From Firm to Family: Why Your Financial Plan Deserves a Team
At Gatewood Wealth Solutions, wealth management extends beyond mere numbers—it’s about relationships, trust, and commitment that span generations. Our distinctive Firm-to-Family model isn’t just a slogan; it’s the foundation of how we deliver lasting value across generations.
A Team Built Around You
Unlike traditional models where clients are tethered to a single advisor, Gatewood provides an integrated team of professionals, each with a specific role:
- Wealth Advisor: Your primary relationship manager, guiding significant financial decisions and ensuring your overall experience is seamless and attentive.
- Wealth Planner: A Certified Financial Planner® responsible for crafting and continuously refining your personalized financial plan, directly aligned with your life goals.
- Wealth Coordinator: The organizational anchor who manages administrative details, keeping your financial matters consistently organized and accessible.
- Specialists: Extra support for your plan from experienced teammates with deep understanding of specialized and complex topics.
Expertise That Grows with You
Beyond the core Client Care Team, we have a team of specialists in investments, tax, business, and estate planning. These professionals collaborate behind the scenes to address the complexities that come with growing wealth.
Whether you’re navigating a liquidity event, transitioning into retirement, or preparing your estate plan, our in-house specialists at Gatewood team are already in place—ready to step in and support you. No matter your life stage or estate size, the right expertise is readily available.
This approach helps keep your financial strategy on track through life’s transitions and unexpected turns—so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Tailored Services for Every Stage
We recognize the uniqueness of each client’s financial landscape. Our Client Care Teams are structured to reflect your specific financial complexity:
- Private Client Care: For ultra-high-net-worth individuals with complex, multifaceted financial needs.
- Client Care Plus: Designed to support high-net-worth families requiring comprehensive, strategic financial management.
- Client Care: Catering to clients with essential, yet crucial, financial planning needs.
By aligning our teams precisely with your financial circumstances, we ensure focused attention and optimal outcomes at every life stage.
The Firm-to-Family Advantage
Our Firm-to-Family approach means your relationship extends to the entire firm rather than depending solely on an individual advisor. This method provides:
- Consistency: Your financial strategy remains stable and continuous, even if team members evolve.
- Comprehensive Expertise: Immediate access to a collective wealth of knowledge from professionals who collaborate to serve your best interests.
- Generational Relationships: We aim not just to serve you, but to support your family’s financial health across multiple generations, establishing a legacy of security and growth.
How We Differ from Traditional Advisors
Many wealth management firms operate on a “book of business” or “my client” model, where clients rely exclusively on one advisor for their financial planning. The advisor may fly under the banner of a big national brand, but in reality, that advisor acts as a one-man band.
This traditional approach can create vulnerabilities, particularly if the advisor moves firms, retires, or experiences life changes. At Gatewood Wealth Solutions, we embrace an “our clients” culture, ensuring your relationship is with our entire firm. This commitment means you enjoy seamless continuity, collective expertise, and personalized attention from our dedicated team, free from the disruptions often associated with traditional, advisor-dependent models.
Real Stories, Lasting Impact
Clients frequently highlight the tangible benefits of our comprehensive approach:
“Our relationship with Gatewood Wealth Solutions has evolved over the years right along with our family. From building and protecting our wealth to retirement and estate planning, Gatewood has guided us and enabled our objectives. It’s reassuring to know skilled professionals we trust are working with us to optimize what we have worked for all our lives¹.” — Dr. Boyd C., Retired Corporate Executive
A Client Story: The Parkers’ Journey from Overwhelmed to Empowered
Before partnering with Gatewood, the Parker family—two busy professionals with three children and aging parents—felt stretched thin. Despite solid earnings, they were unsure how to balance college savings, retirement planning, elder care responsibilities, and managing their growing portfolio. Their previous advisor provided only occasional updates and general guidance, leaving them uncertain and reactive.
After engaging Gatewood Wealth Solutions, everything changed. They were introduced to their dedicated Client Care Team, including a Wealth Advisor who listened closely to their goals, a Wealth Planner who developed a dynamic, goal-driven plan, and a Wealth Coordinator who ensured nothing slipped through the cracks.
Behind the scenes, Gatewood’s investment, tax, and estate planning specialists collaborated to build a coordinated strategy. The Parkers refinanced underperforming real estate assets, implemented a multigenerational gifting strategy, optimized their retirement drawdown plan, and established an education trust for their children.
Today, the Parkers say they finally feel in control. They’re no longer juggling disconnected advice—they have a proactive team that meets with them regularly, answers questions before they even arise, and helps them make confident decisions.
Ready to Experience the Gatewood Difference?
