Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Partner in Pickerington, OH
Southward Financial Services has provided fiduciary and fee-only financial planning, investment management, and tax preparation services since 2000. Our firm prioritizes client interests through transparent, commission-free advice tailored to individual goals. With decades of combined experience, our certified professionals deliver personalized strategies without minimum portfolio or income requirements. We emphasize education, ensuring clients understand their financial plans and investments. Our process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your financial position, followed by goal-setting and iterative planning to build confidence in your financial future.We serve middle-income and clergy clients in central Ohio, offering hourly consultations or ongoing portfolio management. Our investment philosophy focuses on diversification, tax efficiency, and risk-appropriate strategies designed to help clients achieve long-term stability. As a registered investment advisor, we adhere to strict ethical standards and regulatory compliance to maintain client trust.
Services
Financial Planning
Investment Management
Tax Preparation
Investment Policy Statements
Retirement Planning
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We act as fiduciaries, prioritizing your interests above all else.
- Our fee-only structure ensures transparent, commission-free advice.
- We offer personalized financial strategies tailored to your unique goals.
- No minimum portfolio or income requirements to access our services.
- Certified professionals with decades of combined experience in finance and tax planning.
Associations and certifications
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
Services
Financial Planning
Our financial planning service creates personalized strategies to achieve financial goals. We assess your current situation, identify objectives, and develop actionable plans tailored to your needs. Ideal for individuals seeking comprehensive guidance on wealth management and future security.
Investment Management
Investment management focuses on building diversified portfolios aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. We emphasize tax efficiency, cost control, and long-term growth strategies to help clients navigate market fluctuations with confidence.
Tax Preparation
Tax preparation services provide accurate filing and strategic planning to minimize liabilities. Led by a certified public accountant, we ensure compliance while identifying opportunities for tax savings and financial optimization.
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning develops sustainable income strategies for long-term financial independence. We analyze savings, investment performance, and lifestyle goals to create tailored roadmaps for clergy and middle-income clients.
Investment Policy Statements
Investment policy statements establish clear guidelines for portfolio management. These documents define risk parameters, asset allocation strategies, and rebalancing protocols to maintain disciplined, goal-focused investing.
People
Roger Southward
Financial Planner
Certified Financial Planner with 25+ years of experience. Former Vice President at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, specializing in endowment management and personalized financial strategies.
Karen Southward
Tax Specialist
Certified Public Accountant with expertise in tax planning and nonprofit financial management. Former CFO at Lutheran Social Services, offering strategic tax solutions for individuals and clergy.
Questions
What does 'fiduciary and fee-only' mean for clients?
We act as fiduciaries, legally required to prioritize your interests. Our fee-only structure means no commissions or product sales, ensuring unbiased financial advice.
What services do you offer?
We provide financial planning, investment management, tax preparation, retirement strategies, and investment policy statements tailored to individual goals.
How do you work with clients?
We begin with a financial assessment, then set goals and develop iterative plans. Clients receive draft reports for feedback before finalizing strategies aligned with their objectives.
What investment philosophy do you follow?
We emphasize diversification, tax efficiency, and risk-appropriate strategies. Portfolios use low-cost funds to minimize fees while maintaining disciplined, long-term growth focus.
Are there minimum account requirements?
No. We serve clients at all financial levels without minimum portfolio or income requirements to ensure accessible, personalized financial guidance.
How are fees structured?
We offer hourly consultations at $120/hour or annual retainer/portfolio-based fees for ongoing management, detailed in our Form ADV disclosures.
