SAVAGLIA FINANCIAL ADVISORS
By Karin L White
Crystal Sdano’s journey at Savaglia Financial Advisors began in 2017, and last year, she became the full owner of the company. “I have always had a passion for personal finance,” she tells us. “When I graduated from college, I felt it was important to gain experience in the industry, so I worked for another company, then found an opportunity with Savaglia Financial Advisors. This came just at a point when I was evaluating the next steps in my career path. It was the perfect fit and something I always wanted to do. I became a minority owner in 2020. In January 2023, I purchased the company!”
What sets Savaglia Financial Advisors apart from others in the industry is a steadfast belief that having a financial plan, working it, fine tuning it as needed, and then enjoying its rewards is not for the privileged few but for everyone.
“It can be for anyone who dreams and plans with us,” Crystal maintains, “We approach the seemingly complex world of money management and planning from a different place, a place that values and understands your current financial reality, whether that reality is exceedingly modest, comfortably successful, or anywhere in between. We know that a plan that we create together will be the beginning of your journey to a better financial place.”
Personalizing Your Financial Journey
The Savaglia Financial Advisors’ difference begins with a personal approach. The advisors get to know the clients and their goals. “This is a decidedly two-way street,” Crystal explains. “Our first meeting will help lay the foundation for
a personal, flexible and achievable strategy. Our priority is developing a plan for what you want to accomplish throughout your working life and in retirement.”
When they create your individualized plan, they bring diverse and valuable expertise and experience by working as a team. “It’s not a one-person show here,” Crystal emphasizes. “A second meeting with you will lay out the plan, clearly explaining why we believe it is your best financial path forward. Your input and questions are the most important part of this dialog. Then, because we operate from that different place, we send you on your way. You take the time to decide if we earned your trust and business. No pressure; that’s just not our way. Our way is building a long-term relationship, being your valued financial partner and keeping your plan on point to meet your needs and dreams.”
Regardless of which advisor you initially meet with, they collaborate on your plan. “We each have different specialties, and we believe that we are stronger as a team than anyone could be as an individual,” Crystal points out. This also means there is at least one other person in the office that knows about your plan in detail and can provide help and answers when you need them.
“My team is what makes the workday fun,” she beams. “The relationships we’ve built and the interactions we have together make my day much more enjoyable. I couldn’t do what I do without them.”
Because everything at Savaglia Financial Advisors revolves around your goals and dreams, they will not discuss any specific investments or products until they have created a comprehensive financial plan that addresses your unique
situation.
“Only after we understand that big picture,” Crystal asserts, “do we offer more specific recommendations in areas such as financial assessment and planning, investments, insurance, and taxes.” Crystal is enthusiastic about the entire approach. “I am excited about what Savaglia Financial Advisors can do for you with our collaborative effort,” she says. “This allows me to continue to work with you as I always have while increasing the level of service we can provide.”
Her passion for financial planning and energy are derived from the clients she works with and their stories. “I’ve met so many people from all different walks of life who inspire me to strive to be a better person and continue learning and growing in my profession to help them in my highest capacity,” she enthuses. “I’ve helped many clients go through some of the best events in their lives, and I’ve also seen many of my clients go through tough events like death or divorce and how they push through and evolve to learn to live life beyond that experience. It reminds me that if you can overcome the obstacles in life and learn from them, you can be rewarded in other ways down the road.”
Crystal values her team and her clients. “The biggest reward is being able to watch my clients enjoy the dreams they have shared with me and that we have planned for,” Crystal confides. “It is never too early to start planning for your future. Do not have regrets tomorrow because you didn’t start today.”
Personal Passions to Professional Excellence
Crystal received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance with an emphasis in insurance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and spent six years gaining experience at a company that helped school districts and municipalities with their employee benefits and eventually moving into personal financial planning.
She is married to Geoff, whom she met in college, “We have one dog named Tucker,” she smiles. Outside of her career, she enjoys gardening and has backyard chickens. “I love getting fresh food and eggs every day,” she exclaims. “My husband and I also belong to the Wisconsin Vintners Association and have a hobby making wine together. We love to travel and explore the state through camping and hiking.”
Tucker especially enjoys the fact that Savaglia is a dog friendly office. “We usually have at least one dog in our office to greet clients every day,” Crystal reveals. No one is happier to see you than a dog, and it brings such a positive and light energy to our office. I joke that some of our clients come in for their financial reviews just to see our dogs. A few of them even bring treats!”
