ARA Wealth Strategies
Ryan Brown
Founder & Wealth Management Advisor|RICP®, ChFC®
Helping you achieve what is possible by living through core values
Personal
Ryan is blessed with a happy, healthy family whom he loves dearly. He and his wife, Amber, are blessed with 3 wonderful children, Alessandra, Arya and Rakai.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Ryan is proud to call the South his home. He and his wife love traveling the world and have spent time on each of the coasts. They met in New York City and moved to LA in 2012.
The family has relocated to Minneapolis to be close to Amber's family. In his spare time Ryan loves to travel, plays soccer and takes every opportunity to try new food.
Professional
Ryan received his Bachelor of Science degree, in Finance, from the University of Connecticut, and later received his M.B.A, in Finance, from the University of Texas. Ryan began his career in financial services consulting and investment banking, where he was responsible for quantitative and qualitative analysis supporting strategic recommendations to corporate clients and their Boards. He enjoys digging into the weeds of the analysis process, but chose to carve his own path and work more closely with individuals and families to help them develop plans that provide structure to their financial lives.
Designations and Honors
Designations
CFP® - The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is the standard for financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients' best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow.
ChFC® – The Chartered Financial Consultant is the "Advanced Financial Planning" designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. Charter holders use the designation ChFC® on their resumes and are qualified to provide comprehensive advanced financial planning for individuals, professionals, and small business owners.
RICP® – A Retirement Income Certified Professional® is a financial professional who specializes in retirement income planning. Financial professionals earn the RICP® designation after following the program for retirement income professionals. Once qualified, RICP® advise retirees and near-retirees as to the best way to use the assets they have accumulated for retirement to live comfortably within a realistic budget and not run out of money prematurely.
Registrations
Honors
Pathfinder
Ryan is recognized as a 3-Star Pathfinder. This is given to advisors who are building an integrated financial planning practice.
Lives Leader Summit
Ryan has qualified for this award which places him among the premier Northwestern Mutual financial professionals across the country and recognizes his ability to build a strong practice, and with his dedicated staff, to deliver quality service to his clients. The Lives Leader Summit is an annual recognition that only 400 of Northwestern Mutual’s more than 6,000 financial advisors recently received.
Million Dollar Round Table
Ryan has attained the requirements necessary to earn a membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) every year since starting his business. MDRT is a global, independent association for the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in financial services.
Lending a Hand in My Community
Family Alternatives
Growing up in a single-parent home I have experienced the power of community support first-hand. It was critically important to my well-being in childhood and now carries me into my journey as a parent of three. To be in a position to be in service of others is a reflection of that support. In my search to support my community I’ve connected with the organization Family Alternatives. Founded in 1978 by foster parents, Family Alternatives emerged to enhance relationships, advocate for services and support the development of youth in the foster care system. They support youth in their development by providing positive family environments. Through guidance, nurturing and mentorship, they strive to create and develop relationships with children, which also extend beyond foster care.
Urban Ventures
Urban Ventures, based out of Minneapolis, works to address opportunity gaps in academics, nutrition, physical activity, parenting resources, and more—all with the overarching goal to prepare and send every youth in their neighborhood to college or postsecondary education.
I'm a Big!
As a mentor, I get the opportunity to be a friend and someone who listens, encourages, and amplifies the voices of Twin Cities youth.
