Episode 1 : Designed for Life: Our Story

by Financial Design Studio, Inc. / October 31, 2022

We started a podcast: “Behind the Designs”! If you have ever wondered what financial professionals have to say about economic issues, then this podcast is for you! You can find our podcast, wherever you can stream them.

Our very first episode is “Designed for Life: Our Story.” In it, learn more about who we are . . . from why we love financial planning, to how we each started our own firms, to creating Financial Design Studio! Our four partners, Michelle Smalenberger, Rob Stoll, Trevore Meyer, Steve Smalenberger, are all in this episode.

Key Moments

1:23 Meet the FDS Partners!

9:38 Registering each of our firms

12:50 Starting Financial Design Studio

14:44 What about our first firms?

16:23 How do we function as a team?

22:20 What was it like merging firms?

27:27 What is the FDS mission?

33:51 Why did we start this podcast?

Credits for Episode 1

Host: Michelle Smalenberger, CFP®

Guests: Stephen Smalenberger, EA; Robert Stoll, CFP®, CFA; Trevore Meyer, CFP®

Executive Producer: Anna Lewis

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a quick call with our financial advisors.

Get Started

Ep 74: Is Your Marriage Ready for Retirement?

In this episode, Michelle interviews Dave and Diane about how they built their finances together and are now preparing to retire together.

Financial Advisors on Raising Teens and College Students Who Understand Money

Ep 73: Raising Kids Who Understand Money: Teens + College Students

In this episode, we cover helping your teen find a job and eventually a career, banking and credit cards, and how plan for big savings goals.

Posted in Behind the Designs, Personal Finance, Your Financial Plan

Financial Design Studio, Inc.

We are financial advisors in Deer Park and Barrington, IL. A team with a passion for helping others design a path to financial success — whatever success means for you. Each of our unique insights fit together to create broad expertise, complete roadmaps, and creative solutions. We have seen the power of having a financial plan, and adjusting that plan to life. The result? Freedom from worrying about the future so you can enjoy today.