Rooted in Northern Michigan, invested in you.
Fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Frequently Asked QuestionsLocal advice you can count on.
We break down complex financial concepts into everyday language you can relate to, all while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
Think of us as your neighborly guide through the financial maze, someone who speaks your language and walks down the same streets you do.
Atypical by design
If there’s one thing for certain, our world is constantly in a state of change.
That's why we're not your typical financial advisory firm.
By leveraging groundbreaking financial planning technology, we can deliver our services seamlessly and securely, wherever you are.
We're proactive, not reactive, and we believe in planning for the future while optimizing the present.
Hey,
I'm Griffin Saddler.
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As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and founder of Watershed Wealth, my passion is to guide individuals, families, and businesses through their unique financial journeys.
With a background in Finance from Grand Valley State University, coupled with five robust years of experience across the financial planning industry, I took a leap and started my own firm in my hometown of Alpena, MI.
Beyond growing Watershed Wealth, I’m committed to our community, currently holding multiple board positions each with a focus on community improvement.
I strongly believe in collaboration and actively engage with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to foster a sense of community progression.
After work, you’ll find me in the great outdoors, enjoying a round of golf, or spending quality time with my wife Abby, and our golden retriever, Peach.
I am not merely a financial planner, and my approach towards life and work reflects personal dedication not only to my clients and their financial journeys but also to fostering a stronger, financially literate community.
Peach,
Rollover Specialist
Known for her unwavering loyalty and keen financial nose, she helps clients navigate the intricacies of account rollovers with a wagging tail.
In her free time, Peach loves to play fetch at her cottage on Long Lake, embodying Watershed Wealth's ethos of balancing hard work and well-being.
Industry leading tech.
To deliver the best, we use the best.
Watershed Wealth harnesses industry-leading technology to provide secure, efficient, and innovative financial services.
From virtual meetings to stunning mobile applications, we blend the human touch with technology to deliver a superior client experience.
Wealth Management
The Watershed Way.
At Watershed Wealth, we believe in the power of full transparency.
We understand that living in Northern Michigan requires a unique approach to financial planning - one that caters to our “Up North” way of life.
That’s why we’ve developed our unique process, The Watershed Way.
It's a holistic approach that requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to dive deep into your financial situation.
We ask a lot from our clients because we know that's how we achieve the best results.
Here’s what to expect:
Discovery Meeting 🔎
As your new advisor, our first priority is to check in on your financial health.
When you visit your doctor, they measure your vital signs to broadly understand how physically healthy you are.
🌡️ Temperature
💓 Pulse
😮💨 Rate of breathing
🩸 Blood pressure
Similarly, we use Elements to get an understanding of how financially healthy you are.
This step is always free for everyone.
Onboarding Meeting
This step marks the formal commencement of our services, the point at which our collaboration truly begins.
After e-signing your client agreement, we'll accompany you in opening the recommended accounts and facilitate any transfers.
Don't worry, our technology is very intuitive and empowers you to own your personal financial data from this point forward.
⏳ ~1 week until next meeting
Get Organized Meeting
Now, we go deep into your financial situation.
We get to know your values, your attitudes toward money, debt, investing, and more.
We aim to uncover your deepest financial aspirations and fears.
Only by understanding you at this intimate level can we create a plan that truly resonates with your unique life situation.
For clients with more complex situations, such as business owners or those with equity compensation, we may require additional meetings to fully cover your unique scenario.
⏳ ~1 month until next meeting
Follow Through Meeting
We stand out from other advisors because we understand that crafting a well structured financial plan is not the end—it's just the beginning.
We recognize that life is complex, and financial tasks can easily slip down the priority list.
We're here to ensure that doesn't happen.
In this meeting, we revisit your plan, answer any lingering questions, and help complete any outstanding action items.
⏳ Reviews begin next quarter
Quarterly Reviews
Wealth Management by Watershed Wealth includes comprehensive quarterly reviews addressing various aspects of your financial situation.
Annual Update & Strategy
This helps us update your financial plan for the year and set the stage for the year ahead.
📲 Phone meeting
Tax Review & Planning
This way, we make sure your financial plan stays optimized with respect to evolving tax laws and your unique situation.
🏠 In-person meeting
Investments, Insurance, & Benefits
We make sure your investments align with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.
We also review your insurance policies, employee benefits, and other aspects of your financial safety net.
📲 Phone meeting
End of Year Planning
We'll also identify any strategic moves required for year-end planning.
If you own a business, this is the time when we provide strategic guidance to align your business financials with your personal financial goals.
🏠 In-person meeting
Focus Areas
🤝
Retirement
Planning
No more waiting for yearly check-ins to make sure you are on track.
We offer pro-active advisory models designed to accommodate all life stages.
📈
Investment Management
From equity compensation to diversified, fully custom portfolios, our dedicated team of industry experts is here to guide and grow your investments, ensuring your financial success and peace of mind.
🔎
Tax Planning
Don't just put up with your taxes, optimize them!
We offer strategies to help ensure that you only pay Uncle Sam what's fair and not a dollar more.
*Tax prep coming soon
🚫
Risk Management
Life is unpredictable, your financial health shouldn't be.
We help you plan for the unexpected so that your income and assets can weather storms that you'll inevitably face.
🏡
Estate
Planning
It's no secret that probate can be a big headache.
We work diligently to ensure that your wealth transfers to your loved ones precisely on your terms, using the most efficient methods available
💸
Cashflow Planning
We'll go beyond simple budgeting.
You'll understand where your money is going, how to make it work harder for you, and how to harness it to meet both short-term and long-term goals.
Our only fees.
Transparent pricing - No hidden costs.
Wealth Management
Ongoing financial planning and investment management by Watershed Wealth.
- Financial health analysis
- Financial goal setting
- Retirement planning
- Investment management
- Cashflow analysis
- Insurance analysis
- Debt repayment strategy
- Employee benefits analysis
- Estate planning analysis
- Financial health monitoring
- Pro-active tax planning
- Quarterly reviews
No start-up costs or account size minimums
How else is Watershed Wealth different?
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo product pitches.
We prioritize your best interests, not sales quotas.
Our advice is objective, transparent, and always focused on helping you achieve financial freedom.
No hidden fees.
Our fee structure is transparent and straightforward.
You'll always know exactly what you're paying for and why.
No pressure.
We respect your time and autonomy.
Our approach is consultative, not coercive, providing you with the space and information you need to make informed decisions about your financial future.
