Raul Jacobs – Waddell & Reed

I’m pretty upset I wasn’t the first one to Unilocal!about Waddell & Reed… but then again, that’s a GOOD thing too.
I went there yesterday, when Raul Jacobs, who use to oversee my MetLife life insurance account, called me saying «good sir, they’re not doing too well, and I know your accounts aren’t being managed by anyone, and I want to help.»
Because I want to have a nest egg for my wife and I when I retire, and something for my kids when I pass, I was all about it.
I know the people here, somewhat, because of my experience with them at the MetLife office in Orland Park. Raul is a great guy, and there’s another gentleman there named Jim Frey who, I later found out, was a bigger ROCKSTAR than I thought at first.
And yes, my MetLife account WASN’T managed by anyone. In fact, they last one who did, left, and I was never notified until Raul did.
So, I get there, and he takes me out for coffee, and we talk from Starbucks, and back to his office. He sits me down, and explains the product he was suggesting to me.
Now the other time any financial person tried to talk to me, it was like speaking ASCII code: there was a lot of my nodding, but I didn’t understand a word of it.
These guys will explain it in plain English, until you get it. They’ll even ask you questions on why you did what you did. Not to berate you, but they want to understand what your objectives are, and what they can do to help.
These guys know their stuff. If you’re looking to get financial advise for your retirement, and don’t think your 401(k) is going to be enough, you HAVE to use Waddell & Reed.

Five years ago, I signed up for a women’s financial health and wealth management course offered by the Wheaton-​Warrenville Park District. A better investment in myself I could not have had made: the instructor was Thomas Hentschel of Waddell and Reed. Lessons taken away from that class continue to inform my shopping and financial decisions today, but more importantly, I was introduced to a capable, talented financial advisor.
I did my research and decided to invest my modest savings with Mr. Hentschel on the basis of his candid advice, stellar reputation, and his excellent approach. During the class, he demonstrated his ability to describe complex financial workings in layman’s terms that all the participants (ranging from 23 to 76) could understand. He took pains to ensure we grasped what he discussed, and then helped us apply the lessons to our own particular circumstances.
Someone managing my investments was a necessity for me. I have neither the time nor the expertise to handle investments on a day to day basis. I can do the research for best funds for my needs and investment patterns, but at the end of the day, I prefer the power of an investing institution or group at my back. Most financial advisors have a reputation as indifferent or happy to take our money and perform arcane chants over it to supply their trip to Aruba. Informing clients is often an unintended byproduct. I have never felt that way with Tom.
During the market crash, Tom called as his clients to let them know the status of their investments, alleviate fears, give an opportunity to ask questions and talk about any changes the client was anticipating. He made clear I could reach out to him with any questions, and he always responds promptly to my emails or phone calls. After the volatile markets set off on their rollercoaster ride, taking my investments on a wild, curving twists, I know I can contact him with any questions and expect a detailed, comprehensible response that addresses my concerns.
Tom takes the time to build up an established relationship with his clients. He does appreciation events, drops a line even if it’s just to make sure everything is good, and I consider him my friend as much as my advisor. When I have seen rough patches, I can take satisfaction and comfort that long-​term finances are one thing I do not have to worry about. He goes the extra mile to inform me at every turn and twist, and we have revised my goals in response to life changes. What more can you ask for from your advisor?
I highly recommend W&R as an institution for their ease of access, including 24 hour help lines, online website that allows tracking of accounts and fund performance, regular mailed updates, and a flotilla of information if you need it. W&R’s website links up to
and other great finance-​management apps and programs, so you can be informed if you choose to do so.
Tom, in particular, is a secret I’m reluctant to share because I want to keep his service and attention all for myself. Nonetheless, with his expertise and great approach, I would be remiss not to inform Unilocalers. These are trying financial times, I won’t deny that. Having an advisor who is a person and views you the same, rather than a pot of money to boost his numbers, is valuable enough. But he is a genuinely friendly, capable person who has never let me down.
Tell him I sent you.