AT GATEWAY RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS, retirement planning is focused on learning about you, the client.
“We are a holistic planning firm that focuses on developing customized financial and insurance plans for anyone focused on their retirement,” explained Matt Herman, managing partner and financial advisor.
He said one of the distinguishing characteristics of their process is a focus on unearthing the motivation(s) behind clients’ finances.
“We’ll take the time to get to know you,” he said. “We try to gain an understanding of what you’re looking for, your current financial circumstances, and how we can address your concerns. We refer to ourselves as ‘holistic’ because we look at our clients as whole people.”
Collaboration with other professionals is another hallmark characteristic of Gateway’s approach.
“We have developed trusted relationships with full-service accounting firms and estate planning attorneys,” said Herman. “By collaborating with outside professionals, we can help provide services that include accounting, auditing, and tax planning.”
Other areas in which Gateway Retirement Solutions can help clients include estate planning, will and trust planning, healthcare directives, and power of attorney.
“If your needs reach beyond our primary services, we have the tools and resources to continue guiding you,” said Herman.
Regarding their “average” client, he said they work with all types of individuals, whether they may be approaching retirement age or experiencing a career change.
“Your children could be getting ready for college, too,” he noted. “Regardless of your background, our team is committed to understanding your unique needs and tailoring solutions that meet them.”
Their approach appears to be working, as Herman said they now have offices in Westbrook and Augusta, Maine, and Arden, North Carolina, in addition to their headquarters here in Dover. The firm began in 2015 in Scarborough, Maine.
“We have agents and advisors that live in Massachusetts, Vermont, Indiana, Maryland, and Illinois who can service clients from their home offices,” he said.
Gateway Retirement Solutions is currently looking to expand into Concord. “Our goal,” added Herman, “is to continue to grow and expand.”
This intent to grow also includes Gateway Property & Casualty, a sister company that helps clients with auto, home, and business insurance.
“It is a brokerage firm, so we offer many different carriers,” said Herman. “We are very competitive when it comes to premium insurance and making sure clients have appropriate coverages.”
What links both firms together is their focus on building trust.
“At the end of the day, financial and insurance planning comes down to relationships,” Herman said. “We build trust one relationship at a time.”
