If you’re like me, the subject of financial planning are not your favorite topics at the dinner table. Finding the right advisor can be arduous;  it takes that special person that you trust and have confidence in their financial prowess when it comes to that often uncomfortable “M” word, Money. It’s even more challenging when you’re gay.

Lee and I have shied away from financial planners for many of the 26 years we’ve been together. Part of it is fear of the “M” word,  and the other is that our businesses matters are so personal to us.  Turns out we are not alone.  One third of LGBT seniors haven’t done any estate planning. So how did we get past our fears?  In a word, Oliver.

Oliver Brady is a straight ally at Ameriprise in Providence who is well versed in the unique LGBT issues that many of us face.  Besides his comfortable style, we learned that Ameriprise Financial has a long history of meeting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients.

We were also pleased to learn that they  score 100% of the Corporate Equality Index, (www.hrc.org), which is a great gauge of a company’s true commitment to their LGBT employees, something important to Lee and me.   They were one of the first financial services firms to offer dual client analysis for domestic partners and single people in relationships.

If you are in the New England area, Ameriprise will be holding a LGBT Financial Planning event on Thursday, April 26 at 6PM at Gracies in Providence.  There is a unique panel of experts, and I am proud to represent Diversity Works on it. Click here to view the PDF invitation.

Mark your calendar for a night of good information and a great time to connect with new friends. Seating is limited so RSVP today at (401) 824-2523.  If you can’t make it,  and you are a little anxious about your financial plan for the future, let me put in a plug for contacting Oliver. He is smart, sensitive, funny…..with a charming Irish accent.

See you Out and About,

Dan (and Jenn!)