After nearly two years of discussion about the advantages of being an Independent, Fee-Only Financial Advisor, Neal Richards has finally joined Cascade Financial Strategies! Neal and I first met and began sharing investment and financial planning ideas five years ago when we were neighbors at Wells Fargo Advisors here in Bend. We’ve continued those discussions on a regular basis through the FootZone running group that hits the river trail every Wednesday at noon. I’ve long admired Neal’s sharp mind, passion for running, life and all things related to our business. He also shares the same desire to help clients match their investment portfolios with the things that they value. We call this Socially Responsible Investing and it involves the process of placing client dollars into companies that not only avoid involvement in issues related to the environment, social justice, or corporate ethics, but are actually promoting improvements and advances in these arenas.

Neal was raised in the small town of Lakeview, Oregon. He attended the University of Idaho and in 2006 graduated with degrees in Rangeland Ecology&Management and Ecology Conservation Biology. He also obtained a minor in Political Science. He’s a bit of an over-achiever!

He began his practice in 2007 as an Insurance Representative for Northwestern Mutual in Bend, OR. In 2012 he became a Financial Advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors, also in Bend. Neal strongly believes that financial planning should be comprehensive and client-focused. Helping people, whether it’s planning for education expenses or retirement, is truly Neal’s passion. He believes deeply in the value of a trusted partner and is grateful to all who have entrusted him with their finances and for allowing him to be a part of their story. Neal has initiated the coursework to obtain his Certified Financial Planner™ certification.

Outside of work Neal is blessed to be married to Lindsey and is the father of three amazing children; Lydia (2009), Thomas (2012) and Hazel (2015). The Richards stay busy with a few acres of land where children and chickens roam free. In his spare time you may find Neal running in the Old Mill or swimming at the pool.

When you get a chance, please send a congrats to Neal as he embarks on this career changing path with our firm!

Jack Schniepp is a Certified Financial Planner™ and the founder of Cascade Financial Strategies.

GET STARTED WITH A COMPLIMENTARY PORTFOLIO IMPACT ASSESSMENT

CONTACT US
Phone: 541-678-5475
Fax: (541) 678-5476
E-mail: [email protected]