Chad Carlson
CFP^®, CFA
Wealth Manager
E-mail

Chad learned the value of diversification and investment strategy at a young age. As a teenager, his father gave him $200 to either spend or invest. He chose a stock, only to see the company go bankrupt and his investment dwindle to nothing. “I learned that you can’t just pick securities because they have an interesting product; it’s more about what is behind the company. And I learned that diversification is best.”

 

That early lesson stuck with him. As a wealth manager and member of BDF’s five-person Investment Committee, Chad dedicates a large portion of his time to overseeing and improving the firm’s investment research methodology, with the ultimate goal of determining the best way forward to meet each clients’ financial goals.   

                                                                                                                                                                   

As part of this research, Chad watches trends regarding various investment alternatives to determine if they warrant consideration for inclusion in BDF portfolios, always keeping in mind BDF’s philosophy of only including transparent, tax-efficient and low-cost alternatives.

 

Recognizing that comprehensive financial planning is the foundation of a strong investment strategy, Chad led the formation of BDF’s Financial Planning Committee, which evaluates the implication of new regulations and oversees the quality of financial planning for all clients.

 

Chad believes in taking a “first things first” approach to financial planning, learning up front about the client’s goals and dreams, and tailoring financial solutions to make those dreams come true. As a wealth manager, Chad wants to shoulder the burden of financial worries so his clients can focus on what matters most to them. “If the market is down or an estate planning change is coming, I want them to know that we will figure out whether it is an issue for them and how to work with it.”

 

Before joining BDF, Chad spent two years with Goldman Sachs’ private wealth management subsidiary, Ayco Company LP. Performing personal financial planning and preparing personal and trust tax returns for Fortune 500 executives gave him insight into estate planning, corporate benefits and tax planning.

 

Chad stays on top of trends in investment strategy by attending conferences by organizations such as CFA Institute, Morningstar and AQR Capital Management. He also writes detailed analyses of the firm’s portfolio structure ranging from internal research papers to articles for publication and dissemination to clients. He has been regularly quoted on investments in publications such as Investment News, Dow Jones, and Smart Money.

 

A Certified Financial Planner™ and a Chartered Financial Analyst, Chad is a member of the Financial Planning Association and FPA NexGen and regularly volunteers for GoodCents, an organization that provides pro-bono financial and career planning advice. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Valparaiso University.

 

If you’re looking for a well-rounded wealth manager with an

in-depth knowledge of investment strategy, call Chad at

(630) 875-4913.