Andrew got into the banking industry around 2007 and was aspiring to be a financial advisor. Unfortunately Andrew could not have picked a worse time to learn to be a financial advisor. Only a year into Andrew’s banking career, the Global Financial Crisis occurred.

Observing the Financial Advisor Andrew was mentoring under, running around like a “chicken with his head cut off” trying to explain to his clients why their portfolios just lost 30-40%, Andrew was convinced that he never wanted to be involved in losing a client’s money. EVER.

Shortly after Andrew’s epiphany, Andrew father passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 45, leaving his mother and two younger siblings still at home. Andrew’s mother was a stay-at-home mom and hadn’t worked in almost 20 years. She was faced with some very difficult decisions.

And although she did receive a Life Insurance Death Benefit, she did what most people do when they are unsure of how to handle a big amount of money. She went to a Financial Advisor and invested in the market.

As Andrew was looking at her statement one day he discovered that although she had gained some interest, every penny she earned was eaten up in fees. This made Andrew furious. Andrew set out to find alternatives for his mother. Something that would offer her guarantees.

• Something that would allow her to retire sooner. (She had gone back to work for minimum wage.)
• Something that would ensure she would never outlive her money, even if she lived to age 100.
• Something where she would no longer be at risk of losing any more of her money in the market.
• Something where she would never pay any fees again.
• Something that would still provide great rates of return.

And after much searching, to his surprise, Andrew discovered a whole new world of alternative products. Products that did offer EVERYTHING he was looking for.

Once he helped his mother rollover her money into these products, something amazing happened.

Andrew’s mom was able to retire right away. Years sooner than she previously thought.
Andrew’s mom was able to take care of her bills and raise the younger 2 siblings.
Andrew’s mom was able to never worry about losing any more money in the market.
Andrew’s mom never had to pay another broker or account fee again.
Andrew’s mom could count on a steady monthly paycheck deposited every month.
Andrew’s mom finally had financial peace of mind.
Andrew’s mom was able to buy her dream house, and comfortably afford it.
Andrew’s mom’s Long Term Care Insurance was covered (for free) in her retirement plan.

This “lightbulb” moment really compelled Andrew to ask the question… “If my mother benefited this much from these types of products and guarantees, how many more Americans are desperately searching for these types of products and guarantees?”

Andrew started Retirement Renegade with that in mind.To put the client first and provide the guarantees that most retirees and pre-retirees were looking for.

The company took off like a rocket! Andrew didn’t really understand how big of a need it really was to provide Safe Retirement Products. Within 7 months, the company was valued at over 20 million, with 200 agents nationwide helping clients with Safe Insurance and Financial Products. Retirement Renegade was awarded as the fastest growing Financial Firms in America from 2017-2020 and was able to help over 5,000 clients with their retirement decisions.

And although Andrew’s success was admired by many, Andrew wasn’t able to spend the time with his family that he desired. Andrew decided it really doesn’t matter how much you make, if your family isn’t a priority, it isn’t worth it. He decided his days of traveling all over the country were over.

Rather than focusing on Quantity, Andrew began focusing on Quality.

Retirement Renegade has never drifted from the foundations that make it successful. Andrew knows from experience what clients want and need. He continues to become better and better offering the highest form of excellence, customer service, and most importantly GUARANTEES that his clients have come to enjoy.

And the best part is, Andrew now has the freedom to enjoy his 4 kids and lovely wife Jess in Franklin TN where they live, and still be able to passionately provide nationwide Safe-Retirement Planning as a Certified Financial Fiduciary®.

Rikki Ridgeway has been in the professional financial services industry for 10 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Economics from University of California Santa Barbara. She currently lives in Newport Beach, Ca and works for Pacific Capital Wealth Management. She is also certified in Health & Fitness as more of hobby, and is passionate about helping her clients achieve both their personal and professional goals in life.

With 10 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, Dan currently holds a Series 7 and Series 63 Licenses along with a Life, Accident & Health Insurance License. Dan has built his practice relying on the teachings of financial guru Dave Ramsey. He believes that navigating through the information that is constantly given to you through TV, Radio and Internet can be a daunting task. Dan's experience is that by managing your emotions and not making the wrong decision at the wrong time you have a greater chance of success.

Dan focuses on treating people with integrity and always making sure that he thinks of his clients' needs first. By using questioning strategies and having the heart of a teacher, Dan has a keen knack for helping people get answers to their questions so that they can make sure they are making the right decisions. If you are having questions about financial planning then Dan is your man. He will help you determine your goals and what is the best way for you to meet those goals.

Molly began her career in the investment and retirement planning industry in 1996 as a financial advisor for RBC Dain.  As part of an advisor team servicing retail clients, they helped individuals and families create and monitor their personal financial plans to meet their long-term goals. 

 After taking a break to focus on raising her four children, she joined Dave’s team in 2013.  As Octagon’s Client Relationship Manager, she works closely with clients to better ensure their investment portfolios and overall financial plans remain aligned with their long-term goals.

 She is a Certified Financial Fiduciary and holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.  She takes her responsibility to be a fiduciary very seriously and appreciates the trust their clients have in them.

 A native Minnesotan who grew up in Bloomington, she is a graduate of the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.  She and her husband are raising their four children in Eden Prairie where she enjoys attending her children’s activities, traveling, reading, and volunteering in the community especially the local non-profit thrift store, PROP SHOP that supports local families in need.

