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Your Guide To Peak Financial Performance

Which Peak Are You Aiming For? How Can Ridgeback Capital Management Help You Get There?

WHAT'S YOUR RISK NUMBER?

A Comprehensive Approach to
Financial Planning

Mountain Climber

The mountains are a source of inspiration at Ridgeback Capital Management - a great parallel to the financial planning journey.

Mountain climbing, like investing and planning for retirement, can be unpredictable, but offer great rewards for those who reach the summit. Achieving your own goals is easier with a trusted, knowledgeable guide who has helped others along the journey and knows how to plan for the obstacles along the way. 

 

We Focus on Your Goals So You Can Enjoy The Journey

Mountain Climber

We advise you in planning your future so you can spend less time worrying and more time doing what you love.

By working with our team, you'll develop a confidence about your personal finances and have an accountability partner to keep you on track. As a CPA* and financial planner, we can offer both financial planning and tax expertise to thereby serve as a more comprehensive guide.

 

Get Started On Your Journey to Peak Performance

Ridgeback Capital Management offers you a free consultation, where we will hear about your life goals, and explore a supportive partnership. These conversations can help ease the worry about potentially outliving your money. In addition, you will likely experience a sense of relief – and accomplishment --when you can view a simplified snapshot of your consolidated wealth scenario summarized on one page.

Schedule A Get Acquainted Meeting  

 

*Investment Advisory Services offered through Ridgeback Capital Management. Tax and Accounting Services offered through Michael C. Kuznicki, CPA. 

“Oh, the Places You'll Go!”

— Dr. Seuss —

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HOW WE'RE DIFFERENT


 We Focus On What Really Matters

Worried about making it to your financial destination without falling off a cliff?

When you work with Ridgeback Capital Management, you can expect us to focus on more than just the numbers. As comprehensive financial planners, we take an integrated approach to your finances and examine all areas of your financial life and how they work together. 

Organization

We help you organize your financial life to better track goals that will match your life dreams. This includes "big-picture" items such as investments, insurance, taxes, etc., but also the "everyday" items such as your household budget and cash flow.

Accountability

Much like a trainer prepping you for a mountain climbing expedition, we will help you stay accountable to the goals you have outlined. We'll work with you to prioritize your goals, show you the steps you need to take, and regularly review your progress towards achieving them.

Objectivity

Our advice and recommendations are always brought to you in the most objective manner, and we are available to consult with you at key moments of decision-making. We'll also provide you with all of the information you need to help you avoid making emotionally driven decisions.

Proactivity

As the saying goes, "Life is what happens when you're making plans." A plan is integral to have, but it only works if you treat it as a living document and keep it up to date as life changes. We work with you to anticipate your life transitions and to be financially prepared for them ahead of time.

Education

When providing advice and recommendations, we work to ensure that our clients thoroughly understand each decision, including the risks associated with each choice. We'll provide the necessary resources to help facilitate the decision-making process, and explore the specific knowledge that will be needed to succeed.

Partnership

At Ridgeback Capital Management, we don’t just work for you, we work with you. We help clarify your perspective and personal biases about money that may impact and guide decisions along the way. For instance, are you in a hurry to get to the peak at any risk, or do you prefer a more leisurely pace to enjoy side trips along the way? We will work collaboratively with you, and on your behalf, to achieve your goals.

Award-Winning
Service

Less than 1% of wealth managers in the Houston area have been designated Five Star Wealth Managers for five years in a row. This designation is earned by outstanding client service and reputation within the industry, and our five-star service is delivered with the utmost integrity and professionalism. Learn more.

A Dedicated Long-Term Partner 

We have provided comprehensive financial planning and wealth management since 1999. As an Independent Registered Investment Advisor, our success depends upon maintaining excellent relationships with our clients over the long-term. These relationships are built on consistent performance and unwavering trust, the pillars of our service. 

Focused On Our Clients' Peace of Mind

We create real value for our clients by bringing organization to all areas of their financial life. We do this through innovative financial planning strategies, customizable solutions, and a proactive, objective approach to each client relationship. Bi-annual meetings, quarterly letters, and on-going phone calls and emails allow our clients to confidently enjoy life knowing the details of their financial life are being well managed.

Your mountain is waiting...

so get on your way!

