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February 2021

What can a pro do?

In the new age of trading apps and stock conversations on social media, more and more people are getting involved in the world of personal finance. As this change happens, we are currently in one of the largest wealth transfers in history with the aging of the baby boomers. Throughout all of this, young people are put in a place where they have a big financial situation to deal with, and many feel they can do this alone. So, this month, I am going to talk about the benefits of having a financial professional in your corner.

Using a professional, on a very surface level, gives you a sounding board for ideas and plans, goals, fears, and dreams in life. Financial professionals have seen many different situations, and have the ability to create plans and ideas to help their clients reach those goals and dreams down the road. If nothing else, a professional is a person well versed in topics like retirement planning, insurance planning, wealth management, social security, and many others. Most even have connections to estate planning attorneys, CPA’s, and mortgage lenders to ensure their clients are covered in all the major areas of personal finance.

Beyond that, they are very rigorously tested. They have the title “professional” for a reason, because it takes an extensive amount of education, training, knowledge and skill to manage investments and insurance planning. There are separate examinations for insurance and investments, and numerous different designations. Each professional that holds these licenses is required to continue their education on an ongoing basis to stay up to date on new laws and regulations, because they are always changing.

Next, life is always a moving target. So is your financial picture. There isn’t ever a one-size-fits -all approach to planning, as each person is different. So, even if you are not ready to start investing thousands of dollars right away, it is good to have a relationship with someone who can give you ideas about saving, debt repayment, and other basics.

Finally, they can provide an increase in your level of confidence. Many do not have the time or desire to manage their investment portfolio or create their own financial plan. It can be very comforting knowing you have someone working in your best interests, and making sure you are sticking to the plan. Having that sense of security and accountability allows for clients to feel cared for.

Each professional is going to be different. For me, I focus on the relationship. I am there whenever a client has a question or needs help, and when going through all of life’s stages, from college to career, family, and retirement. It is paramount to build a foundation of trust and honesty, because when it comes to money, there is no other way.

Send me an email, or give me a call. A video call works too. Absolutely no cost on your end, just your time. Let’s chat!

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 419-725-7358

The information in this commentary is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended to imply a recommendation of any products or securities mentioned. Please note that individual situations can vary and you are encouraged to seek such advice from your financial advisor.

Savage names new partners

Vision statement on entranceway wall

Savage announced today the addition of new partners to our firm. Each with more than 20 years of experience with Savage, the new partners include:

  • Tony Desch, financial advisor
  • Jason Elchert, financial professional (Findlay)
  • Matt Holzemer, employee benefit consultant
  • Gary LeSage, certified financial planner
  • Steve Milewski, financial advisor
  • Steve Morr, financial professional
  • Pat Paule, employee benefit consultant (Bowling Green)
  • Lou Ramirez, investment advisor representative
  • Mark Smith, financial advisor

Savage sought to create a new structure that would create viability for a more robust future for the company. Just as the firm expanded from insurance to securities four decades ago, group benefits shortly after, added mortgage services nearly 20 years ago, and entered an exciting era when the new headquarters was completed in January 2019, evolution has taken place at numerous other milestones throughout the 64-year history.

The change ensures a bright outlook with continued advancement and progress in all facets of the firm.

“As Savage continues to grow, we have an even brighter future ahead as this partnership and relationship with these seasoned and very well respected professionals in our industry ensures the legacy of our firm will thrive for another 60 years,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “This is an exceptionally talented group of individuals, each with unique skills sets and areas of expertise, who will help us continue to provide great value to our clients. This partnership ensures that our independent firm, remains just that – independent years into the future just as we have been since our start in 1957. The partnership creates consistency, broadens the ownership structure, and helps us preserve the strength and future of the firm.”

Together, the new partners provide an extensive list of services and products to clients across the nation including specialization in investment and wealth management, trust and estate planning, financial wellness, tax planning, life insurance, retirement plans, employee and individual benefits, and more.

They join current partners, J.R. Toland (Savage President and CEO), Phil Johnson, Russ Karban, Kelly Savage, Mark Smigelski, Joel Tschantz, and Scott Walsh.

High five! Savage named a 2021 top workplace for fifth year in a row

Savage has been named one of the region’s top workplaces for the fifth consecutive year by the Toledo Blade.

Additionally, the company received a specialty award for exhibiting superior values.

“Savage is delighted to receive this honor for the fifth year in a row,” stated J.R. Toland, president and CEO, Savage and Associates. “I am so proud of our team of more than 120 associates, across four locations, as they carried on with such dedication and optimism amid the ongoing pandemic. Our continued growth is due to having so many high-caliber, energetic people that simply love serving others.”

Being named a top workplace is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The Blade partnered with Energage to conduct the anonymous survey that uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, such as alignment, execution, and connection.

“In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture, even during challenging times.”

Savage has offices in Maumee, Bowling Green, Findlay and Glandorf, Ohio.

Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.
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