Greg is an Investment Professional with over 21 years of experience in the investment industry as well as a tax specialist holding a B.S. & M.B.A serving clients in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF), Greg specializes in using a holistic approach to investment and retirement planning to help one attain their life-long goals. Please explore the web site at RiversideSecurities.com for a quick overview on his approach to helping make this attainable and understandable. Securities and investment advisory services offered through NEXT Financial Group, Inc. (“NEXT”), Member FINRA/SIPC. Entities named herein are not an affiliate of NEXT. To view other important client information, visit NextFinancial.com. Any posts on this site may not reflect the views or opinions of NEXT. 

Gary is a Managing Director at JT Stratford.  He has over 18 years of experience in the field of personal finance and investments, and is a Registered Financial Consultant® (RFC) and AIF®. The AIF® designation signifies knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care.

Gary was awarded the Five Star Wealth Manager award by Five Star Professional. Five Star Award candidates are evaluated against 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria such as client retention rates, client assets administered, firm review and a favorable regulatory and complaint history.  

Gary entered the financial services industry in 2000.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Business Administration from Thiel College in 1993.  He used sports as one of his passions to get into and excel in college.  He was one of very few who earned a letter in both Football and Track all four years, and was selected at 1st team All-Conference and nationally ranked as a punter his freshman year.  

After college, he enlisted in the US Army as a Military Police Officer, and held the rank of Staff Sergeant/E-6.  During his military service, he was assigned to the personal staff of the FORSCOM Commanding General (4-star) for 4 ½ of his 6-year enlistment where he served as driver and personal security to the General.  

Gary specializes in comprehensive financial planning and wealth management by working with individuals to design personalized retirement planning, tax-advantaged investment strategies, and insurance planning.  In helping people transition from corporate life to retirement, Gary likes working on the same side of the table as his clients to earn their business each and every day.  He considers his clients to be his 2nd family and has the passion to provide guidance and service to them while establishing a lifelong relationship over many years and generations to come.  

In addition to his Financial Practice, Gary has always had a passion to work with youth through sports.  He enjoys coaching youth football and baseball to provide the boys a positive role model and mentor through the game and he hopes for the same for the youth he now mentors.  He believes that this gave him an opportunity to go to college and further his education.  Gary is very active in his church, Chamber of Commerce and Community.  

Gary holds the following securities licenses: Series 7, 63 and 65.  He holds the following insurance licenses: Life, Accident, Sickness and Variable Products. 

Brian Amato began his financial planning career in 1999 working for Morgan Stanley and joined Lee Rosenberg’s firm a year later. He immediately saw the vast difference between how a big brokerage firm handled clients vs. the caring, hands-on services a small firm could offer. He never looked back.

"The first thing I really appreciated was the wide variety of investment products I could choose from," Brian said. "I was able to choose what best fit the client’s needs instead of being restricted to proprietary offerings. Nothing is more important than working in the client’s best interests and that is the hallmark of what we do at American Investment Planners."

"The other major benefit for clients is that here you’re not just an account number, you’re a part of the family. Over time we get to know you, how you think, what your priorities are and because we review your portfolio throughout the year, we can be proactive and make recommendations at just the right time. Believe me, that does not happen at a brokerage house. You’re lucky if you reach the same person twice."

For the past 17 years, Brian has developed close relationships with his clients because he understands that the critical first step is ongoing communication and learning as much as possible about their families, careers, health issues, retirement goals and passions. "I always inquire about children, special needs, anything that will impact their financial goals and mostly their financial security. My job is to help them safeguard their growing portfolios and to build their trust."
 
In light of the volatile market, prudent investment strategies have never been more critical. Interestingly, Brian’s conservative approach has been the same throughout his career. "I started working with clients in 2000 when the market swings were also this unpredictable and discovered that their priorities were diversity, income and minimal risks. Today these same goals are the centerpiece of my plans. In fact, with the tremendous increase in product offerings now, my clients’ incomes are on the rise."

When asked what clients should understand about the financial planning process, Brian said that there are two key factors. "First, it takes a good three to six months to implement the right plan. Secondly, the plan is constantly evolving based on the market and the client’s changing needs. Maybe they decide they want to sell their home or take early retirement or are faced with a serious health issue. We’ll review their portfolio to see what moves we can make to insure a secure future."

In his free time, Brian is an avid boater and is a U.S. Coast Guard certified captain. For years he has been involved with the Last Hope Animal Rescue and is also a generous contributor.  Brian lives in Fort Salonga with his wife Melissa, their daughter Ava and their son Carter.

To speak to Brian Amato about your financial goals, email him at brian@americaninvestmentplanners.com or call him at 516-932-5130.

Since 2002, our insurance and financial agency has earned the trust of over 1000 clients. By acting responsibly and being accountable to our clients, Angels Financial LLC continues to humbly serve clients and communities. 

- Committed to lifelong learning, continuing education to stay current on products and regulation

- Committed to excellence through relevance, significance, and balance.  

- Committed to effective change management through periodic portfolio review   

- Committed to the financial success and well-being of my clients and their beneficiaries

 Planning services: Life Insurance, Annuities, Medicare, and Long-Term Care. 

Ideal clients: Individuals, families, and organizations wishing to act responsibly, who seek a lifelong financial consultant. 

John began his investment career in 2000 as a planner with Transamerica. John has his Series 65 license as well as his Life and Health licenses. He is incredibly passionate about educating individuals and families on finances. For John, it is so rewarding to help his clients reach their financial goals and aspirations, plan for their future retirements, and help them prepare for difficult financial times. John is known for giving his clients the greatest of care and views each one of them as dear friends. John's writings have been published in many news outlets including Forbes, MSN Money, Yahoo! Finance, U.S. News & World Report, Investopedia and more. John lives in Riverton, Utah with his wife and 6 children. He is an avid sports fan and spends his free time cheering on his children at their various sporting events.