Five Questions With: Thomas R. Bryan

Thomas R. Bryan is a financial adviser at Bryan & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. A global association recently recognized him for demonstrating “exceptional professional knowledge, client service and ethical conduct,” which he talks about with Providence Business News.
PBN: Congratulations on qualifying for the Million Dollar Round Table “Top of the Table.” Can you tell our readers a little bit more about the recognition and how you qualified?
BRYAN:
Thank you. Founded in 1927, the Million Dollar Round Table, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is a global, independent association of more than 43,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 67 countries. “Top of the table” status is the highest level of qualification and is gained by achieving top levels of production while demonstrating exceptional professional knowledge, client service and ethical conduct. Qualifying for “Top of the table” has been a career goal of mine, and it is an honor for me to be recognized among such an elite group of advisers.
PBN: Please tell our readers about your business and what areas of financial planning you focus on.
BRYAN:
My practice is proud to be affiliated with Ameriprise Financial. Ameriprise Financial has been helping people feel confident about their financial future for over 115 years. With outstanding asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, we have the strength and expertise to serve a full range of individual and institutional investors’ financial needs. I focus on helping my clients manage and plan for every stage of their financial lives.
PBN: What are some of the biggest financial issues your clients experience later in life and how do you help them plan?
BRYAN:
The biggest risk to any retiree is outliving their money. People are living longer now than ever before and it isn’t uncommon for people to live in retirement for 30-plus years. Given this potential time horizon, it is important for investors to put together a portfolio that will last as long as they do. The three greatest factors that could “derail” a plan in retirement are market risk, inflationary pressure and the need for long-term care. I help my clients put together portfolios that will guarantee income to cover their fixed expenses regardless of market performance, address gaps in their allocations that could threaten their cash flow should we experience inflationary pressure, and provide solutions that will help protect them financially in the event they need long-term care.

PBN: As demographic shifts toward an older population, both locally and nationally, are you seeing a growth in clientele
BRYAN:
My team and I work hard to provide exceptional client service and advice-based solutions for our clients. Our clients see the value of working with a dedicated advisory team and have referred us to many of their friends, family members and colleagues. There are currently over 10,000 baby boomers a day turning 65 in our country. As more and more people face the great uncertainty of financial security in retirement, they turn to a friend or family member for guidance in selecting a financial professional. I am proud that our client base continues to grow from a steady stream of referrals from those that trust our advice and value our relationship.
PBN: Why should retirees, or those readying for retirement, consider hiring a financial planner and why should they consider you?
BRYAN:
People need a financial planner now more than ever. With so much “noise” and uncertainty filling the marketplace it can be easy to get off track. In the past, retirees were able to count on Social Security and pensions as their main source of income in retirement. With so many investors now entering retirement without a pension, and a growing uncertainty surrounding Social Security benefits, the task of generating reliable income falls on them. I work hard for my clients and pride myself in providing solutions that will last the long run. Retirement is not the end of our financial lives; for many of us, it is only halftime.

No posts to display