It takes a lot of time and hard work to build wealth, but only a moment to lose it. Many high-earners and small business owners underestimate the effort it takes to maintain wealth and ensure their future financial success. While plenty of companies help clients manage their investments and navigate risk, many of them neglect areas like tax or estate planning. To achieve financial freedom, clients need an advisor who can help them navigate the ins and outs of wealth management.
That’s the goal of Independent Investment Advisors, a multi-family wealth management office led by Goran Ognjenovic. Independent Investment Advisors works with high-net-worth individuals, families, and small business owners to help them manage every aspect of their finances. Unlike other wealth management companies, IIA provides a comprehensive set of services including financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, investment management, and risk management.
“Nowadays, you need much more than just investment returns to achieve wealth success,” says Goran. “We believe in a holistic, comprehensive approach to wealth management that includes financial, tax, and estate planning.”
Before founding Independent Investment Advisors in 2017, Goran began his career in 2003 as an independent investor. It was there that he developed a deep understanding of the markets and learned how to build successful investment portfolios.
“It’s hard to believe, but financial markets and tax rules seem to be in constant flux,” says Goran. “Something is always changing and staying on top of those changes and helping our clients adapt is our ongoing purpose and mission.”
The upcoming end to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is one of the biggest fluctuations in tax planning that Goran fears most taxpayers aren’t prepared for. With the current tax rates set to end on Dec 31st, 2025, the top tax rate will increase while the standard deduction will be cut almost in half. It’s these kinds of changes that Independent Investment Advisors wants to help their clients navigate.
A 20+ year veteran of the investing markets, Goran makes sure to always stay up-to-date on the latest financial trends. One of his biggest assets is the ability to explain complex financial concepts to his clients in a way they can understand. Client relationships are Independent Investment Advisors’ number one priority, which is why they work with a limited number of clients to provide ongoing financial planning and advice. The low advisor-to-client ratio helps them build deeper relationships with their clients, creating custom financial plans and portfolios to deliver better results.
As Goran puts it, the biggest takeaway he wants for his clients is the understanding that anything worth doing takes time, focus, patience, and hard work. “There will be plenty of challenges along the way,” he says.
“You just have to rise above, look at things logically, and focus on the next task.” It’s part of what Goran refers to as continuous incremental improvement, the idea that focusing on small tasks rather than the big picture is what helps people find success. “If I can just improve one thing and be better tomorrow than I am today,” says Goran,” over time it will make a huge difference.”
Investing involves risk and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. These statements do not constitute and cannot replace investment advice.
