Considering the complexities of people’s financial lives today, a good night’s sleep doesn’t always come easy. But at Buckingham Strategic Wealth, an independent wealth management firm, client peace of mind is foremost. “We address every facet of our clients’ financial affairs so they can focus on what really matters in life,” says president David Levin.
Buckingham was founded in 1994 in St. Louis by four friends with a common belief: client interests should always come first. In 23 years, Levin says the company has never lost sight of that mission; its growth over time—into a national firm of more than 100 advisers—is proof of that. “One of the things that differentiates us is our complete independence,” he says. “We don’t sell financial products, but are in the business of giving holistic, comprehensive advice to help our clients achieve their goals. We hold ourselves to a high fiduciary standard, and are on the client’s side—always.”
In this day and age, sound, informed advice is more important than ever, he notes. “There are many more choices, and consequently many more possible pitfalls,” Levin says, citing seemingly impenetrable tax codes and the dizzying array of choices when it comes to investing.
Levin explains that every new client relationship begins with a ‘discovery conversation.’ “When we talk to new clients, we go well beyond basic asset-related questions,” he says. “We want to understand what makes our clients tick, and what is their financial history. What does money mean to them? What keeps them up at night?” Levin says at Buckingham, everyone works as a team. “There’s no competition here. We all work together to bring a greater depth of expertise.”
The company president relates that he has always believed in Buckingham, first seeking it out as a client in 2010 when he owned his own business in Chicago. “I was born and raised in St. Louis and liked the idea of a local firm,” he says. In fact, he liked it so much, he came home and joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2013. He became president in 2015 and says he is extremely proud of the company’s growth into 16 locations across the U.S. Buckingham’s client retention rate, he notes, has been a hallmark of pride, year after year.
“In terms of our growth, a lot has changed over the years,” Levin says. “But in terms of our values and core beliefs as an organization, we are as resolute in our mission as ever.”
On the cover: Buckingham Strategic Wealth is an independent wealth management firm based in St. Louis and serving clients in 16 locations across the United States. For more information, call 800.711.2027 or visit buckinghamadvisor.com.
Cover courtesy of Buckingham | Cover photo by Jerry Naunheim
Pictured at top: Buckingham president David Levin
Photo courtesy of Buckingham Strategic Wealth