If you seek a wealth management relationship built on enduring trust, tailored strategies, and a dedicated team focused on your family’s lasting financial success, we’re ready to start the conversation.
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
¹ This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of 11/13/2023. The client has not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of future performance or success.
There is no guarantee a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification and asset allocation do not protect against market risk.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.
Expertise That Grows with You
Beyond the core Client Care Team, we have a team of specialists in investments, tax, business, and estate planning. These professionals collaborate behind the scenes to address the complexities that come with growing wealth.
Whether you’re navigating a liquidity event, transitioning into retirement, or preparing your estate plan, our in-house specialists at Gatewood team are already in place—ready to step in and support you. No matter your life stage or estate size, the right expertise is readily available.
This approach helps keep your financial strategy on track through life’s transitions and unexpected turns—so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Tailored Services for Every Stage
We recognize the uniqueness of each client’s financial landscape. Our Client Care Teams are structured to reflect your specific financial complexity:
- Private Client Care: For ultra-high-net-worth individuals with complex, multifaceted financial needs.
- Client Care Plus: Designed to support high-net-worth families requiring comprehensive, strategic financial management.
- Client Care: Catering to clients with essential, yet crucial, financial planning needs.
By aligning our teams precisely with your financial circumstances, we ensure focused attention and optimal outcomes at every life stage.
The Firm-to-Family Advantage
Our Firm-to-Family approach means your relationship extends to the entire firm rather than depending solely on an individual advisor. This method provides:
- Consistency: Your financial strategy remains stable and continuous, even if team members evolve.
- Comprehensive Expertise: Immediate access to a collective wealth of knowledge from professionals who collaborate to serve your best interests.
- Generational Relationships: We aim not just to serve you, but to support your family’s financial health across multiple generations, establishing a legacy of security and growth.
How We Differ from Traditional Advisors
Many wealth management firms operate on a “book of business” or “my client” model, where clients rely exclusively on one advisor for their financial planning. The advisor may fly under the banner of a big national brand, but in reality, that advisor acts as a one-man band.
This traditional approach can create vulnerabilities, particularly if the advisor moves firms, retires, or experiences life changes. At Gatewood Wealth Solutions, we embrace an “our clients” culture, ensuring your relationship is with our entire firm. This commitment means you enjoy seamless continuity, collective expertise, and personalized attention from our dedicated team, free from the disruptions often associated with traditional, advisor-dependent models.
Real Stories, Lasting Impact
Clients frequently highlight the tangible benefits of our comprehensive approach:
“Our relationship with Gatewood Wealth Solutions has evolved over the years right along with our family. From building and protecting our wealth to retirement and estate planning, Gatewood has guided us and enabled our objectives. It’s reassuring to know skilled professionals we trust are working with us to optimize what we have worked for all our lives¹.” — Dr. Boyd C., Retired Corporate Executive
A Client Story: The Parkers’ Journey from Overwhelmed to Empowered
Before partnering with Gatewood, the Parker family—two busy professionals with three children and aging parents—felt stretched thin. Despite solid earnings, they were unsure how to balance college savings, retirement planning, elder care responsibilities, and managing their growing portfolio. Their previous advisor provided only occasional updates and general guidance, leaving them uncertain and reactive.
After engaging Gatewood Wealth Solutions, everything changed. They were introduced to their dedicated Client Care Team, including a Wealth Advisor who listened closely to their goals, a Wealth Planner who developed a dynamic, goal-driven plan, and a Wealth Coordinator who ensured nothing slipped through the cracks.
Behind the scenes, Gatewood’s investment, tax, and estate planning specialists collaborated to build a coordinated strategy. The Parkers refinanced underperforming real estate assets, implemented a multigenerational gifting strategy, optimized their retirement drawdown plan, and established an education trust for their children.
Today, the Parkers say they finally feel in control. They’re no longer juggling disconnected advice—they have a proactive team that meets with them regularly, answers questions before they even arise, and helps them make confident decisions.
Ready to Experience the Gatewood Difference?
If you seek a wealth management relationship built on enduring trust, tailored strategies, and a dedicated team focused on your family’s lasting financial success, we’re ready to start the conversation.
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
¹ This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of 11/13/2023. The client has not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of future performance or success.
There is no guarantee a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification and asset allocation do not protect against market risk.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.
What Happens in Your House Is More Important Than the White House
Tariffs. Tax policy. Trump.
Turn on the news and you’ll be flooded with political noise—but let’s cut through the clutter:
What matters most to your family’s financial future isn’t in Washington, D.C.—it’s within your own four walls.
