Episode Details

How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben Hoeger

In this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we talk with Ben Hoeger, financial advisor and Director of Private Wealth Management at the Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird Private Wealth Management. Ben provides practical advice on navigating the often intimidating world of financial planning, especially during turbulent economic times.

We begin by celebrating Ben’s team’s recent recognition by Forbes and Shook Research as a best-in-state wealth management team—a testament to their teamwork and dedication. Ben shares some of his own journey into this field, shaped by his education at Otterbein and early career experiences that focused not just on investments, but on supporting people through life’s twists and turns.

Ben explains the key questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor, emphasizing the importance of understanding an advisor’s process, communication style, and compensation. More critically, he highlights the personal side of financial planning: finding a relationship rooted in trust and genuine interest in your life, not just your money.

We walk through what it’s like to become a new client—starting with conversations around personal values and goals long before crunching numbers. Ben underlines how effective financial planning is built on clarity around what matters most to you, so decisions during life’s expected and unexpected changes always circle back to those core values.

Our conversation covers techniques for balancing savings for near-term needs, emergencies, and longer-term goals, using a “bucket” approach to risk and time horizons. We also round out the discussion by addressing how tools like artificial intelligence fit into the advisor-client relationship, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable.

Ben introduces the Life Planning Initiative at his firm, which supports clients’ broader well-being—not just their balance sheets—and leaves us with wise advice: align your financial strategy with your values for a more fulfilling journey ahead.

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Moments

00:00 Discovering a passion for finance

06:40 Choosing the right team expertise

08:58 Building lasting client relationships

11:01 Discussing financial advisor background checks

15:15 Discussing personal financial motivations

19:25 Importance of financial goals

23:22 Using the bucketing approach

24:39 Discussing investment risk strategies

27:45 Aligning risk tolerance with guidance

31:56 AI and Social Security advice

35:03 Finding purpose beyond retirement

38:04 Aligning investments with personal values

FAQ

1. What should I ask a financial advisor in my first meeting?

According to Ben Hoeger at 06:06, you should ask about their process, the type of clients they typically serve, how and how often they communicate, their investment philosophy, and critically, how they get paid. It's also important to ensure their approach aligns with your needs and that you feel comfortable and can trust them.

2. How do I start working with a financial advisor?

Ben Hoeger explains at 12:51 that the process usually starts with an introductory conversation focused on getting to know each other and discussing your motivations for seeking financial advice, rather than diving into numbers right away. The next steps typically involve discussing your values, vision, and goals before moving on to financial details.

5. How do I check a financial advisor's b