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OUR SERVICES


What We Do

Life can be a juggling act, especially when it comes to money management. We add value to our clients' lives by helping to organize all areas of their financial life and consolidate all financial matters. This process allows our clients to have a snapshot of their current financial situation and progress toward future goals at their fingertips. It also simplifies budgeting, investment management, and record keeping to build a diversified, comprehensive financial plan.  Here is how we do it:

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Investment Allocation

  • Review your investments and construct a personalized portfolio appropriate to your risk profile and monitor your investments on an ongoing basis
  • Schedule semi-annual meetings with you to review and evaluate investment performance, update financial objectives and re-balance your portfolio
  • Provide recommendations on employer-provided retirement plans such as 401ks and review company benefit programs to help you maximize tools and use of insurance, stock options, restricted stock and deferred compensation
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Tax Reduction Planning

  • Conducting comprehensive review of your tax return to highlight opportunities for maximizing tax reduction strategies
  • Providing tax cost basis and offer a complimentary consultation with your tax return preparer
  • Recommending tax solutions including tax advantaged investments
  • Staying up to date and explaining new tax laws and incorporating changes needed 
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Retirement Accumulation Planning & Income Distribution

  • Age-specific projections of accumulated assets and retirement income estimates
  • Continual development and implementation of recommendations to fund your income needs and help maintain a comfortable standard of living
  • Recommendations regarding the best distribution strategy for your employer retirement plans and IRAs

 

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Family Wealth Planning

  • Analysis of your current estate plan and concerns
  • Free consultation with your attorney
  • Assistance in transferring assets to your Living Trust or other trusts
  • Providing guidance with the appropriate and necessary steps in the event of the death of a loved one

Discover Your Peak

We will help you make the climb

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WORK WITH US

Addressing your concerns

Will I have to reduce my standard of living at retirement to ensure my money tracks with my life expectancy?

How long will I have to work to afford retirement?

What savings plan rate of return do I need to feel peace of mind about continuing my standard of living into my latter years?

Who can help me to feel in control yet make smarter financial choices?

Do I need an advisor help me find answers, avoid mistakes, and simplify decisions?

Candid, Objective Advice - Just For You 

You consult a financial advisor because you are looking for help, for a partner to be as invested in your success as you are. You want to make sure you are doing the right things, and making the right choices for you and your family. You want the simplicity, freedom and confidence that comes with having your financial assets and plan under the watchful eye of a trusted advisor.

Collaborative, Accessible Advisors

At Ridgeback Capital Management, we hope you will consider us part of your extended family as we share in your life’s challenges and triumphs. Our approach favors collaboration, so communication isn’t reserved for review meetings. We want to hear from you as often as needed, but especially when you are going through transitions or changes that prompt questions or feelings of uneasiness.

Planning for your financial future, including retirement, can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Avoid the anxiety of navigating these critical decisions alone. Let's journey together!

 Schedule A Complimentary Consultation

Do you work in your clients best interests?

Yes, we follow the fiduciary standard to always work on behalf of each client. We strive to offer objective advice and solutions. We discuss all fees in advance and if a conflict of interest should arise, we will disclose it to you immediately.

How are you compensated?

Our clients pay us fees for comprehensive financial planning, as well as asset management. Read our Form ADV.

How often do you meet with your clients?

At least once every six months. We also provide performance reports every six months, and client letters quarterly. Of course, we are here for our clients as often as they need us through e-mail or phone conversations to answer questions or resolve issues as they come up.

What is your investment philosophy/how do you invest money for clients?

Our methodology is significantly different from what is generally offered. By taking a macroeconomic approach and studying the rate of return on everything you do – from personal savings and investments to retirement accounts, insurance and real estate – Ridgeback Capital Management strives to assure your whole financial strategy is coordinated and working at peak financial efficiency. We don’t believe in timing the markets. We favor low cost investments, diversification, and opportunistic rebalancing.

Traditional strategies teach us to accumulate a lump sum, invest it and live off the interest earnings. Our parents told us to never touch the principal. Depending upon “interest only” causes income to be subject to changes in the interest rate environment. A more powerful strategy allows for spending both principal and interest and facilitates a more abundant life.

What does a financial plan include?

One of the most important components of a successful advisor-client relationship is finding an advisor who truly understands who you are and what is important to you. Our unique discovery process allows us to create a custom financial plan based entirely on your individual needs, goals and current lifestyle. This process is designed to uncover what is most important to you, both financially and personally. We analyze all major aspects of your life, including lifestyle, financial needs, timelines, income and liquidity needs, and willingness to take risks.

 


Each Journey Is Unique, and We are here to help you along the way

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OUR TEAM

Michael C. Kuznicki Photo

Michael C. Kuznicki

Founder and President
Read Bio

Michael C. Kuznicki

Founder and President


mkuznicki@ridgebackcm.com

Michael C. Kuznicki has been providing solutions to financial challenges as both a corporate manager and an entrepreneur for over 30 years. His years spent in corporate accounting, tax and corporate finance, afford him the opportunity to advise from a broad base of knowledge in the areas of:

  • debt and equity project finance,
  • investment portfolio management,
  • strategic tax reduction and planning,
  • family wealth planning
  • retirement preparation
  • risk management and employee benefit plan evaluation

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana University

Certifications: Certified Public Accountant in Texas.

