By Mike Gibbons, RICP®
Like many others, I stumbled into my career by chance. An opportunity arose, my interest was piqued, and dipping my toes into something new turned into a long and fulfilling career. This path may have been indirect, but I like to think that while this career initially chose me, I, in turn, chose it, and as my passion and knowledge grew, I committed to it.
The Journey
I entered college without a clear direction of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I earned a bachelor’s degree in business and psychology from Lake Forest College in Illinois, but I didn’t jump into my financial career until years later. When a friend of mine, who worked for a credit union, got me interested in the industry, I decided to see where the opportunity would take me. I ended up working for this credit union for over 18 years, earning my Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation during this time.
This experience was pivotal for me as I saw firsthand the impact comprehensive financial planning can have on people’s lives. And not just general planning, but customized planning that targets the unique challenges people face based on their job, their life situation, or their goals. While at the credit union, I worked with many people in the pharmaceutical industry and became familiar with the type of financial help they needed to achieve financial wellness and independence.
I saw a niche, a group that deserved more comprehensive services to meet their needs, and decided to do something about it. Thus, Gibbons Financial Group was born.
Branching Out
I founded Gibbons Financial with the goal of specifically concentrating on one industry as opposed to serving as a “generalist” taking on all comers. Today, my primary focus is adding value to the financial lives of pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals, helping them navigate their comprehensive retirement benefits with confidence. This mantra allows for informed decisions so clients can work toward their vision of retirement success. While it was a leap of faith to launch out on my own with this mission, many of my previous clients moved with me to my new firm, proving to me that I was not misguided!
I now spend my days working with pre-retirees, building plans that blend together asset management, Social Security and pension planning, as well as retirement income preparation so my clients can feel confident about their future.
Why I Do What I Do
What it comes down to is this: I have the passion, knowledge, and skill set to help others with an incredibly important area of their life, and that creates an opportunity I don’t want to squander. Due to the complexity of managing stock options, retirement plans, and tax strategies, my clients are often surprised by how far their combined assets will get them in retirement or they’re unaware of their chance to retire early. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help others make the most out of what they have saved. I love that the work I do has a direct impact on how my clients are able to enjoy their lives and allows them to spend more time doing what they love. This is why I get out of bed every morning!
Can I Help You?
Are you a pharmaceutical or healthcare professional who wants to secure your financial future? I’d love to hear your story and show you how I can assist. Please feel free to call us at 224-419-5550 or email me at Mike@gibbonsfinancialgroup.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. And be sure to join our free webinar, Retiring Early From Pharma.
About Mike
Michael J. Gibbons is founder and president of Gibbons Financial Group, an independent advisory firm providing custom-tailored financial planning and investment management services to pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals and their families. Mike has over 25 years of experience and spends a significant portion of his day working with pre-retirees and retirees, focusing on asset management, Social Security and pension planning, as well as retirement income preparation. Under the RIA, Mike helps manage approximately $150 million in assets under management and works with clients that meet a minimum investment criterion.
Mike has degrees in both business and psychology from Lake Forest College and currently holds his Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation from the American College. Mike was named a Five Star Wealth Manager for 2015-2019* Mike is heavily involved in his community, having served on the Village of Gurnee Police Pension Board as a Community Volunteer and the St. Patrick’s Parish Financial Board. When he’s not working or volunteering, Mike loves playing golf and spending his time with his wife and children. To learn more about Mike and how he can help you, connect with him on LinkedIn, visit his website, and register for his free webinar, Retiring Early From Pharma, created specifically for professionals retiring from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare industries.
*As reported by Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2015, based on total revenue. Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management, among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2015 Five Star Wealth Managers.