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Our Process
You & Your Family, Where Are You Today? Where Are You Trying To Go? Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc. helps you and your family to see where you are today, where you would like to be financially, and what it will take to get there.
We use a structured financial planning process to help bring you clarity, confidence and financial peace of mind. This process focuses on:
An Emotional Check-In A series of questions that will help you identify where you are emotionally in relation to your finances and investments.
A Financial Check-In We’ll help you take a financial inventory, looking at your assets, debts, insurance coverage, and estate documents. The inventory brings you further clarity, and it helps Strategic Wealth Advisors Group’s planners make more educated and appropriate recommendations for you and your family.
Where Are You Trying To Go? This stage of the planning process is about vision and goal setting. You’ll identify what you want financially, than we put a price tag on your financial goals. You and your family have the opportunity to articulate and prioritize your financial goals.
What Will It Take To Get There? This is an action step, in which we establish a plan and implement it so you may achieve your financial goals. We take pride in keeping things simple and explaining this process in a way in which you can understand. Unlike other advisors, when you leave our office you will be able to understand and make sense of what our strategy will be to help accomplish your goals.
Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc helps individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind. To get started, give us a call today at (586) 203-2275.
Our Services
Insurance Solutions
Insurance Solutions
One area we focus on with our clients is keeping their nest egg as safe as possible, while still participating in market growth. Many retirees underestimate the impact that a big market loss can have on the future of their income.
Through the use of annuities and life insurance, you can create steady, dependable monthly income now, in the future, or whenever you need it most.
We offer:
- Annuities
- Life Insurance
- Tax Planning Strategies
As a comprehensive retirement planning firm, we are able to shop dozens of insurance carriers to find the best rates and product solutions to fit your specific needs. We also offer complimentary reviews on your existing annuity and life insurance contracts.
Retirement Planning
Retirement Planning
It wasn’t so long ago that retirement meant a pension and a gold watch, but today’s world looks much different than it did for generations past. The burden of retirement falls more heavily on the shoulders of individual Americans than it ever has before, but you don’t have to carry it alone.
New Generation Retirement® is a holistic approach to retirement. It consists of a five-step retirement system that we will work through together. Through this process, you’ll be confident that you have given careful consideration to asset allocation and risk, income planning, asset maximization, legacy planning and tax strategies.
The Five Steps
- Selecting a Financial Services Professional
Step One helps you understand the role of a financial services professional and introduces New Generation Retirement System. - Fact and Feeling Finding
Step Two encompasses thought-provoking questions about your financial well-being and how you feel about it. It begins with the Color of Money Risk Analysis and incorporates the elements of discovery and client feedback. - Strategy
Step Three arms you with a deep understanding of your goals and objectives, as we craft and present a holistic strategy based on your goals and objectives. Your takeaway from this step will be a series of insightful reports always accessible to you through your Generational Vault account. - Solutions and Executing
If there are parts of your plan that include creating new accounts or purchasing new financial products, Step Four lays out a clear, documented process to do so. This step is characterized by efficiency using forward-thinking technology such as electronically-generated and pre-populated forms with e-signature capabilities. - Ongoing Relationship
Our work together isn’t over when we have completed the retirement process and product selection. Step Five addresses how we continuously work toward your long-term goals and objectives and help you monitor your financial progress.
When you work with our company, each step is recorded in Generational Vault so you can be confident knowing that you have given careful consideration to every detail of your retirement strategy.
Why choose Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc.
With a focus on a new generation of retirees, our company uses the New Generation Retirement system, which is based on three hallmarks of creating a successful retirement strategy: stewardship, transparency and technology.
Stewardship
Providing you with a stewardship level of service means we have the responsibility to present solutions that are the right fit for you. Our commitment to you is that we will always keep our focus on your goals and objectives and will act with transparency throughout our relationship.
Transparency
Our commitment to transparency ensures that each step of our work together is recorded and that every document and report is easily accessible to you. This is visible through a strong foundation of technology.
Technology
The right technology can make managing and organizing your retirement an easier process. When you partner with our company, you receive access to Generational Vault – a secure online portal that allows you to easily organize, manage and access your financial life.