At Gatewood, we help families shift their focus away from the headlines they can’t control and toward the household habits they can. While income tends to steal the spotlight, spending is the real unsung hero of long-term financial independence. Most financial advisors avoid talking about spending—it can feel too personal, too awkward. They fear upsetting clients by confronting sensitive realities. But not us. We believe in honest conversations because financial discipline today lays the foundation for your family’s future freedom.
Understanding the Budgeting Landscape
Clients often ask us: “How much should I spend on housing?” or “Am I saving enough?”
To help answer these, here’s a comparison of how three well-known frameworks—Dave Ramsey, the CFP Board, and CFA-informed guidance—stack up:
| Category |
Dave Ramsey |
CFP Board |
CFA-Informed |
| 🏠 Housing & Utilities |
25% |
≤ 28% |
25–30% |
| 🚗 Transportation |
10–15% |
≤ 15% |
10–15% |
| 🍽️ Food & Groceries |
10–15% |
10–15% |
10–15% |
| ⚕️ Health Care |
5–10% |
5–10% |
5–10% |
| 🎓 Education & Childcare |
5–10% |
5–10% |
5–10% |
| 💳 Consumer Debt |
0% |
≤ 10% |
≤ 10% |
| 💰 Total Debt (incl. housing) |
≤ 35–40% |
≤ 36% |
≤ 36–40% |
| 🎭 Entertainment & Personal |
5–10% |
5–10% |
5–10% |
| 🛠️ Miscellaneous |
Included in personal |
5–10% |
5–10% |
| 🛡️ Savings, Insurance, and Investments |
10–15%+ |
10–20% |
≥ 15–20% |
| 💝 Giving & Charity |
10% recommended |
5–10% (flexible) |
5–10% (flexible) |
Key Differences:
- Dave Ramsey: Strict, debt-focused with a heavy emphasis on giving and zero-based budgeting
- CFP Board: Offers guardrails with room to personalize
- CFA-Informed: Focuses on principles like discipline, long-term growth, and risk alignment (Ex: Budgeting isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about aligning your resources with your values, goals, and risk tolerance.)
The Gatewood Family Budgeting Guidelines
At Gatewood, we synthesized the best of all approaches and added real-life insight. Here’s our proprietary guide we call The Gatewood Family Budgeting Guidelines:
| Category |
Gatewood Target (±5%) |
| 🏠 Housing & Utilities |
25% |
| 🚗 Transportation |
10% |
| 🍽️ Food & Groceries |
10% |
| ⚕️ Health Care |
7.5% |
| 🎓 Education & Childcare |
7.5% |
| 💳 Consumer Debt |
0% (yes, zero!) |
| 💰 Total Debt (incl. housing) |
25% |
| 🎭 Entertainment & Personal |
5% |
| 🛠️ Miscellaneous |
5% |
| 🛡️ Savings, Insurance, and Investments |
20% (go for more!) |
| 💝 Giving & Charity |
10% |
A Look Inside Our Home: My Family’s Budget Case Study
We don’t just preach these principles—we live them. Here’s a transparent look at how my family’s real monthly spending lines up with our own guidelines (below). These figures are after our 401(k) and HSA contributions are maximized. As you will see, the Goeddel family is far from perfect! I hope sharing this information and being vulnerable is helpful to you and your family.
| Category |
Gatewood Guidelines (%) |
Actual Family Spending ($) |
Actual Family Spending % |
Notes |
| 🏠 Housing & Utilities |
25% |
$8,400 |
34% |
$7,000 mortgage plus extra principal payments; $1,400 bills & utilities |
| 🚗 Transportation |
10% |
$500 |
2% |
Just gas—no car payments |
| 🍽️ Food & Groceries |
10% |
$3,300 |
13% |
$2,500 groceries, $600 dining out or delivery, $200 coffee |
| ⚕️ Health Care |
7.5% |
$500 |
2% |
Out-of-pocket medical |
| 🎓 Education & Childcare |
7.5% |
$2,000 |
8% |
529 Plan contributions for two kids |
| 💳 Consumer Debt |
0% |
$0 |
0% |
None! |
| 💰 Total Debt |
25% |
$7,000 |
28% |
Mortgage |
| 🎭 Entertainment & Personal |
5% |
$3,400 |
14% |
Amazon, clothes, date nights, personal care, pets |
| 🛠️ Miscellaneous |
5% |
$1,500 |
6% |
Unplanned monthly expenses |
| 🛡️ Savings, Insurance, and Investments |
20% |
$3,000 |
12% |
Trust contributions + full insurance suite |
| 💝 Giving & Charity |
10% |
$2,400 |
10% |
Charitable giving + gifts to family/friends |
A Few Highlights
Where We’re Winning
- Mortgage is our only debt
- Long-term savings and insurance plans are in place
Where We’re Improving
- Reducing “Entertainment & Personal” (Amazon!!!) and “Miscellaneous”
- Increasing savings beyond the 401(k) closer to 20%
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Financial freedom isn’t found in the headlines—it’s built through intentional habits, month after month. At Gatewood, we help families match their money with their values—so they can create meaningful wealth and lasting legacies.
