S&P Dow Jones Indices to Host HD Wealth Strategies in New York City
New York City at Christmastime is certainly something to behold. The Christmas scene at the Rockefeller Center might as well be a national treasure. However, while shoppers anxiously navigate the throes of the diamond-clad Fifth Avenue, HD Wealth Strategies’ principals Steven Higgins and Allison Schmidt will be working. S&P Dow Jones Indices, a global leader in data and market information, has invited HD Wealth Strategies to visit their offices in New York. The visit will consist of a series of interviews that will give Allie and Steve an opportunity to share some thoughts about how they use the immense resources and data available to communicate with clients, create expectations, and seek more predictable outcomes through the financial planning and investment process. HD Wealth Strategies strives to be a leader in the use of technology and education to help clients understand expectations and mitigate the damage that emotional reactions can cause to long term goals and financial strategies. It is an honor to be singled out by a prestigious and globally recognized firm such as S&P Dow Jones Indices.
When asked about why HD Wealth Strategies was chosen, Shaun Wurzbach, the S&P Dow Jones Managing Director of the Financial Advisor division, had this to say: “I really enjoyed hearing how HD Wealth Strategies has identified a niche which they can serve well. As Travis and I asked Allie and Steven questions about their approach to marketing to this niche and serving these professionals, it became very apparent that they have well matched a strategy and structure to their vision of how to serve effectively. Some financial advisors don’t take the time to think about what they believe in and how they can work with clients who believe what they believe. HD Wealth Strategies has done that, and I think that is a critical enabler for success and growth.”
While the financial advisory industry may not be known for being the most innovative, HD Wealth Strategies has focused on the continued development of processes and components that use cutting edge technology to enhance the face to face relationships with their clients rather than replace them. Steven Higgins, a Financial Advisor and Principal with HD Wealth Strategies, put it this way: “It seems the entire industry is doing the same things they have always done and because of that, investors have not had any more success dealing with the same emotional challenges when it comes to investing. It is our job as advisors to completely understand the underlying data and the historical implications, then educate our clients in terms and concepts that they can use to be better investors. If something doesn’t work, we have to keep re-working the concept until it does. There is no confusion at our firm, we know we work for our clients.”
There has been a tidal change in the industry as traditional stock brokers have struggled to exist in an era where high net worth clients tend to prefer working with an advisory firm that, by law, must act in the best interest of their clients. Allie Schmidt, CFP®, CPA, a Financial Advisor and Partner with HD Wealth Strategies explains: “Historically investments have been sold and the sales process generally involves appealing to an emotion, most often fear or greed. An advisory practice doesn’t depend on transactions and commissions, instead it depends on the long-term success of client goals.” Travis Robinson, Senior Director at S&P Dow Jones Indices, added: “HD Wealth Strategies stands out as a thoughtful independent advisory firm with capabilities that rival their largest competitors. I was immediately struck by their attention to detail, and their firm’s orientation towards client education rather than product sales.”
Allison and Steven of HD Wealth Strategies believe the desire to be better for their clients is what drives their clients’ goals and subsequently their own purpose. HD Wealth Strategies is excited to share thoughts and ideas with S&P Dow Jones Indices, look out for the videos and articles that are sure to follow.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