Generational Vault serves as the vehicle to document and record our commitment to act as a steward and be transparent throughout our relationship.
Social Security
Social Security
If you’re like many retirees, your Social Security benefit represents years and years of savings and hard work, and may be part of the foundation of your retirement income. Though many Americans have some basic familiarity and knowledge on the topic, far less are able to determine — on their own — the best way to file so they are able to maximize their benefit and carefully integrate it into the rest of their retirement plan.
At Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc., we help our valued clients develop a clear understanding of their Social Security benefit, and both educate and inform them on the optimal time to start accepting their benefit. According to the Social Security Administration, delaying your benefit may potentially increase your benefit amount by as much as eight percent per year.
There is a lot to know about Social Security, and it is important for you to be educated so that you head into retirement with a plan on exactly how you will rely on your benefits. Our firm is committed to helping you get the most you can out of your benefit, so you can take one step closer toward the comfortable and enjoyable retirement you’ve been working so hard for! In order to ensure you are maximizing your Social Security benefit, you should have a firm understanding of this complex matter.
We have put together an informative brochure that helps answer the following questions:
- What is your Social Security benefit amount?
- When is the best time to start accepting your benefit?
- Are there different options if you are married?
- Does earning additional income while you are on Social Security impact the value of your benefit?
- Do you pay tax on your benefit?
Please contact us to receive your brochure today!
Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc. and Tim Sullivan are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
Investment Management
Investment Management
At Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc., we believe no two investors are alike. Therefore in order to help each client meet their financial goals, we base our process on a client focused personalized approach using multiple investment strategies. Our advice and recommendations are tailored to our clients’ investment goals, desired return objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, cash requirements and tax situation. Our investment strategy is designed based on your long-term investment goals of preserving principal, maximizing income or accumulating capital.
Experience
Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc. has expanded our services by offering professional money management through our strategic investment alliance, Gradient Investments, LLC (GI). GI is an SEC registered investment advisor offering clients twenty proprietary portfolios through its strategic investment alliance across the country. The portfolios are managed by their Chief Investment Officer, Wayne Schmidt CFA, MBA.
Wayne Schmidt is a regular contributor to Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and has been a featured guest on Fox Business News. He has been quoted on the global economy in numerous nationally and internationally recognized investment publications such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and the Los Angeles Times. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and a member of The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute and the Twin Cities Society of Security Analysts.
Schmidt boasts 26 years investment experience. During his tenure at AXA Investment Managers, he served as senior portfolio manager for the U.S. Investment Grade Fixed Income Team. As the lead portfolio manager, he managed $9.5 billion of fixed income assets with a variety of mandates ranging from aggregate, corporate and government bond portfolios.
Michael Binger, CFA®, serves as the senior portfolio manager for Gradient Investments, LLC. Binger brings over 24 years of institutional equity investment experience to Gradient Investments and its affiliated advisors and clients. He has extensive experience working directly with financial advisors designing and actively managing portfolios. Binger has successfully invested in numerous market and economic cycles giving him a level and depth of experience that is rare in this industry.
Binger’s media highlights include numerous appearances, providing market insight on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Radio. He has also been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Smart Money, Reuters, Business Week and numerous other local, national, and global investment publications.
Funeral Planning
Funeral Planning
- Embalming
- Dressing / Cosmetology Casketing
- Funeral Service
- Memorial Service
- Graveside Service
- Clergy Honorarium
- Death Certificates
- Musicians
- Temporary marker
- Stationery package
- Obituary notices
- Flowers
- Clothing
- Casket or other burial container
- Transfer of deceased (including hearse and driver)
- Cemetery / Burial Plot
If you think that you’re too old to qualify for a funeral trust, you’re almost certainly mistaken. Anyone age 99 or younger is guaranteed to qualify for these products… and that’s with no underwriting (in other words, no medical questions or exams!) Failing to create a funeral trust can have clear disadvantages. You could lose the assets you’d originally set aside to pay for your funeral and final expenses, instead spending that money to pay nursing home or medical care, or having to “spend down” those assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.
