At least, that’s how Henry Liao, a Financial Advisor and Associate Vice President with Ameriprise Financial practice based in Florham Park, NJ, views it. His goal is to craft a relationship with clients that seems more akin to a close family friendship. “The biggest thing I love about this line of work is being able to ‘do life together’ with my clients,” Liao said. “That is the biggest joy in this business: That my clients consider me part of their family and part of their lives. I get to be there for the biggest moments – sending their kids to college, marriages and retirements – and yes, sometimes the passing of spouse. Yet, in all those moments, I am just thankful to be part of their lives and that they are comfortable with me to help guide them through the financial aspects of those events.”

Liao was only a few years into his career when the bursting housing bubble in 2008 caused the most dramatic market correction since the Great Depression. While still learning and honing his craft, he quickly discovered that his clients’ views of risk tolerance were definitely changing as the Great Recession played out.

Taking a proactive posture, Liao concentrated on educating his clients about the current economic climate, showing them historical data proving his assertion that market conditions would change.

“I think a lot of fear comes from simply not understanding what is going on,” Liao said. “Once clients become more educated – once they understand more about the processes that are in play – then they can make better decisions for themselves and feel more comfortable about that.”

Getting his clients through the Great Recession with minimal losses and an improved knowledge of the investment process, to Liao, represents his greatest professional achievement thus far. Now, with a little more than a decade under his belt, Liao is confident that his assessment of current market conditions, along with his advice regarding the type of investments best suited for such conditions, will help protect his clients’ financial interests.

To back up his assertion that long-term investing is an effective road to retirement security, Liao often uses Ameriprise’s proprietary 3-Minute Confident RetirementSM check tool to provide clients with a simplified look at how their current financial plans line up with their retirement goals and needs.

“The mood of investing and financial planning has definitely shifted toward a more conservative approach.” Liao explained. “I explain to my clients that they may not need to have investments with a 10 or 12 percent rate of return, which may have a higher element of risk. When investing for the long term, an investment with a 6 or 7 percent rate of return may reduce investment risks and still meet their expectations. Any investment carries some risk but I want my clients to be comfortable with their investments and feel confident that they are a good fit that will help them meet their goals.”

Learn more about Henry Liao Ameriprise Financial online at www.ameripriseadvisors.com/henry.c.liao

Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.
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