Are you a young professional in Houston earning a good living but not sure if you’re on track? You might be a HENRY – a High Earner, Not Rich Yet.  Don't worry, you're not alone! Having that first good job and the paycheck to match can be disorienting and knowing exactly what to do next isn’t always intuitive. Building wealth takes time, patience, and a little expertise.

Our services are designed specifically for HENRYs – sometimes called emerging affluent - like you. Let’s look at what it means to be a HENRY, why financial planning is crucial at this stage, and how a Houston-based CFP^® Professional like Sarah Cuddy can help you navigate on your journey to financial independence.

Even if you're a high earner, unexpected expenses, student loan debt, and the high cost of essentials like housing and transportation can make saving and investing a challenge. This is where a financial plan comes in.  A well-crafted plan can help you: 

• Set realistic financial goals: Do you want to buy a house? Retire early? Make sure you kids graduate college debt free? A financial plan can help you define your goals clearly and create am easy to follow roadmap to achieve them.
  
• Develop a budget: While not every plan involves a budget, we encourage every client to have one. A budget provides clarity about where your money goes, helps set spending and savings priorities, and can even aid in day-to-day spending decisions.
  
• Prioritize debt repayment: Student loans, credit cards, and other debts can hinder your long-term financial progress. A personalized financial plan can help you develop a strategy to pay down debt efficiently.
  
• Start investing: Investing is essential for building wealth over time. Crafting a financial plan with Sarah will help you choose the right kinds of investments for you.
  
• Plan for retirement: It may seem like retirement is a long way off, but starting early gives your money more time to grow. A financial plan will help you determine how much you need to save and invest so you can stop working when you are ready.

Sarah Cuddy at Baird Private Wealth Management understands the unique challenges faced by Houston HENRYs.  Here's why Sarah might be a great fit for you:

• She gets it: Sarah herself has been in your shoes. She understands the financial complexities faced by young professionals and emerging affluent individuals.
  
• Focus on young investors: Sarah has built her practice around individuals who don’t always seem like a financial advisor’s obvious clientele. She caters to people from all walks of life and especially to HENRYs whose financial planning is in the most exciting stage. 
  
• Affordable: Sarah offers financial planning services at accessible rates, making it easier for you to get started.
  
• Long-term partnership: Sarah wants to build a long-term relationship with you. She'll be by your side as your financial goals and needs evolve over time – even when you’re not a HENRY anymore!

What is a CFP® professional? 
A CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™) Professional has completed rigorous training and has met specific experience requirements. They can provide comprehensive financial planning advice.

How much does a financial planner cost? 
Financial advisors and financial planners charge different fees depending on their services and typically charge that fee on assets they manage. Sarah Cuddy offers financial planning services for flat fee that you negotiate directly with her, making it more accessible for HENRYs.

Learn more about Financial Planners vs. Financial Advisors

Do I need a financial planner if I'm young? 
Maybe. Even if you're just starting out, a financial planner can help you develop good financial habits and make sound decisions that will benefit you in the long run. Like many things, building wealth over time is easier the earlier you start.