Final Expense Insurance
Final expense insurance, also known as “burial” insurance, is often a vital part of estate planning. This type of insurance is a life insurance policy that you buy directly from an insurance company. Additionally, if your final expenses cost less than the benefit amount of your policy, your beneficiary is entitled to keep whatever sum remains after paying all your final arrangement bills. Most are either “simplified issue” policies or “guaranteed issue” policies. For a simplified issue policy, the insurer asks you several medical questions but doesn’t require you to take a medical exam. A “guaranteed issue” policy, as the name implies, is a “no questions asked” policy that is issued to anyone who applies.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning
We do not offer estate planning nor do we provide any legal advice at Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc., but we can refer you to an attorney that can take care of your estate planning needs:
Here are some misconceptions about Estate Planning:
- I have a will so my family will avoid probate when I die.
- I don’t have a will, so my family will not have to go through probate.
- If I become incapacitated, my executor will be able to handle my financial affairs.
- Joint ownership is a good way to avoid probate.
- I don’t need to do any estate planning because I own much less than the federal estate tax exemption.
Most people do not know that a will only works if your property goes through probate after you die. Probate is the legal process through which the court makes sure that after your death your debts are paid, that your will is legally valid, and then that your assets are distributed according to the instructions in your will. So that rather than avoiding probate a will is really a set of instructions to the probate court and only works if there is a probate. Probate can be time consuming and very costly to an estate.
These are some of the questions and concerns that our clients have had over the years. This is why we have strategically aligned ourselves with an attorney that can answer all of your questions and help you out with the proper legal documents that you may need.
*Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc and Strategic Wealth Insurance Group, Inc. do not provide legal advice but maintains strategic alliances with preferred attorneys in their network.
Mortgages
Mortgages
We do not offer mortgages at Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc. but we do have a company that we refer our clients to:
Cranbrook Loans is a retail residential mortgage corporation with significant experience. They have a stellar reputation with industry leading consumer protections. They offer direct lending options as well as the ability to broker loans when necessary. This enables them to make sure they’re always competitive with a one stop shop product line. They have been in business since 1996, serving the public with strict integrity.
They have been listed in Detroit Crains Top List of Largest Lenders and they have also been named a Future 50 company. They provide unmatched service with a long list of products available.
Why should Cranbrook Loans should be your mortgage company?
Convenience – Apply by telephone at 586-649-2600 or Get Started Online at CranbrookLoans.com. Either way, you’ll have the confidence of knowing a knowledgeable Home Loan Professional will guide you through the loan process from start to finish.
Speed – Our in house processing team will work with you to get your loan closed within 30 days.
Competitive – since we maintain a debt free company position, and keep overhead low we can pass much of the savings on to you. Also we have the ability to Broker loans to whom ever has the best rates and terms.
Flexibility – As a broker/lender we can find the product and lender thats a perfect match to your loan needs. Whether have a typical or unique scenario we are a 1 stop shop. Even with credit that is less than perfect, we might be able to get you approved.
Customer Service – Your Home Loan Professional, Mortgage Loan Originator, Underwriter, and processor will be focused on your file and focused on providing you with stellar customer service. We’re happy you’re here and want to make sure your loan transaction with Cranbrook Loans is a great one.
Call us today at 586-649-2600 or Get Started Online at CranbrookLoans.com.
*Cranbrook Loan is not affiliated with Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc or Strategic Wealth Insurance Group, Inc.
Medicare
Medicare
Medicare and retirement health strategy.
While there is no shortage of things to prepare for in retirement, it’s critical to also address your health needs and concerns by crafting a comprehensive health care strategy. There are various ways to accomplish this, with Medicare being the most important for many Americans.
Medicare generally provides health insurance for most people age 65 and older, and others who have received Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months, have end-stage renal disease or have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Medicare is similar to Social Security, since it is a federal program that you have paid into throughout your career. Just like Social Security, you want to maximize this benefit in retirement.
Medicare is split into four parts:
- Part A: Hospital insurance – covers the costs of health care at medical facilities. Offers coverage for medically necessary inpatient care at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospices and some home health services.
