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Who We Are
Willamette Wealth Partners
Willamette Wealth Partners is a financial planning service and investment management firm based in Eugene, Oregon. We are a locally owned and operated business with over 25 years of collective experience in personal financial services. We are focused on providing you with a relationship that fosters growth, confidence and independence.Our LPL Financial Connection
LPL Financial is the largest independent broker-dealer* in the United States. They are the company that provides us with the systems that allow us to run our office. The services they provide to us include technology, custody of investments and regulatory compliance.*As reported by Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2021, based on total revenue.
Locke Bielefeldt
Locke Bielefeldt
Certified Financial Planner™
Locke grew up in the Willamette Valley, where he watched his father, Doug, build a thriving financial planning business. After witnessing the impact a financial planner can have on client’s lives, Locke became inspired to seek a BBA in finance at The University of Portland.
Before returning to his hometown of Eugene, Locke worked in leadership and consultant roles focused on small business and startup finance. He now assists clients in pursuing their financial goals through independent and collaborative advice, customized investment strategies, and financial planning.
Outside of work, Locke enjoys traveling, cooking all kinds of foods, reading science fiction, and spending time with his wife, Amelia.
Locke has been listed in Forbes’ “Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” for 2023 and 2024, as well as Forbes’ “Best in State Wealth Advisors” for 2024.
Email: locke@willamettewealth.comThe Forbes Best-in-State Wealth advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings
Adam R Coughlin
Adam R Coughlin
Certified Financial Planner™
Adam began his career in financial planning in 2019 in Rochester, Illinois, working for an investment advisor and retirement education company before moving to Oregon to work at Willamette Wealth Partners. Prior to his career change, Adam worked in information technology and insurance.
Adam graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Finance as well as a minor in Financial Planning and was chosen by faculty as ISU’s Outstanding Senior in Finance and Outstanding Financial Planning Student for his graduating class. In 2021, he placed Top 5 in the Financial Planning Association’s Case Study Competition. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys fishing, going to the gym, playing with his two Siberian Forest Cats, and exploring new restaurants with his amazing wife Kelsey.
Email: adam@willamettewealth.comGary Richter
Gary Richter
LPL Financial Planner
Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Oregon State University before deciding to use his skills to become a financial advisor. He says, “In a sense I am still teaching today, many people do not understand the importance of investing and the impact it has on their families’ future.” Gary is a member of the Eugene Airport Rotary Club and is active in promoting the Annual Rotary Duck Race.
Gary and his wife Cindi have 2 children, a daughter Amber and her husband Nick, and a son Andrew and his wife Shannon. Gary loves to play music. He has played the violin and piano since he was six years old. Gary is an avid fan of all sports and played baseball in college.
Email: gary@willamettewealth.comErin Ely
Erin Ely
Branch Operations Manager
Erin grew up in Albuquerque, NM, and has been living in Oregon since 1980. She has a diverse background with two bachelor’s degrees, one from Oregon State University and the other from the University of New Mexico. Before she began working at Willamette Wealth Partners in 2008, Erin spent over 10 years as a forester in the Willamette National Forest and 15 years as a full-time parent and professional volunteer. She has done extensive fundraising, grant writing, and event coordination for various non-profits in the Lane County community.
Erin and her husband Doug have two children, Maggie and Locke. She enjoys bird watching, cycling, world music, and folk art. Erin currently volunteers her time with Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center and raises money for community development projects in Zimbabwe
Email: erin@willamettewealth.comHeather Dopp
Heather Dopp
Operations Manager
Heather grew up in Sun Valley Idaho and moved to Eugene in 2001. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon. Before joining the Willamette Wealth Partners team, Heather worked as an office manager. In her past role, her biggest accomplishment was assisting her company in becoming the second business in Lane County to achieve Voluntary Protection Program status from Oregon OSHA.
Heather and her husband Josh have a daughter named Leila. Heather’s biggest passion is spending time with her family and traveling to new places. She loves rafting, fishing and exploring Oregon rivers with her friends and family during the summer months. Heather also enjoys cooking and trying all kinds of cuisines from around the world.
Email: heather@willamettewealth.com
Empowering You To Control Your Tomorrow
Making Money Decisions
Independent Advice
As an independent, locally owned firm we are able to provide you with objective advice and fiduciary-level service. There are no proprietary products or cookie-cutter solutions here. We take our relationship with you seriously. We bear full transparency with you; giving you the comfort of knowing exactly what you’re investing in and why it’s in your best interest.
