Richard W. Stumpf, MBA, CFP®, CEBS

I wear many hats at Financial Benefits but providing a vision and direction for our company is the most important. I started this firm in 1988 when financial planning was still a new concept. Over the years, my profession has grown and had its share of media attention both good and bad. As an industry, I believe it's very important to uphold the values of trust, honesty and integrity. I practice those values in my own firm and push for it among my peers. Never has it been more important to maintain and retain the public's trust.

I believe in getting involved. I will be serving my second term as president of the Kansas Financial Planning Association. I've also served on the board of the Wichita Estate Planning Council and was president of the Central Kansas Planned Giving Roundtable. I was honored when my peers nominated me to serve as Chair of the national CFP Board of Education. All of these organizations reflect my strengths in financial planning. They have added to the depth and scope of my expertise.

I believe in educating clients about financial issues. "Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime." I've taught classes and given seminars on investments, business succession planning, trusts and wills, retirement and personal financial planning. What you don't know can hurt you. Some of life's decisions are irreversible. It's important to understand the impact a decision can have in the other areas of your financial life. You wouldn't take a prescription medication without asking your doctor about the side effects. In much the same way, you need an advisor who will examine and explain the consequences of his recommendations.

I believe in our country. I spent 20 years in the military, 14 of those in the Kansas Air National Guard. I learned discipline, the importance of teamwork, and standing behind your word. In the military, you have people depending on you. Follow through is critical to success. This is true for financial planning as well. I believe it's not enough to give you solutions. You need a plan and an advisor who will help you turn those answers into action. If it's time to talk to an advisor who believes in the same things you do, call me today and let's get started.