- Part B: Medical insurance – covers the costs of health care outside medical facilities. Offers coverage for doctors’ services, hospital outpatient care, mental health and some preventative health care services.
- Part C: Medicare Advantage (MA) plans – policies you can purchase from certain private insurance carriers that provide the same (or more) coverage as Parts A and B.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage offered through private Medicare-approved insurance companies.
Many people with Part A do not pay a premium because they have already paid enough into the system. As with Social Security, a certain portion from each one of your paychecks is deducted to pay for Medicare. When you’ve had Medicare tax withheld from you or your spouse’s pay for at least 40 calendar quarters, then you may be eligible for free Part A coverage.
The monthly premium associated with Part B is set according to income level, although most people will pay a standard monthly premium amount and a small yearly deductible. Individuals who have an annual income greater than $85,000 and couples who have a joint annual income greater than $170,000 will have an extra charge added to their premium due to their high income level. Parts C and D are provided via private insurance companies so the monthly premiums of these policies depend on the extent of their coverage and can vary between companies.
We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.
Generational Vault
Safe and Secure
A virtual “safety deposit box” for our clients to upload important documents and view financial information. It comprises three dynamic components, including a secure portal to send and store confidential financial documents, daily investment and banking values, as well as snapshots of financial assets and expenses to view. All data is secured with an SSL Certificate, one of the strongest encryption key available, and adheres to compliance and regulatory requirements.
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complimentary copy of one of Tim's books


Strategic Wealth Advisors Group
Gives Back
Strategic Wealth Gives Back is our community outreach program made possible through our partnership with Gradient Gives Back Foundation, a non-profit organization. We invite Americans who have fallen on hard times to connect with us for an opportunity to be awarded six months of housing payments.
Applications will be reviewed and screened as they are submitted. One family will be selected annually. Apply or nominate a family by clicking the link below!
Register For An Upcoming Seminar
Read our Latest Blog
*Our firm’s strategic partners/alliances are not employees, or directly affiliated with, our firm.
Schedule Your Complimentary Analysis Today!
Our Location
Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc.
11111 Hall Road
Suite #101
Utica, MI 48317
O: (586) 203-2275
(877) 488-4188 Toll Free
E: tsullivan@strategicwealthadvisorsgroup.com
Brad A. Thomas, CFP, CLU, ChFC, ChFEBC
Brad Thomas is a licensed life and disability income insurance agent and financial planner. Brad has earned the Chartered Federal Employee Benefit Consultant designation and is a specialist in dealing with US Government employee benefits and planning options. His focus is to assist clients in developing a personalized financial plan driven by their priorities to help them work towards their financial goals. His professional experience covers not only the needs of individuals, but also the needs and issues affecting the business owner.
A graduate of Oakland University, Brad majored in sociology. After earning a business degree at Macomb Community College, he entered the financial services industry. He is a member in good standing of the Financial Planning Association and the Society of Financial Service Professionals. Brad serves on the board of several non-profit boards and is active as an official in youth sports.
Brad resides with his wife, Terri, in Clinton Township. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Lexi Taylor - Client Experience Specialist
Lexi focuses on creating one of a kind service for all clients to ensure them that they are making the best decisions for them, and furthering their path towards retirement. Her main responsibilities are following up with clients to ensure continual satisfaction. Lexi is currently studying Corporate Finance and business ethics as Cleary University where she one day wants to start her own business. When not working or studying Lexi enjoys playing Tennis, Golf, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Kaitlynn Sullivan - Client Service Coordinator
Kaitlynn specializes in client services as she strives to ensure that all of our clients feel appreciated throughout their journey with our company, especially on their birthdays and anniversaries, as well as holidays. Kaitlynn works closely with Lexi and Terri as she encourages our clients to establish meaningful relationships with our staff throughout the daily business within the office. Kaitlynn especially enjoys speaking with those who pursue the Estate Planning that our office offers as she enjoys getting to know our clients and their families. When she’s not at the office, Kaitlynn appreciates spending quality time with her loved ones, and even more so when they are traveling together.”
