Business spotlight - Investment Executives - By Michelle Libby

When financial planning comes to mind, we often think of Dave Ramsey or Suzie Orman, however,
they would never have time to meet and give advice one on one - and – they don’t have the necessary licenses to provide the right services for the advice they hand out. When it comes to financial decisions, look local. Find a company, like Investment Executives and Craig Dickson, who works with individuals and families to help them meet and exceed their financial goals. 

Craig Dickson works with individuals and families to create a smart, easy to follow, easy to do, money plan. From insurance and financial services to real estate and social security maximization, Dickson can help find missing money or help steer a client to take notice of options available to them. He can help people with rolling over a 401K plan or even sell a home through The Maine Real Estate Network, where he is an agent.

Investment Executives is based in Biddeford, but has a satellite office in Windham, on Route 35 next to Gilbert’s Chowder House. Dickson’s goal is to have four offices in key locations to best serve Western Maine foothills and Southern Maine. 

With 15 years of experience, Dickson can help frugal blue collar families or business executives reach their financial goals. “I have earned the credentials to offer several financial services products in Maine,” he said. “It’s easy to plan with a lot of money. I work with local people where frugal is the Maine mentality. I appreciate that, I grew up in a mill town. Both grandfathers, my dad, and my brother all worked or continue to work in the mill,” Dickson said. 

Dickson is able to help clients with bill reduction. “We’re getting nickled and dimed to death,” he said. “I want to help Mainers create a life time of income they don’t have to worry about running out of - while concentrating on family life.” He also acts as a broker looking for the best deals on life and long term care insurance. 

Dickson is also the creator of “The Maine Money Academy,” which teaches students through on-site training from a plethora of classes like Tax-Free Retirement, The Personal Pension Plan and Life Insurance. The motto of the program is “More – Intelligent – Money”. The trainings take place at Central Maine Community College and Southern Maine Community College in Brunswick. Classes are also available, at work sites, upon request. 

Dickson is also a real estate agent who works for buyers and sellers. He started in real estate mostly to help his clients sell properties from estates. He will list properties, but will refer those who have more needs when it comes to buying and selling. 

Through Investment Executives, people can also connect with Enrolled Agents for filing their taxes. EA’s can provide the same filing services as a CPA, and often times are more affordable. The EAs are perfect for individuals who might need help with tax preparation including college deductions or small businesses who need to fill out Schedule Cs. The EAs are federally licensed tax practitioners that not only help with filing, but are also empowered by the US Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers for audits.

 “We want to be a one stop shop,” he said. Investment Executives is known as “The Complete Advisor” and “The “Green” Advisor” who can help people “reduce, reuse and retire.” That’s reduce debt and monthly bills, reuse by using the savings in a different, more profitable way, and retire on time, early or with enough money for life.  

“This is the green that matters to hard working Mainers,” he said.

It’s never too early, or too late, to start putting away some money from the first job or the fifth. The impact of time can not be understated. Even if it’s $50 per month or a minimum of 10 percent, they will see a difference, said Dickson. 

When the economy is in turmoil and heading in the wrong direction, some people take the money and run, instead of taking the opportunity to grow the money. Dickson can help clients make informed decisions about their money. 

“The hard part is getting started. They don’t miss it when they make little adjustments in their monthly budgets,” Dickson said. 

For more information on The Investment Executives or The Maine Money Academy, visit www.TheInvestmentExecutives.com or www.TheMaineMoneyAcademy.com. Dickson can also be emailed at cdickson@theinvestmentexecutives.com or by phone at 1-855-625-3736 (toll free) or 207-807-2738. They can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.