NEW Client Testimonials
NEW Client Testimonials
We asked some of our clients who recently started working with us if they would like to share their experience going through our unique planning process. Some of these clients worked with us for a few years before they retired and others came in and were hoping they could retire as soon as possible. All of our new clients come from an introduction from our existing clients so the trust, rapport and confidence we have in each other starts at a high level. Here is what they had to say.
A Sound Plan Provides Peace of Mind
We have been working with Ron for over 10 years, guiding us through college tuition, conventional and Roth IRA’s and most recently through retirement.
We are extremely thankful for the sound retirement strategy, which allows us to take advantage of market gains and ride out the inevitable market dips. Planning includes fixed and equity distributions, portfolio projections, Roth conversions, and tax strategies.
Retirement is Wonderful, especially with the Peace of Mind from having a sound plan and an advisor you can trust.
Jim and Jean Hansen
Raytheon Technologies (RTX) retirees
Sudden Retirement Package Relief
When we first met with Ron, we were in a time crunch as I unexpectedly had an opportunity to take a retirement package from my workplace. I was concerned at first when I learned it would take 3 sessions to get to a decision point. I was uncertain we'd be in position to make a fiscally responsible decision. Unfortunately, I had done zero financial planning up to that point other than contribute to my company's 401K plan. Right from the outset of the first meeting, Ron made us feel at ease and comfortable as he walked us through the process and sent us home to gather our data. We also learned that Ron's program was more than just the investment aspect, there was much more to retirement planning. The second meeting went smoothly and efficiently. Then came the third meeting. Ron went through our data and shared our projection. Ron was able to show us that we were in position to retire and that our data indicated we could retire comfortably.
It was a great relief and helped us make the decision enabling me to go ahead and commit to retirement knowing that I was in good hands with Ron's ongoing planning process. Not only does the retirement planning cover financial and investment planning, but Ron's planning also addresses taxes, survivorship and estate elements.
The best quality about the services and the firm are Ron and his employees. The team emulates Ron's passion and enthusiasm and delivers excellent quality. The phone is always answered with a pleasant greeting and your issue/request/question is dealt with swiftly and efficiently. The in-person meetings are always enjoyable
The prime benefit of the service provided by Ron and his service is the knowledge that I do not have to worry about my retirement plan. I fully trust the process and have utmost confidence knowing that Ron and his team have our future well planned and wisely invested. The frequent state of the market updates Ron provides reinforces Ron's planning process and enhances the quality of service provided.
Brian
Raytheon Technologies (RTX) retiree
Planning Provides Sense of Security and Comfort
We joined up with Empower during the year prior to our retirement on the recommendation of close friends who had been clients of Ron and his team for several years prior to that time. The introductory meetings and initial planning discussions offered us all the information we were looking for and the framework laid out for our retirement plan was explained in terms that we understood and was consistent with our expectations. Over the past few years of early retirement we have been extremely pleased with our decision to join Empower. We continue to experience a strong sense of security and comfort in knowing that we have a plan in place and a team we trust. Most importantly, we no longer react to the ups and downs of the stock market as we had in the past because we have this plan and a strong team behind the scenes. An added plus for us is Ron’s upbeat personality, his availability and expertise, his regularly scheduled market update sessions, and the fact that his family is integrally involved in the business which is a testament to his values
Jamie and Christina –
Hartford Heathcare retiree
A Comprehensive and Sophisticated Approach
My wife and I got to a point in our retirement planning journey where we recognized the need for a more professional, detailed approach. We were referred to Ron by a friend who had been working with him for several years. While we knew a few details about Ron and the “process” beforehand we still had to become comfortable with someone who would ultimately be entrusted with the financial success of our future. Like meeting a future spouse for the first time – you just don’t know how it will work out. We’ve been with Ron through two firms and over 10 successful years. We have referred friends who are now part of the Empower family. I guess it worked out!
Ron has a relaxed, friendly approach interwoven with focused questions. He took time to understand where we were coming from, our goals (retiring early and traveling) and most importantly who we were. Through this very thorough process, we were impressed by his knowledge and experience all the while feeling like we were talking to a trusted friend, not someone who wanted to sell us the latest investment scheme.
Initially we engaged Ron for advice only. As our relationship grew, the transition to fully managed investment and financial planning services in retirement was an easy choice. We felt self-assured and comfortable entering retirement with 2 expensive vacations already booked, and our daughter’s wedding to pay for.
It would be impossible to identify a single attribute about Empower that is most important. From personalized spreadsheets for wealth, estate and tax planning to investment strategies, Empower’s comprehensive and sophisticated approach covers more than we could have managed alone. Quite frankly, it’s way more than friends and family get with other firms. It’s about building-in knowledge, confidence and resilience to weather almost any financial challenge and see us through all phases of life and retirement. The approach is incredible and so is the whole Empower team. It’s a small company that values personal relationships. You get to know everyone on the team and feel like part of a larger family. It’s like visiting your own family…without the weird stuff! No matter what we are dealing with we can always rely on quick, well-reasoned advice.
We sleep well at night knowing that Ron and the Empower team are on watch. They bring calm and confidence even with financial chaos all about.
Looking out for Us and Our Future
We appreciate the opportunity to speak about Ron Williams and Empower Financial Advisory. We never met Ron but were referred to him by mutual friends. We were at a point in our life when we were preparing for retirement and were looking for advice and direction.
We both had government pensions and employer administered deferred compensation plans. We never had a financial planner/advisor.
We had an initial conversation on the phone which was followed up with Zoom Meetings 3 or 4 times annually. On each occasion when met with Ron and his team via Zoom, they were always prepared. Each meeting lasted about an hour and we always ended the meeting with all of our questions and concerns addressed and answered. We left every meeting comfortable, confident and secure. He guided us through the process with a detailed Investment plan designed to meet our future needs and continues to modify it as needed,
We know we are in good hands with Ron and the entire team. They are extremely knowledgeable and professional in every aspect of our relationship. We are thankful and fortunate to have Ron and the entire Empower Financial Advisory Team looking out for us and our future.
John & Maureen Gould
Retired – New York City Law Enforcement
Focused and Integrated, Comprehensive Process
For many years we spent countless hours studying investment options, projecting savings for retirement and sweating the ups and downs of the stock and bond markets. Although we probably did a reasonably good job of saving, the worry about having an effective investment strategy always seemed to hang over our heads! After being introduced to Ron Williams, we learned about a very focused and integrated process to manage all aspects of our finances. Empower FA is truly a full-service firm, that really engages its clientele on a personal level in order to provide a customized experience. Client meetings are scheduled regularly but also whenever needed for special planning. The small but efficient and talented team makes transactions pleasurable, and is always on the ready to respond. We appreciate how Empower continually monitors the investment markets, consulting regularly with other industry experts, while at the same time making measured decisions about our portfolio without over reacting to market "noise". Although we take note of market trends in the news, we no longer worry about whether our plan is still "whole" ... it is!
Paul and Susan
Raytheon Technologies (RTX) Retiree