Ready to align your budget with your future? Let’s talk. We’re here to help.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
Dave Ramsey is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial and Gatewood.
Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth: Nick Murray’s Timeless Principles of Portfolio Construction
When it comes to investing, simplicity and discipline often outperform complexity and constant tinkering. Few voices in financial planning have championed this notion more effectively than Nick Murray, one of the most respected minds in wealth management. His philosophy centers on long-term equity investing, behavioral discipline, and the idea that financial advisors are coaches, not market forecasters.
At Gatewood, we embrace many of these foundational principles while adding our own personalized approach to support our clients’ goals in building enduring wealth aligned with their values and purpose.
Nick Murray’s Core Principles of the “Ideal Portfolio”
- Equities Are the Best Path to Long-Term Wealth
Murray firmly believes that stocks are the only reliable way to outpace inflation and generate real wealth over time. While cash and bonds may offer short-term stability, their purchasing power erodes in the long run. A well-constructed equity portfolio, in contrast, provides access to the enduring growth of businesses and economies across the globe.
- Diversification Reduces Risk
Although equities are central to a strong portfolio, diversification across industries, geographies, and asset classes helps buffer against sudden market shocks. The goal? Avoid letting any single event or sector derail your long-term plan.
- Bonds Have a Role—But a Limited One
According to Murray, a traditional 60/40 “balanced” portfolio is not optimal for long-term investors. Bonds, he argues, primarily serve as a psychological cushion. For those with a lengthy time horizon, over-allocating to bonds can actually increase the risk of running out of money in retirement. The risk of a loss of purchasing power is often much greater than the risk of short-term market volatility.
- Investor Behavior Matters More Than Portfolio Construction
Even the best-designed portfolio can fail if an investor succumbs to panic. Murray emphasizes that market volatility is not the true enemy—emotional decisions are. Remaining invested through bear markets is the key to compounding wealth.
- No Market Timing—Ever
Attempting to forecast short-term market movements is a fool’s errand, says Murray. Rather than chasing trends or reacting to market noise, investors should rely on a disciplined, repeatable process that keeps them invested for the long haul.
- Retirees Need a High Allocation to Equities
One of Murray’s more controversial stances is that retirees should still hold significant equity exposure. Why? Because the greatest threat in retirement is inflation. If a retiree’s portfolio does not grow over time, their purchasing power diminishes—often severely—in the later stages of retirement.
How Gatewood Builds On Murray’s Principles
- Purpose-Driven Investing
Wealth is personal. Every portfolio we construct at Gatewood aligns with our clients’ values, goals, and long-term vision. Rather than defaulting to cookie-cutter strategies, we develop personalized allocations for business owners, high-net-worth families, and individuals navigating complex financial scenarios. Your portfolio aligns with your overall financial plan and your personal preferences.
- A Systematic, Process-Driven Approach
We take the behavioral aspect of investing seriously. While discipline is crucial, relying on willpower alone is risky. Instead, we employ a structured, repeatable process that helps clients avoid emotional pitfalls—particularly during turbulent markets.
- Enhancing Diversification With Alternative Strategies
Equities remain the core of our portfolios, but we also incorporate alternative investments and tax-optimized strategies to help mitigate risk and enhance long-term returns. This added layer of diversification complements Murray’s model while adapting it to today’s investment landscape.
- Planning for the Transition to Retirement
Rather than defaulting to a blanket recommendation for high equity exposure, we craft personalized withdrawal strategies that consider your income needs, tax exposure, and continued growth potential. A well-constructed equity portfolio provides access to the enduring growth of businesses and economies across the globe.
- Data-Driven Risk Management
Discipline matters, but data does too. We use real-time financial modeling and stress testing to keep our clients prepared for the unexpected. This helps keep both your portfolio—and your peace of mind—intact, even in worst-case scenarios.
The Bottom Line: Principles + Process = Success
Nick Murray’s philosophy offers a timeless foundation for building long-term wealth. However, execution matters as much as the theoretical framework. At Gatewood, we pair Murray’s principles with our own strategic process—one designed to guide you through market ups and downs with confidence.
Long-term investing is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you’re looking for a financial partner who blends the discipline of a seasoned advisor with the personalization that real families and businesses need, we’d love to help. Let’s develop a plan that aligns with your purpose, your goals, and your future.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to explore how these principles can translate into real-life wealth strategies for you or your business, schedule a conversation with Gatewood today. We’re here to help you build, protect, and maximize your wealth—so you can focus on living the life you’ve envisioned.
