Because getting your finances in check doesn’t have to be complicated.
By: Maria Williams
“One of my favorite quotes has always been, ‘simplicity is on the other side of complexity,'” says Peter Disch, Founder of Boston, Massachusetts-based advising firm Great Point Wealth Advisors LLC.
After more than 22 years in the financial services industry, he works with his clients to achieve their goals in investment management, asset allocation, tax minimization, estate planning, and income generation.
His philosophy for wealth management is about as simple and honest as it gets: He empowers his clients by giving them confidence in their financial futures. “We don’t want them to have a lot of questions or doubts,” he tells us. “We want them to feel totally comfortable in our process and what we’re doing.”
Great Point Wealth Advisors is also registered as an investment adviser with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which means that Disch, a registered fiduciary, is legally bound to put the interests of the individuals, families, or entities he serves ahead of his own.
Disch says that part of what makes his clients comfortable is that he makes the whole process consistent and transparent through every stage. “When it comes to building trust, that’s critical,” he shares. “Second, the education process that I go through with them is equally as important because it helps them understand why we are doing what we’re doing for them.”
Disch believes that while he can speak well “with authority,” he prefers to make sure his clients are informed as much as possible about what he is doing at every stage. This is different from other financial advisors who might make decisions without fully informing their clients about what they mean or put their clients into boxes that they don’t necessarily fit into.
“A typical financial advisor will give clients what’s called a risk tolerance questionnaire,” Disch explains. “The client fills that out, and the result is what’s described as the client’s maximum tolerance for risk. Then the advisors will go and put them into a portfolio that matches that risk profile.”
Disch describes this process as similar to asking someone, ‘How hot does a skillet not have to be in order for you to pick it up?’ “For some, maybe it’s 150 degrees. If you had to pick it up and put it down, you’d probably be fine, but nobody actually wants to do that,” he says.
In other words, your risk portfolio is designed during market turmoil to put you in a position of maximum pain that you’re able to take. But why should your financial future be based on pain tolerance? Why not maximum opportunity?
At Great Point Wealth, Disch and his team believe in a personalized approach to wealth management that goes beyond traditional methods. Instead of relying on generic assessments, they take the time to get to know each of their client’s unique financial situations.
They focus on a more comprehensive strategy, carefully matching each dollar of their client’s investments with its appropriate timeframe, considering factors such as their age, financial goals, and risk capacity. This allows them to create customized investment portfolios tailored to one’s specific needs and circumstances.
By aligning investments with the appropriate timeframes, Great Point Wealth ensures
that clients are able to weather market fluctuations and achieve their long-term objectives. This approach not only maximizes the potential for growth but also minimizes unnecessary risk exposure.
Reflecting on his journey, Disch acknowledges the evolution of the wealth management industry. Gone are the days of cold calling and commission-based sales tactics. Instead, he embraces technology as a force for positive change. For over 15 years, he has leveraged portfolio management software akin to artificial intelligence to streamline operations, minimize errors, and enhance scalability.
“We are a very tech-forward advisory firm,” he says. Moving forward, Disch sees technology shaping the future growth of wealth management. He believes that with the rise of artificial intelligence comes the opportunity for greater accuracy, efficiency, and client customization. By embracing a tech-forward approach, he remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring his clients receive the best possible service.
However, his approach extends beyond utilizing financial technology. It’s rooted in education and empowering his clients to make the best financial decisions. He demystifies the complexities of personal finance, making it accessible and understandable for all.
“If we are able to help people feel confident in their money, that’s going to positively impact every other aspect of their life,” says Disch. “A well-thought-out financial plan can positively impact your mental health, just like how misinformation circulating around personal finance can create a lot of doubt in people. Doubt leads to anxiety, and anxiety leads to bad decisions. It’s just a terrible spiral.”
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Disch could serve as a model of inspiration and honesty for a new wave of entrepreneurs switching on the lights in a future world of finance. Through his unwavering commitment to simplicity, transparency, and client advocacy, he exemplifies the future of wealth management—one built on simplicity, trust, and education.
“We simply help our clients make the best decisions for their situation and then implement those decisions on their behalf. Truly working as their advocates, not salespeople,” he concludes.
To learn more about his advisory firm, Great Point Wealth Advisors LLC, visit their website or contact Peter Disch today.
Published by: Martin De Juan
