Take Charge of Your Financial Future with the Fiduciary Professional Financial Team at Lee Hyder & Associates

Have a financial question? We’ve got professional answers.

As a thank you for stopping by, feel free to download one (or more) of my recent books absolutely free.

What’s on Your Mind?

“How do I protect myself—and my loved ones—throughout retirement?”

That question sits at the heart of nearly every financial conversation we have. Whether you’re asking about investments, how to choose a financial advisor, or how to plan for medical emergencies or Social Security, the root concern is almost always the same: Will I be okay? Will my family be okay?

These are the types of questions we hear every day from families looking for clarity, security, and peace of mind.

If you’re searching for a trusted financial advisor who can guide you through these important decisions, you’ve come to the right place. This website was created with two goals in mind:

  1. To serve as a resource for anyone researching financial advisors. If you’ve worked hard your whole life to build retirement savings, you shouldn’t take anyone’s word at face value—including mine.
  2. To help you understand the benefits of working with a fiduciary financial advisor, and how partnering with the right advisor can lead to meaningful, measurable results.

We serve a wide range of clients, but they all share one thing in common: a desire to feel secure in their financial future. That’s where we come in.

Prefer Local? Work With a Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Akron

Whether you’re from the Rubber Capital of the World or located across the country, we’re here to serve as your trusted financial partner.

While many think financial planning is just about investment management, true fiduciary advice goes much further. That’s why our comprehensive service model addresses six key areas:

1. IRA & 401(k) Planning
Your retirement accounts are the foundation of your financial future. We help you evaluate your investment mix—including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and even crypto assets—and ensure your allocation aligns with your goals. We’ll also help you navigate tax-saving strategies and avoid costly mistakes or penalties in today’s complex tax environment.

2. Estate Planning
Your legacy matters. We work alongside your estate attorney to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes honored, giving your family peace of mind when it matters most.

3. Tax Strategy & Reduction
Every investment decision has tax consequences. Our approach helps you keep more of what you earn by optimizing your accounts for tax efficiency—both now and in retirement.

4. Wealth Management & Retirement Planning
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all strategy. We believe in thoughtful, transparent, relationship-based planning tailored to your specific needs. You’re always encouraged to explore our resource library and schedule a free consultation at your convenience.

5. Insurance & Risk Protection
Protecting your financial plan means protecting you. We help assess your needs for life insurance, long-term care coverage, Medicare planning, and other forms of protection that can guard against unexpected loss, illness, or injury.

6. Navigating Major Life Transitions
Retirement, job changes, death of a loved one, or divorce—each brings financial challenges. We help you stay grounded, avoid costly missteps, and confidently move forward.

Divorce & Finance: Protecting Your Assets After the Split

Divorce isn’t easy—and for Baby Boomers and pre-retirees, it’s increasingly common. Most people don’t go into marriage expecting to navigate this kind of separation, but once it happens, the financial impact can feel overwhelming.

Your divorce attorney handles the legal matters. But who helps protect your investments and plan for what comes next?

If you’re unsure how to handle your financial settlement, update your retirement strategy, or make confident decisions as the sole financial decision-maker for the first time, you’re not alone. That’s where we step in—with insight, support, and guidance that’s tailored to this major life shift.

Download our free guide on managing your financial settlement after divorce. You’ll also find dedicated resources to help you move forward with clarity and control.

Maximize Your Peak Earning Years: Optimize Your 401(k) Strategy

Gone are the days when you could rely solely on a pension or Social Security for retirement. Today, your financial future largely depends on how well you manage your 401(k).

Do you know if your plan includes a Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) or BrokerageLink®? These underutilized features allow you to move beyond your plan’s limited investment options and access thousands of other investments.

Unfortunately, most people don’t even know this option exists—let alone how to use it. Even fewer realize that many advisors can’t work with these accounts.

Add to that the complexity of job changes, career transitions, and employer plan restrictions, and it’s no wonder so many investors leave money on the table.

We can help you determine:

  • Whether your plan includes an SDBA or similar option
  • If a rollover or transfer makes more sense than keeping your 401(k) with a past or current employer
  • How to structure your account for long-term growth, tax efficiency, and risk management

Schedule a no-obligation meeting or phone call with us to get answers and guidance tailored to your situation.