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
Government bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value
Bonds are subject to credit, market, and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price
Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and should be considered as an investment for the risk capital portion of the investor’s portfolio. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses.
Why Gatewood? Our True Differentiators
At Gatewood, we’ve spent decades crafting an experience so personal and comprehensive that it can’t be easily copied. We believe in a Firm-to-Family model where relationships span generations, backed by in-house investment management, industry-leading technology, and a genuine commitment to excellence and independence. Below, I’ll break down exactly how we stand apart—and why so many families value our insight into their long-term financial well-being.
Competitor Comparison – What Sets Us Apart
| Feature |
Gatewood |
Typical Advisory Services Firm |
| Client Ownership |
Firm-to-Family Model (Clients belong to the firm) |
Advisor-Owned (Each advisor runs their own book) |
| Investment Management |
In-House |
Mostly Outsourced |
| Cash Management |
Real-Time Dynamic Planning |
Static One-Time Planning |
| Technology Spend |
Industry-Leading |
Minimal Investment |
| Advisor Age & Continuity |
Multigenerational Team |
Advisors Nearing Retirement |
| Market Risk Management |
Cash Buffers, Profit-Taking |
“Stay the Course” Approach |
| Product Sales |
No Proprietary Products |
Often Push Own Products |
| Firm Independence |
No Private Equity |
Many Firms Sell to PE |
1. One Firm, One Family – Firm-to-Family vs. Advisor-to-Client
“Most firms operate under an advisor-to-client model, where your financial success hinges on one individual. If that person retires or leaves, you’re often left starting over. We do it differently.” – John Gatewood, CFP®, CLU®, Founder & Director of Advisor Development
True Client Ownership by the Firm
Unlike many firms, we don’t function as a set of individual advisors, each claiming their own “book of business.” Every Gatewood client is a client of the entire firm, ensuring smoother transitions and consistent care.
Dedicated Client Care Team
Instead of chasing a single busy advisor, each Gatewood family works with a specialized Client Care Team, including:
- A Wealth Advisor as your relationship manager
- A CFP® Wealth Planner to integrate every aspect of your financial life and provide excellent advice
- A Wealth Coordinator to manage administrative details and daily service requests
Consistent Policies & Seamless Transition
This firm-wide approach standardizes the client experience. If one of your advisors steps away, the rest of the team knows you and your family intimately, ensuring continuity and confidence.
Why competitors struggle to replicate this:
They often operate under big umbrella brands, with disparate advisors who follow different strategies. Shifting to a uniform Firm-to-Family model requires a massive cultural overhaul—no easy feat.
2. In-House Investment Management – No Outsourcing, No Middlemen, No Conflicts
“We don’t outsource your portfolio to an external manager. Our Investment Committee makes decisions internally—so you can talk directly to the people managing your money.” – Christopher Arends, CFA®, CMT®, CAIA® , Chief Investment Officer
Proprietary Strategies
At Gatewood, all investment strategies are managed in-house, backed by a blend of technical analysis, quantitative trends, and daily research. We can trim profits when markets peak, maintain strategic cash reserves, and adapt quickly to shifts—all with your goals in mind.
Direct Access to Decision-Makers
Many firms separate the client from the people who actually pick stocks or structure portfolios. Not here. You have direct access to our Investment Committee to better understand the rationale behind each investment decision. This is your money, not ours. You deserve to deeply understand how we are acting on your behalf.
Why competitors can’t do this:
Either they outsource to third-party managers, or they lean on a centralized, far-off department. Both limit flexibility and create barriers to true personalization. Oftentimes, this comes with conflicts of interest and entangling relationships with fund companies. We believe keeping everything in house is essential to acting as a true fiduciary for the families and businesses we serve.
3. The Cash Hub Account & Dynamic Financial Planning – Smarter Retirement Income
“One of the biggest financial mistakes people make is selling in a downturn. Our Cash Hub approach helps you avoid that trap.” – Christina Shockley, JD, CFP®, Partner & Chief Planning Officer
Strategic Cash Reserves
We generally recommend holding 6 to 30 months’ worth of expenses—depending on one’s life stage and market conditions—to avoid forced selling during downturns. This “Cash Hub” strategy is the backbone of our planning process. Our Investment Committee sets policy for our entire firm quarterly to ensure we are consistently preparing for market downturns.
Dynamic Adjustments
We don’t set it and forget it. Life changes constantly, so our team adjusts your cash reserves in real time. Whether you’re buying a home, funding college tuition, or facing unforeseen events, we integrate new information into your plan continuously.
