Christian Stearns: The Financial Planner Merging Mission and Money

Christian Stearns, a seasoned financial planner at Conte Wealth Advisors, is redefining what it means to manage wealth. With a unique background that spans the Air Force, HUD, and international sustainability consulting, Stearns brings a mission-driven approach to finance that resonates deeply with his clients.

A New Path to Financial Planning

After retiring from a distinguished military and governmental career, Stearns sought a fresh path that allowed him to care for his family while pursuing his passion for sustainability. When a colleague introduced him to the concept of ethical investing, he knew he had found his calling. His journey into financial planning was driven by a desire to use finance as a catalyst for positive change. According to FinancialContent, his work in values-based investing stands as a beacon for aligning personal values with financial growth.

Aligning Investments with Personal Values

For Stearns, financial planning is about understanding and reflecting client values. He explains, “Investing is like becoming part-owner in a business, asking if you agree with its impact on employees, communities, and the environment.” His process is a collaborative exploration, uncovering client values and ensuring that their portfolios don’t contradict deeply held beliefs.

Tools of Trade: Mindful Investment Portfolios

With the help of platforms like First Affirmative Financial Network and YourStake, Stearns crafts portfolios that reflect over 50 impact preference categories. This allows clients to see how their investments align with their personal values, whether focused on environmental, social, or governance issues.

Breaking Down Barriers

Stearns believes the barrier to values-based investing is education. “Money is a resource,” he emphasizes, “[and] we’re here to help you meet your goals.” By initiating these conversations early in client relationships, he ensures investments support rather than contradict personal missions.

Navigating Ethical and Financial Success

Stearns also voices the misconception that values-based investing is politically driven, clarifying that it’s about informed investing rather than pushing an agenda. His strategy focuses on highlighting the value of knowing the full story behind investments, which ultimately guides clients towards fulfilling their financial and ethical goals.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Stearns envisions a future where values-driven advising becomes standard practice at Conte Wealth Advisors. He hopes to demonstrate tangible outcomes of such investments, transforming them from mere products into genuine forces for change.

To learn more about Christian Stearns and his mission-driven approach to financial planning, visit Conte Wealth Advisors’ website.