About Shepherd Wealth Advisors

Who we are

Unique Approach Independent Advice Purpose and Ideals Active Management Protection

We do financial planning and investment management differently. We began from the conviction that there are people throughout the country who would rather be part of a family instead of being part of someone’s quota or book of business. We combine modern technology with an old-fashioned way of doing business in order to virtually serve those looking for an advisor who is truly dedicated to them. We are committed to keeping a limited clientele to ensure the highest level of personal service, providing that clientele with true custom solutions, and being the shepherd of their wealth.

We believe people deserve true independent advice when it comes to planning, investing and pursuing their dreams with absolutely no influence from proprietary products or corporate involvement. Because of our independence we’re able to create solutions that are as unique as you are and stay by your side to keep you on track. Because of our passion we want to.

We believe in empowering purpose and ideals. Not only are we passionate about helping people achieve their goals, we want to enable people to put their money where their heart is. We can create tailored investment solutions that match your ideals so you can walk proudly knowing your money supports your beliefs.

We believe some people prefer not to waste years waiting to get back to even after a major market decline. Those people deserve true active money management that includes a capital preservation strategy to protect gains when the markets head south. This means we don’t force you to accept major market declines as part of your investment strategy.

We believe in protecting people against things that can devastate not only a financial plan, but also a family. Accidents and/or disease will likely hit every household at some point. We seek to minimize the possible impacts for every client we work with.

Unique Approach

We do financial planning and investment management differently. We began from the conviction that some people would rather be part of a family instead of being part of a book of business or quota. We combine modern technology with an old-fashioned way of doing business in order to serve like-minded people.

Independent Advice

Purpose and Ideals

Active Management

Protection

What we do

We help build and maintain wealth, improve your way of life, and work to protect your hard-earned money personally, not by outsourcing it. So whether you’re looking for the best path to financial independence, or are looking for investment strategies that fit you better than your current ones, or just need someone to get all your pieces to fit and work together, a good rule of thumb is; if it involves money we can help. Check out the services page to find a list of what we offer. Or contact us to send an email or have a conversation.

How we do it

Our planning process revolves around the pillars that make you who you are and who you want to be. We call them the Dynamic Pillars of Life. People change and the pillars that your life is built on can change, too. Sometimes it’s what people want, sometimes it’s not. We want to make sure we keep you aligned with your true goals, the ones that are underneath all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

FAQs

Are you virtual-only or do you meet clients in person?

While most engagements are virtual, we always enjoy meeting clients in person and appreciate every chance we get to do so. We maintain an office in southern Illinois for folks who are within driving distance and want to come by. We also try to travel each year to places like FL and TN where we can meet with a number of clients/friends during our trip. If you happen to be in Michigan (and it’s not winter) we’re always looking for an excuse to go, so let us know.

Is Shepherd Wealth Advisors right for me?

You might be a good fit if one or more of the following apply:

You want to work with someone with will always put your interests first.
You’re put off by financial advisors who are salespeople.
You’re busy with your career and/or life and want a partner to keep your financial life on track.
You value your time and want pay for professional advice.

Do you have account minimums?

We don’t have account minimums for anything except our Signature Portfolios, and do our best to find a way to help those who want it regardless of investable assets.

We do have a minimum monthly fee for services that include ongoing maintenance, coaching and support. This fee starts at $45 for our most basic service.

Can you still help me if I’m in a different state?

Absolutely. With modern technology we have the ability to effectively serve clients anywhere in the country.

You’re a small firm, how do I know my assets are safe?

Your investment accounts (IRAs, ROTH IRAs, brokerage accounts, etc) are housed at a well established institution such as Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, E-Trade, Betterment, or Schwab. We are able to work with any of these institutions since we’re independent, which means you may not even have to move your money to work with us.

Our securities and advisory services are offered via J.W. Cole Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc., respectively. They work with hundreds of advisors across the country to help them deliver the best possible service.

I already have an advisor, why should I consider making a change.

There are multiple reasons to consider changing your advisor:

If the advice you’re being given just doesn’t feel right.
If you feel like your portfolio should be reviewed or adjusted more frequently.
If you’d like to take a fresh approach toward your financial future.
If you believe you need a better strategy to preserve your portfolio value.
If you don’t feel you’re getting enough service for the money you’re paying.
If your portfolio doesn’t seem like it still fits you and hasn’t changed over time.
If you’re losing sleep worrying about what the next market crash will do to you.

Who is not a good fit for Shepherd Wealth Advisors?

You may not be a good fit if any of the following apply:

You’re looking for tips on the next hot stock or meme stock.
You aren’t ready to put some effort into achieving your financial goals.
You’re unwilling to take sound advice to heart.
You’re trying to “get rich quick”.

What do you specialize in?

I’ve been trading and investing successfully for more than 20 years and specialize in actively managing client portfolios while protecting them from devastating loss. Our Signature portfolios are managed by me, personally, rather than being outsourced or thrown into generic “models”. Aside from providing the ability to quickly adjust positions and move in or out of markets, this also gives clients additional confidence knowing their advisor has a much more intimate relationship with their investments.

What is active management?

Think of it as a very “hands-on” approach to your investments. Active management is a proactive strategy that reduces exposure to equities (or sectors) when market conditions are poor and increases exposure when conditions improve.

Simply put, we actively adjust your portfolio based on our ongoing analyses in an effort to improve your risk-adjusted return and also strive to protect you from suffering a devastating loss.

Schedule a free initial consultation

Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by our firm in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant an applicable state exemption. No information provided on this site is intended to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any security, nor shall any security be offered or sold to any person, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under securities laws of such jurisdictions. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned may be available in every state. J.W. Cole Financial Representatives do no accept orders and/or instructions regarding your account by email, voicemail, fax or any alternative method.

Advisory services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. (JWCF), member FINRA/SIPC.

Shepherd Wealth Advisors and JWCF/JWCA are unaffiliated entities.

For a copy of JWCF’s Form CRS, JWCA’s Form CRS, or JWC’s Disclosure Supplement please click here. By following the link, you consent to receipt of the Form CRS electronically.

Our primary regulator, FINRA, provides numerous investor education materials. One resource is BrokerCheck, which provides information about firms and financial advisors.