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Leveraging his experience as a CPA, Mike specializes in finding solutions to help clients maximize their retirement income with a specific focus on tax efficiency.
The driving force behind GRIP Financial is his desire to go deeper with fewer clients and serve them with excellence. His passion for retirement planning stems from his desire to work one-on-one with each client and help them experience that light bulb moment when they see, understand, and have complete confidence in their retirement plan.
Mike has a broad perspective from his experience in the accounting and finance industry since 1996. Before his launch in personal financial planning, he began his career in public accounting. He later transitioned into Corporate Finance with Capital One, then Head of Mortgage Finance with SunTrust (now Truist).
Mike was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, and met his wife, Hollie, in elementary school. They married in 1996 and have three adult children, Jake, Holden (and his wife Hannah), and Casey. He enjoys spending time with his family — preferably on the golf course — and watching UVA Basketball. Go, Hoos!
Client Servicing and Operations
Jake brings his enthusiasm for creating excellent client relationships to the GRIP Financial team. With a background in banking and financial services, he has been helping clients implement planning solutions for six years, working closely with investment firms, insurance companies, banks, etc., to ensure a smooth process.
Whether he is answering general questions, taking care of details, or handling special requests, Jake endeavors to be the “Chief Solution Finder” for his clients and his teammates.
A Richmond, VA native, he is driven to make a positive, tangible difference in the workplace and the lives of people around him. One of his greatest enjoyments is returning each summer to serve as a camp counselor in the boys’ camp he attended throughout his childhood.
We help clients realize their best retirement by illuminating the path from questions to confidence.
Vision
To be the most trusted retirement guide in the greater Richmond area dedicated to providing excellent, client-first solutions to help them achieve their goals and peace of mind.
We are committed to:
We stand for:
What Does it Mean to Start With a Good GRIP?
Legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “Good golf begins with a good grip.” The same can be said for using a tennis racquet, pitching a baseball, or utilizing any tool.
When I was a kid, my parents added a deck onto the back of our house. I was mesmerized watching how the workers could drive the nail flush with the board in two rhythmic swings. I wanted to try my hand at it, too. I had been watching all day, so I knew I was up to the task.
They were friendly and allowed me to give it a few whacks, but of course, the nail didn’t budge. After watching me fail miserably, the first thing they corrected was my grip—not too tight, not too light, not too high on the handle, etc.
It must start with the right grip to get the best result. The same could be said for your retirement.
The first type of grip is like grabbing a rope and hanging on for dear life. That is a stranglehold – not a grip. Nothing will likely be gained when you apply this approach to retirement. Having a grip on your retirement does not mean holding on to your savings for dear life.
In contrast, the second type of GRIP is geared toward performance.
You have likely worked hard and done well. Effectively stewarding the resources you have been blessed with requires a good, firm GRIP on them – not a stranglehold. Money is not an end unto itself; it is simply the resource we employ to accomplish our dreams and goals.
In other words, your money is a tool to achieve your retirement dreams and goals, both for your current lifestyle and for your legacy.
These questions stem from a lack of clarity, so even those with sufficient investments are not immune to them. Their gut reaction is to take the Stranglehold Approach–hanging on and hoping it lasts. To make the most of what you have, you need clear answers to these questions and many others. You need to know how these answers will affect your individual retirement.
Lack of clarity leads to lack of confidence, and lack of confidence can lead to costly decisions.
Here are the most common mistakes I see people make when they don’t have confidence in their plan:
Starting with a good GRIP is about focusing on what is most important and stewarding your assets. The GRIP Strategy is all about giving you the clarity and confidence to live out the retirement you want.
Clarity and Confidence
for Your Best Retirement
We start with a GOAL. The first crucial step is about you. You need to know what you want to build to choose the proper tools for the job. What is important to you? What have you imagined for your future?
You fill in the blank.
Retirement is a transition, not the end of being productive or purposeful. It’s about having the time and resources to invest in the people and causes you love.
The construction crew I watched as a kid was experienced. They knew common pitfalls and mistakes to be avoided. They knew how to leverage their tools to get the best results.
At GRIP, we come alongside you as a guide to leverage the tools you need to get the results you want. We answer your questions and create a strategic plan to bring you clarity and confidence.
All content is for information purposes only. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Nor is it intended to be a projection of current or future performance or indication of future results. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of GRIP Financial LLC and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Advisory services are offered by GRIP Financial LLC an Investment Advisor in the State of Virginia. Being registered as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
GRIP Financial LLC and GRIP Financial Solutions LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency.
Insurance products and services are offered through GRIP Financial Solutions LLC, an affiliated company.
The information contained herein should in no way be construed or interpreted as a solicitation to sell or offer to sell advisory services to any residents of any State other than the State of Virginia or where otherwise legally permitted. Images and photographs are included for the sole purpose of visually enhancing the website. None of them are photographs of current or former Clients. They should not be construed as an endorsement or testimonial from any of the persons in the photograph.
Purchases are subject to suitability. This requires a review of an investor’s objective, risk tolerance, and time horizons. Investing always involves risk and possible loss of capital.
