Aaron M Bongard

Sometimes seemingly little things end up making a big difference down the road.

I don't recall how my mom came upon the 'Millionaire Next Door', but I noticed a copy of it on the bookshelf just 5 months prior to finishing my engineering and business degrees at Michigan State.

That classic study of how families build wealth over time was eye-opening, and reading it was my fork in the road from engineering to the financial industry.

It has been over 14 years since taking the other path, but I still get to do one of my favorite things - solve problems. However, the 'problems' I help clients solve today are more personal and fulfilling for me because the relationships are long-term and with those who appreciate a more comprehensive approach to their sometimes complex planning needs.

We work hand in hand with their tax and legal professionals to develop financial strategies that actually 'move the needle'. Not just at the outset of the relationship, but with an ongoing review process that includes a strategy for how to pass on those good financial habits onto the next generation. Because of our more comprehensive approach, we work with fewer clients than many financial advisors.

On the personal side, my wife, Janelle, is a native Coloradan from Fort Morgan and a fellow financial advisor with Edward Jones. When we aren't talking about the financial industry, we are spending as much time as possible with our two young children, Micah and Zoe, ages 2 and 1.