Why competitors can’t do this:
Some advisors push clients to invest every spare dollar (that’s how they earn fees) and rely on lines of credit for liquidity. Others do static, one-time plans that never get updated. Without ongoing, interactive planning, maintaining an optimal cash buffer is nearly impossible leaving many families unprotected for the next bear market.
4. Industry-Leading Technology Investment – A Major Barrier to Entry
“Our tech stack synchronizes planning, trading, and operations in real-time. That means no detail falls through the cracks.” – Clayton Feldman, CFA®. Director of Operations
Accountability & Transparency
Our clients can see their investment performance (net of fees), benchmarks, and fees in the Gatewood app. This should be the industry standard, but most advisors hide from this basic accountability. We believe transparency builds trust and our clients deserve to have this critical information at their fingertips.
Advanced Client Portal & Tech Stack
We offer full transparency, including after-fee performance reporting, trading activity, and tax impacts. Because our system integrates with your financial plan continuously, you see real-time progress rather than an annual snapshot.
Real-Time Adjustments
You can explore life changes—like buying a second home or altering retirement timelines—and instantly see how each decision affects your broader plan, thanks to our integrated technology.
Why competitors can’t do this:
High-level tech requires substantial investment in software, training, talent, and maintenance. Many firms see technology as a cost to cut, rather than an engine for delivering dynamic planning. We ensure our advisors and clients have robust tools, especially relating to AI capabilities.
5. Multigenerational Team – Long-Term Advisor Continuity
“With advisors ranging from seasoned specialists to new talent, we’re building a legacy of leadership that can serve you and your children for decades.” –Aaron Tuttle, CFA®, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Chief Executive Officer & Partner
Future-Proofing Your Relationship
The average advisor in the U.S. is close to retirement age¹. At Gatewood, we actively recruit and develop younger advisors to ensure someone will always be here for your family’s long-term needs.
Mentorship & Development
From day one, our new advisors learn the ins and outs of our Firm-to-Family philosophy. By the time they’re leading relationships, they already know your family’s preferences and history.
Why competitors can’t do this:
Many haven’t invested in a robust talent and training pipeline. They rely on quick hires instead of cultivating advisors who fully understand their firm’s vision—or your family’s story. Our Advisor Career Path is both thorough and forward-thinking, allowing us to recruit and retain the best in the industry to serve our clientele.
6. Behavioral Economics & Bear Market Readiness – More Than Just “Stay the Course”
“It’s human nature to want to sell when things look grim. We’ve built structural guardrails—like cash buffers—to help clients stay disciplined.” –Brian McGeehon, MAcc, CFA®, CLU®. Partner & Chief Financial Officer
Equity-Focused, Cash-Backed Philosophy
We draw on insights from top financial minds and real-world experience, emphasizing equities for long-term growth potential while strategically using cash to avoid panic selling when markets dip.
Proactive vs. Reactive
Saying “ride it out” is easy, but many firms stop there. We don’t just talk about discipline; we support it with a systematic rebalancing process, profit-trimming, and well-maintained cash reserves.
Why competitors can’t do this:
They often default to cookie-cutter allocations (like 60/40 portfolios) that can lag in both bear and bull markets. Some may mention ‘behavioral coaching,’ but without tangible processes in place, it’s often an empty promise and certainly not a practice.
7. Process-Driven, Not Product-Driven – A True Fiduciary Model
“We don’t sell proprietary funds or push insurance products. We’re consultants, not product distributors.” – Jared Freese, CFP®, CLU®, CEPA, ChFC®, Wealth Advisor Manager
No Conflicts of Interest
Our compensation is straightforward advisory fees—nothing else. We’re not incentivized to push certain funds or policies. Every decision aims to benefit you, not boost a hidden commission. We publicly share our fee schedule.
Goals-Based Planning
We use a goals-based planning framework (more commonly known by our clients as the “Three Buckets”) to categorize assets by personal risk, market risk, and aspirational risk. That way, every dollar works toward a purpose aligned with your unique goals and comfort zone.
Why competitors can’t do this:
Even some “fiduciary” firms still earn commissions from certain products, like annuities. Embracing a purely process-driven model means giving up those additional revenue streams, which many traditional firms find hard to do. Our industry is full of firms claiming a fiduciary status, yet the main goal is pushing product. Doing the right thing is an easy differentiator, which we wish was not the case.