Brady Black - Vice President of Marketing Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
Brady Black professionally consults successful, independent agents and advisors in the financial services arena. He has been recognized for excellence in sales production in multiple fields over the past decade and has spent the last four years as Vice President of Marketing with Gradient Financial Group. During this time he has established business relationships with industry leading professionals, represents top insurance carriers and is valued as a tremendous asset to Gradient’s organization.
Studying finance at the University of Missouri afforded Brady a firm foundation of financial insight on which to build his career. His primary area of focus is in helping advisors understand and explain proper asset allocation in an ever-changing marketplace. As a relationship driven individual, Brady thoroughly enjoys getting to know people on a professional and personal level. He is interested in investing the time and effort required to help his clients develop a comprehensive sales approach and build a flourishing long-term financial practice.
David Heim – Financial Advisor
David Heim has been helping people since 1989 as a financial representative reach their retirement and investment objectives. He obtained a Finance Degree with an emphasis in Investments from Missouri State University while playing football and obtaining All-American honors. David is currently licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He also holds a Series 65 securities license as an Investment Advisor Representative.
Dustin Leonard - Vice President of Marketing Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
Dustin graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology. Having a natural financial mindset and an affinity for working with people, he immediately accepted a position with Personalized Brokerage Services to partner with independent financial advisors. While there, he had many opportunities to learn the industry and serve in key roles such as: Vice President of Life Insurance Division and Annuity Sales Director. He has held a Life and Health license as well as 6 and 63 registrations. Dustin was also among the first 14 employees to join Independent Brokerage Services, the firm now known as Gradient Financial Group.
Faith and Family is the cornerstone of Dustin’s life. After a productive day at the office, he is thrilled to come home to his lovely wife of 11 years (Jenny) and two beautiful children (Jaden & Ava). He spends much of his free time coaching Jaden’s baseball team and love’s to watch Ava dance. He and Jenny remain very active in the kids’ school and have been blessed to be able to contribute time and energy toward giving back to the Topeka community. For recreation, Dustin enjoys hunting, fishing and outdoor sports in general.
Julie Sullivan - Vice President
Julie is extremely passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals and dreams. Most importantly, she takes a personal approach to learning the goals and aspirations of each individual client to help plan accordingly for all stages of their life. Especially in this ever-changing marketplace.
While achieving her master’s degree, she signed up for all the available finance classes and excelled in each one. Not only academically but because this is something she was deeply excited about and wanted to learn more. She has her Life & Health Insurance License and is currently working on her Series 65 Security License.
Family is everything! If Julie is not working, she is spending time with her husband and three beautiful kids (and fur baby). While cooking dinner and simply spending quality time together, there will always be music on in the background or they are usually singing and dancing. She also enjoys running races as she uses that time to brainstorm new ideas. Julie usually has a marathon she is training for or one on the horizon she is looking forward to signing up for.
Estate Planning Attorney
In May 2014, Jasmine Moore graduated from the James Madison College at Michigan State University with a Bachelors Degree in Social Relations and Policy and a Business Cognate. Following graduation, she was admitted to Wayne State Law School as a Damon J. Keith Scholars. While in Law School she took a leadership position with the Detroit Spartans Alumni Organization as the Community Service Chair promoting quarterly service projects. Jasmine kept busy while in Law School to gain experience. She has experience as a Summer Associate at Miller Canfield PLC, as an intern at the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, as an intern at the Federal Defenders Office, as an intern in the Office of General Counsel at Mercedes Benz Financial Services, as an intern at the City of Detroit Law Department, and as a contractor in HIPAA Compliance at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Jasmine graduated in May 2017 at the top third of her class, passed the July 2017 Bar Exam and is now a licensed attorney in Michigan. Upon becoming licensed, she began her career in Civil Defense Litigation at Hewson & Van Hellemont. She is currently employed as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
Jasmine is excited to work with you regarding your estate planning needs such as Trusts and Wills.
Kenneth Schwartz
Kenneth has been married to his high school sweetheart Julie for 11 years. They have two children; son Jack, and daughter Makenna. Kenneth became interested in wealth building after he got married. The idea that the little guy just can’t get ahead really bothered him. His goal is to prove that line of thinking is wrong. He is helping one family at a time live out their retirement dreams.
