Meet The Founders: Allie (DeYoung) Schmidt
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Growing up I always thought I’d be an attorney. My dad was a lawyer and then a judge and my older sister, Jess, is an attorney in downtown Denver. I kind of broke the mold by studying accounting in college. I’m a transplant to Colorado. I grew up in the Chicago area and attended Butler University, where I played basketball. After graduation, I decided to move to Colorado to be close to the mountains and my sister Jess, who was in law school at CU Boulder.
My girlfriend Stacy and I live in the Highlands neighborhood in Northwest Denver. I think we could be defined by the amount of time we spend in the mountains, as well as, the family time we are blessed to enjoy. (Smiles) My entire family, parents & three sisters, now lives in the Denver metro and we usually manage to get together at least once a week; we have a really good time.
What inspired the creation of HD Wealth Strategies?
Steve and I really began to notice a gap in the financial services industry. This gap seemingly consisted of a lack of empathy, care and in-depth planning for many clients, who didn’t have the right size portfolio. We both realized that we had the tools to not only fill this gap, but to offer clients an innovative and productive financial advisory experience. HD Wealth Strategies was founded on and continues to operate around a team approach to financial planning. We pride ourselves on being a holistic financial planning firm, helping guide clients in the appropriate direction that is unique to each individual.
What is your favorite aspect of the business / work life?
Hands down, my favorite part of everyday business life is the clients. We are very fortunate to work with clients who are genuinely great people. It’s very rewarding to help our clients create financial strategies that work well for them and help them pursue their financial goals.
Describe your investment philosophy.
At it’s core, my investment philosophy is based on modern portfolio theory that centers around the importance of diversification for long term growth, while taking the current investment landscape into account. I think we’re fairly innovative in the way we stress tax efficiency, looking beyond just investment returns and focusing on the overall net return to our client’s pockets.
How are you involved in the community?
I’m quite involved in my neighborhood – The Highlands – as well as The Highlands Church. I volunteer in a variety of roles and capacities with both groups throughout the year. I am also involved in The National MS Society through Bike MS. HD has formed a team for the event the last 5 years and has raised over $70,000 for the organization. This year I am taking my involvement a step further by being a Bike MS Mentor. I also help organize an additional 2-3 events a year to help raise money for the National MS Society. You could say I’m passionate about the cause but that might be an understatement.
What changes do you see in the financial services industry?
I think that it is interesting that over the last 20 years or so, interest rates have steadily declined and have become a part of everyday conversation. Lately, the Fed has become a major talking point in relation to everything from interest rates to Janet Yellen making comments on the biotech sector. I think it will be interesting to see the situation play itself out moving forward.
I also think it is interesting how much regulatory oversight and red tape has increased over the last 8 or so years. While it adds a bit of work throughout the year, I believe the added oversight to be in everyone’s best interest.
How is HD Wealth Strategies different?
The team approach we use as financial advisors is the foundation of our mission at HD Wealth Strategies. Here, each clients has access to a team of 2 experienced financial advisors, who each bring different viewpoints and specialties to the table. Additionally, our exclusive MyStrategy solution supports and guides clients along their way. As each person has a unique fingerprint that sets him/her apart from others, each of our clients has a MyStrategy that is tailored specifically to pursue their specific goals and expectations.
What are a few of your hobbies?
Wow! Let’s see – I have a lot (laughs). I love to play basketball (a vestige of my Butler days), go skiing, mountain bike, and hike. I enjoy getting out of the house any opportunity that I get to enjoy all that the Colorado landscape has to offer. I honestly don’t spend a lot of time indoors outside of work.
What are a couple of your weekly “must reads?”
That is a great question. I read First Trust “Monday Morning Outlook” by Brian Wesbury each week. I also read “Investment News” weekly as well as the updates from the FPA (Financial Planning Association) comes to my inbox…makes it easy. Additionally, I skim the Wall Street Journal each morning.
What’s playing on your phone during a workout?
That is an interesting question. My workout music is definitely different than the music I would usually go see live. For working out, I like music with a beat so the “endorphin rush” spotify station nails it. In my free time away from the gym, my favorite Pandora station hits my top four: Alabama Shakes, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Hendrix, and Fitz & The Tantrums. I listen to a lot of blues music, which is kind of funny because it is almost the polar opposite of my upbeat persona.
What are two personality traits that allow you to deliver results for clients?
I think I benefit from being a person that is extremely attentive to detail. I also pride myself on being a good listener and helping craft plans specific to each client.
Something you can’t live without in the office?
Coffee! Honestly, a close second would have to be the HD team of Molly and Steve; I genuinely enjoy engaging with the group.
Ski or snowboard?
Snowboard for sure – back country is better.
Run or bike?
Easy choice – run.
*Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against loss.
