Deschutes Investment Consulting is expanding its presence into Central Oregon to serve better businesses, families, and individuals seeking experienced financial guidance in Bend, Oregon. With more than 30 years of experience serving clients across the Pacific Northwest, the firm’s new office at 300 SW Columbia Street reflects a long-term commitment to the region and its growing financial planning needs.
As Bend continues to grow, many local business owners and residents are looking for financial strategies that support both short-term goals and long-term stability. From retirement planning and investment management to workplace retirement plans and fiduciary guidance, Deschutes Investment Consulting provides personalized support backed by the resources of an experienced advisory team. To celebrate the expansion, the community is invited to attend the firm’s grand opening event on May 28th at Deschutes Brewery.
The "One Deschutes" Approach: Local Service, Firmwide Expertise
At the heart of this expansion is a philosophy known as the "One Deschutes" approach. This model is designed to provide the intimacy of a local partnership while delivering the resources and "bench depth" of a nationally recognized advisory firm. In Bend, this vision is brought to life through the collaboration of seasoned professionals who understand the specific pulse of the local economy.
Leading the charge in Central Oregon is Senior Investment Advisor Scott Agnew, who brings a deep understanding of the local landscape and established advisor relationships to the office. His presence ensures that clients have a local point of contact who is accessible and connected to the community's unique goals. Working in tandem with Scott is Lead Financial Planner and Managing Partner Carl Burnham III, who provides the strategic oversight and planning expertise that has defined the firm’s success for decades. Together, they represent over half a century of combined experience, ensuring that every piece of advice is grounded in real-world wisdom and professional rigor.
This integrated structure is particularly beneficial for the multifaceted lives of Bend residents. A "financial advisor Bend Oregon" should be able to look at a client’s entire economic picture. The "One Deschutes" model coordinates advice across every aspect of a person’s financial life, from the management of a workplace retirement plan to the intricacies of personal wealth planning and estate strategies. It ensures that the left hand always knows what the right hand is doing, creating a seamless experience for those who value efficiency and clarity.
The Core of Independence and Fiduciary Duty
Since its inception in 1997, Deschutes Investment Consulting has operated on a foundational belief: that clients deserve advice entirely free from the conflicts of interest found in traditional brokerage models. As an independent fiduciary, the firm is legally and ethically bound to put the interests of the client above all other considerations. This is a critical distinction in an industry where many advisors are incentivized to recommend proprietary products or meet sales quotas.
Operating as a fiduciary means transparency is the default setting. In the Bend office, this manifests as a commitment to fee-based services, ensuring that compensation is aligned with the client’s success rather than the volume of trades or products sold. For a local business owner, this means knowing that their company’s retirement plan is being managed with an eye toward both compliance and performance. For an individual, it means knowing their wealth strategies are being built on a foundation of trust, with an advisor who acts as a true advocate for their future.
Elevating Workplace Retirement Plans
As Bend continues to attract diverse industries, from healthcare and professional services to non-profits and governmental organizations, the competition for top-tier talent has intensified. A robust workplace retirement plan is no longer just a "check-the-box" benefit; it is a vital tool for attracting and retaining the wavemakers who drive an organization forward. Managing these plans, however, comes with significant responsibilities that can often overwhelm a busy HR professional or business owner.
The expansion into Bend brings specialized knowledge in 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans directly to the local doorstep. The service model is designed to move the heavy lifting of plan management away from the company’s internal staff and onto a dedicated team of experts. This includes everything from evaluating plan design to ensuring it aligns with corporate values, to conducting thorough fee and investment benchmarking to maintain a competitive edge. By acting as a fiduciary at the plan level, the firm helps control risk and protects the organization from potential liability, allowing Bend’s business leaders to focus on their core mission, growing their company, and serving their community.
A Holistic Approach to Personal Wealth Management
For many in Central Oregon, the line between professional success and personal financial goals is often blurred. An individual might be managing a successful company while also planning for a child’s education, caring for aging parents, or considering their own legacy. This requires a comprehensive view of wealth management that considers every life stage, from the high-earning years of a working professional to the distribution phase of a retiree.
