Michael Finch, MBA, CPWA®, Colonel USAF (Ret)
Fiduciary Wealth Advisor
About Mike.
Mike chose this career to help clients set life goals and develop evidence-based strategies to achieve them. It is incredibly rewarding for him to see clients relax after discussing their concerns and mapping out a solid plan. He has always been passionate about investing because of the opportunities it creates for families.
Having served as a commander multiple times in his Air Force career, Mike’s role was not only to complete the assigned military mission but also to care for service members and their families, who were the foundation of their success. He helped them identify their dreams and aspirations and then devised a roadmap to achieve them.
Mike joined 10Elms because the firm’s values align with the values he has strived to live by for most of his life: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all endeavors. At 10Elms, he operates under a fiduciary standard of care, meaning he is legally required to put his client’s interests before his own. The firm is entirely independent and operates fee-only, ensuring their loyalty to their clients is always first and foremost.
Mike fully appreciates that at 10Elms, everyone shares a common vision centered around authenticity and the power of teamwork. He recognizes that while financial security is crucial for quality of life, it is only part of the equation. Mike believes genuine authenticity comes from making informed life decisions—how one spends time, supports their family, and engages with their community. By working collaboratively, the team at 10Elms empowers clients to achieve financial independence, enabling them to pursue their passions and create the lives they envision. Together, they strive to make every step of this journey a shared success.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
It was the year I spent commanding a deployed squadron in the Middle East during the peak of our operations in Afghanistan. While I missed my family, leading such an incredible team during this critical time was a privilege I will always cherish. While some people worry about our younger generations, I witnessed firsthand how these selfless young men and women work tirelessly to make the world a better place, performing at a level that leaves one humble and incredibly grateful. The dedication and resilience of my Airmen made the experience unforgettable, and I will never take that opportunity for granted.
What is your favorite family memory?
One of my favorite memories was our trip to the coast of Sicily when we were stationed in Belgium with our boys when they were little. they were so curious and full of joy as they explored the rocky shoreline. It was just wonderful to see them having such a great time, and those moments by the sea are ones I'll always cherish.
What are your favorite hobbies or activities?
My absolute favorite thing to do is spend time with my family—whether it’s snowboarding with my sons, going for runs, boating, or exploring new places with my wife. We also love traveling to catch college football games at our sons' schools. Each of these adventures creates awesome memories. While I love each of these activities, it’s really the time we spend together that I truly treasure.
Mike's Investing Pointer
Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are powerful wealth-building tools, especially for younger individuals. Although they don’t offer immediate tax deductions, contributions and earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free as well. The benefits of compounding mean that even small contributions can significantly grow over time. Additionally, Roth IRAs allow penalty-free withdrawals of contributions, making them versatile for various financial goals. If your kids and grandkids don’t have these accounts, encourage them to start a Roth IRA today for a brighter financial future.
"Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing others thrive. This has always been my favorite part of my military service, the joy of being a father, and now it's the highlight of being a financial advisor."
Education
Yale University
Wealth Management Theory & Practice Program
University of Arizona
Eller School of Management
MBA, Finance | Bachelors Finance
US Army War College
Master's Degree in Strategic Studies
Air Force Institute of Technology
Master's Degree in Logistics
