We are proud to feature Kennebec Wealth Management as a partner in our Move Your Money campaign. With 25 years of experience in investment management, Vice President of Investments Rachel Kuss and her team prioritize building personalized, long-term relationships to help clients achieve their retirement goals. By offering a locally focused and tailored approach, Kennebec Wealth Management provides invaluable financial planning services to the La Plata County community. Read the interview below to learn more about Rachel and her team!

What sets Kennebec Wealth Management apart from other financial advisory firms?

Kennebec Wealth Management believes the foundation for financial planning and wealth management is a local, personal relationship with an experienced professional. During her 25-year career in the investment management industry, Kennebec Wealth Management’s Vice President of Investments Rachel Kuss has observed one goal that many people share no matter their age or occupation – a successful retirement. This means working toward the ability to enjoy the retirement years without financial stress. With a focus on successful retirement, Kennebec Wealth Management offers a local, personal option for the La Plata County community.

How does Kennebec Wealth Management stay involved with the local community, and why is that important for your clients’ financial well-being?

At Kennebec Wealth Management, we stay involved in the local community by sponsoring events like the Music in the Mountain Grand Finale and Closing Reception, and supporting initiatives like Know Your Dough. Rachel believes actively contributing to our region builds a financially educated community. Additionally, as a board member and volunteer teacher, she’s committed to empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions.

Can you share a success story where working with a local advisor from Kennebec Wealth Management helped a business owner achieve their financial goals more effectively than they might have with national firms?

Rachel and Kennebec Wealth Management team up with other local professionals to tackle financial issues that become more pressing in retirement such as tax management and estate planning. Durango has been a retirement destination for many people, as well as a great place for small business owners to operate. Many people who accumulated their retirement assets through a workplace 401K or were successful investors on their own find that delegating investment management to a local professional brings peace of mind in a changing world.

How does Kennebec Wealth Management stay engaged with the local business community, and why is this important for the financial success of business owners?

Now that Colorado has a retirement savings requirement that affects many small businesses, many local employers have been looking to improve their retirement benefits to attract and retain quality employees. A local retirement plan specialist such as Rachel Kuss helps employers set up these plans as well as add a critical additional benefit: employee education.

Many national retirement plan providers do not come to provide in-person employee education and establish personal relationships. Kennebec Wealth Management does this because it believes this is the best way to ensure that young people understand and are making the most of retirement savings benefits.

Just for fun! What’s your favorite spot in La Plata County to relax or unwind after a busy week?

I love browsing at Urban Market and Lively Boutique, and buying games and puzzles at the ​Guild House Games in the Main Mall. My favorite restaurant is the Himalayan Kitchen and always my pick for a special dinner!

Securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Western Wealth Management LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Kennebec Wealth Management LLC and Westen Wealth Management LLA are separate entities from LPL Financial.