The wealth management process begins with understanding that every person’s economic life is unique. It isn't just about assets under management; it is about the confidence a person feels when they have a clear plan and a purpose for their wealth. Services cover the spectrum from debt management and smart saving to sophisticated estate strategies and tax-efficient investing. By integrating retirement analysis with broader financial planning, the team helps individuals optimize their resources, minimizing unnecessary risks and expenses along the way.
The Transformative Power of Financial Education
A central tenet of the firm’s philosophy is the belief that financial education has the power to change lives. This mission is especially relevant in a community like Bend, where residents value empowerment and self-sufficiency. The education program goes beyond basic investment advice, offering workshops, seminars, and online resources designed to build genuine financial literacy.
The education program is holistic, addressing the real-world financial stresses that many people face. By covering topics like budgeting, risk management, and goal setting, the team helps individuals feel more secure in the decisions that shape their financial lives. In the workplace, this commitment to education often results in increased retirement saving rates and a more engaged workforce. Employees who understand their benefits are better equipped to make informed choices for their long-term security, turning a standard benefits package into a life-changing resource.
A Proven Three-Step Process for Success
To maintain consistency and precision, the firm utilizes a structured three-step process that guides every financial client relationship.
- Connect: The first step is to deeply understand a client's finances, goals, and values. This initial phase is about building trust and ensuring that every subsequent strategy is rooted in what matters most to the individual or organization.
- Strategize: The team then maps out a custom financial strategy based on the client's time horizon and risk tolerance. This is a collaborative effort, ensuring that the client is an active participant in designing their own future.
- Execute: Finally, the plan is put into motion with ongoing monitoring and support. Life is rarely static, and market volatility is a constant reality; therefore, the team remains in the client's corner to adjust the strategy as circumstances change, keeping their financial goals on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should a Bend business owner choose an independent fiduciary?
An independent fiduciary is legally required to put your interests first and is not beholden to any parent company's proprietary products. This ensures that the advice you receive regarding your retirement plan is objective, transparent, and focused solely on improving outcomes for your company and your employees.
What services does the Bend office provide?
The Bend office offers a comprehensive suite of services, including integrated wealth management, financial planning, investment oversight, and corporate retirement plan consulting. This allows residents and businesses to access all their financial needs under one roof.
How do I find a qualified financial advisor in Bend, Oregon?
When searching for an advisor, it is important to look for a firm with a local presence, a fiduciary standard, and a deep bench of experienced professionals. Deschutes Investment Consulting provides this through its office at 300 SW Columbia Street, led by Scott Agnew and Carl Burnham III.
What is the "One Deschutes" approach?
It is a model that combines local advisor relationships in Bend with the broader expertise and resources of the entire firm. This ensures that clients receive personalized, local service backed by a team of specialists in investments, planning, and retirement plans.
What is the Retirement Analysis Program (RAP)?
The RAP is a retirement planning tool available to participants in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans serviced by Deschutes Investment Consulting. The program provides personalized retirement projections and scenario-based analysis to help participants better understand their progress toward long-term retirement goals and make more informed financial decisions.
Does the firm work with non-profits and governmental organizations?
Yes. The team has extensive experience working with a variety of plan types, including 403(b) and 457 plans, and serves sectors such as healthcare, education, and professional services.
Conclusion: A Partnership Built for the Long Term
The expansion of Deschutes Investment Consulting into Bend represents a continued commitment to helping Central Oregon businesses and families make informed financial decisions with confidence. By combining local accessibility with decades of industry experience, the firm provides clients with personalized guidance tailored to their long-term goals.
From retirement planning and investment management to workplace retirement plans and financial education, Deschutes Investment Consulting offers comprehensive support designed to adapt as clients’ needs evolve. With a fiduciary approach and a focus on long-term relationships, the firm is positioned to serve as a trusted financial partner for the Central Oregon community for years to come.