When you’re seeking out a financial plan that works, you don’t want a cookie-cutter approach. You want someone that can customize a path that is perfect for you. Enter one of Northwestern Mutual’s top financial advisors, Brett Neugebauer.
“We’re unique where, unlike other firms, we make recommendations around investing, insurance options or retirement plans and then back up our opinions with the ‘why,’” Neugebauer says. “I believe it’s extremely important that every option needs to be in the absolute best interest of the client and lines up with their specific goals. It can’t just be a premade plan that we pull out for everyone who walks through the door. I think this kind of extra effort is where trust in the relationship is built.
“When I’m working with a client, I mentally challenge myself by thinking of the word ‘trailblazer,’” Neugebauer says. “I have to work hard to achieve that title by really listening to what my clients want and need and finding the best way to explain and recommend solutions that would fit their individual priorities.”
Neugebauer has worked at Northwestern Mutual since 2016, when he began as an intern during his senior year of college. Because he found the experience so formative, he now oversees the internship program.
“I was a senior at Xavier University when I became a financial representative intern at Northwestern Mutual, which is one of the top internship programs in the nation,” Neugebauer says. “As the year went on, I was able to become a full-time financial advisor when I graduated.”
He was officially hired in 2017 as a financial advisor but now also serves as a College Unit Director. “I get to manage, coach and develop a team of college interns in hopes of seeing them grow into a full-time advisor. I’m so thankful for the help and support I received when I was on that path that I see it as my way of giving back to those younger than me.”
Now residing in Pleasant Ridge with his fiancé, Ashley, Neugebauer originally came from Pittsburgh. He was drawn to Cincinnati by a track and field scholarship at Xavier and still holds his school’s record for the javelin throw. The same dedication he showed to sports when he was younger and his drive to break personal records seems to have carried over into his professional life.
“Developing a strong relationship with a client is even more rewarding after I assemble a financial plan where every single aspect has meaning and purpose for that specific client,” Neugebauer says. “And it’s even better when the client sees it, too.
“The most fulfilling part of my job is the ability to serve clients in various aspects of their personal, professional and financial life. I honestly enjoy and take pride in being so trusted by a client that when they have a big decision coming up, I’m one of the first people they call for advice or to get a second opinion.”
Like many of the office workers of America, Neugebauer found himself working from home at the beginning of the pandemic.
“At the time, I struggled with the idea of being at home all day,” Neugebauer says. “I’m someone who needs to be in the office to get into the zone. And I still can’t imagine a time in my life where I’d be OK with wearing a jacket and tie on a video conference but then also be wearing shorts.
“But I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one adjusting to the new way of life, and my clients needed to hear a trustworthy voice during so much uncertainty. I’m a very optimistic person, so I kept that mentality when speaking with my clients and providing calmness and light when fear and anxiety seemed to be taking over.
“When meeting with clients, I feel there’s a massive difference between just telling a client about something and truly explaining it so they can understand the concept and know how it works — and then taking those concepts and implementing a plan to put them into action. When I’m able to give our clients the right tools that they fully understand, this is where I see that ‘trailblazer’ come out.”
Looking for a financial plan that will meet your unique needs? Contact Brett Neugebauer’s team at brett.neugebauer@nm.com or call 513-337-5547.