Mark Ward, CFP®, ChFC®
Vice President & Chairman,
Investment Policy Committee
mward@lsggroup.com

Mark’s fascination with Financial Planning took root at the age of 16 when he invested in his first mutual fund. Since joining Lucien, Stirling & Gray Advisory Group in 1999, Mark has elevated this interest into an integrated practice based on delivering the highest level of customer service and on a genuine interest in his client’s financial future. Mark says, “I count the decision to accept the invitation to join this wonderful team of professionals as one of the smartest and most gratifying of my life.”

Mark prides himself on providing the same high level of service to all his clients. He works diligently to tailor financial plans that mesh with each client’s investment philosophy and financial goals. “Like my compatriots here at LSG, my professional philosophy flows from my core values: Life lived in the context of teamwork, integrity, balance, excellence, and enjoyment.”

Of his clients, Mark says, “The majority of my clients are very capable of managing their investment plans. What I offer them is the peace of mind of having a dedicated professional take that time and burden off their shoulders, so they may have time to spend with their families, or to devote to the things they find most satisfying.”

Mark’s specialties include multi-generational wealth planning, employee stock option planning, asset management, insurance needs analysis, and estate planning. Mark says, “Because so many of my clients own their own companies or work at Austin tech firms, I have developed a high level of expertise in helping them build competitive 401(k) and health benefit plans as well as just making sure their businesses work as efficiently as possible.”

Mark has an unyielding belief in keeping his knowledge up to date through continuous education. He obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2006 from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He also holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 Representative licenses, the FINRA Series 24 and 53 Principal licenses, and the Texas General Lines and Variable Insurance Licenses. He attended the University of Texas as a National Merit Scholarship Award recipient and received his undergraduate degree in History.

Mark is a native Texan who has lived in Austin since 1971. He is a proud member of American Mensa and The Austin Film Society. He enjoys snow skiing, SCUBA diving, fine dining, wine and traveling with his family and friends. His beautiful wife Shannon is a master-rated ice skating instructor and is also a UT graduate. Together, they are doting parents of their daughter, Mallory.

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