Melissa O'Neill - Case Design Specialist
Melissa provides exceptional service to ensure our clients receive the most detailed, complete and accurate advice while maintaining the fiduciary responsibility. She is in direct contact with our clients on a day to day basis to provide the best support possible. Melissa graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She loves spending time with her four children and watching them play baseball. She is active in her children’s school by volunteering and helping with their activities. Melissa also enjoys art, running and going to the movies.
Michael Ayoub
Michael Ayoub has been in the mortgage business since 1992. He takes great care in going the extra mile for his clients.
Over the decades, Michael Ayoub has advised over a thousand families on how to purchase and refinance their homes. The majority of his business comes from repeat clients, client referrals, and realtor referrals.
How do you know who will best help you through the loan process with honesty and integrity? Michael’s attention to detail makes complex transactions effortless, and his customers appreciate his honest and straightforward approach. In addition, Michael will help you discover how your mortgage can be a valuable financial tool which can provide your family with security and wealth!
Michael’s goal is to keep his clients for life. Integrity and trust are very important to him. He stays in touch with them throughout the loan process and follows up diligently. Michael is an expert in conventional, jumbo, VA, FHA and USDA financing as well as first time buyer programs.
Michael is a family man, he has been with his wife Jennifer for over 23 years and he is the father of Nate, his 12 year old son. Michael was born and raised in Michigan. When he isn’t working, he likes going to exercise, camp, watch Movies, and spend time with his wife and son.
Now, more than ever, you need a mortgage specialist who will work in your best interest when you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. In Michael’s words, “My clients think about home purchases a few times in their life – I live it every single day! Let me utilize my decades of experience to help you accomplish the best possible outcome.”
Nichole Pierce - Office Assistant
Nichole assists the office staff in day to day tasks to ensure we provide the best client experince. She is more behind the scenes but without her, we wouldn’t be able to function efficiently and effectively! When not at the office you can find her at the gym or cheering on one of her three kids at one of their many sporting events. Nichole also loves to read, travel, and cycle.
Shelby Green – Executive Assistant
Shelby oversees the office staff to ensure a seamless client experience from the moment they hear about Strategic Wealth. She continually strives to determine new ideas and processes to provide the most expectional care to our clients while maintaining the fiduciary responsibility. Shelby is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication. Recently relocated to Michigan from Colorado, Shelby enjoys hiking, camping and exploring Michigan.
Jacob Hamilton - Vice President of Life Insurance Marketing Gradient Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
Jacob graduated from Kansas State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and majoring in Finance. Directly after college he accepted a position at CoreFirst Bank and Trust as a personal banker where he began his career helping businesses and individuals realize their financial goals.
In 2010 he was recruited to Gradient Insurance Brokerage and Jacob began working with a growing life insurance team as a marketing representative. He has developed very meaningful business relationships with core life insurance carriers and continues to grow in his knowledge of products and concepts. He currently holds a life and health insurance license in the state of Kansas.
Jacob is now engaged to his lovely fiancé, Keelei and the two have plans to marry in May of 2015. Jacob enjoys an active lifestyle and loves to golf, play tennis, wakeboard and (although a native of Topeka, KS) enjoys snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains.
Terri Swinburnson: Client Service Specialist
Terri’s area of focus is getting to know our clients’ needs and to guide them through the most important decisions they make for their future . Her main responsibility is cultivating long lasting relationships with Strategic Wealth clients to ensure they receive the highest quality customer service because they deserve nothing less! Terri is a graduate of Central Michigan University where she received a bachelors of science in Corporate Finance. When not at work Terri enjoys spending her time with her husband and three kids.
Tim Sullivan – Founder and CEO
Tim has been in the insurance and financial services business for over 15 years now. He has been consistently recognized as one of the top insurance agents at the companies he has worked for.
