Doug Oosterhart, CFP®

A collaborative financial advisor for retirees and those near retirement

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LifePoint Planning Doug Oosterhart, CFP®
Bloomfield Hills, MI

Serving Clients Nationwide

A collaborative financial advisor for retirees and those near retirement

Rated 5.0 out of 5
13 Certified Advisor Reviews™
Rate this Advisor

Areas of Focus

  • Estate Planning
  • Insurance
  • Investing
  • Investment Management
  • Money Psychology
  • Retirement Planning
  • Taxes

About Me

Hi, I'm Doug Oosterhart. For more than a decade, I've had the privilege to work with a variety of clients, ranging from millennials just starting their careers to multi-generational nine-figure business owners and families. Having thousands of client meetings has shown me that financial planning is complex, but the process doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming.

Due to my wife's career (and her being a rockstar at what she does), we have moved multiple times throughout the United States over the past few years. Although my firm is headquartered in Michigan, I split my physical time between Greater Chicago, IL, and Michigan's lower peninsula.

I began working in financial services in early 2013 as an insurance agent while getting my degree in Finance from Michigan State University. I then developed a passion for financial planning, but felt a disconnect that left the client questioning a couple of things: How does this advisor get paid? Is this advisor obligated to work in my best interest (fiduciary)? With those questions in mind, I started researching business models and concluded that to best serve clients, starting an independent Registered Investment Adviser was the best option.

I am dedicated to serving clients to and through their biggest decisions while aligning money with life to make work optional.​

Core Philosophies:

✅ Control the controllables - we cannot control the stock market day-to-day. We can control things like keeping fees low, being smart with taxes, saving in the correct areas/accounts, and making informed financial decisions.

✅ Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - there is no reason for a client to be confused by what their advisor is doing/helping them with. We need to make sure you understand your plan and why we are doing what we are doing.

✅ Life is too short to be unhappy - let's work toward the most fulfilling life (whatever that may be for you). The ultimate freedom is the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want.

✅ Be direct with communication - be confident and firm with recommendations and tell the client what they *need* to hear, not what they *want to hear*. Otherwise, why should they hire you?

Professional Designations

  • Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets
  • Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC)
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Affiliations

  • Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals

Primary Location

48304

Additional Locations

📍 Greater Chicago, IL

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Flat Fee
  • Percentage of Assets Managed

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free 15-minute get to know each other" phone call. A short phone call will give us both a chance to make sure your situation matches our expertise. The call will accomplish the goal of whether or not it makes sense to continue the conversation.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About our Firm

LifePoint Planning is a comprehensive financial planning firm serving clients across the United States virtually. We specialize in retirement planning and investment management for professionals who are currently retired or want to know if they have the capability to retire someday. The clients we serve benefit from not only having access to a robust technology suite but also getting a very personalized financial plan and investment strategy to help them achieve their goals. LifePoint was launched with a mission to provide a modern approach and a fresh perspective on what we believe to be an outdated industry.

We start with clarifying our clients' goals to construct a plan. A solid financial plan comes before any type of investment strategy as we believe that the portfolio is only the funding medium FOR the plan that achieves our clients' goals.

One of the first items to clarify is your specific retirement "style". Do you prefer more guarantees in your income or are you more trusting of the market to produce adequate income? It's important to make sure we develop the best strategy for *you* and *your* retirement. It's important to stay strategy agnostic and not think in absolutes when developing your income plan.

Our process helps our clients avoid big mistakes that are common among all investors. We constantly coach our clients on proper investor behavior to build a plan that remains successful through all market conditions.

We are committed to helping clients all over the country using a robust technology suite and artificial intelligence to stay efficient.

Education

Michigan State University - Eli Broad College of Business, BA, Finance

Badges

Hobbies and Interests

  • Cooking
  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Golf
  • Grilling
  • Pickleball
  • Traveling

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • Dual Income Family
  • Gen X
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Living in Retirement

To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


By clicking submit, you acknowledge this review is based on your own experience and reflects your genuine opinion. You also agree to our review policy, privacy policy, and terms and conditions, and give this financial advisor permission to publicly display your review on their website.

Extremely Pleased

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 2, 2024
Our family has been with Doug since 2022. I liked that he had experience with a large, respected financial organization, but wanted to create a better environment for clients by going independent (ie. leveraging the good and building upon the opportunities he experienced at "megacorp"). Doug effectively connects on a personal level and is able to communicate financial themes to those with all levels of understanding. I especially appreciate our discussions...Doug ensures we understand his rationale for any recommendation and thoughtfully considers feedback we might share. The fact Doug is a virtual advisor has not been an obstacle. His multi-media presentations/communications are timely, effective, succinct, humorous, and provide an audit trail. Doug routinely demonstrates his broad knowledge of financial/investment instruments, investment strategy, estate planning, taxes, and aspects of running a small business. All in all, extremely pleased.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mike Chester
Mike Chester

Fantastic communicator, personable and knowledgeable

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Oct 5, 2023
We have had Doug/ LifePoint planning as our financial advisor since January of 2020. I was 59 and my Wife was 55 so we were nearing retirement. We had Edward Jones as our “advisor” the only thing he would recommend was America-funds. We chose Doug because he is very personable, knowledgeable, and caring. We also liked his fee structure. Doug’s communication is fantastic! If I email Doug have a question, I know I will get answer that day. I love that he took the time to determine our investing style (My wife and my investing styles are completely different) he took the time to find and recommend a solution that both of us are comfortable with. Our original plan was for both of us to retire when I turned 65. At one of our quarterly meetings, I asked if I could retire at 62 it didn’t phase Doug a bit he crunched the numbers and said we could with no problems. I am now retiring in this coming January. Doug has been with us every step ensuring we have the type of retirement we want and is generally excited for us. I cannot say enough about how pleased we are with Doug. If you are looking for a financial advisor, I highly recommend Doug and LifePoint Planning.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for John and Debbie
John and Debbie

