Avantax® Inc. (Avantax), a unique community within Cetera Holdings and a leader in tax-focused financial planning and wealth management, welcomes independent financial advisor Andrew Erickson, CFP® CEPA®, founder of ClearGuide Wealth LLC. Based in the Chicagoland area, Erickson transferred to Avantax after eight years with Edward Jones, where he had approximately $143 million in client assets under administration as of July 30, 2024*.

Erickson joined Avantax because of its commitment to tax-focused financial planning, and so he could offer his clients a wider array of investment products and services.

“Having more tools and flexibility and being able to give my clients a better experience compared to where I was before, that was my main reason for switching to Avantax,” Erickson said. “What sealed the deal for me is the relationship Avantax has with CPAs and Avantax’s deep understanding of how to work seamlessly with tax professionals including knowing what information is most valuable to them. I found that very compelling.”

Formerly an Ivy League collegiate football player at Dartmouth College, Erickson was also drawn to Avantax by its spirit of teamwork.

“Avantax isn’t a small company, but they have a small-company feel where I know I can get on the phone and talk with any department head at any time,” Erickson said. “Having direct access to leadership and other key people at the Avantax Home Office was really impactful for me. Talking to other broker-dealers, I didn’t get that same feeling because at other firms everyone seemed so siloed.”

In addition to being a CFP® certificant, Erickson holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential from the Exit Planning Institute®. The CEPA® curriculum is designed for financial professionals “who want to effectively engage more business owners.”

Erickson said he believes that his exit-planning certification, along with the tax lens Avantax uses for financial planning and wealth management, puts him in a strong position to continually improve the client experience.

“CEPA® was really interesting because it benefits me as I counsel business-owner clients, helping them get the most accurate business valuation possible. I also can help with the transaction when they sell, and how to handle proceeds, all of which helps the client get the most value possible for their company,” Erickson said. “Whether it’s advice on valuing and selling businesses or being as tax efficient as possible with retirement planning and investments, clients are always looking for an edge, and with Avantax I feel I can recommend a comprehensive path that is in the client’s best interest.”

In welcoming Erickson to Avantax, Laurie Stack, VP, Business Development said: “We’re thrilled Andy decided to join Avantax because he’s deeply committed to growing his practice while working with tax and accounting professionals, including those already affiliated with Avantax. Andy is a disciplined and proactive independent financial advisor, as exemplified by how he pursued the CEPA® certification as another way of delivering the best possible client experience.”

To learn more, visit the ClearGuide Wealth website or contact Erickson at andrew@clearguidewealth.com.

Tax and financial professionals can learn more about Avantax by clicking here.

*Value approximated based on asset-holding details provided to Avantax.

About Avantax^®

Avantax, a unique community within Cetera Holdings, delivers tax-intelligent wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax professionals and CPA firms, supporting its goal of minimizing clients’ tax burdens through comprehensive tax-intelligent financial planning. Avantax has two distinct, but related, models within its business: the independent Financial Professional model and the employee-based model. Avantax refers to its independent Financial Professional model as Avantax Wealth Management^®. Avantax Wealth Management (AWM) works with a nationwide network of Financial Professionals operating as independent contractors and offers its services through its registered broker-dealer, Avantax Investment Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, registered investment advisor (RIA), Avantax Advisory Services, Inc., and insurance agency subsidiaries. We refer to our employee-based model as Avantax Planning Partners℠. Avantax Planning Partners offers services through its RIA, insurance agency, and affiliated broker-dealer, Avantax Investment Services, Inc., and partners with CPA firms to provide their consumer and small-business clients with holistic financial planning and advisory services. Collectively, Avantax had $92.8 billion in assets under administration as of Dec. 31, 2023. For additional information, please visit www.avantax.com.

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