Areas of Focus
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Coaching
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Estate Planning
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Financial Life Planning
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Insurance
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Investment Management
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Retirement Planning
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Taxes
About Dr. Steven Crane
Hi, I’m Steven Crane. I didn’t grow up around money. I didn’t grow up with access, connections, or a silver spoon. In fact, I’ve been the person on the outside looking in… financially struggling, overlooked, and underestimated. At one point, I was the stereotypical “homeless veteran.” And while that part of my story doesn’t define me, it deeply informs why I do what I do today.
I started Financial Legacy Builders with one mission in mind: to make high-quality, transparent, and judgment-free financial planning accessible to the people who need it most - veterans, working-class families, and those who’ve been excluded from the traditional financial advice world because of their income, background, or life circumstances.
I’ve spent the last decade working across public, private, and government sectors, acquiring the tools and certifications (over 100 of them) to master this industry, not just to look good on paper, but to serve people powerfully and ethically.
I’ve delivered over $4.2 billion in benefits to veterans worldwide, coached more than 5,000 individuals, and led global teams in implementing transformational programs.
I hold multiple doctoral degrees and a wall full of credentials, including: ChFC®, CLU®, AFC®, CF2®, CFEd®, CMFA®, and numerous other designations that professionals in the industry spend years pursuing. While I rarely lead with titles, I’ve earned every one of them to ensure the advice I give isn’t just passionate; it’s precise, professional, and built to serve you well.
What matters most to me is that you feel seen, respected, and equipped to create a legacy you’re proud of, whether you're earning $20K or $200K a year. I believe financial advice shouldn’t be a luxury product for the wealthy. Everyone deserves a plan and a partner who listens without judgment and provides a clear path forward.
At Financial Legacy Builders, we don’t talk over your head, sell products, or require six-figure minimums. We charge a flat 1% of your household income because I believe that’s fair, transparent, and aligned with your success. This firm was built for people like us. People who’ve fought hard to be where they are and just need a trusted guide to take that next step with confidence.
So, if you’re tired of feeling invisible, overwhelmed, or stuck… you’re not alone. And you’re not behind. Let’s build something powerful together.
Professional Designations
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Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)
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Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets
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Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
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Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
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National Social Security Advisor (NSSA)
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Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)
Affiliations
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AFCPE
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Fee Only Network
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Financial Planning Association
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Global Financial Planning Institute
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Investments & Wealth Institute
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Military Financial Advisors Association
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National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
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XY Planning Network
Primary Location
Dayton, Ohio
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
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Fee Only
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Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free introductory call. We'll get to know each other and I'll listen to understand your unique circumstances so we can determine the best way to proceed. I look forward to speaking with you.
Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Financial Legacy Builders
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Financial Legacy Builders proudly serves clients nationwide, offering flexible, secure support through virtual meetings, screen sharing, and encrypted file transfers.
Led by Dr. Steven Crane, a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor, the firm specializes in comprehensive financial planning designed to help clients organize, grow, and protect their assets through all of life’s transitions. As a fiduciary, Dr. Crane is legally and ethically obligated to act in the best interest of his clients. He receives no commissions, ensuring that all advice is objective, transparent, and aligned with each client’s financial goals.
To learn more and determine whether our services align with your needs, we invite you to schedule a complimentary introductory consultation.
Education
Steven Crane holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, where he studied transformational leadership, educational equity, and strategic change. He earned a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Coaching from the University of Sedona, emphasizing integrative coaching of mind, body, and spirit. He also completed an M.A. in Financial Planning and Law from Regent University, an MBA in Business Analytics from Ohio University, and an M.P.M. in Project Management from Penn State University. His academic foundation includes a B.A. in Criminal Justice, earned cum laude, from American Military University. Crane expanded his expertise with advanced certifications in executive leadership, human resources, process management, diversity and inclusion, and metaphysics from institutions such as Cornell, George Mason, Villanova, ESSEC, Syracuse, and the University of Metaphysics. His education reflects a deep commitment to organizational transformation, personal development, and service.
Who We Serve
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Baby Boomers
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Dual Income Family
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Families
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Gen X
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Gen Y / Millennials
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Military
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Parents
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Veterans
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Young Families