Comprehensive View
Helping you make smart decisions with your money is at the core of what we do. This starts with an in-depth evaluation of your current financial picture. We look at all aspects of your finances in order to gain a comprehensive view of your financial life as well as the challenges and opportunities you face. We continually monitor these aspects and adjust as your situation changes.
Painless Planning Process
It’s our belief that you should always be aware of your finances and how they will affect you today and tomorrow. Rather than presenting a large multi-page financial plan to you we go through the planning process over time and introduce topics to you as they become relevant. Your daily involvement is beneficial but your overall understanding is crucial.
Our Time-Tested Retirement Planning Process
Our financial planning process is specifically designed to prepare you for every stage of retirement. We not only seek to help you save for and transition into retirement, but also teach you effective strategies for budgeting your retirement funds.1. Introduction
The purpose of our first meeting is for our planners to get to know you and learn about your financial needs. This conversation will be a no pressure, no cost opportunity for us chat and decide if we can start a lasting partnership.2. Get Organized
If we both decide to move forward with our relationship, we will hold a second meeting dedicated to uncovering your complete financial picture. This will involve defining your future goals and identifying where you currently stand.3. Investment and Planning
Our job is to move you closer to your goals. This can include investments, financial planning or a combination of services. Once we establish your goals, we will provide ongoing service and maintenance to keep you on track.Comprehensive Planning For All of Your Future Goals
Investment Management
We take the entrustment of your portfolio as a chance to build a lasting partnership with you. We understand the market and how to use its volatility to help you work towards your long-term investment goals.Retirement Income Planning
You’ve spent a lifetime accumulating your wealth and dreaming of how you’d like to enjoy it. We’ll help you understand the potential income of your assets and develop a personalized budget for your well-deserved and long retirement.Estate Planning*
There is more than one way to plan for your future and we’ll educate you on every option available. Then we’ll help you decide on the best way to plan for your legacy and take care of your loved ones.Tax Planning Strategies*
Taxes can sometimes feel like a burden, but we view them as an opportunity. We’ve spent time and resources into creating strategies that aim to help you become more tax-efficient and to make tax-aware decisions.*Willamette Wealth Partners and LPL Financial do not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.
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Who We Are Suited For
We provide services to a diverse group of people around the US and abroad. Our process is tailored to those looking to:
Navigate Retirement With Ease
Whether you are beginning to think about retirement or have been retired for years, our services can benefit your current and future plans. We will help you navigate important retirement decisions relating to social security, investment income, estate planning and much more. Retire knowing you have a customized plan in place that may help navigate many more years of financial confidence.
Pursue Financial Freedom
Are you a hardworking professional who gains meaning and happiness from your work? Do you have zero plans to retire and want to work at least part time as long as you can? So do many of our clients. We can help you do the same. We will show you a path towards financial freedom, so you and your family can work toward a work-optional lifestyle.
What Do Our Services Cost?
The types of investments and products we provide and manage for you are diverse. Because of this we can be compensated in many ways. Typically we charge a percentage fee for managing your investments. This fee can change depending on the size of your accounts, but is often 1%. We pride ourselves on being open and transparent when it comes to compensation and costs, which is why we review our compensation with you during our annual review.
If you have further questions or would like a more precise estimate, please contact one of our advisors.
Our Blog
The Power Of Health Savings Accounts
HSAs are particularly beneficial for healthy individuals seeking greater control over their healthcare finances, providing significant tax benefits along the way.
Top 10 Questions To Ask A Financial Advisor
Asking for help with your finances is a significant decision, which is why it is important to find the right person to guide you.
Forbes’ 2024 Best in State Advisors List
We have some exciting news to share! We’re thrilled to announce that Locke Bielefeldt has been named to Forbes’ prestigious 2024 Best in State Advisors list.
4 Steps to an Early Retirement
We understand that early retirement is a reality for many, often due to unforeseen circumstances like health issues, caregiving responsibilities, attractive retirement packages, or job changes. Preparing for this phase requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.
The Five Biggest Expenses in Retirement
At Willamette Wealth Partners, we’ve observed that retirement spending predominantly falls into five major categories, with travel being just one of them.
Are You Ready for Retirement? Understanding Your Income Options
As you approach retirement, the question of where your money will come from becomes increasingly significant.