Community Highlights: Meet Anita Ritter of Anita Ritter Financial

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Ritter.  

Hi Anita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Anita Ritter. Mark and I have been married for 24 years. I am mother to Becki, stepmom to Adam and Shannon, all adults with their own families, and 7 grandchildren. My husband and I also love dogs and we have six (3 Siberian Huskies and 3 Shih tzus). All of our family is close by, and we love spending time together, especially in the summer on the back porch and in the pool. 

I was recruited to Edward Jones in 2003 by a dear friend who was also a financial advisor with EJ. I had been in customer service, inside and outside sales for most of my working career. When I heard that being a financial advisor was about the relationships, not just the markets, I was interested. After working for EJ for 8 years, I learned what it meant to be independent. Independent financial advisors still have oversight and supervision as those who are employees of a firm, but also have the autonomy to do what they feel is best for the client. The client comes first, always. That was when I launched Anita Ritter Financial. 12 years later; I have 4 staff members (3 part-time and 1 full-time), two offices, Kalamazoo and Sturgis, MI, 

I was a Ramsey SmartVestor Pro from 2016 until recently. I believe in the Ramsey philosophies of getting out of debt and staying out of debt, then building wealth that can be a legacy. 

I love working with women in transition due to divorce, widowhood, job change, relocation, etc. My clients come from all life stages, backgrounds, and levels of wealth. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing pains, mostly. As I grow my business, I want to be able to maintain the best level of service to my clients as possible. Each member of my team has a specialty, and that helps so much. Getting to a point of being ready to hire someone and then finding the right person can be a bit of a balancing act. My staff I have right now is top-notch, and they help me take great care of my clients. 

I really can’t say I’ve had any obstacles, though I need to be able to adapt quickly to changing market and economic conditions. 

We’ve been impressed with Anita Ritter Financial, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a full-service financial planner, and I use a goals-focused approach. When I meet a client for the first time, I don’t make any recommendations until I understand what they want to accomplish, what they have done so far, what obstacles they might have (real or perceived), and how I can use my tools to help. 

My relationships with my clients require deep trust, and I take that very seriously. I guard that trust fiercely. I am not going to make recommendations based on what I get paid, but what is best for my clients. 

My designations: 

AAMS – Accredited Asset Managment Specialist 

CFF – Certified Financial Fiduciary 

Both of these designations, as well as being a SmartVestor Pro, mean I follow a strict code of conduct and continuing education requirements. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Before 2020, I very rarely participated in video conferences. Now, they are as frequent as face-to-face meetings with my clients. It is a convenience for them, and some prefer it. Giving my clients the option of face-to-face, phone, or video conference, provides flexibility we didn’t have before. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anitaritterfinancial.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnitaRitterFinancial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritteranita/

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Anita Ritter Financial and Cambridge are not affiliated.  Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc, A Registered Investment Advisor