“My goal as a financial advisor, and a fiduciary, is to help my clients optimize their investments in a way that supports their goals and their lifestyles. I strive to help people live life by design through intentional wealth management. This approach empowers my clients to realize their dreams and achieve things they never thought possible, all with confidence that their finances are on track to support them through their lifetime. It’s an honor to be trusted to help make a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Maryann Ruck, the founder of Integrated Wealth Strategies.

 

Founded in 2009, Integrated Wealth Strategies, Inc., is a full-service financial planning firm dedicated to supporting clients through all phases of life. Affiliated with LPL Financial, a Fortune 500 company, the firm offers comprehensive services, including financial planning, investment management, risk management, and guidance through life transitions. Maryann focuses on building strong client relationships earned through trust and tangible results. Her approach revolves around listening to her clients’ big dreams, having honest conversations, and creating actionable plans that help them achieve those dreams. 

 

Before relocating to Colorado in 2000, Maryann grew up on the East Coast and began her career as an auditor at Cooper’s & Lybrand, one of the ‘Big Eight’ Public Accounting firms in New York City. She then worked in corporate finance while earning her MBA from New York University. These roles honed skills and expertise she still applies today. Later, Maryann contributed as part of an institutional portfolio management team at Morgan Stanley. In Northern Colorado, she served as an advisor at a regional wealth management firm, where she significantly grew the business. During this time, she witnessed the powerful impact financial planning could have on clients, which ultimately inspired her to launch her own firm.

 

Maryann combines her Wall Street and wealth management experience with her passion for customer service by offering independent, unbiased recommendations to her clients.  “I wanted the freedom to go deeper with my clients and help them do more with their money.  I didn’t want to be constrained in the products or services I could offer, and I wanted to provide a higher level of service than I could at a large firm.  Creating my own Wealth Management Firm and working directly with clients as an independent advisor is the culmination of decades of experience, and it’s incredibly gratifying. No two clients are the same, and no two people have identical goals.  I take the time to listen, understand, and create customized solutions to help you live the life you want.” 

 

“One of my biggest passions is education,” she continues. “I want to provide my clients with the best guidance possible, so I’ve invested heavily in understanding the broad range of issues clients face as they manage their wealth.” Maryann has earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and the Certified Financial Planner ® (CFP ®) designation to support this commitment. 

 

Maryann also has a deep commitment to economic self-sufficiency for women.  As a Wealth Manager, she has seen many women find themselves in financially precarious positions due to poor financial decisions made during divorce.  “Divorce is often the largest financial transaction most people experience in their lifetime,” she said. “It frequently happens at a time when they are emotionally drained and feel the least empowered.”

 

Maryann holds a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) designation to address this need and offers Second Saturday Divorce Workshops for those navigating divorce. These workshops provide clarity, confidence, and guidance during a difficult time when important financial and life decisions must be made. Each workshop features experts in financial planning, mortgage lending, family and emotional topics, and legal representation. These workshops are free and open to the public, and registration is available at https://www.iwsadvisors.com/events. 

 

Becoming an Independent Financial Advisor was not a decision Maryann made lightly.  Initially, she felt that she required ‘big resources’ and wasn’t sure how to deliver at the level she needed without that support.  However, after being introduced to LPL Financial, she gained access to a network of 8,000 home office employees, organized in functional areas, to provide the resources she found to be essential.  Locally, Integrated Wealth Strategies is supported by Client Service Associate, Dawn Willyard, who Maryann describes as “fantastic”.  “Dawn provides exceptional customer service, and our clients absolutely love her.”  As their business has grown, the Integrated Wealth Strategies team is currently expanding. 

 

Maryann, a Colorado resident since 2000, and her husband, Mike, moved to Windsor in 2018.  “We fell in love with this place,” she said.  Maryann and Mike now live in the Highland Meadows neighborhood, where they enjoy spending time outdoors.  They also enjoy learning about people and cultures through international travel. Maryann is an avid reader and a member of two book clubs. 

 

In addition to her professional achievements, Maryann is proud to give back to the community as a founding member of Women Give. She has served on the boards of various organizations, including the Fort Collins Symphony and the Fort Collins Symphony Endowment, the Junior League of Denver Foundation, the Colorado Music Festival, and the Rotary Club of Niwot. 

As a trusted local financial advisor, Maryann is committed to helping you live life by design. She offers complimentary introductory meetings for new clients, both in person and virtually. Start your financial journey today at www.iwsadvisors.com.