Jennifer K. Hicks Email & Phone Number

Colorado Springs, Colorado Area

I started this business with no staff and a strong desire to help, educate and guide individuals through the maze of investing and financial planning. Today we are five person team and growing. With clients in 20 states I travel regularly to different areas of the US seeing clients. I continue to accept new referrals in all locations. Providing clients with the tools they need to make decisions that will impact their lives in a positive way makes my every day a great day. Planning is a necessary piece to consistent success. Financial Planning allows for success at a greater level since it also plans for those obstacles and challenges that might arise. Having a plan for everything going well is one way but having a plan with contingencies makes decisions and day to day life easier. Working hard for my clients is something that is easy and part of who I am. I grew up on a small farm in rural Missouri, where responsibility, a strong work ethic and character was instilled in us at a young age. I am the oldest of two girls and grew up running cattle and working the farm. When my sister and I would tell our father we couldn’t do it because we were girls…well, that didn’t fly. He never let us make an excuse regarding trying or doing something because we were girls. It never entered my mind that I could not do anything. I have one son, Ramsey, who is married to Kelly, and one super smart granddaughter, Tennyson. This is where I love to spend my extra time, South Georgia. I moved to Colorado to enjoy the outdoors. I spend my winter leisurely skiing blue runs…when the snow is good. I also enjoy cycling, hiking and golfing. I try to take a few weekends every summer exploring this state. I also mix travel in throughout the year to new and fun locations.

This was my first goal once I planned to start my own business. At that time I had to study and pass five qualifying tests. Once completed I qualified to sit for the CFP® Board Exam. That was a 2 day exam, which I passed the first time. In today's media you hear about ethics and fiduciary responsibility. This has always been a thread in my practice and the CFP® certification has always had an ethics and fiduciary component, which I embraced from day one, in 1997. They have an ongoing continuing education requirement which is 30 hours every two years with two of those hours being board approved ethics class. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) was founded in 1985 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the public interest by promoting the value of professional, competent and ethical financial planning services, as represented by those who have attained CFP® certification. CFP Board sets and enforces the requirements for CFP® certification, including:EducationExaminationExperienceEthicsIndividuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements are authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the United States.

My Motivation to find and work with an independent broker/dealer: I had a friend whose husband had passed away and she needed someone she could trust, and who would/could help her through all the nuances of taking over her finances, since her husband had handled everything. I watched her struggle, and the trust she put into a broker was not rewarded. She ended up without the success she needed to keep her lifestyle. Also, I worked for almost 4 years for stock brokers as their administrative assistant and saw the point of view of stock brokers; which lacked fiduciary responsibility. I became frustrated with the way people were being treated. I saw a need that wasn’t being filled and wanted to fill that void as their trusted professional providing; Client Education, Fiduciary Advice, and Planning. I have clients in 20 states. Cetera Advisors LLC is an broker/dealer for independent advisors. Founded in 1981, Cetera Advisors LLC has grown into a leading provider of services and products to financial professionals nationwide. They provide the benefits and personalized service of a boutique firm along with the resources and financial strength of a large one. Most important, they give you the flexibility to run your business in a way that best suits your clients’ financial needs and objectives.

Colorado Springs, Colorado Area

The CWS is a certification that takes into account many factors in persons financial life. They take the many aspects of wealth and break it down into 13 different areas. All though not all apply to every client many do. They look at cash management as a area that if managed correctly and well benefits the client. They also look at comprehensive and complex business agreements for top executives. Their certification process requires classroom education, online mastery exams, e lessons and a comprehensive written Capstone Project. Ongoing continuing education of 33 hours every 2 years. The 13 areas of Wealth Management Issues in this certification: Tax Planning, Distribution of Estate, Executor & Trustee Selection, Titling & Beneficiary Designation, Charitable Giving, Education & Family Support, Panning for Incapacity, Business Succession Planning, Executive Compensation, Retirement Planning, Bank & Credit Management, Risk Management & Insurance Planning, Management of Assets.

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation has been the mark of commitment to a standard of investment fiduciary excellence. Those who earn the AIF mark successfully complete a specialized program on investment fiduciary standards of care and subsequently passed a comprehensive examination. AIF designees demonstrate a thorough understanding of Fi360's Prudent Practices for investment advisors and stewards.

Master Of Accountancy Ma, Accounting

Bachelor Of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Business