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Guided Financial Strategies Joins Cetera After Over 20 Years with LPL

In a significant industry move, Guided Financial Strategies, LLC, has made the transition to Cetera Financial Group after an impressive 20-year affiliation with LPL. Guided Financial Strategies is under the leadership of experienced financial advisors Rick Dickinson and Alan Hughes, overseeing an impressive $250 million in assets under administration. This pivotal decision is aimed at accelerating growth through both organic and inorganic strategies by taking advantage of Cetera's extensive resources and supportive framework.

A Strong Foundation in Ethics and Client Care

Alan Hughes, the founder of Guided Financial Strategies, has long been a proponent of fiduciary principles. The firm has cultivated a reputation built on ethics, honesty, and a commitment to treating every client with the utmost care, akin to family. "We've built Guided Financial Strategies on ethics, honesty, and a commitment to treating every client like family," Hughes stated. Some clients who have been with the firm have done so for over 40 years, illustrating the deep relational ties that Guided Financial Strategies has fostered throughout its years of operation.

By joining Cetera, Hughes and Dickinson found partners who share their values, including transparency, service excellence, and relationship-building. This alignment was crucial for making the switch, as both advisors emphasized the importance of working with an organization that mirrors their ethical commitment.

The Decision to Change Partnerships

Rick Dickinson explained that his choice to return to the firm after a six-year hiatus in corporate development was motivated by the opportunity to align with a partner that enhances service quality and long-term strategic planning. "Our decision to join Cetera was a result of extensive due diligence and years of evaluating best practices across the industry," Dickinson remarked. By selecting Cetera, the firm anticipates a significant improvement in operational support, technology, and the resources necessary to continue offering high-touch service while responsibly scaling their operations.

Dickinson added that Guided Financial Strategies remains dedicated to investing in staff and recruiting new advisors, widening their capacity to meet growth demands. The partnership with Cetera enhances these efforts, providing scalable efficiencies necessary for the firm to expand its reach while maintaining its commitment to client care.

Emphasizing the Advisory-Centered Approach

A significant tenet of Guided Financial Strategies' philosophy is the ongoing belief in advisory-centered financial planning. Dickinson and Hughes maintain that every client deserves high-quality advice, irrespective of the size of their accounts. This philosophy remains as the cornerstone of their services, driving decisions that prioritize client welfare over simple financial transactions.

During their process of evaluating partners, the duo highlighted the collaborative culture and accessibility that Cetera offers as critical differentiators.

"From our earliest conversations with Cetera, we experienced transparency, honesty, and a genuine relationship-driven approach, and that level of alignment matters," Dickinson stated. This community-driven methodology positioned Cetera and its Summit Financial Networks program as the ideal partner for their future ambitions.

A Welcome Addition to Cetera

In welcoming the team from Guided Financial Strategies, Summit Community Leader Marshall Leeds expressed excitement, stating, "We're thrilled to have Rick and Alan join the Cetera community. Their values-driven approach to financial advice and client service makes them a perfect fit. Our scale, resources, and multiple custodial options paired with Summit's boutique service provide a strong foundation for their continued growth."

Conclusion

Cetera Financial Group stands as a leading entity in providing independent advisors the tools and environment to flourish. With approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera emphasizes personalized support and the flexibility needed to scale businesses effectively. With this latest transition, both Guided Financial Strategies and Cetera position themselves firmly in line for future success driven by their shared commitment to values-based financial advisory.

In summary, Guided Financial Strategies’ alignment with Cetera marks a positive shift that reflects a commitment to ethical practices, quality service, and aspiring to grow responsibly in the financial advisory sector.