AI, Financial Strategizing, and Life Planning with Ben Hoeger

How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben HoegerIn 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.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Moments00:00 Discovering a passion for finance06:40 Choosing the right team expertise08:58 Building lasting client relationships11:01 Discussing financial advisor background checks15:15 Discussing personal financial motivations19:25 Importance of financial goals23:22 Using the bucketing approach24:39 Discussing investment risk strategies27:45 Aligning risk tolerance with guidance31:56 AI and Social Security advice35:03 Finding purpose beyond retirement38:04 Aligning investments with personal valuesFAQ1. 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 background or credentials?At 11:01, Ben Hoeger recommends reviewing a financial advisor's "U4" report, which documents their work history, licenses, and any complaints. This is an essential part of doing your due diligence before entrusting someone with your finances.We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.<a href="https://g.page/looking-forward-our-way/review?gm" rel="noopener noreferre