Augustus "A.W." Abel is the owner of Abel Financial Strategies and has been in the financial business since 1999. Let's meet A.W. Abel!
I started in Financial Planning with Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial) in January 1999. This company worked primarily within the Lutheran community with a heavy focus on good principles and morals. It was a great place to start in the business and we also did a lot of outreach in the community. In late 2009, I left Lutheran Brotherhood and became independent which means that I don’t represent a particular company. In my opinion, this is a much better style of business for both myself and my clients.
I’m from a small town in Southeastern Ohio - McConnelsville. This towns history includes an encounter with Morgan’s Raiders - a Civil War Confederate band that came through the area. It’s a beautiful area in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and it was probably one of the best places to grow up that I can imagine. I had a kind of a Huckleberry Finn childhood with a lot of adventures as I spent a lot of time on the river that goes through the area. My parents owned the bowling alley/restaurant in town. I attended Morgan High School in McConnelsville, The Ohio State University and The American College.
I am a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) This is the most highly regarded designation in the financial planning industry and I became a CFP in 2004. The designation requires completion of a series of courses and then passing a 10-hour 2-day test. After successful completion we are then required to complete 30 Hours of Continuing Ed every 2 years. The organization also has very strict Ethics rules that translate completely to my own business.
I achieve the Leaders Conference Award each year from First Heartland Capital (the Broker Dealer that I do my business through) and achieved Presidents Club with Lutheran Brotherhood most years while I was there. I have done a lot of work with Lutheran Social Services through the years and have supported local food pantries. I also worked for three years organizing a fundraiser for the Mike Furrey Foundation which supports a program called “Basket of Hope” for Children with chronic diseases at Children’s Hospitals around the country.
Learn more about my Business Philosophy!
Some Questions and Answers with A.W.
Who is your family? (Spouse/Kids) – My wife is Sandy and my 16 year old son Austin
What book do you recommend? – "Medicine and What Matters in the End" – This is an interesting book for understanding medical care for people in their later years of life. Many families are dealing with this issue without any preparation
What are your hobbies/interests? – I am a better than average bowler – so I bowl about 3 times a week. It keeps me active. I also like cars, scuba and golf.
Why did you get into Financial Services? – I was Regional Manager in the Bowling Industry for many years. After a company sale, I was disappointed with the new owners and looked for a career to transition to. Financial Planning allowed be to use my management, problem solving, and planning skills with individual clients.
What are your future goals? - I will continue to develop and grow my practice focusing on individuals and small businesses and helping them identify goals and develop plans to work toward those goals.
What are your favorite sports teams? – The Ohio State Buckeyes, Pittsburgh Steelers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew and The Cincinnati Reds.
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A Certified Financial Planner ® in good standing that believes whole-heartedly in the Standards of the CFP ® program.
Securities offered through First Heartland Capital®, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory Services offered through First Heartland Consultants®, Inc. (Abel Financial Strategies is not affiliated with First Heartland Capital®, Inc.)
