Russell V. Dawson - Financial Advisor

VOTED EARLY: Headed back home to Florida, but first, I made sure my voice was heard here in Michigan.
Two places I call home. 🇺🇸☀️

I believe meaningful financial advice starts with understanding your why: the people, priorities, and goals that give your money purpose.

As an independent financial advisor affiliated with LPL Financial, I serve private clients through my private practice, TMY (Tell Me Why) Financial, and LAFCU members through a partnership with LAFCU Investment Services. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, I help individuals and families build, manage, and preserve wealth through personalized advice grounded in what matters most to them.

My approach combines investment guidance and financial planning with straightforward conversations that help clients understand their options and move forward with confidence. Through LPL Financial, I have access to technology, research, and resources that support each client’s financial strategy.

Before becoming an independent advisor, I held leadership roles including Vice President in retail banking, Business Banker, and Regional Sales Manager. Those experiences shaped my understanding of the financial decisions individuals, families, and business owners face throughout their lives.

I hold FINRA Series 7, 66, and 24 Principal registrations, along with life, health, disability, and variable insurance licenses in Michigan, Florida, and several other states. My education includes a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from Florida A&M University, an MBA from Barry University, and a master’s degree in Finance from Michigan State University, specializing in Wealth Management and Financial Planning.

Outside of work, I enjoy giving back to the community and spending time with family and friends.

My mission is simple: help clients connect their financial decisions to the lives they want to live.

Your why comes first. We make it make sense.

THEY FOUND ME!

Two years. One old business card. A meaningful reunion.

A few years ago, I served clients through partnerships with both Astera Investment Services and LAFCU Investment Services at the same time.

When my partnership with Astera ended, I continued my work through TMY Financial and LAFCU Investment Services. Several Astera clients now Adventure CU continued with me, but this couple didn’t know where to find me.

What they did have was an old business card they had saved, with my cell phone number written across it.

Two years later, that little card helped them find me again.

Of course, I had to joke with them: “You know, there’s this thing called Google. You could’ve found me there!” 😂

We shared a laugh, but honestly, knowing they kept that card and made the effort to reconnect meant a lot to me.

They remembered our time together and wanted to work with me again. That’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

They made the effort to find me. Now I get to show them, through the work ahead, how much that means.

Last night at the Fall to Black event🖤

A little black suit, a little bling, and plenty of smiles. Glad I stepped out and happy to see LAFCU among the sponsors supporting the evening!

What would an additional $500, $1000, or $1500 a month mean to you?

Considering a rental property for extra income? You’ve probably also thought about tenants, repairs, and collecting rent.

There are other ways to pursue monthly investment income. I help clients explore their options.

Click the link to schedule a 15-minute consultation or call now!

https://oncehub.com/LAFCUInvestmentSerivces

Retiring in the next five years? Let’s talk about what your retirement paycheck could look like. Together, we’ll explore how your investments, Social Security, and other income sources can support the life you want.

Schedule a 15-minute call:
https://oncehub.com/LAFCUInvestmentSerivces

What a wonderful evening at the Lansing NAACP’s 60th Annual Dinner, joining LAFCU, a Platinum Sponsor, and connecting with people dedicated to strengthening our community.

I believe everyone deserves access to financial education, opportunity, and a path toward a stronger future. Proud to support the NAACP’s work toward equality and inclusion, and grateful to share the evening with so many inspiring people. 🖤

Today I had the privilege of attending the wedding of one of my client’s daughter, and it reminded me exactly why I do what I do.

It’s easy to talk about returns, percentages, markets and account balances. But those numbers are never really the end goal.

The goal is moments like this.

Family. Milestones. Celebrations. The things we’re really saving, investing and planning for.

Congratulations, Bill, to you and your entire family. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey and to celebrate such a special day with you.