczo. 'Our clients invested consistently for decades and this level of discipline deserves an Advisor who genuinely puts their interests first.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CFP Board Appoints Barry Gersten as Head Technology Officer
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CFP Board today announced the appointment of Barry S. Gersten as its Head Technology Officer. Gersten will oversee CFP Board's information technology and digital initiatives. As Head Technology Officer, Gersten plays a critical role in shaping the technology vision and aligning information technology (IT) capabilities with the organization's mission, strategic objectives and operational needs. He also provides leadership in evaluating the utility of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. "In this era of rapid technological change, Barry's leadership will elevate our digital readiness and help us remain at the forefront," said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. "His decades of strategic IT leadership expertise will be instrumental as we continue to drive innovation, enhance collaboration and build resilient, adaptive systems that not only support CFP® professionals, certification candidates and the public, but also strengthen the digital experience for our education and CE partners." Gersten joins CFP Board from his independent consulting practice. During his time as a consultant, he helped lead IT strategy and operations at various organizations, including CFP Board, conducting comprehensive assessments of IT systems, infrastructure and vendor services. Prior to this, Gersten served as the Chief Technology Officer at the American Nurses Association, where he led digital transformation initiatives, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency and a 20% reduction in IT infrastructure costs. He also served as Vice President of Information Technology at The Aspen Institute and Chief Information Officer for the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department. "I'm proud to be part of CFP Board's culture that truly values continuous improvement and innovation," said Gersten. "It's exciting to be in a role where I can apply my experience to make a real impact — using technology to help move both the organization and the financial planning profession forward." Gersten holds an M.S. in business administration from Johns Hopkins University and earned his bachelor's degree in information systems management from the University of Maryland. Based in CFP Board's Washington, D.C., headquarters, Gersten will report to CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. He starts his new role on June 16. ABOUT CFP BOARD CFP Board is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board consists of two affiliated organizations focused on advancing the financial planning profession for the public's benefit. CFP Board of Standards sets and upholds standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification — widely recognized by the public, advisors and firms as the standard for financial planners — so that the public has access to the benefits of competent and ethical financial planning. CFP® certification is held by more than 100,000 people in the U.S. CFP Board Center for Financial Planning addresses diversity and workforce development challenges and conducts and publishes research that adds to the financial planning profession's body of knowledge. View source version on Contacts Joseph Feese, Director of Public Relations, P: 202-379-2305, E: media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
