Retirement isn’t just a financial milestone, it’s a transformative life stage. Christopher A. Herring helps clients navigate this emotional transition with purpose and confidence.
For many, retirement is seen as a reward, a long-awaited break from the daily grind. But for Christopher A. Herring, it’s also a pivotal transition, one that carries emotional and psychological shifts that often go unnoticed in the rush to accumulate wealth. After all, how many financial planners focus not just on assets, but on how retirement changes a person’s sense of self, purpose, and happiness? That’s where Chris stands apart.
At the beginning of his career, Chris, the President and Owner of Herring Wealth Management, recognized that the traditional approach to retirement planning focused too narrowly on financial accumulation. It didn’t account for the psychological hurdles retirees face when they leave behind their careers and step into the unknown. Over 21 years in the financial services industry, Chris has made it his mission to fill that gap, helping clients prepare for retirement in a way that integrates both financial security and emotional well-being.
The Missing Piece of Retirement Planning
Chris’s career began in 2002 after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from James Madison University, where he also played football. He quickly learned that traditional retirement planning wasn’t addressing the real struggles retirees face. Retirement wasn’t just about having enough money, it was about making the transition from a busy work life to a slower-paced, often isolating retirement.
Through his own journey, Chris began to realize that retirement planning needed to go beyond the numbers. It needed to address the emotional aspects of transitioning into retirement, the loss of identity, the feeling of purposelessness, and the challenges of finding new routines. These realizations became the cornerstone of Herring Wealth Management, a firm designed to serve not only the financial needs of clients but their emotional and psychological needs as well.
A Comprehensive Approach: Financial Security Meets Emotional Well-Being
At Herring Wealth Management, the firm’s philosophy is simple: retirement planning should empower, not overwhelm. It’s about creating financial strategies that bring peace of mind, not just to protect against the worst-case scenario, but to help clients thrive in their retirement years.
Chris, a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC®), offers a unique blend of technical expertise and a deeply personal understanding of retirement’s human side. Through his workshops and one-on-one consultations, he emphasizes the importance of aligning financial decisions with clients’ values, goals, and lifestyles. Instead of simply focusing on accumulating wealth, Chris’s approach is about preparing for the next chapter of life with clarity and confidence.
What sets Herring Wealth Management apart is their dedication to the emotional transition that accompanies financial retirement planning. Chris’s philosophy is that retirement is more than just financial freedom, it’s about discovering new purpose, establishing new goals, and staying engaged in life. This comprehensive approach helps clients transition smoothly from the workforce to retirement, ensuring they are both financially prepared and emotionally supported.
The Emotional Journey: More Than Just a Paycheck
One of the most pressing issues facing retirees today is the emotional and psychological toll retirement can take. Chris recognized this when working with a couple who, after decades of working, suddenly found themselves without the structure that had defined their lives. This emotional shift, often referred to as the “identity gap,” can be just as jarring as the financial uncertainties many face.
Chris addresses this issue head-on, providing his clients with strategies to cope with the emotional challenges of retirement. It’s not just about having enough money, it’s about rediscovering what matters most, whether that’s spending more time with family, pursuing hobbies, or finding new ways to stay mentally and physically active. Retirement can be a time of reinvention, and Chris helps clients navigate this transition with purpose and fulfillment.
As the author of The Hidden Crisis in Retirement, Chris has highlighted the often-overlooked aspect of retirement, its emotional challenges. His article reveals how the emotional journey that begins after the last paycheck stops is just as important, if not more so, than the financial planning that precedes it.
The Role of Education in Bridging the Gap
Chris is an advocate for financial education as a critical tool in bridging the gap between awareness and action, particularly when it comes to retirement planning. His education-first approach has made him a leader in helping individuals prepare for retirement before they even think about taking that first step.
Through corporate workshops on Social Security, retirement planning, and financial wellness, Chris empowers employees to take control of their financial futures long before they reach retirement age. These workshops have been particularly valuable for employees who are concerned about the future but may not have a clear understanding of how to plan for it.
Financial education also benefits employers. By offering these sessions, companies can reduce employee stress, improve retention, and increase productivity. This proactive approach not only helps employees feel more confident in their retirement plans but also ensures they are making informed decisions that support both their long-term financial goals and their emotional well-being.
Independent and Client-Centered
What makes Herring Wealth Management truly unique is Chris’s commitment to independence. Unlike many financial advisors who are tied to a particular company or product, Chris is free to choose the best financial solutions for his clients without any corporate pressure. This independence allows him to offer a truly personalized experience, ensuring that each client’s financial plan aligns with their unique goals and lifestyle.
By focusing on each client’s personal objectives, whether it’s securing a reliable income stream, minimizing taxes, or leaving a legacy, Chris is able to create strategies that go beyond simple wealth management. Herring Wealth Management’s holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a client’s retirement plan is aligned with their values and goals.
Income Is the New Wealth
In today’s economy, wealth is no longer just about how much you save, it’s about how that money works for you. With longer lifespans and unpredictable market conditions, retirees need reliable, consistent income, not just a hefty savings balance. Chris’s retirement planning approach focuses on helping clients build flexible income streams that can support their desired lifestyle, no matter how the economy shifts.
As a Retirement Income Certified Professional, Chris is uniquely equipped to create personalized income strategies that are both sustainable and adaptable. These strategies ensure that clients have the financial resources they need to live comfortably, whether they’re enjoying their golden years or managing unforeseen challenges.
Connect with Chris Herring
Visit the website: Herring Wealth Management
Follow Chris on LinkedIn: Christopher A. Herring
Like him on Facebook: Christopher Herring
Explore his retirement readiness resources: Retirement Readiness
Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC
RICP conferred by The American College
