On Finding TGS Financial Advisors
“My transition from big finance to boutique wealth management is more than just a career move.”
~Matt Lugar, CFP®, CIMA®, QKA®
From the beginning of my career at Vanguard, I’ve seen the positive impact of financial advice on clients’ lives. Over my 20 years in finance, I’ve held a range of positions focused on investments, corporate strategy, client management, and operations. All of these have clarified and strengthened my “why”–to be directly involved in empowering clients to secure their financial futures.
This seed was planted early. At age six, I tried to persuade my great-grandmother to move money from her checking account and purchase a certificate of deposit so she could earn more by investing in something with a higher return. Despite my explanation of the life-changing power of compound interest, my great-grandmother failed to heed my advice.
My favorite memories from my tenure at Vanguard are those that include providing financial advice. Whether assisting clients with their retirement plans or strategizing the development of robo-advice, I found the greatest satisfaction in helping people discuss, define, and achieve their financial goals.
At SEI Investments, I led a department focused on building tailored investment strategies and improving portfolio efficiency. What resonated most with me was delivering measurable results, particularly through improving the tax-efficiency of portfolios (enhancing tax alpha, in advisor speak). It’s not just what your investments earn, but what you keep after-tax, that really matters. Whether designing tax-managed portfolio solutions for entire advisory practices, or getting targeted tax-loss harvesting into place for individuals and families, what I most enjoyed was knowing I was improving long-term financial outcomes for real human beings.
Working in the advisory business, I built a successful career and was able to provide well for my family, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had. When I turned forty, I realized that I wanted a more personal and lasting relationship with people. I wanted to see the lives I helped to change, by making a mid-career transition to the other side of the table, where I could work directly with individuals and families on their financial hopes and dreams.
I spoke with mentors, colleagues, and family, and all helped me understand what I wanted my next chapter to look like, while at the same time I conducted research on advisory firms near Philadelphia. I identified TGS as a superior boutique wealth management firm. Their deep understanding of clients’ life goals, hands-on approach, and commitment to treating each financial situation as unique resonated with me. I saw TGS as a place where I could contribute meaningfully, and after connecting with Jim Hemphill and meeting the team, it became clear that this was the ideal environment for me to build a long-term career as a financial advisor.
I admire TGS’s commitment to fostering strong, client relationships, and I appreciate the firm’s deep expertise in the technical aspects of providing financial advice. I feel as though I’ve joined the firm at two very different levels–as a trainee learning how the firm delivers its financial planning, and as a seasoned contributor in aspects of investment strategy and management.
My transition from big finance to boutique wealth management is more than just a career move for me; it is the realization of my passion and the next logical step in my professional journey. Above all, I am thrilled to be part of a team that drives meaningful change in our clients’ lives.
Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by TGS Financial Advisors), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this article will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this article serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from TGS Financial Advisors. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. TGS Financial Advisors is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of this article’s content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the TGS Financial Advisors’ current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request.
