Meaningful Wealth: Insights on Financial Planning and Trust Management

At Riverwater Partners, we believe that smart investments can drive meaningful change—not just in the world, but in the lives of our clients. To bring that philosophy to life, we sat down with Brian Gigl, Director of Wealth Management, to hear about his journey, his approach to financial advising, and his perspective on guiding families to make impactful, lasting financial decisions.

Brian Gigl’s Journey to Expert Wealth Management

Q: Brian, can you tell us a little about your background and how you arrived at Riverwater?

Brian: “I started my career working directly with customers at a bank on the East coast, and quickly realized how much I enjoyed the conversations that went beyond transactions—the real discussions about people’s lives, concerns, and goals. Over time, I pursued additional education, earning my Certified Financial Planner™ designation and working as a trust administrator. I gained a broad view of the financial life cycle—from opening a bank account to administering multi-generational trusts. All of that led me to Riverwater, where I now focus on helping individuals and families create financial plans rooted in their values.”

Client-Focused Financial Planning: Aligning Wealth and Personal Values

Q: How does Riverwater approach family financial conversations differently?

Brian: “Money is deeply emotional. It impacts relationships and can bring both joy and tension. At Riverwater, we start by focusing on people. Before making any financial recommendations, we spend time deeply understanding our clients: their values, their upbringing around money, and their personal goals. Through open-ended conversations and a detailed interview process, we aim to be like a trusted friend—someone who helps surface important thoughts clients may not have articulated before. We believe financial planning isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about aligning that wealth with a meaningful life.”

Managing Family Dynamics in Trust and Inheritance Planning

Q: Family dynamics can be complicated, especially when it comes to money. How do you help families navigate disagreements?

Brian: “Family conversations around money—particularly trusts or inheritances—often involve unspoken histories and emotions. Our role is to listen first, understand each perspective, and help bridge gaps. While legal documents like trust agreements provide the framework, human relationships require empathy and patience. Sometimes it helps to introduce a professional, neutral voice into the conversation—someone who can acknowledge different viewpoints without taking sides, always keeping the beneficiaries’ best interests in focus.”

Financial Literacy for the Next Generation: Building Smart Money Habits

Q: How do you recommend families introduce financial literacy to children or teenagers?

Brian: “It’s best to start by letting young people talk and share their understanding or perspective on a particular topic. They usually have questions about investing or money management based on what they hear from peers. Rather than lecture, we encourage asking them about their goals, timeframes, and motivations. Teaching kids early to think beyond instant gratification—to envision their future selves—helps lay the foundation for smart financial habits. It’s about shifting their thinking from ‘what can I buy now?’ to ‘what should I be thinking about for my future?'”

Responsible Wealth Inheritance: Strategies for Long-Term Success

Q: What advice do you have for individuals inheriting wealth who may not have a clear financial plan?

Brian: “The first step is understanding the individual—their experiences, their mindset about money, and their current circumstances. Some people spend inherited money quickly; others experience decision paralysis. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We focus on helping clients integrate the inheritance into their broader life plans, starting with short- and long-term priorities. Remember, money is emotional, especially inheritance so it’s essential to create space for thoughtful decision-making.”

Real-Life Insights: Lessons Learned from Wealth Management Clients

Q: Has there been a client experience that shaped the way you approach financial advising?

Brian: “ “One client who had built significant wealth stopped me mid-planning and said, ‘I don’t want to ruin my children with unearned wealth.’ That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that assumptions — like the idea that everyone wants to leave a large inheritance — don’t always apply. It changed the way I approach conversations: I now always ask, ‘What does  leaving a legacy mean to you?’ .”

Financial Planning Tips for Young Professionals: Starting Your Wealth Journey

Q: What would you tell young adults who are just starting their financial journey?

Brian:  “Get involved in financial planning early and learn your cash flows. Consider opening an investment account — even with a small amount — and start learning by doing. Make sure your basic financial needs and risks are covered, and then explore investing thoughtfully. Always question advice you hear, especially on social media, and seek out objective sources. Learning to manage cash flow early and saving consistently can set you apart later in life. Remember, investing alone isn’t a financial plan; it’s about aligning money with your personal values and goals.”

Riverwater Partners’ Philosophy: Financial Planning with Purpose

At Riverwater Partners, Brian and the wealth management team don’t just build portfolios—they build relationships, guiding clients with empathy, wisdom, and a focus on long-term success. In Brian’s words: “Investing alone isn’t a financial plan. Planning is the best way to manage the financial complexities involved in the lives of our clients. It’s about using your resources intentionally to live the life you envision — and to create a meaningful impact that lasts.”

If you’re ready to start a conversation about aligning your wealth with your values, we’re here to listen.