meet: Tom Blower
Partner & Senior Financial Advisor
With two decades of experience and a deep commitment to helping others, I chose this profession to make a real difference. What started as a hope has become my reality, helping clients achieve financial clarity, independence, and confidence in their futures.
My clients are forward-thinking individuals who:
Aim to reach financial independence well before traditional retirement age.
Value a collaborative, personal relationship with their financial advisor.
Seek simplicity in managing their complex financial lives.
They came to me with questions like:
Do I have enough money to support my lifestyle throughout retirement?
Are there planning strategies that we have overlooked that should be considered?
Can you help me understand the big picture of my entire financial life? I am tired of making all of these decisions on my own and in a vacuum.
Can you help me devise a plan to meet my income needs once I retire in a tax-efficient way?
Do I need a trust, and if so, what type?
Together, we craft strategies that align with their goals, allowing them to leverage their net worth and live life on their own terms. True financial independence is rare, and helping clients achieve it is incredibly rewarding.
By referral only, I work with individuals and families navigating life’s transitions and challenges, including:
Widows: Supporting clients who’ve lost loved ones is a privilege I deeply value. I help them make informed financial decisions during emotionally challenging times and chart a new path forward.
Business Owners & Executives: From succession planning and exit strategies to managing concentrated stock, stock options, and tax planning, I help high-achieving professionals optimize their wealth.
Sudden Wealth Management: Whether from inheritance, legal settlements, or business sales, I guide clients in managing and growing unexpected financial windfalls.
Divorce Planning: As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), I provide expert guidance to those navigating the financial complexities of divorce, ensuring clarity and confidence through a difficult time.
I prefer to work with clients that are:
Willing to delegate and collaborate with a professional.
Care about their family and want to plan for them.
Have a level of financial complexity in their lives, and they strive for simplicity.
I do not have “investment minimums” in the traditional sense, but instead I am incredibly focused on pairing up with like-minded families and individuals that meet certain criteria that I can help for many years to come.
I have shared a few insights with leading publications to help readers navigate financial challenges:
Three Money Mistakes to Avoid in a Bear Market - Wall Street Journal (June 16th, 2022)
How to Figure Out If You Can Actually Afford That New Home - New York Times (May 1st, 2022)
4 Tips For Strengthening Your Finances Before A Recession Hits - Forbes (April 1st, 2022)
16 Big Estate Planning Mistakes Clients Make - ThinkAdvisor (September 30th, 2020)
About Me:
I graduated with a degree in Finance from Miami University (OH) in 2005 and earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2010.Giving back is a core value of mine, having proudly served on the boards of theEast Grand Rapids School Foundation andCoral Reef, a unique 28-unit living community for those with IDD that want to live more independently.When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my wife, our two kids, plus our cat and two dogs. I enjoy running (and have finished three marathons), connecting with friends, listening to hip-hop (People Under the Stairs is by far my favorite), and consuming interesting, yet gluten and dairy-free food. Over the years, I have gradually embraced a healthy lifestyle. “Your health is your greatest wealth”
I truly believe in investing in yourself and over the years that invested heavily in leadership training and coaching. As a part of a recent program, I completed a series of personal assessments. The Clifton StrengthsFinder® report shows that my talents lie most heavily in these five areas:
Relator: I enjoy close relationships with others. I find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
Responsibility: I take psychological ownership of what I say I will do. I am committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Developer: I recognize and cultivate the potential in others. I spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress.
Context: I enjoy thinking about the past. I understand the present by researching its history.
Activator: I can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. I can even be impatient at times.
Ready to simplify your financial life? If you’re seeking a financial partner who values transparency, strategy, and a personal connection, let’s talk. Together, we can build a path toward financial independence and a future you’re excited to pursue.