Matt Goedde, CFP^®, ChFC^®, CLU^®

What is financial planning?

One of my favorite analogies is to compare financial planning to a road trip that we’re taking together.  Your financial plan is our map and your assets are our fuel. The vehicle that’s going to get us there is the financial products and services that you’re invested in. Sometimes we bring along a little too much baggage (debt), but we can hopefully narrow that down along the way. You’re in the driver’s seat and I’m the navigator.

In starting out our trip, you’re going to tell me where you want to go. I’ve been traveling these roads professionally since 2005, so I’m going to use that experience to explore all the available paths and recommend the most efficient way. Based on your interests and goals, I’ll be able to recommend the best places to stop along the way while steering you clear of the tourist traps.

Lastly, careful planning and protection strategies serve as our roadside assistance, ensuring when life gives us a flat tire, we’re back on the road in no time.

Sure, it’s a corny analogy, but it’s also something in everyday life that almost anyone can relate to. This is the same approach I use in talking with my clients, in “real world” terms, on how best to save, grow, protect, and pass-on their assets.

Since every client’s situation is unique, we’ll develop your financial strategy (or your road map) together through a two-way sharing of thoughts and information. I feel this approach not only helps you achieve your goals, but also gives you the understanding of how you arrived there and the satisfaction of being an integral part of the process.

I realized early on in my career that the information I can give you is only as good as the information I have. I feel blessed to have found a career that I’m committed to and passionate about. As I have continued to study my craft, I’ve achieved many milestones, including:

• B.S. In Business Administration from The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business
• Certified Financial Planner™ professional designation (CFP®), holding me to a higher standard of knowledge, service, and ethics.  Learn more about the CFP® certification at www.cfp.net
• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) - an advanced designation with in-depth coverage of the key financial planning disciplines, including insurance, income taxation, retirement planning, investments and estate planning awarded by The American College.
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) - one of the oldest and most respected credentials in the insurance profession. It covers a broad array of personal risk management and life insurance planning issues and stresses ethics, professionalism, and in-depth knowledge in the delivery of financial advice.

For you, these designations are a symbol that I’m a student of my trade, constantly in pursuit of the most current and accurate information. I’m always eager to learn! Lastly, I’ve surrounded myself with a group of talented advisors that can help to put an extra set of eyes on a complicated situation and a wonderful assistant, Ashleigh Armstrong, who keeps me in line.

While learning from a book is very important, I often refer to many of the experiences I’ve learned from the school of life. My wonderful wife and partner, Debbie, and I have had many of the same concerns about balancing being able to live for today, save enough for retirement and college, and protect against unforeseen road bumps. Our two “spirited” kids, Sam and Brenna, keep us on our toes and continue to teach us to always expect the unexpected. Unfortunately, I’ve also had loved one’s pass way unexpectedly, settled the estates of both of my parents, and been in tough conversations about care for aging family members. I’ve seen well developed plans go right and how one or two critical flaws can put a plan in jeopardy.

I feel this combination of formal learning, life lessons, professional experience, and teamwork arm me with a unique set of skills and give me the confidence to ask you for the chance to earn your business. Let’s talk about where you want to go. I’m looking forward to taking this journey with you!

When I’m not out on “road trips” with my clients, you’ll find me spending time with my family. Some of our favorite past times include bike rides, board games, playing cards (Euchre and Canasta are some of our favorites), sports in the back yard, nerf gun wars, cheering on the Buckeyes and hiking. We love visiting national parks and other places in this beautiful country where amazing scenery and great hiking trails lie ahead. Both kids went from riding in a backpack on my back to out front leading the way! We’re always looking for recommendations, if you know a great spot that we must see! Since my wife Debbie is a fantastic cook, you’ll find us at home for most dinners, although the occasional night out is always fun! Rounding out our family is an English Bulldog named Barley and a cat named George.

If I get a few seconds to myself, you’ll probably find me working on some project around the house. I love working with my hands, fixing things, and giving old things new life. Classic cars are probably my biggest passion. I’ve recently spent 5 years restoring my dad’s 1966 GTO that he purchased in high school and have started accumulating parts for the 1969 Camaro that my mother drove when I was born. Golfing, watching sports, staying active and enjoying time with friends are some of my other interests.

CFP® and CERTFIFED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements