Ben Lex, AIF®, CKA®
Retirement Planning
Built on Your Values
I help families in Grand Rapids, Michigan and across the U.S. gain confidence in their financial future with personalized, values-based planning.
HOW I WORK
Built on Trust, Not Commission
Limited Client Base
I deliberately keep my client list small. That's not a limitation, it's the model. Working with a select group of families means I know your full picture, remember the details between meetings, and can respond when it matters most. You'll never feel like a case number here.
Proactive Planning
I tell everybody that I work with that a financial plan is only as good as the last time you looked at it. Life changes, so should your plan. We meet regularly (minimum of twice a year) to revisit your goals, adjust to what's new, and make sure your strategy is still doing exactly what it was built to do.
Fiduciary Duty
As a fee-only fiduciary, I'm legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest. No commissions, no product-pushing, and no conflicts of interest quietly shaping your advice. What I recommend, I recommend because it's right for you.
Faith Planning
Your financial decisions are a reflection of your values, not just your balance sheet. We build plans rooted in biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and long-term wisdom so that how you save, give, and invest becomes an extension of what you believe and what you want to leave behind.
Who I Serve
Families with High or Variable Income
If your income fluctuates traditional financial advice often falls short. I understand the unique rhythm of variable income and help you build stability, maximize growth during peak earnings, and create a plan that handles the ups and downs with confidence.
Those Seeking Long-Term Relationships
I thrive on building committed, lasting partnerships with clients. If you're looking for a dedicated advisor who provides individualized financial planning, exceptional service, and walks with you through every season of life, we're a great fit.
Christian Families Seeking Bible-Based Planning
You want your financial life to align with your beliefs. Whether that means strategic giving, planning for generational stewardship, or simply managing money in a way that honors God, I help you build a plan rooted in biblical wisdom and long-term purpose.
About Ben
I live in Hudsonville, Michigan with my wife Sarah and our kids, Asher and Lainey. Family is at the center of everything I do, both personally and professionally.
Outside of helping families plan for their future, I'm active in our church leading the hospitality teams and serving as an Elder, and love racing triathlons any chance I get!
My approach to financial planning is simple: treat every client like family. That means honest conversations, careful listening, and plans that reflect your unique values and goals. As one of the few fiduciary financial advisors in Michigan with their Certified Kingdom Advisor designation, I bring both the legal obligation and faith-based framework to serve Christian families well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fiduciary financial advisors?
A fiduciary financial advisor is required to put your interests first. Not just recommend something that technically fits, but something that truly serves you. A lot of advisors are paid commissions when they sell certain investments or insurance products. That can create pressure, even if it’s subtle. As a fee-only fiduciary, I’m paid directly by my clients and no one else. I don’t receive commissions or incentives from outside companies. My advice is based on what’s best for your goals, your situation, and the life you’re trying to build.
What is a Christian financial advisor and do I need one?
A Christian financial advisor integrates biblical principles into all aspects of planning. I hold the CKA® (Certified Kingdom Advisor®) designation, which requires formal training in faith-based planning. If you want a financial plan that reflects what you believe, it is worth seeking out a Christian financial advisor.
What should I look for when choosing a financial advisor?
The first thing to find out is whether your advisor is actually a fiduciary. Most are not. Many are only held to a “suitability” standard, which means the recommendation just has to fit, not necessarily be the best option for you. From there, pay attention to how they’re paid. Fee-only compensation matters. So do credentials that line up with what you’re looking for. For example, if your faith plays a big role in how you think about money, the CKA® designation shows that an advisor has specific training in biblical financial planning, not just general investing knowledge.
What is the difference between a fee-only and commission-based financial advisor?
A fee-only advisor is paid directly by you, with no commissions and no third-party incentives. A commission-based advisor earns money when they sell you products, which creates an inherent conflict of interest. As a fee-only fiduciary in Michigan, I'm compensated solely by my clients, which means my recommendations are always in your best interest, not mine.
How do I find a trustworthy financial advisor?
When you’re choosing an advisor, I’d focus on three things: fiduciary status, how they’re paid, and whether their credentials actually fit your needs.
A fiduciary is legally required to put your interests first. Fee-only compensation means they aren’t earning commissions behind the scenes. And designations like AIF® or CKA® can signal more specialized training — whether that’s in fiduciary oversight or faith-based planning. Those are the kinds of standards I believe matter when serving families in Grand Rapids, West Michigan, and beyond.
Ready to Take Control of Your Future?
Let's have an honest conversation about your goals, your concerns, and how we can build a plan that works for you. No pressure, no sales pitch—just a genuine discussion about your financial future.
Proudly serving families in Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, Holland, and throughout West Michigan.