Come meet one of the kindest, most purposeful men in finance today. Stephen D. Dissette brings Navy-honed discipline, a Northwestern education, and a deeply personal mission to every conversation. Moreover, he refuses to let another family watch loved ones work until their very last breath. Consequently, Stephen built his entire career around one promise: help good people retire with choices, security, and joy. Furthermore, his warmth puts clients at ease the moment they sit down. Additionally, his tactical retirement strategies keep their life savings protected. Today, we celebrate a leader who proves financial planning can feel like a heartfelt friendship.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Stephen, welcome. How are you today?
Stephen D. Dissette: Good, Jacqueline. I’m pleased to be here.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Let’s dive right in. What made financial planning your life’s mission?
Stephen D. Dissette: When I was a boy I loved my grandfather. He was on his way to work one day at only 65 years old and he passed away. He wasn’t prepared and he left my grandmother struggling. That experience made me decide I would help people become financially prepared so they could enjoy retirement. That’s my big why.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Your father worked until 73. What did that teach you?
Stephen D. Dissette: Most people keep working because they have to, not because they want to. I love what I do, so I can see myself working that long and beyond, but I want everyone else to have the choice.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You say it all starts with mindset. Tell us more.
Stephen D. Dissette: The biggest battle we fight is the six inches between our ears. Wealthy people pay themselves first and have their money working for them. Most people pay all their bills first and hope something is left over. Usually nothing is left.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What is the first practical step?
Stephen D. Dissette: Create a written spending plan. Most people think “budget” sounds restrictive, but without a written plan Americans will spend everything they make, no matter how much they earn. There is power in writing it down.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You are a Christian. How does faith shape the way you advise clients?
Stephen D. Dissette: I pray before every single meeting and ask the Lord to help me do my Father’s business. Tithing and charitable giving are part of paying yourself first – spiritually first. The Bible tells us to ask, seek, and knock.
Beverly Hills Magazine: When we give generously the Lord supplies all our needs. How does emotion play into financial decisions, and how do you help clients manage fear?
Stephen D. Dissette: Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. I educate clients, pray with them, and help them shift from a lack mindset to an abundance mindset. I have seen mental slavery break when people finally trust a solid plan and God’s provision.
Beverly Hills Magazine: The number-one fear of retirees is running out of money. How do you solve that?
Stephen D. Dissette: I use a three-bucket strategy: green bucket for safe money, yellow for balanced, red for growth. We protect principal, create lifetime income streams, and legally minimize taxes so clients never have to be afraid to spend and enjoy retirement.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Stephen D. Dissette, thank you for your Navy discipline, your grandfather-inspired passion, and your faith-filled wisdom. You truly help people retire with dignity and joy.
Stephen D. Dissette: Jacqueline, thank you for this beautiful platform. My prayer is that everyone listening starts paying themselves first – spiritually and financially – and steps into the abundant retirement God intended.
Stephen D. Dissette reminds us that true wealth means waking up each morning without financial worry. Because of his service in the Navy, his academic excellence, and his personal family story, he stands uniquely qualified to guide you home to retirement peace. Next time you picture the retirement you deserve, picture Stephen right there with you—calm, confident, and completely committed to your success. Here’s to leaders who protect both our portfolios and our peace of mind. Thank you, Stephen, for showing us the way.