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Ryan Bierma

Retirement Planning Strategist

As a Retirement Planning Strategist, Ryan plays a key role in creating and updating retirement plans for the families and individuals we serve. He has been instrumental in streamlining internal processes and works closely with our Retirement Planners to ensure they have the information and support needed to navigate even the most complex planning scenarios. Ryan serves as a primary point of contact for questions and in-depth case discussions, helping to keep the retirement planning experience organized, efficient, and well-coordinated. 

Ryan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), designations that reflect his commitment to integrity and education. He has successfully completed the Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination and is registered as an Investment Adviser Representative. He also holds life and health insurance licenses. 

A proud graduate of the University of Iowa, Ryan earned his degree in Finance with a focus on Wealth Management and Corporate Finance, an academic foundation that continues to support his thoughtful, analytical approach to retirement planning. 

Outside of work, Ryan is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, counting down to kickoff each season. As an experienced scuba diver, he loves exploring underwater worlds, especially in Cozumel and St. Croix, two of his favorite destinations. Ryan also shares his home with his white German Shepherd, Ghost, named after his favorite Game of Thrones character. 

Ryan Bierma's Designations & Licenses

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame design) marks (collectively, the “CFP® marks”) are professional certification marks granted in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).

The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients.

To earn the CFP® marks, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Education: Complete CFP Board-approved coursework in key financial planning topics and obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Examination: Pass the CFP® Certification Examination, a 6-hour, computer-based test designed to assess the candidate's ability to apply financial planning knowledge in practical, client-focused scenarios.

Experience: Accumulate either 6,000 hours of professional experience related to financial planning or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets additional requirements.

Ethics: Agree to abide by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and successfully pass a background check.

Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)

The Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation is for the advanced financial professional. This course provides an overview of the financial planning process, including communication techniques, behavioral finance, financial planning approaches and applications, financial statement preparation and analysis, time value of money concepts and applications, education planning and funding, economics and understanding of the role and responsibilities of a financial planner, along with some analytical skills to aid in the financial decision-making process. This is a voluntary certification comprises of 8 modules and an extensive final examination must be passed to obtain the designation.

Series 65
The Series 65 license is required for individuals providing financial advice on a non-commission basis. Financial planners, advisors, stockbrokers, and other registered representatives that provide investment advice for an hourly fee fall into this category. The exam is a 180-minute test covering the rules and regulations for registered investment advisors and various investment vehicles and disciplines, economics, ethics, and analysis.
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Ready to take your retirement to the next level?

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