Kimberlee Orth: A Legacy of Financial Wisdom and Family Values

Background and Professional Journey

Kimberlee Orth, a highly respected financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services, has carved out a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades. Born and raised in New Jersey, Kimberlee developed a strong foundation in business by studying at the University of Delaware. Her professional journey began in the budgeting department of a hospital in Philadelphia, where she honed her financial acumen. It wasn’t long before she realized her true calling lay in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. This led her to pursue the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program, a decision that would set the stage for her extraordinary career.

In 1984, Kimberlee joined Ameriprise Financial, where she has remained ever since. What started as a solo practice has evolved into a thriving team of 21 staffers, including her husband and three of her four children. This family-centric approach not only reflects Kimberlee’s values but also underscores her commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Today, her team manages an impressive $940 million in custodied assets for 1,200 clients, a testament to her dedication, expertise, and the trust she has built over the years.

A Thoughtful and Proven Investment Approach

Kimberlee Orth’s investment philosophy is rooted in a meticulous approach that prioritizes her clients’ unique goals and needs. She begins every relationship with a comprehensive financial plan, taking the time to discuss clients’ aspirations, liquidity requirements, and time horizons. “We use investment strategies and vehicles that are proven,” she explains. “The basics are boring sometimes, but they do work.” This philosophy is evident in her balanced use of equities and fixed-income instruments.

On the equities side, Kimberlee employs a mix of separately managed accounts, ETFs, stocks, and mutual funds to create diversified portfolios tailored to individual client needs. In fixed income, her team continues to utilize certificates of deposit (CDs) due to their attractive rates, while judiciously incorporating bonds to balance risk and return. For clients seeking downside protection with potential upside, Kimberlee often recommends structured annuities, which provide a series of tax-free income payments over a defined period. She emphasizes the importance of holding cash, noting that it still offers reasonable returns and serves as a buffer against market volatility.

In recent years, Kimberlee has also embraced alternative investments, allocating client assets to real estate, private equity, and private credit. “Bucketing assets and making sure you have enough liquidity is important in order to protect yourself on the downside,” she advises. This diversified approach ensures that clients are well-prepared for various market conditions while maintaining the potential for growth.

Navigating the Markets with Caution and Optimism

When it comes to her investment outlook, Kimberlee strikes a balance between optimism and caution. “We’re cautiously optimistic about the stock market and always prepared for volatility,” she says. Her approach is particularly focused on retirees and those nearing retirement, who rely on a steady income stream. Kimberlee acknowledges the potential benefits of President Trump’s deregulatory policies on the markets but reminds her clients to be prepared for increased volatility.

To help her clients stay the course, Kimberlee encourages them to separate emotions from investment decisions. She believes that a well-thought-out plan, combined with disciplined execution, is the key to weathering market storms. By maintaining a long-term perspective and avoiding impulsive decisions, clients can stay focused on their financial goals, even in uncertain times.

Timeless Wisdom: The Best Advice for Investors

At the heart of Kimberlee’s advice is a simple yet profound principle: control what you can and accept what you cannot. “You can’t control the market, but what you can control is your reaction to the market,” she often tells her clients. This wisdom is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable financial landscape, where emotions often run high.

Kimberlee emphasizes the importance of having a robust financial plan in place, complete with a savings strategy designed to achieve specific goals. By doing so, clients can reduce their reliance on market performance and maintain peace of mind, even during periods of turbulence. Her advice is both empowering and reassuring, reminding investors that their financial success is not solely dependent on external factors but on their ability to stay disciplined and focused.

Building a Legacy of Family and Financial Excellence

Kimberlee Orth’s success extends far beyond her impressive professional achievements. She has built a legacy that combines her passion for finance with her commitment to family. Working alongside her husband and three of her four children, Kimberlee has created a unique work environment that blends professional expertise with personal values. This familial collaboration not only strengthens her team’s dynamics but also ensures that clients receive the kind of personalized attention and care that only a close-knit group can provide.

Kimberlee’s dedication to her clients is evident in the trust they place in her and her team. With 1,200 clients and nearly $1 billion in managed assets, her practice is a testament to her hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence. Yet, she remains humble and grounded, always putting her clients’ needs first. Her ability to balance technical expertise with genuine empathy has earned her a reputation as one of the most trusted financial advisors in her field.

The Future of Finance: Leadership, Legacy, and Final Thoughts

As Kimberlee Orth looks to the future, she remains optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Her team continues to evolve, embracing new strategies and technologies while staying true to the core values that have defined her career. Kimberlee’s leadership extends beyond her practice, as she inspires other advisors to prioritize their clients’ needs and maintain a steadfast commitment to ethical practices.

In a world where financial complexity often leads to confusion, Kimberlee Orth stands out as a beacon of clarity and wisdom. Her legacy is not just about the assets she manages or the clients she serves but about the lives she has touched and the financial security she has helped create. As she continues to guide her clients through the ever-changing financial landscape, Kimberlee reminds us all of the power of careful planning, disciplined execution, and a commitment to excellence.