8. Commitment to Long-Term Independence – No Private Equity Sellout
“We’re structured to last for generations. Our focus on independence means client interests always come first.” –John Gatewood, CFP®, CLU®, Founder & Director of Advisor Development
Designed for Decades
We have no plans to sell Gatewood to private equity—now or in the future. Our ownership framework ensures consistent leadership and philosophy, so the values you trust today remain in place for the long haul. Our firm is owned privately by the following people:
- Aaron Tuttle, Partner & CEO
- Brian McGeehon, Partner & CFO
- Christina Shockley, Partner & CPO
- Dan Goeddel, Partner, & COO
Client Interests First
Without external investors pushing for higher margins, we can concentrate on what truly matters—your confidence, your growth, and your legacy. As private equity invades the wealth management space, we will maintain our independence.
Why competitors can’t do this?
Private equity buyouts are common in wealth management as most retiring advisors have not built a team and succession plan internally. After an acquisition, decisions often become bottom-line-driven rather than client-centric. Once independence is sold, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.
The Gatewood Difference
Our structural, philosophical, and process-driven edge permeates every facet of Gatewood—from the first conversation we have to the way we nurture relationships with your children and grandchildren. It’s not just a marketing pitch; it’s a profoundly ingrained mode of operation designed with the goal to safeguard and grow your wealth.
Ready to Experience a Different Kind of Wealth Management?
At Gatewood, we manage more than money—we build relationships that stand the test of market cycles and generational shifts. If you want consistent, sophisticated guidance free from hidden agendas, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about your goals and how our Firm-to-Family model can help you pursue them—today and for decades to come.
Important Disclosures:
¹Source: https://www.advisorsmagazine.com/trending/23521-aging-advisor-workforce-highlights-need-for-succession-plans
Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss. (28-LPL)
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. (34-LPL)
From the CDO: Understanding the Heart, Soul, and Resilience of GWS
When our firm parted ways with an insurance giant in 2019, we knew we had our work cut out for us. Our goal was to pave our way, so we could serve clients the way we knew was best — and, in the process, create a best-in-class financial services firm that remained boutique and highly personal.
I believe our firm is at that perfect point today. We still maintain deep relationships with clients and are involved in all critical moments: weddings, deaths, funerals, and everything in between. Because we only serve 364 families, we know their circumstances like our own. We can dig deep into everything from their investments to cash management. Yet, we still maintain massive resources from both a human and technology standpoint. It’s the perfect intersection of a high-touch client service model, with all the leading technology, specialization, and talent clients could expect from a larger firm.
To preserve this sweet spot of size and strategy, the GWS Leadership Team intentionally outlines our vision, mission, and plan for the firm each year. We leverage quarterly goals and incentive compensation to inspire our employees to perform at their very best for our clients. When it comes to advisor acquisitions and succession plans, we have all our resources in-house, so advisors can be confident they’re leaving their clients in good hands. From specialized knowledge to in-house CFA®’s and marketing professionals, we don’t need to outsource essential resources and departments. That gives us creative control and inspires confidence in our partners.
Independence Matters
Best of all, we are not obligated to any investment management, holding, or fund company. We want our trading tools and proprietary processes to drive our trading decisions. We’ll use the best funds and holdings out there. We’re not biased, and we don’t have any unique or sketchy relationships that lie opaquely in the background. We are committed to genuinely putting the best things we can find in our clients’ portfolios.
Clients can take confidence that their team is extremely educated and equipped to handle any growth and complexity. Each client gets a Lead Advisor with an advanced degree — J.D., CFA®, MBA, or CFP® — on their team and a Service Advisor who is a CFP® or a candidate for the CFP® and CFA® program. After all, planning is not just a piece of data analysis. It’s the applied wisdom and critical thinking that comes with experience and education.
Our team has worked tirelessly over the last year to create this level of service for our clients. We have heard from many prospective clients that their advisors were utterly silent during the pandemic. At GWS, on the other hand, we launched a Weekly Market Insights webinar, started publishing weekly blog posts, and now even share live daily market updates on our firm’s YouTube page. It is of the utmost importance that our clients feel informed, secure, and cared for, especially during uncertain times.
“Today, our clients tell us that they believe we’re the most communicative advisors out there, and that’s not by accident. That’s by design.” – Dan Goeddel
We follow plenty of communications from competitors, big banks, and Wall Street giants. At most, they give commentary on markets once a week. It’s very watered down, broad, and not applicable to typical investors. At GWS, however, we try to take stances on issues and share how we plan to protect and ultimately grow clients’ wealth. We do that with risk, but feel it is essential to be thorough and transparent, rather than playing it safe with comprehensive economic data that anyone can find. No matter who is in the White House and who controls the government, there will still be opportunities and threats to take advantage of and avoid for our clients’ portfolios. Our goal is to take a clear stance and be thought leaders.