Tim decided to venture into the independent insurance market and start his own insurance company, which is called Strategic Wealth Insurance Group, Inc. He also started his own Registered Investment Advisory firm, which is Strategic Wealth Advisors Group, Inc. He has a passion for his profession that is evident to everyone he meets. When creating both companies, his mission was to provide personalized, high quality financial services for a diverse group of clients at all income levels. His goal is to provide his clients with the highest level of customer service and dedicate his resources to meet their needs and earn their trust. He has created thousands of personalized plans aimed at helping his clients reach their financial and retirement goals. Tim is also the author of two books titled: STRATEGIC WEALTH: A Tactical and Practical Guide To Winning In Retirement and Federal Employee Retirement Made Simple: 11 Key Areas to Retire with Financial Peace as a Federal Employee.
As an investment advisor representative, his credentials include Michigan Life and Health Insurance licenses and a Series 65 securities license. He also has his insurance licenses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Florida.
Tim has achieved the National Social Security Advisor certificate from the National Social Security Association LLC in Cincinnati, Ohio. The NSSA certificate promotes advanced Social Security education providing Tim with the knowledge to counsel clients on the best way to claim Social Security benefits in order to optimize lifetime Social Security income.
Tim has also earned two different designations dealing with federal employees and their retirement benefits. He is a Chartered Federal Employee Benefit Consultant (ChFEBC) and a Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC). For both designations, he had to pass a test and take both yearly continuing education and testing.
Nothing is more important to Tim than his family. He is married to his beautiful wife Julie and has three amazing children, Devin, Kaitlynn and Daylana. His children mean the world to him. In addition to spending time with his wife and three children, you can frequently find Tim exercising at the gym. Other hobbies include playing golf, softball, watching his kids play their sports and traveling with his family.
Mariann Montagne, CFA® - Senior Investment Analyst of Gradient Investments, LLC
Mariann Montagne, CFA® serves as a senior investment analyst for Gradient Investments, LLC. She has 20 plus years of experience working with both institutional and high net worth clients, and has amassed a strong breadth of investment experience during her tenure. This includes company and industry sector analysis, risk monitoring and portfolio management in both the equity and fixed income markets. She is highly attuned to economic and market conditions, and has extensive experience selecting individual stocks, ETFs and mutual funds.
Prior to joining Gradient Investments, she was the senior investment analyst and co-portfolio manager for a Minneapolis-based registered investment advisor with over $500 million in assets under management. Montagne was involved in security selection, portfolio management, client presentations and setting strategic direction for the investment department. Her coverage included individual securities, ETFs and mutual funds in the equity, fixed income and alternative asset classes. Prior to that, she was a senior investment analyst at Thrivent Asset Management, examining industry sectors and selecting individual equities. Montagne also spent several years at Munder Capital Management as the assistant director of research along with covering growth and value equities.
Montagne served for seven years on the Global Board of the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY), including posts as president and conference chair.
She is a Chartered Financial AnalystTM and a member of both the CFA Society of Minnesota and the CFA Institute. Montagne is an alumnus of the University of Detroit where she graduated cum laude with a finance major and an English minor.
Montagne’s media highlights include quotes in Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, NPR, Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune. She has also appeared on Bloomberg TV and Fox Business News.
Michael Binger, CFA® - Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Michael Binger, CFA®, serves as the senior portfolio manager for Gradient Investments, LLC. Binger brings over 24 years of institutional equity investment experience to Gradient Investments and its affiliated advisors and clients. He has extensive experience working directly with financial advisors designing and actively managing portfolios. Binger has successfully invested in numerous market and economic cycles giving him a level and depth of experience that is rare in this industry.
Binger started his investment career in Minneapolis, Minnesota with Lutheran Brotherhood in 1987 and gained experience managing assets in a variety of asset classes including convertible bonds, small cap equities, and large cap equities. When Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans merged in 2001 to become Thrivent Financial, Binger was selected to work as the senior portfolio manager on the Large Cap Growth team and Large Cap Alpha Team managing over $3 billion in assets. As the senior portfolio manager, he developed and oversaw the tactical investment strategies utilized within mutual funds, variable annuities, pension funds and insurance company products. These investment processes included proprietary portfolio construction strategies, security selection parameters and volatility controlled umbrellas.
