The Power of Financial Professionals: Why Many Choose to Hire One

Bringing Clarity and Confidence to Your Financial Journey

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of finance, making sound decisions regarding your money can be a daunting task. Whether you are an individual striving to secure a stable financial future or a business owner navigating complex financial landscapes, the role of a financial professional becomes increasingly invaluable. These experts, often referred to as financial advisors or planners (among many other titles out there), play a pivotal role in guiding individuals and businesses towards achieving their financial goals. In this edition of our newsletter, we explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of hiring financial professionals and how they can bring clarity and confidence to your financial journey.

Financial professionals are equipped with a wealth of expertise and knowledge in various aspects of finance. From understanding tax laws and investment strategies to retirement planning and risk management, they possess the expertise to navigate the intricacies of the financial world. Their in-depth understanding of complex financial concepts enables them to tailor personalized strategies that align with the specific needs and goals of their clients.

Emotions can often cloud judgment when it comes to financial decision-making. Financial professionals, however, offer objective guidance and advice devoid of emotional bias. They can provide an impartial perspective on your financial situation and present a wide array of options. This detachment allows for clearer decision-making and minimizes the likelihood of rash choices that could have detrimental consequences in the long run.

No two individuals or businesses are alike, and as such, their financial strategies should not be either. Financial professionals work closely with their clients to develop customized plans that cater to their unique circumstances, risk tolerance, and future aspirations. By understanding the bigger picture and considering various life events, they can create robust financial roadmaps that adapt as situations evolve.

Managing finances can be a time-consuming endeavor, especially for business owners or busy individuals. Engaging a financial professional allows you to delegate the financial intricacies, freeing up valuable time for other pursuits. With an expert overseeing your financial affairs, you can rest assured that your money is being managed efficiently and effectively.

Financial markets can be unpredictable, and unforeseen circumstances can significantly impact your financial standing. Financial professionals understand these risks and are skilled at developing risk management strategies. Through diversification, asset allocation, and ongoing monitoring, they seek to safeguard your wealth against market fluctuations and external events.

A financial professional is not just a one-time consultant; they are your long-term financial partner. As your life or business evolves, your financial goals may shift. Having a trusted advisor by your side ensures that your financial plans adapt accordingly. This ongoing relationship builds trust, as the advisor becomes intimately familiar with your financial history, concerns, and aspirations.

The role of financial professionals in today’s complex financial landscape cannot be overstated. They bring expertise, objectivity, and personalized planning to the table, empowering individuals and businesses to make well-informed financial decisions. By hiring a financial professional, you not only gain a partner in your financial journey but also access a wealth of knowledge that can lead to a more secure and prosperous future. As with any professional service, it is crucial to choose a financial advisor who aligns with your values and understands your unique financial needs. Before making any decisions, consider conducting thorough research, seeking referrals, and meeting with potential advisors to ensure the best fit for your financial goals. Remember, your financial future is a journey best taken with a seasoned guide.

We hope this article has shed light on the reasons behind the increasing popularity of hiring financial professionals and the value they can bring to your financial well-being.

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Jared Schumacher

PhD, Paraplanner

Jared Schumacher holds numerous degrees in engineering/business and the humanities, including a PhD in Political Theology, and is a published researcher in the fields of politics, economics, social theory, and theology. He recently left a career as an associate professor to join the team at Bona Fide Finance, where he hopes to put his moral and political focus to good use offering financial services and advice for navigating our complex political and economic climate with integrity and thoughtfulness. He joins the team as a paraplanner, while studying to obtain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in the coming years. 

Jared grew up in Alaska and Texas, and spent over a decade studying and teaching abroad with his wife, Carrie, living in Lithuania and Belgium, but also spending considerable time in Germany and Uganda. Their family has grown to include eight kids; and when not contemplating the mysteries of the financial universe, their days are full with homeschooling, soccer and baseball practice, and piano recitals.

Dorian Antešić

Associate Advisor

Rooted in Europe and serving clients worldwide, Dorian advances Bona Fide Finance’s global, research-driven investment process. He is an Investment Advisor Representative and an associate advisor who leads the firm’s investment research and portfolio construction, giving each plan a consistent, evidence-based foundation so clients can stay disciplined through any market cycle. Working at the intersection of American and European finance and business culture, he helps families align portfolios with what truly matters to them. He is also working toward the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation.