Outstanding Advisor and Partner

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Aug 15, 2023
We’ve been working with Doug for over a year now and he’s been consistently excellent. He stood out from the other advisors we interviewed based on his ability to both clearly and deeply understand financial details but also to translate that in a relatable way. He also not only sought out to understand our goals but pushed us to define them more clearly for ourselves and has partnered with us to do so. I can’t recommend partnering with Doug strongly enough.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Nick and Kara
Nick and Kara

Excellent Experience & Straightforward Guidance

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Jun 20, 2023
Working with Doug has been such a pleasure. His in-depth analysis of our entire financial picture was more comprehensive than expected and he assisted us every step of the way as we put plans into action. Doug has been extremely responsive, excellent at follow through, and has provided straightforward guidance for all the questions we had. Working with Doug has been a true partnership- one we look forward to continuing!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Brandee and Anhthi Tran
Brandee and Anhthi Tran

Great Customer Service

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Mar 5, 2023
Having Doug in my corner managing my investment needs has been tremendously helpful. Aside from his deep knowledge as a Certified Financial Planner, he possesses great communication skills as well. Additionally... whenever I have a question or need guidance with my investment strategy, Doug has always been extremely responsive and accessible. Bottom line... Doug is the best!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Dave H.
Dave H.

Gold Standard

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Mar 1, 2023
After a rather exhaustive search, and experience with several other Financial Advisors, I was thrilled to meet and start working with Doug. Financial Planning is both an art and science, something that requires time and movement from "the weeds"(across many subjects) to the conceptual and psychological realities of the investor. Doug gets it! I feel like I'm in very good hands and have a long time partner(and friend) as I prepare to enter retirement and start living my best life.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Brian Lundin
Brian Lundin

Terrific advisor

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Mar 1, 2023
I am single, on the cusp of retirement, and needed a financial advisor relating and understanding. I found Doug who has been precisely what I was looking for and needed. His business acumen is only over-shadowed by his one-on-one personal touch. I could not recommend him any more highly.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Carole
Carole

Empathy with Win/Win End goal

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 28, 2023
Doug at Life Point Planning takes time to learn where you stand with your current investment/retirement strategy. He will use that information to offer up a revamped strategy that will maximize your portfolio while keeping your risk tollerence at a level you are comfortable with. He is a constant student of his profession searching for investment and tax saving scenarios that will benefit his customers. He is unlike the majority of this profession and only feels good with his win when he knows he created a win for his customer. He is in this for the long haul.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for George Perschon
George Perschon

Integrity - Purpose - Abundance

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 27, 2023
I'm eager to write this review for Doug. While I know that words don't teach, I hope that my effort here will inspire you connect with him personally and discover the benefits of collaboration with him, for yourself. Doug brings a broader perspective to financial advising. His approach creates ease, financial clarity, and straight forward communication. Dougs helps clients to focus on the things that are truly essential in the creation of the abundance we are all seeking in life. Last year, I went through a painful divorce and mid-life transformation. Doug was a calm, clear signal in the storm, you might say, showing up for me again and again with wisdom and compassion. Without reservation, I can say that he is lined up in his integrity and purpose. I encourage you to give him a call, a joyful life awaits.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lisa Kay
Lisa Kay

Trust, Integrity and Performance Driven Results

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 8, 2023
Have been working with Doug for almost 5 years; he is a consummate "student of the game" in understanding what's best for me and my family's financial future. The most important aspect of our relationship is integrity and trust. He has handled all of my questions, no matter how small or large, with thoughtfulness and respect. He has provided me with excellent counsel. Thinking about the future, I appreciate that Doug will still be 'in his prime' during my most mature years. Occasionally my peers will share information about their financial advisor relationship that suggests they are not getting great attention or counsel they desire. My recommendation to them (or anyone) who is not getting the most out of their financial advisement is to pls contact Doug for an initial discussion. Full stop.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Dave Haak
Dave Haak

Knowledgeable and Available

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 2, 2023
The human element behind a Financial Advisor is as important as the knowledge. Luckily, Doug is extremely knowledgeable, and he is always available. He is personable, and understands the emotional side of his clients as well. He directly aligns my planning with my families financial goals, and he has always makes time to review my plan. There is nobody else I would rather trust with my family’s financial planning, and I would suggest him 100 times over to anybody!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson

The best of the best in a 'crazy' industry

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 2, 2023
In an industry where trust and honesty seems to be lost, Doug brings both to the table while also being at the forefront of market knowledge. His ability to customize and tailor clients needs and desires to the many market offerings, all while explaining it in a meaningful way and showing how it will help is second to none. Doug will listen to your goals, help you to get on path to meet those and partner with you, not pressure you into specific products. Money and wealth is an emotional topic for many and there is nobody better to partner with than Doug. Have that first call with him and you'll understand why this will be the best decision short and long term for your wealth.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Al
Al

Knowledgeable, Collaborative, Genuine and Friendly Financial Advisor who Always has Your Best Interest in Mind

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Feb 2, 2023
Doug has been my financial advisor for the last 3.5 years and it has been such a pleasure working with him on planning my financial future. He has proven to be kind, very trustworthy and knowledgeable in his field, amicable, and a collaborative financial advisor with whom I will gladly work with for the long term.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lana Radosevic
Lana Radosevic