Binger graduated from the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance. He graduated with honors and was the University of Minnesota’s “Wall Street Journal Award Winner.” Binger is a CFA® and a member of The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute and the Twin Cities Society of Security Analysts.
Binger’s media highlights include numerous appearances, providing market insight on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Radio. He has also been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Smart Money, Reuters, Business Week and numerous other local, national, and global investment publications.
Michael Binger, CFA® - Senior Portfolio Manager of Gradient Investments, LLC
Michael Binger, CFA®, serves as the senior portfolio manager for Gradient Investments, LLC. Binger brings over 24 years of institutional equity investment experience to Gradient Investments and its affiliated advisors and clients. He has extensive experience working directly with financial advisors designing and actively managing portfolios. Binger has successfully invested in numerous market and economic cycles giving him a level and depth of experience that is rare in this industry.
Binger started his investment career in Minneapolis, Minnesota with Lutheran Brotherhood in 1987 and gained experience managing assets in a variety of asset classes including convertible bonds, small cap equities, and large cap equities. When Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans merged in 2001 to become Thrivent Financial, Binger was selected to work as the senior portfolio manager on the Large Cap Growth team and Large Cap Alpha Team managing over $3 billion in assets. As the senior portfolio manager, he developed and oversaw the tactical investment strategies utilized within mutual funds, variable annuities, pension funds and insurance company products. These investment processes included proprietary portfolio construction strategies, security selection parameters and volatility controlled umbrellas.
Binger graduated from the University of Minnesota earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance. He graduated with honors and was the University of Minnesota’s “Wall Street Journal Award Winner.” Binger is a CFA® and a member of The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute and the Twin Cities Society of Security Analysts.
Binger’s media highlights include numerous appearances, providing market insight on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Radio. He has also been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Smart Money, Reuters, Business Week and numerous other local, national, and global investment publications.
Jermey Bryan, CFA® - PORTFOLIO MANAGER GRADIENT INVESTMENTS, LLC
Mr. Bryan is a Senior Portfolio Manager for Gradient Investments. He has been with Gradient Investments since 2016 and has over 15 years of total investment management experience. Mr. Bryan’s job history includes equity research and portfolio management roles for institutional asset managers in Minneapolis and New York. He has been a frequent contributor to media outlets including CNBC, Fox Business, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Bryan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University, earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and is a CFA® charterholder.
Past Articles
Legacy Planning During the Pandemic
It’s Time for a Financial Checkup
How to Effectively Work from Home
Preparing For Retirement When You’re Single
Retirement Strategy After a Divorce
How to Retire in a Foreign Country
Moving To a Retirement Community
Phone Call Scams You Should Know About
Transition Planning as a Family
What I Wish I Knew When I Retired
Document Security in the Face of Natural Disasters
Financial Literacy Education Advocacy
Medicaid and Long-Term Care Insurance
Saving for Retirement without a 401(k)
The 4 Step Retirement Strategy Workout
Tips to survive your retirement playoff game
Ways to Avoid Emotional Spending
How to Do Something Besides Worry about COVID-19
Shocking Retirement Statistics
Three Unexpected Retirement Costs
Keeping your Social Security Number Safe
Tips and Strategies for Cutting Credit Card Debt
How to Deal with Unexpected Expenses
Moving to a Retirement Community
Nine Common Misconceptions about Retirement Investing
Winning the Lottery isn’t a Retirement Plan
Ways to Increase your Happiness at Work
New alimony tax rules and your retirement savings
Phone Call Scams You Should Know About
No desire to retire? Here’s how to plan
One Big Social Security Timing Mistake
What to do with Your Next Pay Raise
Relationship Killing Money Issues
10 Ways to Maximize Your Retirement Investments
5 questions that can help you feel more prepared for retirement
Three Retirement Budget Mistakes
The Danger of Nonessential Spending
The Seven Deadly Sins of Retirement Planning
Investment Options for Retirement Planning
Tips for Creating a Retirement Budget
3 Hurdles for Women in Retirement
Recovering from a Late Start on Retirement Planning
Life Insurance Basics and Options
Productive Ways To Use Your Tax Refund