His path into finance has been global from the start—and personal from a young age. Introduced to the world of finance and economics by his grandfather, an accountant and entrepreneur, Dorian grew up curious about how money moves and how families build durable wealth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting and a master’s degree in finance and banking, with studies across three countries: University of Rijeka (Croatia), Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic), and University of Coimbra (Portugal). He has lived in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Spain, and traveled to 22 countries across three continents. An explorer at heart, he continues to work remotely while traveling, building a wide network and a practical, cross-border perspective on how families can grow and preserve wealth.

Before joining Bona Fide Finance, Dorian worked with Sovereign Man (now Schiff Sovereign), exploring international real estate, offshore banking, and second residencies and citizenships to help families enhance their financial sovereignty. He also partnered with economist Saifedean Ammous, author of the bestselling The Bitcoin Standard, contributing research on the printing industry and helping establish a global fulfillment network for his books—work acknowledged in The Fiat Standard and Principles of Economics. Raised on the Adriatic island of Rab, he now lives in Croatia with his wife, Kim, and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, Gabriel.

Bonnie Martinek

Administrative Assistant
Bonnie (Ben’s mom!) is a mother of 9 and a grandmother of 17. She has lived in rural Indiana her whole life and has a master’s degree in Special Education. In her own words, she’s done a little bit of everything but is a master of none (teaching, construction, manager of a corn maze, CNA, farm work, cashier, auto bodywork, and the list goes on!). Widowed in 2019, she is reinventing herself through her work in the day-to-day operations of Bona Fide Finance and client relations. Bonnie loves getting to know our clients and is happy to serve them well!

Deb Martinek

Relationships Specialist

Deb has been with Bona Fide Finance since its inception in 2015 and long before that with her support of Ben studying for the CFP designation and the dream of starting the business of helping individuals and families meet their financial goals.

She fills the Relationships Specialist role – Deb is typically the first encounter our new clients have as she walks them through our service offerings and introduces them to the map of financial literacy.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Deb lives in Bismarck with Ben and their two young daughters, is a card-carrying member of the CDL club (read more about those adventures here) and is happiest reading an epic novel, solving a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, or working in her kitchen where she can serve love to the people in her life through quality food (clients enjoy her holiday shipment of homemade goodies each December!).

Ben Martinek

CFP®, EA, CSLP®, RICP®, Founder and Advisor

Ben Martinek, CFP®, EA, CSLP®, RICP®, is the founder and lead advisor at Bona Fide Finance, an independent, fee-only firm dedicated to helping doctors, young professionals, and growing families take control of their financial future. With a deep understanding of student loan debt—having tackled his own—Ben specializes in guiding clients through debt repayment strategies, smart investing, and comprehensive financial planning so they can build wealth with confidence. Ben’s passion for financial planning comes from his desire to provide honest, objective advice tailored to each client’s unique situation. He loves seeing the impact of his work, whether it’s helping a family pay off student loans years ahead of schedule, setting up an early retiree for financial freedom, or giving clients the peace that comes from knowing their finances are in order. His clients appreciate his thoughtful, high-touch approach, often saying that working with him has changed their lives.

Before launching Bona Fide Finance in 2015, Ben’s career path was anything but conventional. The fourth of nine children, he grew up in rural Indiana and initially pursued a path in academia, earning a B.A. in philosophy and classical languages, followed by a master’s degree in philosophy. Along the way, he explored careers in construction and truck driving—logging over 600,000 miles across the U.S. with his wife, Deb—before finding his true calling in financial planning.

Now based in Bismarck, North Dakota, Ben and Deb stay busy raising their two daughters, Edith and Virginia. Since their truck-driving days, Ben is happiest on a long road trip—preferably behind the wheel of his TDI Volkswagen Jetta. He enjoys sailing on Lake Sakakawea, camping in their vintage ’90s pop-up camper, and smoking a pipe by the grill. A lover of strategy board games, he favors Clans of Caledonia (mostly because Deb refuses to play Risk with him). When he’s not working with clients, he can be found smoking meat, gardening, hiking, or diving into The Lord of the Rings or Dune. Ben also serves on the school board for his daughters’ Montessori school and is actively involved in pre-marriage ministry in the Bismarck Diocese.