Professional Associations:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, Houston Chapter.

The AICPA awarded him the credential of Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) which is the financial planning specialty accreditation held exclusively by CPAs who are members of the AICPA.

Family: Michael and his wife, Kathleen, enjoy gardening, photography, traveling/camping, and community volunteer work. They have three adult daughters, Jennifer, Lee and Lauren and several grandchildren.

Community: In support of the mentoring mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston, Michael is a former big brother and former two-term member of its Board. He is a Session member at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church where he chairs the Financial Committee, and also serves on the Board of The Retirement Community.

Lois M. Dzik Photo

Lois M. Dzik

Director of Client Relations
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Lois M. Dzik

Director of Client Relations


ldzik@ridgebackcm.com

Best advice I’ve ever received? Life is short, enjoy every day.

Favorite time of day: I’m a morning person, up early for Jazzercise at 5:30 am or walking at 6:20 every day, which means I start to fade after 4 PM.  I’m a planner, so I know what I want to get accomplished daily.

My key role at Ridgeback Capital Management: Since joining the firm in April 2000, I manage a range of client services. I prioritize items such as; opening new accounts, executing trades, processing account transfers, handling compliance tasks, setting and preparing client meetings.  My goal is to provide our clients with elite services.

Top on my bucket list: More trips to Europe.

Family fun facts: I was born in Donora Pennsylvania, Home of Champions, such as Stan Musial, Ken Griffey & Ken Griffey Jr. and Deacon Dan Towler.  I attended college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), hometown of Jimmy Stewart.   I moved to Houston after graduation in 1979 and have a Texan daughter & son.  My granddaughter, Eva was born on Christmas day in 2017. My favorite author is my husband Bob, who has been published in literary magazines and plays guitar in a band called The Half Truths.

What others would say about me:  I’m the shortest person in the room.

Best vacation destination so far: Seattle to Vancouver then a train ride to Banff for my 25th wedding anniversary.

My favorite way to relax:  Lying on a raft floating in my swimming pool.

Some might be surprised to learn: I broke my wrist and had surgery in Paris, one day before my flight back to Houston!


Yvonne Chen Photo

Yvonne Chen

Financial Planning Analyst
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Yvonne Chen

Yvonne Chen

Financial Planning Analyst

YChen@ridgebackcm.com


Financial Planning Analyst: Yvonne Chen, CPA

Favorite aspect of my job: I love formulas and Excel spreadsheets! I enjoy studying the driving forces behind the numbers, and I feel accomplished whenever I learn something new. 

People might be surprised to know: I am an immigrant from Taiwan that loves Rod Stewart as well as classical music. My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, and I enjoy thought provoking movies like The Shawshank Redemption.

Someday I hope to join the Meals on Wheels organization as a volunteer.

I have a varied background: I earned a master’s degree in Information Technology from the University of North Texas and later completed accounting and business core courses at the University of Houston before my career as a financial statement auditor.

My favorite way to relax: I really can unwind by baking and I enjoy a cooking challenge even more. One of my proudest moments in the kitchen came from successfully making French macaroons, which are quite time consuming and labor intensive.

Family fun facts: My husband Sean Hou is a banking entrepreneur. My parents and one sister live in Canada and my other sister, a tax accountant, lives here in Houston.
Lexie Ridgeback Photo

Lexie Ridgeback

Chief Morale Officer
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Lexie Ridgeback

Chief Morale Officer


Meet Lexie, one of Ridgeback’s most fetching staff members who works (ca)nine-to-five behind the scenes being paws-itively energetic and supportive in any way. As one of the inspirations behind the firm’s name, she enjoys being part of our trademark and knows that pursuing peak financial performance is something to wag about.

Schedule a time to chat with us to see if we can help


CLIENT CENTER


Helping you achieve your peak potential in life and wealth

Our mission is to connect in a meaningful way with our clients by understanding their goals and desires and providing sound, comprehensive strategies to help them achieve peak performance from their wealth.

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It is never too late to start a journey that leads you to your dreams


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Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch by the following business day. We'll reach out to schedule a meeting to get acquainted, so we can get to know you and discuss how we might be able to help you. 

 

Email

Michael Kuznicki

mkuznicki@ridgebackcm.com

Lois Dzik

ldzik@ridgebackcm.com

Yvonne Chen

ychen@ridgebackcm.com
   

Address

6750 West Loop South, Suite 1080 
Bellaire, TX 77401

Phone

713-667-4026
Toll free:800-667-4026

Fax

713-667-4138

Call 713-667-4026Understanding Ridgeback