Local Financial Advisor Shares How Outside Perspective Can Improve Clients' "Health and Wealth"
An outside look at your finances may reveal money left on the table, Curtis Stephens says. Learn why the Alton financial planner emphasizes efficiency and a personal approach to each family.
Curtis Stephens on financial check-ins, retirement planning and an estate-planning event in Alton
ALTON - Curtis Stephens wants to help you protect your wealth.
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Stephens is a fiduciary financial planner and founder of Stephens Planning in Alton. He encourages people to get “a second set of eyes” on their finances. He believes his clients are the captains of their finances and he acts as a deckhand, pointing out potential obstacles and helping clients make the best decisions. 
“Health and wealth are two of the most important things to people in their life,” he said. “I’m honored to be able to help people who have worked so hard, saved so diligently, put the work into being frugal in the best way possible, and then they just want a second set of eyes to make sure it’s right. Most of these folks don't need a financial advisor to survive. That might be odd hearing a financial advisor say that, but we want to bring efficiency. Stop leaving money on the table unknowingly, unnecessarily. That’s where a second set of eyes can really bring some value.”
Stephens emphasized that his aim is to help people handle their financial situations. He understands that every family has their own needs. Stephens makes a point to get to know each client and their situation so he can better advise them.
As an independent financial advisor, he doesn’t work for a corporation and has no pressure to meet any quotas. Therefore, he can help clients through whatever they need. Stephens noted that his business is able “to make the best move, no matter what, for our clients” because they don’t answer to anyone but those clients.
“Just having somebody from the outside that can look in, they’re not emotionally attached, it’s a big deal,” he explained. “I think that’s one of the things that we bring at Stephens Planning: a second set of eyes. We look at it personally for each family. We get to know them; we understand their situation. Not all money is created equally. Not all families are created equally. It’s really a customized, personal situation when you come to Stephens Planning.”
To help clients navigate finances and life transitions, Stephens and attorney Liz Heller will host a lunch-and-learn about estate planning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at The Wedge in Alton. Stephens hopes this event will provide valuable insight to attendees.
“We’ll be able to give you real-life answers in a room with two professionals that’ve been doing this for a while,” he said. “It’s good to have a plan in place so you’re not reacting. And then naturally, we don’t want to leave a burden. Everything we own, there’s a way to not be a burden and to transfer all that in a thought-out way that isn’t overwhelming for the loved ones that you’re gifting that to.”
The lunch-and-learn is free to attend, though registration is required to save your seat. To register, click here.
As the holidays and new year approach, Stephens acknowledges it can be a difficult season. He hopes his experience can help community members navigate any challenges they’re facing.
He believes in building a business “one handshake at a time, one family at a time” and he is proud of what he is building at Stephens Planning. He is dedicated to serving the community and helping people understand how to care for their finances.
“Life is hard, right?” he added. “Keep your head up. Keep moving. You’re not alone. Get a second set of eyes on your situation. They can empower you. They can encourage you. They can speak life. I have blind spots. We all have blind spots. So don’t isolate. Do not isolate. Call somebody.”
You can call Stephens Planning at 618-551-0028 or visit the official Stephens Planning website for more information.
This featured article is sponsored by Stephens Planning. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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