Hello, I’m Derek Lenington and thank you for this opportunity to connect with you. I hope that after reading this brief write-up you will know some key facts about me which may be helpful when choosing a partner for your financial planning and investments. As a long-time financial professional and soon to be ’50 something’, I’ve been around the fiscal block a few times. After working in other environments, I was determined to open my own financial planning shop – Lenington Financial – so that I could provide truly independent advice, no strings attached.

Not only do I believe fee-for-service to be the most ethical and transparent approach for providing financial advice; it is also the most cost effective.

I hold a Masters in Business Administration from UCLA and a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I started working in the financial services industry in New York City after graduating from Miami University in 1981 and am authorized to use the CFP® mark of distinction.

The Certified Financial Planner™ professional process was developed to differentiate planners who provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary planning from other professions, such as insurance agents or accountants, whose focus is narrower and reflects their particular area of expertise.

The CFP® mark indicates that a planner has proven competency in all the disciplines financial planning, has practical experience, and has committed to a high standard of professional conduct and continuing education. The final step in the certification process is that the candidate must agree to abide by the CFP Board of Standard’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which outlines the planner’s professional obligations to the public and clients.

Almost 20 years ago I learned that I had a life-threatening disorder. This, coupled with the insights I’d gleaned from my years in the financial services business, was the inspiration for my decision to refocus my career and pursue my passion for client service. After coming to terms with the diagnosis, I began to seek out advice and counsel on a variety of issues. The initial frustration at the lack of accessible and objective financial planning assistance morphed into a drive to assist other independently-minded folks who I knew would share my appreciation for straightforward advice provided with genuine concern.

Today, I am a member of The Garrett Planning Network, Inc., the nation’s leading and fastest-growing network of Fee-Only (commission-free) financial planners focused on working with people from all walks of life. I am also a member of the National Association of Financial Professionals (NAPFA), the Financial Planning Association and the PridePlanners Association.  In 2008 I completed the rigorous training required to become a Registered Life Planner with the Kinder Institute of Life Planning.  This transformative, holistic approach to financial planning recognizes that often we do not acknowledge, much less act on, our most meaningful life goals.  George Kinder’s training helps me to help you identify these goals while financial planning helps us to create a path to achievement.

When you’re ready to get the independent advice you need, please contact me. I offer a complimentary “get acquainted” meeting, which can be conducted in person or over the phone. There is no cost or obligation. Lenington Financial is not your typical investment advisory or wealth management firm.  It could be just the place for you.

CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.