‘Dream, Plan & Track’ providing locals financial

Feb. 25
February 25, 2009
Donna White
February 27, 2009
Feb. 25
February 25, 2009
Donna White
February 27, 2009

Despite today’s uncertain economy, one Thibodaux financial planning service believes financial freedom is obtainable.


Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. has been in existence in Thibodaux for nearly 15 years. The three partners of the Thibodaux/Prairieville firm are Greg Walters, Thomas Meyer and Ray Trosclair, who all attended Nicholls State University’s College of Business Administration.


The financial advisors specialize in advising clients on investment strategies, retirement income, funding for college educations and estate and tax planning strategies.

Walters was the first financial advisor at the Thibodaux office. He joined the firm in 1989 intent on helping clients create financial success.


“I help customize a plan that addresses multiple generational planning as well as the day-to-day needs,” he said. “Whether it is developing a retirement plan distribution or retirement income strategies, I give those who have worked during their lives and are ready to retire a way to be financially worry free.”


Meyer, who started working with Ameriprise in 1998, said his role is to determine his clients’ financial values, goals and visions and to help them design a personal financial plan around those life goals.

“I work one-on-one with my clients to understand what is important and unique to them and their families,” he said. “This information provides the foundation for a strategic plan to help them achieve their short-term and long-term goals.”


Some common financial goals include saving and investing for retirement and college, establishing an emergency fund, developing an estate plan and minimizing income and estate taxes.


Trosclair joined Ameriprise in 1999, and works out of the company’s Prairieville office. His job is to help clients meet the challenges of financing the present while planning for the future.

“I work with my clients on the issues that matter most to them: funding their children’s education, effective retirement planning and personalized investment advice to help increase their earnings,” he said.


Because of the recession, the financial advisors are keen on encouraging their clients to take action on their personal financial plan to reach their goals.

“We monitor their plans to help keep them on track as their situation evolves and the market conditions change,” Meyer said. “We can offer clients the security of knowing that financial freedom can be obtainable with a sound plan.”

Financial priorities differ from person to person and year to year, Meyer explained, so it is important to tailor a flexible financial plan that meets clients’ needs.

“A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture,” Meyer said. “With a financial plan in place, you’ll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them.”

The financial advisors have a comprehensive approach to developing a financial plan for their clients called the “Dream, Plan & Track” scenario. Broken down, each approach leads the client one step closer to having the financial status that most people dream of.

“We get to know you personally – your goals, your worries and your dreams,” Meyer said. “Then we provide experienced guidance to help our clients develop a customized plan with the appropriate combination of products and services.”

The dream portion of the plan begins with knowing the client’s aspirations. Then, a plan is developed, Meyer said.

“We help our clients determine the right combinations of products and services – investments and real estate to name a few – needed to implement their financial plans,” he explained.

The total financial package plan is never really complete. Meyer said the advisors track their clients’ progress as it evolves over time. Through the course of the relationships, the client and the advisor will revisit the plan, making adjustments to help them stay on track.

“We will be there for the long run,” he said. “Life is full of surprises and opportunities and we are here to help people prepare.”

Ameriprise Financial Service Inc. has been providing financial advise in Thibodaux for the past 15 years. Its owners – Greg Walters, Thomas Meyers and Roy Trosclair – are keen on helping clients tailor a worry-free financial future. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER