Meet Andrew Brewer

Hello and welcome. My name is Andrew Brewer, and I’m excited to share some insights on investments with you. Some of you may know me, but for those I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, let me introduce myself. I’m part of the Great Lakes Benefits family, working behind the scenes with Kristin and our team. I’m an advisor, licensed in both insurance and investments, with a focus on helping individuals and families plan for their financial future. My background includes a degree in Finance with a specialization in Certified Financial Planning from the University of Cincinnati.

As a newer advisor, I’m eager to bring a fresh perspective on investments. Wayne, our senior Certified Financial Planner™ professional, asked me to share my thoughts as someone who has recently entered the industry. What stands out to me the most is just how vast and complex the world of investing truly is. Even after years of study, I realize there is always more to learn. However, one thing remains clear: those who find success in retirement usually have a well-structured financial plan.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many individuals about their retirement goals, and one common thread has emerged – people without a plan tend to feel anxious about their financial future. They watch the markets closely, worrying about the ups and downs, uncertain if they will be able to maintain their lifestyle throughout retirement. While I’m still far from retirement myself, I can only imagine how stressful it must be to spend your golden years in a constant state of worry. This realization is what inspired me to pursue a career in financial planning – to help people avoid this stress and guide them toward a more secure future.

What I’ve learned from working with Wayne is the transformative power of having a plan in place. When you know where your money is going, how Social Security and Medicare will impact your retirement, and how to handle potential long-term care needs, a sense of relief sets in. While we can’t predict every market movement or life event, we can build a plan that helps ensure your financial stability no matter what comes your way. The ultimate goal is to help you live a fulfilling, stress-free retirement.

Why a Financial Plan is Essential

One of the most important things you can do to secure your financial future is to have a well-thought-out plan. A financial plan isn’t just about picking the right investments; it’s about understanding the bigger picture. It involves answering key questions like:

• How will Social Security and Medicare impact my retirement income?
• Will my savings last throughout retirement?
• What should I do if I face significant healthcare expenses later in life?
• How do I protect my legacy for my children and grandchildren?

Without a plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by these questions, especially as you near retirement age. Many people delay planning until it feels too late, but the sooner you start, the more control you’ll have over your financial future. Even if you’re just starting your career, like some of our younger clients, it’s never too early to begin thinking about retirement. The earlier you begin saving and planning, the more time your investments have to grow, and the more prepared you’ll be for life’s uncertainties.

My Journey and Role at GLB

As part of my journey at Great Lakes Benefits, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a team of seasoned professionals. I’ve recently passed the Series 65 exam, becoming a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), which allows me to provide more comprehensive advice to our clients. Although I’m still in the early stages of my career, my goal is to build strong relationships with clients, helping them create tailored financial strategies that align with their personal goals.

One of the unique aspects of my role is the opportunity to assist clients in various ways. Whether it’s helping with administrative tasks, answering phone calls, or visiting clients in their homes when they prefer a more personal touch, I’m here to support the team. Over time, I’ll be taking on more responsibilities, eventually working my way toward earning my own Certified Financial Planner™ designation.

I’m also available to help younger individuals—your children or grandchildren—who are just getting started with their financial planning. Whether they are local or geographically distant, technology enables us to connect seamlessly via Zoom, Facetime, or GoToMeeting. Starting early with a financial plan can set the foundation for a successful future, and I’m eager to help the next generation take those first steps toward financial independence.

Planning for the Future

Financial planning isn’t just about investments; it’s about preparing for all aspects of life. Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting your career, having a strategy that considers both your short-term and long-term goals is essential. It’s not about trying to time the market or reacting to daily fluctuations in stock prices—successful financial planning is about creating a roadmap that guides you through life’s financial ups and downs.

At Great Lakes Benefits, we’re here to help you navigate this process. Whether it’s assisting with Social Security decisions, reviewing Medicare options, or planning for long-term care, we take a holistic approach to your financial well-being. Our goal is to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your financial future is secure, no matter what challenges or opportunities arise.

The Bottom Line

No one can predict the future, but with the right plan in place, you can be confident that your financial goals are within reach. It’s never too early or too late to start planning for your future. Whether you’re looking to retire soon or just beginning to think about it, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to schedule a time to meet with us, discuss your goals, and start building a personalized financial plan that works for you. Together, we can help ensure that your golden years are truly golden—free from financial stress and full of opportunity.