By Steve Seals
Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, two things were instilled in me from a young age: a love for basketball and serving my community. I knew that when it came time to choose a career path, whatever job I pursued needed to align with my passions and skills. Most importantly, I wanted to serve others in a tangible way that would also add value to their lives. In addition, I found I have a talent for working with numbers and teaching. Becoming a financial planner combined these three areas perfectly—and now, more than 19 years later, I’m still just as passionate about what I do!
First Career Steps
While I have worked as a financial planner since 2005, this is my third career. After high school, I served nine years in the United States Marine Corps before going to college and earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. I was then fortunate to find a job coaching both high school and junior college basketball teams for a few years. While this fed my desire to teach and serve the community, I wasn’t using my skills to their full potential; so I began looking for work in the financial industry.
Eventually, I was able to put my accounting degree to use by working as a financial planner for large firms such as Edward Jones, U.S. Bank, University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, and CUSO Financial. While I learned a great deal working for these various institutions, I felt I could better serve clients as a true fiduciary by having the freedom to do what was in their best interest. Starting my firm in 2014 allowed me to do this, while also having the infrastructure and support of a Registered Investment Advisor.
Branching Out
As a fee-only RIA with over 19 years of experience in the investment and insurance industries, my business is founded on getting to know each client personally, allowing me to provide sound financial advice throughout their career and into retirement. I also hold Series 63, Series 65/66, and Life, Health, and Variable Insurance Licenses, which allows me to provide even more benefits to my clients.
I specialize in working with University of Kentucky employees, specifically nurses, and professors, but am also able to help all UK employees. Additionally, I work with Baptist Health and Toyota manufacturing plant employees. My time is divided between Lexington, KY, where the majority of my clients reside, and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where I partner with the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park to provide financial literacy education to the community.
Since my dad is a retired Marine, and I was in the Marine Corps and then worked in education, I approach my practice from the standpoint of teaching, coaching, and partnership. An example of this: while working at the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, I saw a need to help faculty and staff actively manage their 403(b) retirement accounts. I then developed a program focused on individualizing 403(b) retirement portfolios for faculty and staff. This was one of the highlights of my career and is a service I still offer to clients that sets me apart from other advisors.
Why I Love What I Do
I feel blessed to get to do what I do every day. I’m passionate about what I do because I feel we are meant to help others when given the opportunity. I believe God created me with specific talents and passions, and it’s my responsibility to use those to serve others. One way I can do this is by filling in the financial education gaps that many of us have since our school system has done a poor job of educating us on basic budgeting and investing principles. Working as a financial advisor allows me to help others gain control of their financial goals and work toward achieving them.
I tell all our clients that God, health, family, and money are life’s four most important things. They have entrusted me with one of those—and I take that responsibility seriously. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but knowing they are counting on me is what gives me purpose and the reason to keep working hard every day. It’s also very rewarding to see my clients retire; knowing they asked me to be a part of their journey and seeing them enjoy their hard work makes all the effort worth it.
It’s Your Turn!
Now that you’ve heard my story, I’d love to hear from you. What are you looking for in a financial planner? What challenges do you currently face? What are some goals you hope to achieve in your future?
At Seals Financial Planning and Investments, we understand that sometimes life can be challenging, especially when it comes to our finances. That’s why we’re here to help ease the burden by partnering with you and going the extra mile to guide you on the path to success. Schedule a complimentary introductory meeting or call us at (859) 230-3476 to find out how our services can meet your needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
About Richard Stephen (Steve) Seals
Steve Seals is owner and independent Registered Investment Advisor Representative at Seals Financial Planning & Investments VI, LLC, a financial planning services firm based in Lexington, KY. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor Representative with about two decades of experience in the investment and insurance industries, Steve’s firm is founded on getting to know each client personally, allowing him to provide sound financial advice throughout their career and into retirement. With the mission of guiding clients on the path of success, Steve is fueled by his commitment to excellence and goes the extra mile to make sure clients are fully satisfied. He believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes.
Born in Jenkins, Kentucky, Steve grew up with a love for basketball and serving his community. After high school, he served nine years in the United States Marine Corps, then earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was eventually able to put his degree and desire to help others to work as a fiduciary financial planner. Prior to founding his own firm in 2014, Steve learned from working with Edward Jones, US Bank, University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, and CUSO Financial. He also received his Security Series 63 and 65/66 through Keystone Financial Group, LLC, and holds various life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
Steve and his wife, Angie, have three daughters (Lauren, Peyton, and Ashton) and two grandsons (Kenyon and Kai). Steve holds a private pilot’s license, and the family enjoys sports, spending time at the lake, and traveling. To learn more about Steve, connect with him on LinkedIn.
