I’ve realized that saving for retirement can be challenging for many, so I built my business by offering a second opinion to those seeking investment advice.

Are You Approaching Retirement? Perhaps I Can Help You Build A Comfortable Income For Your Golden Years.

My name is Tom Hess. I'm a independent Investment Advisor that specializes in retirement income planning for the middle-class.As nearly as you can tell, when you think of your retirement, does it seem more probable that you will outlive your money or that your money will outlive you?Here's what I offer: a no-cost, no-obligation second opinion.If you're open to it, I'd like to have relaxed and easy-going conversation with you about your financial goals and portfolio. If I think your investments continue to be well-suited to your retirement, I'll gladly tell you so, and be on my way.If, on the other hand, I think some of your strategies no longer fit with your goals, I'll explain why in plain English and recommend some alternatives.

Photo: AylaBaha.com

1: Counter-Cultural

Much of the way I conduct my business can be described as going upstream to the traditional financial industry and often times against conventional wisdom. I commit to always tell you the plain, unvarnished truth, especially when you may not want to hear it.Investment Philosophy - I am goal-focused and long-term oriented in an industry that will always be market-focused and short-term performance-driven.Investment Strategy - I believe in historically defensible, broadly diversified equity mutual funds vs the current "hot" du jour investment of the moment. I am data-based and fact-driven.

2: Do What's Right

Putting my clients first has always been my guiding philosophy. When I began this career, I set a plan for my own retirement, and now that I’m on track to reach my goal, I’m committed to ensuring my clients stay on track for theirs as well.I’m a fiduciary advisor. That means I am legally and ethically obligated to act solely in your best interest. My loyalty is solely to you, not to any company or product vendor. My goal is to help you build a retirement that truly reflects your needs, your goals, and your peace of mindWhen I sit with a client I ask myself, "What would I do for myself and my family if I were in this situation?" Then that's what I recommend.This includes the way I charge fees. Lower costs for you takes precedence over my income.


“I want to be happy by doing well by doing good. ―Michael“Don’t sell anything you wouldn’t buy yourself.” ―Charlie Munger“The truth tellers have no competition.”Nick Murray

3: Make a Complex Subject Simple

I keep my presentations, explanations, strategies and investments as simple as possible. I don't use fancy jargon nor try to impress you with sophisticated language, charts and graphs. I cut through the industry's noise and complexity and provide a simple answer.


“Everything must be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” ―Albert Einstein

4: Behavioral Coaching

At the end of an investor’s life, 95% of his total lifetime return will come from how the investor behaved. And the primary determinant of that behavior will be the quality of the advice he got, or didn’t get. I believe you will do far better in real life with an empathetic, tough-loving behavioral coach than you will on your own.


“Without an adequately compensated advisor to help with selection and discipline, the individual investor will simply make all the classic and horrendous mistakes.”Nick Murray“People make better decisions with financial advisors.”Robert Shiller, Nobel Prize-winning economist

If this book resonates with you, then you’ll enjoy working with me. If it doesn’t, you won’t.


Tom Hess is a registered representative of and offers securities through Innovation Partners LLC , Member FINRA/SIPC.Tom Hess is An Investment Advisor Representative of IP Financial Services. Investment advisory services are offered through IP Financial Advisory Services LLC, a SEC registered investment adviser.Innovation Partners LLC and IP Financial Advisory Services LLC are not affiliated entities.Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheckThe information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation, recommendation, or offer to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Innovation Partners, IP Financial Advisory Services LLC, and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; please consult with a qualified professional regarding your individual situation.
This site is published for residents of the United States only. Registered representatives of Innovation Partners LLC and Registered Investment Advisors with IP Financial Advisory Services LLC may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Not all products and services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative or advisor listed. Thomas Hess is licensed in AZ, CA, FL, TN, and TX.