Douglas Eze, Founder of Largo Financial Services is setting out to change the way financial advisors help clients acquire wealth and save money for their future and equip individuals and small business owners with the education and guidance needed to achieve financial freedom. He founded Largo Financial Services in 2000 and has since gone on to write the book Creating Generational Wealth®: What the Super Wealthy Know That You Need To Know.
How did you get your start in the financial industry?
DE: I was introduced to the industry at just 23. I had immigrated to the United States with my family and I was waiting tables at IHOP when I was approached by a customer with a business card. He invited me to a meeting and offered me a job. That one moment was the catalyst for my future.
How did Largo Financial Services Come About?
DE: I had realized there was a gap in the industry. All too often, clients came to their financial advisor confused and left the meeting even more lost and overwhelmed. Unfortunately, it seems like some financial advisors purposely confuse their clients for their own gain, which leaves them completely discouraged. I realized how many people held great aspirations to build wealth and leave a legacy for their families, but simply no idea how to do so. This lack of knowledge is the biggest contributor to generational debt and individuals’ inability to achieve financial freedom. My goal with Largo Financial Services is to actually educate my clients.
What is your process when working with a new client?
DE: I simply take a common-sense approach and start at the beginning. I like to get to know my clients and understand their goals and their current financial situation. We start by identifying the areas where they may be unknowingly throwing away money. This is an important step, some of my clients don’t have any idea that they’re paying ridiculous fees for their phone bills or car insurance. After that, we’ll create a plan for them to become debt-free and I provide them with the tools to begin saving for their future.
So you first address a client’s debt before starting the wealth-building process?
DE: While addressing the debt and creating a plan to overcome it is important, there is a common misconception that one cannot build wealth if they have debt. This is entirely untrue. My approach is to get out of debt as quickly as possible, but from day one we are incorporating wealth-building strategies into their financial plan. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, the two can exist simultaneously.
What types of services do you provide your clients?
DE: We take a holistic approach to achieve financial independence and building wealth. For that reason, we advise clients on everything from minimizing their taxes, protecting their assets, mortgage payments, college funds, life insurance, and retirement planning.
What was your vision behind writing Creating Generational Wealth?
DE: I realized early on in my career that most people simply don’t have the knowledge or understanding of how to build wealth, this creates a huge wealth disparity in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. However, with the right knowledge and practical approach, anyone can build wealth from any starting level. Creating Generational Wealth provides readers with a step-by-step guide to get out of debt, make a plan for the future, and start building a legacy of wealth. The book covers the same principles that wealthy families utilize every day.
How can readers get in touch with you or learn more?
DE: I invite anyone to schedule a free consultation call on our website, https://largofinancialservices.com/, or to read the book, available on Amazon, Audible, and Itunes!