In keeping with the watchdog theme: Alice with her grand-dog Leia
Hi, my name is Alice Howe.
I believe what I’m doing and what I stand for is unique.
Let me share my story with you.
When I was six years old, my father died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
Fortunately, he had taken the time to buy life insurance and as a result, my mother was able to keep the family business, and take her time making important financial and life decisions for me and my two brothers and sister.
That was a blessing, because four years later my oldest brother died when he was a senior in high school. Fortunately, the emotional pain and loss of these relationships was NOT compounded by money problems.
Although these events & others were root causes that led to my divorce and therapy in my later years, I had the comfort and assurance that can only come from knowing my basic financial needs were secure when I was young.
My life experiences left an indelible mark on me.
- They gave me the desire and conviction to work with families to help them achieve financial peace of mind. If I could, through thoughtful planning, help people build their wealth as well as protect what they already have, then I’d feel that I was making something good out of my past life experiences.
- The trustworthy professional help I received also inspired me to carry on the message of seeking such help when issues are too great to handle solo.
So I have a simple mission-to help families build their wealth for the future to build lasting wealth with meaning, and protect them from the unexpected.
My passion for helping middle American families though my personal experiences is what makes my approach unique.
Personal
My family is the main focus of my life. I’ve remarried to a great guy named Chuck and our blended family includes my two adult children, Kara & Matt, and his three married daughters and families–Carrie, Cassie and Clare.
I’m a much different, healthier person today. My faith plays a major role in my life as well, and I hope to be able to have more impact in the charitable arena in the future. I’m also active in Rotary and Alanon.
We live on a lake in central Indiana, and enjoy boating. I’m a voracious reader, and along with nonfiction works, I throw in some espionage novels along the way.
Professional Background
I’ve worked in the financial services industry since 1988 and as a Certified Financial Planner Practitioner since 1998. If you’re leery of many who loosely call themselves financial planners, you’re right. I left the traditional industry after more than 10 years, because I know what goes on “behind the curtain.”
Once I opened the doors of my fee-only business several years ago, dropping my sales licenses, and started networking to get the word out, the people started calling me: much like the movie Field of Dreams—“Build it and they will come.”
I realized I was just tapping the tip of the iceberg with folks who needed objective advice from an experienced professional, but didn’t meet the money management minimums of the typical wealth management firms, or didn’t want to pay the fees.
They simply wanted professional advice without being “sold,” and that understanding led me to form “Your Financial Watchdog” to bring these resources to people in the convenience of their homes.
I’m strongly committed to working with those who are cost conscious with a take-charge attitude, and if that sounds like you, be sure to check out all my resources.
Here are my qualifications/special strengths
As a Certified Financial Planner Practitioner since 1998, I must maintain 30 hours of continuing education every two years, plus meet ethical standards.
Over 20 years in the financial services industry has opened my eyes to the deception that runs rampant. I’m here to protect you from those who would take advantage of your trust.
As an entrepreneur, I’m able to use my desires to help others in a new way through the internet.
How I set myself apart
Since I don’t sell any products, I am able to give honest, independent financial guidance, and help you see the “big picture.”
My greatest satisfaction comes less from picking the right investments, and more from the “aha” moments when you can see the big picture and take steps to make real positive life changes to reach your dreams.
This is what I can do for you today
Confidently start building your lasting wealth with meaning, with my help–you’re not alone.
No one cares more about your family and future than you do, and I can help empower you to make the right choices to brighten your future and lighten your days.
More detailed information:
My work in the financial services industry goes back to 1988, when I decided to work in this field because of the challenges and growth opportunities, and most importantly, the flexibility to set my schedule to be home with my young children. I’m not a numbers person, but I understand that finances has a lot more to do with emotions and relationships than numbers. There’s a ton of psychology needed in our field, which fascinates me as well.
My proudest professional achievement was acquiring my Certified Financial Planner designation in 1998. I had to pass six exams, then sit for the ten-hour final exam. The first time I sat for the exam, which was available only twice a year, my mother had passed away the month prior; needless to say, my heart wasn’t in it, and I failed the test. But just like getting back on a horse after you fall off, I immediately signed up for the test later that year, and passed it. If I never take another test again, that’s fine with me!
The dynamics of the people-side of this business is the part I enjoy, knowing I’m helping those who trust me to give them guidance- like an extended family.
Having graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Administration, I spent the next fifteen years with various companies, including starting my own firm with a franchise that sold personal crime safety equipment. Guess I always liked the idea of communicating and empowering folks to take charge of their own welfare…
I worked for a few years with a life insurance company with the required licenses, but quickly tired of fighting the expectation of meeting people in their homes at night, when I wanted to be home with my family. From there, I spent eight years with a regional bank, providing investment advice. Disillusioned by the corporate atmosphere and the pressure to sell investment and insurance products, I moved on and joined forces with a CPA in 1998. We developed a back-office investment firm for several CPA firms around the state. After several years there, I was ready for a change. I missed the client interaction, and moved into the “fee only” world.
I dropped all my licenses that are required to sell investment and insurance products, and found my real niche: providing objective, big-picture, real-world, financial planning and investment advice for a fee.