Take Control of Your Wealth

Professional Financial Services Designed Around Your Goals

At Lee Hyder & Associates, we believe everyone deserves an investment philosophy that aligns with their unique financial goals. Yet after more than 32 years in this industry, we’ve found that most people don’t have a clearly defined approach to how they invest—or why.

Without a strategy, it’s easy to make emotional decisions, fall for financial “hot tips,” or chase performance without understanding the fundamentals. Our goal is to help you change that. We guide you to make smart, informed decisions based on your values, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.

Ask Yourself:

  • Do you know how much volatility your portfolio could experience?
  • Do you understand your standard deviation—and why it matters?
  • Are your investments truly diversified? What’s your asset allocation, and how did you determine it?
  • Do you know what you’re really paying in fees—including the ones not shown on your statement?
  • Do you have a consistent, rules-based approach for rebalancing?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you’re not alone—but we’re here to help you say “yes.” Our job is to cut through the noise and provide advice grounded in research, experience, and what’s best for you—not what’s trending.

Your Fiduciary Financial Coach

As fiduciary financial advisors based in Akron, we are legally and ethically required to act in your best interest. That means no sales pitches, no commission-based advice—just honest guidance built around your life.

We don’t just manage investments—we serve as a long-term partner through every financial transition: retirement, loss of a loved one, disability, or divorce. Our process is grounded in a clear philosophy, not gut feelings or market speculation.

Our holistic approach to private wealth management includes six key service areas:

IRAs and Roth IRAs may seem simple on the surface, but the rules behind them are anything but. The SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 introduced major changes that still confuse even seasoned investors.

We work closely with you—and your heirs—to navigate key questions like:

  • When do RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) start, and how much do you need to take?
  • What happens to your IRA after you pass away?
  • Could you benefit from a Roth conversion?

The penalties for missteps are steep—up to 50% for a missed RMD. We help you avoid those mistakes and protect your retirement assets for the people you love.

Want to learn more? Read our article: The Five Biggest Threats to a Secure Retirement.

Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. In fact, smaller estates often suffer the most from probate costs and delays.

While we don’t provide legal services, we partner with trusted estate planning attorneys to help you:

  • Create a will
  • Establish a revocable trust
  • Appoint a trustee
  • Ensure your assets transfer smoothly and efficiently

The goal? To protect your legacy, minimize taxes, and give you and your family peace of mind.

Explore more in our guide: Ensuring Your Estate Plan Is In Order.

My father was a CPA, and one of the first lessons he taught me was that taxes aren’t as black-and-white as they seem. That insight inspired the title of my first book, 1+1 = 2, Maybe.

There’s more than one way to reduce your tax burden—legally and ethically. Our tax strategies focus on:

  • Reducing Social Security tax exposure
  • Managing capital gains
  • Maximizing tax-efficient interest income
  • Planning for taxes on inherited assets

Failing to plan for taxes can cost your family tens of thousands. Our goal is to keep more of your wealth where it belongs: with you and your beneficiaries.

Want to dig deeper? Read our series: The Shocking Truth About Taxes & Retirement.

“Wealth management” and “retirement planning” are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same.

Wealth management involves your full financial picture:

  • Real estate and liabilities
  • Trusts and powers of attorney
  • Income and cash flow
  • Insurance, taxes, and estate planning

Retirement planning is more focused. It helps you shift from saving to spending—without running out of money or sacrificing your lifestyle.

At Lee Hyder & Associates, we view both through the lens of coaching. Our job is to educate, guide, and empower—not simply tell you what to do. We want you to become an informed partner in every financial decision.

Learn more in our resource: Why Advice Matters.

True wealth planning includes preparation for life’s unexpected turns.

Whether it’s a long-term care need, a health event, or the loss of a spouse, the financial consequences can be significant. We help you:

  • Assess your risks
  • Explore coverage options for death, disability, or chronic illness
  • Protect your family’s financial future with the right insurance solutions

A well-structured insurance policy isn’t just protection—it can be a powerful legacy planning tool as well.

Some of the most critical financial decisions happen during transitions. We specialize in helping you navigate them with confidence.

Financial Planning for Divorced Women

Divorce later in life is more common than ever—and it can be overwhelming. Many women find themselves managing large settlements and making financial decisions for the first time in decades.

Whether you’re newly divorced or approaching retirement, we’ll help you:

  • Understand your investment options
  • Reduce tax consequences from your divorce settlement
  • Create a plan for long-term financial stability

My book, Financial Planning for Divorced Women, was inspired by real-life experience—and is available for download.

401(k) Planning During Job Changes

If you’ve switched jobs over the years, you may have multiple retirement accounts left behind. What should you do with them?

We’ll help you:

  • Evaluate rollover options (to an IRA or your new employer)
  • Understand the tax implications of each choice
  • Explore Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBAs) if your plan allows

Read our guide: Corona Chaos: How to Be Sure Your 401(k)/IRA Will Survive the Next Pandemic.

 

Why Choose Lee Hyder & Associates?

Many big-name firms do a great job with investing—but ignore everything else. We don’t.

At Lee Hyder & Associates, we integrate tax planning, estate coordination, insurance, retirement income strategies, and education—all through a fiduciary lens.

You’re not just a portfolio to us. You’re a person with goals, challenges, and a vision for your future. We’re here to help you build that future with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Let’s Talk—No Obligation, Just a Conversation

If you’re looking for a financial advisor who will listen, coach, and put your interests first, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. Whether you prefer to meet in person at our Akron office, talk by phone, or connect via Zoom, we’re happy to meet you where you are.

There’s no pressure—just a chance to get a second opinion on one of the most important parts of your life: your financial future.