Start Exploring: Download Free Financial eBooks & Resources

Ready to learn more? Our free eBooks and guides are designed to give you valuable insight into your retirement planning, investment options, and how to choose the right advisor.

Just click on any title in the menu below to access your complimentary digital copy.

Take the first step toward a more confident financial future—starting now.

Or Explore Our Digital Educational Series

In this four-part series, “Are You Sure Your Estate Plan Is In Order?,” we’ll be unpacking some of the most commonly asked questions about this complex area of retirement planning.

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In this three-part series, we’ll look at the keys to risk management in retirement, a feat which is easier said than done. Many retirees today are placing their entire life savings in danger with poor plan design, and the sad truth is, most have no idea!

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In this four-part series, “The Shocking Truth About Taxes & Retirement,” we’ll address some of the most commonly overlooked tax traps that retirees fall into in their golden years through income tax, capital gains tax, and lack of tax planning.

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Ready for a Professional Financial Consultation with Lee Hyder?

With more than 32 years of experience, Lee Hyder & Associates has helped hundreds of families—professionals, business owners, and individuals navigating divorce—find clarity and confidence in their retirement plans.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your financial future, you’re not alone. That’s why I always ask: Doesn’t your financial future deserve a second opinion?

If your answer is yes, we’d be honored to speak with you. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a Zoom call, or a quick phone chat, our team is here to meet you where you are. We work with clients across the country and pride ourselves on building long-term, trust-based relationships.

Feel free to explore our library of free resources and tools—or, if you’re ready, use the link below to schedule your complimentary income and retirement strategy session.

Let’s see if we’re the right fit to help you feel more confident about what’s next.

 

FAQ: Got Questions? You’re Not Alone.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients just like you.

Please note: These responses are for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. Your financial plan should always be tailored to your specific situation in collaboration with a qualified financial advisor.

1. What makes Lee Hyder & Associates different from other financial advisors?

At Lee Hyder & Associates, we serve our clients as fiduciary financial advisors—meaning we’re legally and ethically required to act in your best interest at all times.

But beyond that, we believe in educating our clients. We don’t just manage investments—we help you understand the “why” behind market movements and your portfolio’s performance. This approach gives our clients the clarity and confidence to stay grounded, even when markets are volatile. Think of your portfolio like a tree: just because it loses leaves in winter doesn’t mean you cut it down. Seasons change, and so do markets.

We also take a holistic approach to financial planning, offering services that include retirement income strategies, tax planning, estate planning, 401(k) management, and advanced insurance solutions. Our fee structure is transparent and tailored to each client’s needs—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pricing. And as fiduciaries, we never recommend a product or service that benefits us at your expense.

For more on what sets us apart, check out our video archive

2. Should retirees keep their retirement accounts invested in the stock market?

Generally, yes—most people should remain invested in the market. However, the allocation within your portfolio may need to shift as you transition into retirement.

In your accumulation years, the focus is typically on growth. Once retired, the emphasis often shifts to income, preservation, and potentially leaving a legacy. It’s important to review your risk tolerance and adjust your investment strategy accordingly. Retirement doesn’t mean you should stop investing—it just means the strategy may evolve.

3. I’ve heard that retirees should invest more in bonds than stocks. Is that true?

That’s a common belief, but it’s not always the best rule of thumb. Your ideal mix of stocks and bonds depends less on your age and more on your personal financial situation.

For example, if your essential income needs are already covered by a pension or Social Security, you may be able to afford a more growth-oriented strategy with higher equity exposure. On the other hand, if your portfolio needs to generate regular income, a more conservative allocation may make sense.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your unique goals, risk tolerance, and income needs.

4. Should I consider opening or converting to a Roth IRA?

Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement because contributions are made with after-tax dollars. That makes them especially powerful if you believe, as we do, that tax rates are likely to rise in the future.

By converting some of your Traditional IRA or 401(k) funds into a Roth IRA, you may be able to lock in today’s tax rates and enjoy tax-free income in retirement—for both you and your heirs. Roth conversions can be a smart strategy, but they should be carefully timed and coordinated as part of your broader financial plan.

Let us know if you have more questions.

We’re happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to talk through your specific goals and concerns.

Want to explore more? Check out our full library of free guides and resources.