For over fifty years, Jeff Mueller, CPA, PFS™, Partner and Wealth Advisor, has been a trusted voice in Canon City. Now, with Sean Lacey, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC™, Wealth Advisor, joining the team, that legacy continues with new energy, fresh perspective, and the same commitment to client-first advice. As part of Waverly Advisors—a fee-only fiduciary firm that does not sell insurance products or hold commission-based licenses—Jeff and Sean are united in their mission to provide independent, thoughtful guidance. In this Fireside Chat, they talk about values, vision, and why Waverly Advisors is built for the long run.
Q: Jeff, as someone who’s built long-standing relationships with clients over decades, what does it mean to have Sean and the next generation of advisors stepping into the picture?
Jeff: It’s about strengthening what we’ve built in Canon City. Many clients I’ve worked with are now thinking about legacy—helping their families, supporting causes, and simplifying their plans. With Sean and Waverly behind us, we’re expanding what we offer without losing the personalized, values-based approach that’s always defined this office. I’m still leading here, but now with more resources, more expertise, and more ways to serve.
Sean: What drew me here was the deep sense of community and trust Jeff has built. My role is to support and enhance that foundation—offering clients more ways to engage with their plans through visual forecasting, structured analysis, and goal-specific strategy. Together, we’re building something clients at every stage can connect with.
Q: You’ve both worked with individuals and families at different stages of life. How does your collaboration help ensure that each client receives advice tailored to where they are—and where they want to go?
Jeff: Every plan starts with listening. We want to understand the person behind the numbers—what they value, what they hope to achieve. Whether we’re planning for retirement or a family transition, we now have more tools and depth to support each decision, all while staying rooted in personal connection.
Sean: My role is to turn big-picture goals into clear, multi-year plans. That could mean modeling for retirement, business transitions, or education funding. We also cover progressive strategies—like blending tax-advantaged accounts with charitable goals or mapping healthcare decisions. It’s all about building clarity and confidence at each step.
Q: How does your team approach the nuances of financial planning across generations—whether someone is navigating retirement decisions, growing a business, or planning for future family needs?
Jeff: We’ve always looked at the full picture. Today, more clients are involving their families—supporting children, helping with education, or planning legacy gifts. With Waverly’s broader resources, I can now bring in even more depth around investment support and estate planning.
Sean: Families today are managing a lot at once—kids, careers, caregiving, retirement. I focus on helping them stay organized, track priorities, and make decisions that align with their values. That means structuring income, evaluating opportunities, and adjusting as life changes.
Q: What does it look like when experience and fresh perspective come together in a client relationship?
Jeff: It gives us the ability to offer more. I bring decades of real-world insight, and now we enhance that with planning tools and deeper analysis that clients can engage with more actively. It’s still personal—but now, even more comprehensive.
Sean: I bring both experience and structure—blending data with values, and helping clients connect their goals to real-life outcomes. Combined with Jeff’s long-standing relationships, we offer clients something grounded, responsive, and future-ready.
Q: Clients today have different expectations around communication, technology, and planning detail. How do you strike a balance between personal connection and modern tools?
Jeff: Relationships still come first—those face-to-face conversations and deep trust are what matter most. But with Waverly, we now have more tools that support those relationships—tools that clarify decisions, track progress, and offer deeper insight when needed.
Sean: We still meet in person, but we also screen-share plans, send updates securely, and let clients track things in real time. It’s about meeting people how they prefer—adding clarity and convenience without ever replacing connection.
Q: What are the conversations you’re having with clients today that feel different than they did 10 or 20 years ago? How has your approach evolved to meet those changing needs?
Jeff: Clients want cohesive guidance—something that integrates investments, tax strategy, estate planning, and legacy goals. With Waverly’s support—portfolio managers, planning software, and a full team—we can now deliver even more depth while keeping the one-on-one relationship front and center.
Sean: Many clients today want faster insight. They want to see the numbers, run the scenarios, and understand the impact right now. It’s not impatience—it’s how they process. So while long-term planning is key, we present it in a way that’s visual, responsive, and keeps them engaged every step of the way.
In Closing
Jeff: This isn’t about changing who we are—it’s about growing what we do. With Sean and Waverly, I know our clients are in good hands for the road ahead.
Sean: It’s a privilege to be part of this. Together, we’re offering more depth, more clarity, and a thoughtful, forward-looking approach for every client we serve.
Call To Action: For five decades, families in Canon City have turned to Jeff Mueller for trusted financial guidance. If you’d like to experience that same level of care and insight, call Jeff today at 719-275-1651, or you can reach Sean Lacey at 719-741-3330
