Financial Advising Testimonials and Endorsements

“Very happy with the conversations my wife and I have had with SFA. The whole team is professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable. We’ve been working primarily with Mark, who has been amazing. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for financial advisors who will be sure to put your interests first in a data-driven and reasonable way.” current client testimonial

“Having been with a previous planner a long time, I thought I knew what I wanted. I wanted a mix of coach/cheerleader that let me lead, but who brings expertise and knowledge I lack. Stephan has been that–and MORE! He’s incredibly smart, great human skills, and a subtle and kind desire to help that’s very comforting. This mix of technical savvy and support is an awesome fit for my needs. I like being coached and supported by Stephan and think we’ll be together long term! I certainly hope so.” current client testimonial

“I searched long and hard, far and wide, to find the kind of financial assistance that fit my circumstances. I like to keep things simple, and paying someone 1+% per year to manage my situation did not offer sufficient bang for the buck. At the same time I value expertise from professionals and was willing to pay for a good consult and strategic advice. I was beyond pleased with my experience with Scholar Financial. My interactions with Stephan Shipe and with Deon Strickland were professional, timely, informative, and gave me the EXACT information I had been looking for. Deon reviewed my particular situation, drafted a specific plan for me, and held my hand as I implemented it. Finding these two was like finding a needle in a haystack – and it was exactly the needle I needed to stitch up the solution I had been looking for. I recommend them highly.” former client endorsement

“I wanted an analysis on when I should start drawing Social Security and pension that considered funding my lifestyle from my retirement and investment accounts in a tax efficient way. They delivered. My initial conversation with Stephan confirmed they could provide the services I need now, and I have flexibility on how to use their services in the future. I worked with Mark who responded timely as I gathered and submitted my documents for the analysis. He sent me the financial plan so that I could review before our Zoom meeting. I appreciate how he listened. He incorporated my wishes and concerns as we reviewed the plan, and he explained how the plan would address those issues. Mark was very direct about the items that could derail my plan and why. I appreciate Mark’s encouragement to enjoy my life funded by my decades of saving while having guiderails in place to ensure a financially secure retirement. In addition to an annual review, I know that I can contact them when a major unexpected expense or event arises, and they will be able to review my plan and provide guidance. Going into the conversation, I thought I was financially literate with good knowledge of the type of accounts I have and considerations as I retire. Afterwards, I felt confident in my knowledge and my ability to manage my investments for the foreseeable future. With the current volatile financial environment, it is good to know that I have support when I need it. If you need advice as you begin saving and investing for your future or if you want confidence in retirement timing or if you need someone to provide a sense check for you, Scholar Financial can help.” former client endorsement

“I was looking for an advisor that would give solid advice as my wife and I approach retirement, without conflicts of interest. Stephan has lived up to my high expectations. Concrete advice that is easy to understand, flexibility, availability, and no conflicts of interest. Meets our needs completely.” current client testimonial

“I have worked with several financial planners over the years. However this was the first time I went with a fee based financial planner. Stephan was recommended to me by a colleague who was very satisfied with the services. I was not exactly sure what to expect but I also ended up very satisfied with the plan. Stephan provided my husband and I with a very clear view of what retirement will look like as well as a recommendation on actions to take now. I learned a few things and also have a clear understanding. Well worth it and extremely satisfied with the service.” former client endorsement

“I consider myself very financially literate, but I was getting overwhelmed by the plethora of information out there on how to successfully plan for financial goals and retirement. Stephan took all the guesswork away, created a clear path, and provided much needed reassurance. We look forward to our meetings and are excited to share our progress each time! We always come away with concrete action items and it feels good to take ownership of our plan with his guidance. Thanks so much, Stephan!!” former client endorsement

I recently had the pleasure of working with Stephan and Mark, two outstanding financial advisors, who have gone above and beyond to create a personalized financial plan for my wife and me. From the very beginning, it was evident that their primary focus was on understanding our unique financial needs and goals, and providing tailored advice to help us achieve them. It’s clear that they have our best interests at heart, and their fee structure reflects that. They operate without any commission or incentives tied to our investments, which has allowed us to trust them fully and feel confident in their recommendations. Throughout the entire process, they were incredibly patient, thorough, and knowledgeable. They took the time to carefully explain the various aspects of our financial plan, ensuring that we fully understood each component and felt comfortable with the strategies they proposed. Their proactive approach to communication and their availability for any questions or concerns we had further solidified our confidence in their services. Stephan and Mark have not only crafted a comprehensive financial plan for us, but they have also provided us with peace of mind, knowing that we are on track to achieve our long-term financial goals. We are genuinely grateful for their guidance, expertise, and commitment to our success. If you are looking for financial advisors who will put your needs first and deliver exceptional results, we wholeheartedly recommend Stephan and Mark. They have exceeded our expectations and have been an absolute pleasure to work with.” former client endorsement

“My wife and I are very happy we decided to go with Stephan as our financial advisor. He explains everything clearly and is very responsive to questions. He has great advice for specific questions and also for comprehensive planning. After implementing all of his suggestions, we feel much more confident about our financial future. Highly recommend!” former client endorsement

“I have worked with Stephan Shipe for several years, and I have been very pleased with the detailed financial plan he provided to me. While my hope was to find someone that could help make sure I stayed on track, I have in fact gained much more than that over the years. His patience in providing financial education each year has been invaluable. In addition, the entire team at Scholar Financial Advising are incredibly helpful and very professional.” current client testimonial