ABOUT
From Homeless Veteran to Financially Independent in 5 Years. Now Helping Others Do the Same.
“I didn't just survive the system that failed me. I beat it. And now I'm teaching The Forgotten Class how to do the same.”
Hi, I'm Steven , Founder of Financial Legacy Builders, USMC Veteran, and Financial Planner for the Forgotten Class.
I didn't grow up around money. I didn't grow up with access, connections, or a silver spoon. In fact, I've been the person on the outside looking in… financially struggling, overlooked, and underestimated. At one point, I was the stereotypical "homeless veteran." And while that part of my story doesn't define me, it deeply informs why I do what I do today.
I started Financial Legacy Builders with one mission in mind: to make high-quality, transparent, and judgment-free financial planning accessible to the people who need it most , veterans, working-class families, and those who've been excluded from traditional financial advice because of their income, background, or life circumstances.
I've spent years earning the credentials and experience needed to serve you at the highest level , not to look impressive, but to ensure every piece of advice I give is technically sound and ethically delivered.
Today, I've delivered over $4.2 billion in veterans benefits around the world through one of my companies 360 Veterans, volunteered 2,500+ hours mentoring fellow warriors, and have been featured on countless new stations and media outlets.
But the real victory? Breaking the cycle for others.
What matters most to me is that you feel seen, respected, and equipped to create a legacy you're proud of , whether you're earning $20K or $200K a year. Financial advice shouldn't be a luxury product for the wealthy. Everyone deserves a plan and a partner who listens without judgment and provides a clear path forward.
At Financial Legacy Builders, we don't talk over your head, sell products, or require six-figure minimums. We charge a flat 1 % of your household income because I believe that's fair, transparent, and aligned with your success.
So, if you're tired of feeling invisible, overwhelmed, or stuck… you're not alone. And you're not behind. Let's build something powerful together.
Education I've built a deep, cross-disciplinary toolkit so the advice you get is both practical and teachable: Doctorate in Education Doctorate in Coaching MS , Financial Planning & Law MS , Project Management MBA , Business Administration 150+ Certifications / Licenses
Designations I carry the profession's most respected marks for comprehensive, real-world planning: ChFC® CLU® AFC® NSSA® FRC® CFEd® CF2® CMFA® CBDA® RFC®
Impact This isn’t just paper. To date we’ve delivered $ in veteran benefits through 360 Veteran and volunteered + hours mentoring fellow warriors, plus multiple successful ventures and a consistent record of transformation.
The Truth Credentials are table stakes. What matters is that I've been exactly where you are. No amount of letters can replace the experience of wondering if I'd make rent or feeling abandoned by the system. That's why people trust me, I'm not just an advisor; I'm a battle buddy.
ABOUT · NETWORK
Professional organizations we are members of or collaborate with.
Trademarks and logos shown belong to their respective owners. Membership or participation does not imply endorsement or sponsorship.
ABOUT · DIRECTION
Clear purpose. Concrete principles. A path that's built for real people, not the 1%.
We see a world where high-quality financial guidance is no longer a luxury. A world where marginalized, overlooked, and working-class communities, especially our veterans, are empowered to break cycles of debt, build real wealth, and create legacies that last for generations.
We envision financial planning that serves everyone, not just the wealthy elite. Where your background, your income level, or your past financial mistakes don't disqualify you from expert guidance. Where financial freedom isn't about your current net worth, it's about your commitment to change.
This vision drives everything we do: from our transparent pricing to our judgment-free approach, from our educational focus to our unwavering belief that every person deserves the dignity of professional financial planning.
I deliver accessible, high-quality financial planning to people who have been historically underserved, overlooked, or priced out of traditional advisory services. This isn't just what I do, it's who I am, and it shows up in every interaction, every plan, every relationship we build.
My mission comes to life through these core principles that guide our work together:
This mission isn't about building another financial planning practice, it's about rebuilding trust. Trust that was broken when the industry chose profit over people. Trust that you deserve to be heard, respected, and served at the highest level, regardless of your starting point.
No jargon. No pressure. Just a plan that finally fits your life.
Like regular doctor visits , keep your finances healthy.
We teach you, not just tell you. Financial literacy is power.
Your family's success is our success.
We examine every aspect , cash flow, tax, insurance, and more.
Built specifically for your unique situation and adjusted quarterly.
We're here when life changes , marriage, deployment, kids, career.
ABOUT · MY WHY
I refuse to let others experience what I went through. No veteran should choose between dignity and financial help. No working family should be made to feel “too poor” for professional guidance.
I do this because the system is broken, and someone has to fix it. Traditional financial services were built by the wealthy, for the wealthy. They exclude the very people who need help most: our veterans, our teachers, our first responders, our working families.
No sales pitch. No pressure. Just honest answers.
You deserve financial guidance from someone who's walked your path , someone who knows what it's like to worry about making rent and understands the unique challenges veterans face.
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