By Chris Heisten, CRPC®, CFP®, CSRIC®

“A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” – Wayne Gretzky

This quote by one of the greatest hockey players of all time can also be applied to the field of financial planning. I believe that a good financial advisor doesn’t just look at the current circumstances and economic markets, but can help their clients create a solid financial plan that will stand the test of time. They plan for the present and future circumstances to prepare their clients for whatever life may throw at them. 

While hockey has always been one of my passions, I knew I couldn’t do that forever. Another passion I’ve always had is helping people achieve their goals. I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and in the community and I enjoy building relationships. Realizing how much of an impact finances have on our lives, I knew this was where I could help serve others. This is what led me to pursue my second career as a financial advisor. 

Starting My Career

After graduating from the University of Maine, where I earned a scholarship to play hockey, I continued my professional hockey career until retiring in 2006. Along the way, I earned my CFP® designation as well as additional financial certifications, so I could step right into the next chapter of my life. 

My financial planning career started with Merrill Lynch, but after a while, I realized I could better serve my clients as an independent fiduciary advisor. I wanted to run a boutique family firm where I could achieve a better work–life balance and help my clients do the same. This led me to branch out and start my firm in 2015, where I have been helping my clients achieve their financial goals ever since. 

Branching Out

As President and Founder of Heisten Financial, I have served the local community here in Anchorage for the past 15 years. Our clients are primarily women, small business owners/entrepreneurs, or oil workers in the Anchorage area, but we also serve clients in Arizona, Texas, and Idaho.

My family-run firm is a specialized boutique practice that has helped many people achieve financial freedom. We do this by simplifying complex financial situations and creating customized solutions for our clients’ unique challenges. Our clients are like family, and I enjoy the process of getting to know them as we build a relationship over time. I understand that financial freedom is something many people strive for, and our team takes great pride in helping our clients reach their goals. 

Why I Love What I Do

One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is when we get a referral from a client. I know it takes a lot for someone to refer a family or friend because they are putting themselves and their word on the line. When someone refers to us, that means they feel they can trust us, not only with their finances but with those they care about as well. We value the trust our clients place in us and work hard at our jobs every day to earn, and maintain, that trust. 

I also love witnessing the sense of relief our clients experience when they realize what they thought was impossible is actually possible. Helping people by making a difference in their lives through financial freedom is why I am passionate about what I do. 

Are You Ready for a Better Financial Future?

Now that you know a little about me, I’d love to meet you and hear about what’s important to you—your goals, worries, and the opportunities and challenges you face in your financial life. If you’re ready to see how financial planning can help you achieve a better retirement or help your business, schedule a complimentary assessment today. If you’re prepared to partner with us to establish a customized financial strategy, contact us by emailing jami@heistenfinancial.com or calling our office at 907.222.6270. We look forward to working with you!

About Chris

Chris Heisten is President and Founder of Heisten Financial LLC, a fee-based boutique financial planning firm with a focus on giving clients back their time so they can spend it doing what’s most important to them. Acting as a true fiduciary for his clients, Chris aims to solve their financial pain points and move them toward financial freedom. In the financial industry since 2007, Chris partners with business owners and oil workers on their journey through life, striving to instill calmness and a sense of direction as he simplifies the complex. He loves nothing more than seeing clients experience relief when they achieve what they thought was impossible.

Chris graduated from the University of Maine, where he played hockey on a scholarship, and retired from professional hockey in 2007. In the community, he remains engaged serving as a youth hockey coach. Chris holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠, and Chartered SRI Counselor™ designations. Outside of the office, he enjoys trying new food and wine, reading, traveling, playing golf and hockey, fat tire biking, and donating to local charities. His passions include being a husband and dad, lake life with the family, watching his son and daughter play sports, and spending time with his wife. To learn more about Chris, connect with him on LinkedIn.