‘I want to be a catalyst for change’

Everyone has someone they were inspired by. For Stanley Funches, president and financial advisor of Alabama-based INTELUS Wealth Management, that person was his investment professor at Tulane University.

“He was outstanding,” he says. “He just inspired me to get into the field of investing. I always wondered when I was younger, why some people had money and some people didn't. The investment classes taught me how money makes money for you.”

Because of those classes, he decided to pursue financial planning. “When I think about my parents, my aunts and uncles, all this information would have been great [for them] so I wanted to provide that for a lot more people out there.”

After being in the industry for the last twenty-six years, he credits watching clients’ net growth grow from nothing to 7 or 8 figure range of net worth has been the most rewarding thing.

“We've been on this journey together and do good financial decision making. That is the most rewarding,” he said. “Through the working and saving, they can pass something on to other generations and live a comfortable life today. I've worked with people as they have sent kids to college and their kids are young adults now.

To me, that's the best thing. When I can sit down and talk to them, and know that they have a peace of mind, from a money standpoint.”

Funches’ approach to working with business owners as a strategic partner, along with his commitment to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions is one of the several reasons he’s being recognized as an InvestmentNews Awards 2024 Excellence Awardee. The winners will be announced on June 20 at 583 Park Avenue, New York City in a glitzy, red carpet ceremony. Click here to register to attend.

Funches is also a man of many talents, who’s an Amazon best-selling author and a podcast host. His book "The Quest for Financial Independence: 10 Areas of Your Planning You Should Not Ignore," has served as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of financial planning with confidence and clarity.

His podcast "Dads 'N Dollars," aims to provide practical financial advice and insights for young adults.

“I want to be a catalyst for change in the industry,” Funches said. “As the demographics change and more people who have traditionally been underserved are now having access to good quality financial planning, I want to be a catalyst for that advisor group to grow so clients can have people who look like them serve them.”

For more details about the InvestmentNews Awards, including a list of all finalists and details of how to attend, follow this link.