Most of us can recognize the basic terms associated with managing finances. There are stock options, portfolios, bonds, annuities. The list of terms seems endless. And when it comes to managing all that stuff-well, the task can be rather daunting.
For those who would like to plan for their retirement or reach other financial goals but who don't have time or expertise to invest wisely, H Financial Management is the answer.
With years of experience and a tradition of success, the Southpointe-based financial management firm helps clients navigate the often confusing path to financial independence and security.
President Garrett S. Hoge has been a financial advisor for over 25 years.
"I came out of college and went to work for a large firm," he said. While there, he discovered that he liked working individually with clients, and in 1981, he established his own company-H Financial Management-in Pittsburgh, Pa. The firm was based in downtown Pittsburgh for about 17 years.
Eight years ago, the company moved to Southpointe, where their address is Plaza I, 400 Southpointe Boulevard, Suite 420.
"Most of our client relationships were formed here in the Pittsburgh and Washington County area", according to Garrett.
Many of the firm's clients have retired and moved to other states to live out their goals and enjoy financial independence. Garrett is licensed in 40 states and is able to maintain a relationship with those clients who are scattered throughout the country.
As their motto says, at H Financial Management, they are "Helping people manage and simplify their financial lives."
The company is dedicated to helping clients sort out all aspects of their finances; they work with clients to create a roadmap that details financial goals.
Each client comes in with a different set of priorities and ambitions. Some may want to pay for college for their children. Others may be planning for retirement. Still others may be concerned about estate planning.
"When we sit down with clients, we look at the total picture and ask them what they want to accomplish," said Anita Hoge, director of staff for the company.
H Financial Management has established relationships with other professionals, such as attorneys and bankers, to create a network that will take care of all their client's needs. For example, if a client hasn't written a will yet, the firm can bring in an attorney to help make sure that this is taken care of.
Each quarter, the team meets with clients to review whether they're reaching these goals and to see if any of the goals have changed. Anita notes that the roadmap that they create for clients is a "living document" that changes as clients' lives change. A new grandchild may arrive, for example, meaning that the clients' plans may need to be altered a little bit.
Garrett and his staff work hard to establish relationships that are built on trust.
"People really look for someone they can trust and someone they can confide in," Garrett said.
In addition to meeting with clients, Garrett shares his expertise via a bimonthly column published in Washington Crossroads Magazine, a magazine that covers topics relevant to communities in northern Washington County.
"He uses personal experience to get people's interest," Anita said of the columns, which put some of the complicated concepts associated with investing into easily understood terms.
Garrett has also contributed to the Journal of Financial Planning and wrote the foreword to The Art of Investing and Portfolio Management: A Proven 6-Step Process to Meet Your Financial Goals.
Garrett's family has played an integral part in Washington County history-in 1781, John and William Hoge founded and planned out what is now the city of Washington.
In addition to founding Washington, Pa., the two played a part in our nation's politics as congressional representatives, and they donated the land for the county courthouse.
Garrett and his family take pride in continuing in the footsteps of John and William Hoge by embracing traditional values and placing great stock in integrity and a work ethic.
Garrett has been honored for his dedication to honesty and professionalism and has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table's "Top of the Table," for the last 7 years. The Top of the Table is a high honor that distinguishes him as one of the premier professionals in his field. Garrett has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for the last 22 years.
Kent Aloia joined Garrett's team this year as client manager. Aloia graduated from Penn State this May at the top of his class. He had formerly served for two years as an intern at H Financial Management.
Also on staff are Allison Hoge, marketing director, Web administrator, and graphic artist; and Gail Adams, executive assistant.
In addition, the company works in partnership with an office in Morgantown, W.Va. To serve clients in the Morgantown area, they partner with Clair L. Hawkins, an investment advisor representative with Multi-Financial Securities Corporation.
To further serve their clients' needs, H Financial Management hosts two to four seminars per year. One recent seminar held in late June featured guest speaker Dr. Stephen Wood, an investment strategist who has been a guest on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and Bloomberg Radio.
Many of the seminars are run for clients, and these clients have the option of inviting a friend. Others are open to the public.
The Web site is also a helpful tool that clients can use to check their accounts and keep an eye on the market. To check it out, go to www.hfinancialmanagement.com.
Clients are also updated via company newsletters. "Golden Strategies" keeps clients who have already retired up-to-date on the financial news that affects them, and "Money Talk$" is aimed toward those who are still out in the workforce.
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For help managing your portfolio and planning for financial independence, please call 724-745-9406.
(Securities and Advisory Services offered through and registered representative of Multi-Financial Securities Corporation. Member NASD/SIPC. H Financial is an independent organization from Multi-Financial Securities Corporation.)