Our Credentials
Education is the starting point in developing a trusting long-term financial relationship. We enjoy educating clients and ourselves on valuable topics, engaging in insightful conversations, and further developing our own knowledge to better assist all our clients' needs. Further education and expertise are critical when working with a team. Collectively, we have over 40 years of industry experience in addition to advanced credentials that make our team unique from other advisors.
Nick and Jen are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation is considered the gold standard amongst financial advisors and planners. Only around 30% of financial advisors in the U.S. have the CFP® marks after their name. This allows Nick and Jen to take a holistic approach when working with you.
Nick and Jen also hold their Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation. This is designation is designed for advisors who specialize with financial planning and the unique challenges faced by high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth investors. Very few financial advisors have worked towards this advanced designation, which is the equivalent of almost another year of graduate level study.
Both Stan and Jen not only have extensive experience in finance, but also robust legal backgrounds, having practiced law prior to entering the financial industry. Their legal expertise brings a fresh perspective to wealth management, enabling them to provide you with comprehensive and tailored strategies to protect and grow your wealth.
With our education and experience, we can navigate the unique changes that are presented to us. We educate our clients thoroughly, so we can work together to make the most informed and powerful financial decisions while putting their needs first, always.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP®
CFP® professionals take a holistic, personalized approach to bring all the pieces of your financial life together. As part of the CFP® certification, CFP® professionals also have made a commitment to the CFP Board to act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to a client. This means we have agreed to put your best interests first, so we can provide you confidence today and a secure tomorrow.
Designation held by: Nick August and Jen Scharf
Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, CPWA®
Certified Private Wealth Advisor® is an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth investors. It is designed for seasoned professionals who seek the latest, most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of clients, especially those with a minimum net worth of $5 million.
Designation held by: Nick August and Jen Scharf
Juris Doctor, J.D.
A law degree (Juris Doctor) equips financial advisors with a deep understanding of regulations, empowering them to navigate complex legal frameworks seamlessly. This expertise instills trust and credibility among clients, as advisors can offer comprehensive guidance while ensuring compliance. Additionally, legal training sharpens analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling advisors to craft strategic financial plans tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Degree held by: Stan Nelson and Jen Scharf
Asking us a question is always a complementary service.