For many of GWS’s younger employees, the 2020 market dip was their first real bear market. Many had weathered market corrections, but some were still in college or younger during the great recession or immediate aftermath. Fortunately, our clients are tough, resilient, and quick to learn. Even in a challenging year, we surpassed our stretch goal ($500 million in assets) to $750 million AUM.
Not only did we add $223 million in new assets and 62 households in new client relationships, but we also maintained 100% client retention in 2020 and received top marks on our client-wide Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys.
2021: The Rise and Fall of the Wall Street Titans
We already saw the “David and Goliath” story begin with a few holdings where retail was right and Wall Street was wrong. But when the GameStop short squeeze happened, it was fascinating. Many of our team members were familiar with WallStreetBets on Reddit. We noticed they were getting more serious this year as the Fed was pumping in money. Retail investors were sitting at home with helicopter money investing.
Still, the GameStop short squeeze controversy was just fascinating. More than 100% of the market cap was short. It didn’t even seem like that could be possible. We heard from clients with outside trading accounts on T.D. Ameritrade, Schwab, RobinHood, etc.; their trading was immediately limited with different capital requirements and the numbers of shares they could buy and sell. It was clear that more was at play behind the scenes.
Our GWS Investment Committee believes this is a broader symptom of money and liquidity in the system. It will be interesting to see what regulatory action, if any, comes out of this.
A Line in the Sand?
At the end of the day, when it comes down to Wall Street and large institutional players vs. retail investors, at GWS we are on the side of the retail investors and the families we serve.
We work hard every day to protect and grow the hard-earned money for the families we serve. Whether they are retired or still working, they count on us to look out for them. That is where our heart and our passion are at the end of the day. We share personal loyalty for our clients and look out for them. I don’t know how many times we’ve seen clients with investment portfolios, annuities, and insurance products that made no sense for their situation and goals. We help them unwind those, undo the damage and get to a better state as soon as possible. We always try to do things the right way — for example, not charging a management fee on cash in hub accounts to provide retirees insulation. We also don’t charge management fees on other brokerage accounts.
All of our services are inclusive. We’re doing this as value providers, not because we’re trying to make the absolute most money we can off these families. We try to benchmark our fees and make sure we’re on the low side of average and providing tremendous value. We also don’t shy away from sharing performance net fees like many advisors. In everything we do, we take radical transparency.
We want to be the signal through the noise that helps clients determine what headlines are worth paying attention to and what it means for their portfolios.
Let’s Just Talk: Getting to Know our Clients
We hold our Midwestern values — including honesty, hard work, and kindness — close to our hearts at GWS. We don’t believe in trying to intimidate or prove ourselves to clients through the jargon. We take special care to train all our new employees in using real words for our client meetings as if they were talking to a family member. Every client has the right to understand and learn, know what they have in their portfolio, how their plan is working, and what we’re doing for them to help them work toward their goals and financial dreams.
Another reason we find it so important to get to know clients is we get a sense of their individual investor biases. Then, we can help them become aware and provide coaching to ensure we’re getting to a good outcome.
For example, we have some clients with action bias. Whenever a significant event happens, they feel the immediate urge to take some action, even if it doesn’t make sense for their situation. On the other hand, we have some clients with an overconfidence bias. In those cases, we must reign clients back in and show them their bias, reminding them they need to stay insulated against unpredictable market conditions.
Another bias we often see is overconfidence in clients’ company stock. The tendency translates to a significant overconcentration in that stock. Clients never think their company is the one that is going to get disrupted. But as we learned in 2020, industries can disappear overnight by no fault of their own. No sector or business is truly immune. These are the risks we bring to our clients and work hard to mitigate based on their circumstances.
Where We’re Headed Next
Our highly credentialed team is continually working for the improvement of our firm. If everyone improves 1% every day, the compounded effects of that growth are limitless.
Toward the top of our list is an effort to democratize family office services. In our industry, these types of services are reserved for families with $50 million or more. We want to continue to bring down that threshold. Many incredible services are being provided to ultra-high net worth individuals who want to be aggressive in giving to others. That desire to provide above-and-beyond speaks to the heart of our firm. When we see the needs a client has, we want to be part of their solution.
Next, we are preparing for a way to address the new money regime. Our long-term investment thesis states that while the U.S. dollar is the reserve currency of the world, it will ultimately need to be addressed in one way or another. Modern Monetary Theory can’t simply be implemented successfully in the long term. First, we had the gold standard, then Keynesian, then Modern Monetary Theory. What will the money regime be next?
We hope you’ll join us in our journey as we continue to fight ruthlessly on behalf of our clients and their families in 2021. Thank you for your time!
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested directly. The economic forecasts outlined in this material may not develop as predicted, and there can be no guarantee that the strategies promoted will be successful.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
