Financial Advisor Serving Swanton, VT and Franklin County

Independent, locally rooted financial planning for Swanton families — retirement, investments, insurance, and estate guidance from a team that knows this community.

Planning Built Around Swanton, Not a Corporate Playbook

What Financial Planning Looks Like for Swanton Families

We've worked with Franklin County families for years, and Swanton clients are a meaningful part of that story. Whether you're a working household in your 40s building toward retirement, a retiree managing income and healthcare costs, or a young adult just starting to invest, we bring the same one-on-one attention to every conversation.

 

As an independent firm, we're not tied to any single bank's or broker's product shelf. That means our recommendations are shaped by your situation — not by what a parent company wants us to sell.

Why Swanton Residents Work With an Independent Advisor

Most of the families we work with come to us at a turning point — a job change, an inheritance, a retirement date that's suddenly close enough to feel real. What they need isn't a product. It's a clear picture of where they stand and a plan that holds up as life keeps moving.

 

Our work with Swanton clients typically spans several areas:

 

  • Retirement planning — IRAs, Roth conversions, Social Security timing, and income strategies that last
  • Investment planning — building and managing portfolios through mutual funds, bonds, and brokerage accounts suited to your goals
  • Insurance planning — life, disability income, and long-term care coverage reviewed as part of a complete financial picture
  • Estate planning and trusts — coordinating beneficiary designations, trust structures, and intergenerational transfers
  • 401(k) and employer benefit planning — for business owners, employees, and executives navigating plan options
  • Wealth management — cash flow, tax planning, and goal-based strategies tied to the milestones that matter most

Serving Swanton as Part of a Broader Franklin County Practice

There's a real difference between a financial professional who works inside a bank branch and one who operates independently. At Bennett Wealth Management, our securities are offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a FINRA/SIPC member firm, and our advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. That structure gives us access to a wide range of planning tools and investment options — without the product limitations that come with a captive arrangement.

 

For Swanton families, that independence matters in practical terms. It means we can look at your full picture — income, assets, insurance, taxes, and estate documents — and make recommendations based on what actually fits, not what's available on a restricted shelf.

 

Our office is located in St. Albans, roughly ten minutes from Swanton — close enough that meeting in person is easy and common. Many of our Swanton clients have been with us for years, and a number of them came to us through referrals from neighbors, coworkers, or family members who were already clients. That kind of word-of-mouth trust isn't something you can manufacture. It's built over time, one conversation at a time.

 

We also work with clients across Franklin County and into Chittenden County, and we're licensed to serve clients in New York, including the Plattsburgh area. Wherever you're located, the approach is the same.

 

Kerri Irick Churchill, ChFC®, leads our team alongside Katie and Hannah. Kerri has guided the firm for the past six years, continuing the legacy Roger Bennett established when he founded Bennett Wealth Management. The ChFC® designation reflects advanced training in financial planning — and more importantly, it reflects a commitment to doing this work thoroughly and honestly.

 

If you're in Swanton and looking for a financial planner who will take the time to understand your situation before making any recommendations, we'd welcome the conversation. A complimentary initial consultation is the right place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions from Swanton, VT Residents

  • Do you work with clients in Swanton, VT, or only in St. Albans?

    We actively serve clients throughout Franklin County, including Swanton. Our office is in St. Albans, which is a short drive from Swanton, and we meet with clients in person regularly. We also accommodate phone and virtual meetings when that's more convenient.

  • What does it mean to work with an independent financial advisor?

    An independent advisor isn't limited to the products or investment options offered by a single bank or brokerage. We work through Cambridge Investment Research, which gives us access to a broad range of planning tools and investment options — so our recommendations are based on your needs, not on a restricted product menu.

  • I'm in my early 40s and haven't done much retirement planning yet. Is it too late to catch up?

    It's not too late — and the 40s are actually one of the most important decades for retirement planning. There's still meaningful time to build, and strategies like Roth conversions, catch-up contributions, and tax-efficient investing can make a significant difference in where you land at retirement. The right time to start is now.

  • Can you help with Social Security planning as part of retirement planning in Vermont?

    Yes. Social Security timing is one of the most consequential decisions retirees face, and it's a core part of what we address in retirement income planning. The right claiming strategy depends on your health, income sources, and household situation — and getting it wrong can mean leaving a meaningful amount of money on the table over time.

  • How do I get started with Bennett Wealth Management if I live in Swanton?

    The easiest first step is to reach out through our contact page or call the office directly. We'll set up a complimentary initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure — to talk through where you are financially and whether we're a good fit for what you're trying to accomplish.