Steve Underriter

Why Financial Planning?

Two reasons. When my parents retired, they relied on a family member to manage their finances by giving them unlimited power of attorney (POA) and establishing a Trust with the same person as the trustee. The “trusted” family member used the POA to take out a loan against their home and invaded the Trust for personal use. Ultimately the home went into foreclosure, and the Trust was assigned a new trustee.

The second reason is my own experience when I transitioned out of the military and knowing the errors I made as well as observing others. I wish I had a financial advisor to help me through that transition. It is a big change. I had no plans. I found a job supporting the Navy and as time went on I jumped at the opportunity to be my own consultant and ultimately merged with another defense consultant forming a partnership limited liability company which is still active today.

While I was an employee, I started exploring the financial advisor industry and began my education. I received my MBA in Personal Finance and from there I started my own financial advisory firm.



My Background

I retired from the Navy after twenty-one years as a Naval Flight Officer. During my Navy career, I traveled all over the world and was fortunate enough to command an aviation squadron while deployed on board the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69). After I retired, I worked in the Pentagon as a support contractor identifying future requirements, developing and defending budgets, monitoring execution of the budgets and writing Congressional testimony. Although on a larger scale, there is not much difference in the process when it comes to personal finance. I collaborate with clients by listening to them, identifying their needs and goals, developing plans, assisting them with executing their plans, monitoring results and adjusting as needed.