Kathleen Williams, An Oklahoma Business Star

Kathleen Williams, President of Williams Financial Services Group, Inc., exhibits the vibrancy and energy of a brilliant Oklahoma sunrise in her successful business pursuits and her leadership role for our state’s business community. By addressing the financial needs of middle-income investors, and particularly women and minorities, she has carved out a niche that others mistakenly overlooked or neglected. Ms. Williams views her clients as her employers and seeks to identify their specific financial needs by establishing a personal relationship with each and every one of them.

The road to being Oklahoma City’s only independent African American financial planner, and one of only a handful of women in the field, was not always a smooth journey. Ms. Williams made the transition from an impoverished early life to financial independence by recognizing that financial planning is not an exclusive tool of the wealthy and developing a keen knowledge of investment strategies. Establishing her business she set out to assist others in making the same successful transition that she had accomplished. Reaching out to women in need of financial planning is a task close to her heart. “Men always take care of themselves. Many women neglect this, saying “I don’t need this retirement plan because my husband has a 401(K).” They believe only one member of the family needs to care of these retirement obligations. Then divorce or spouse death occurs placing their financial situation at risk. Divorced women come into my office concerned about how they’re going to make it on half, or less, of their former income. And women whose spouse’s have recently died don’t know how to handle the money once they receive it. Too often companies and financial advisors don’t give them the care, or time, needed to understand their situation.”  Her brand of personal attention caused her originally home based business to grow tremendously and five years ago required a move into new offices at 6901 N. Robinson.

The company slogan “The Lighthouse to Your Financial Strength and Independence” perfectly reflects Ms. Williams’ aspiration to guide others through the complex maze of financial planning and investment strategies. Ms. Williams states, “Most financial planners are men, to my knowledge only four women financial advisors own independent companies in Oklahoma City.”   Ms. Williams has a particular interest in reaching out to minorities, especially female minorities, but her skills have attracted a client base that includes both men and women from all walks of life.

What type of client is best served by the financial expertise of Kathleen Williams? 

• Those lacking the time, knowledge, or inclination to handle their own investments.
• Individuals seeking professional money management of their life-long savings or inheritances.
• Investors seeking an independent disciplined firm based on integrity that always places the needs of their clients first.
• People who wish to be more actively involved in the handling of their assets and be kept informed during volatile periods in the market.
• Retirees who have been offered a lump sum distribution retirement option, and need advise on how to proceed.

“Time and personal attention are very important to the clients that walk into my office.” 

Ms. Williams’ educational accomplishments include:

• Psychology studies at the University of Pittsburgh
• Successfully completing six components of the Charted Life Underwriter Designation (CLU)
• The current pursuit of Certified Financial Planner Designation (CFP)

Ms. William’s holds licenses in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas to offer:

• Mutual funds
• Variable annuities
• Insurance
• Financial Planning
• Investment Advisory Services

The Williams Financial Services Group utilizes all opportunities to educate the public on news affecting investment/ retirement accounts. In recent print news, Ms. Williams applauded changes in the federal tax code (that took affect on January 1^st of this year) for investors of all ages, but particularly for the over 50 age group “ Everyone who participates in 401(K)s and IRAs and is over 50 should try to take advantage of the new catch-up provisions. To have this across the board in all types of retirement plans- it’s an outstanding type of legislation.” Ms. Williams’ financial advice is often featured in print, on radio, and online, at both the local and national level. She also offers educational seminars on topics as varied as “Leaving a Legacy” (Estate Planning) and “Smart Women Finish Rich” (covering everything from personal investments to retirement accounts).

If you’re searching for financial advise online, the Williams Group website at http://www.williamsfsg.com offers a wealth of information in an extremely easy to use and attractive format. Ms. Williams had the foresight to recognize the emerging importance of the Internet as a resource base for her clients. Whether a client, or not, the data would be of great value to anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of financial planning. The carefully selected contents include:

1. “ Frequently Asked Questions” regarding your first meeting, fees, and expectations of service.

2. “Products and Services” provides details on company services including:

• Investment Planning
• Estate Planning
• Asset Protection
• Retirement Planning
• Education Planning
• Employee Benefits Planning
• Risk Management

3. “Articles” is a comprehensive, yet not overwhelming, collection of materials on:
   • Tax relief
   • Estates and Trusts
   • Retirement
   • Investing
   • Cash Management

4. Newsletters appear monthly covering the latest developments affecting the financial market. The past six months are available for viewing.

5. The A to Z glossary explains terminology such as the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) and Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP)

6. Forget the Wall Street Journal. Ms. Williams’s Quotes section allows you to input your Stock symbol and get up to date exchange quotes.

In addition to running the Williams Financial Services Group, Kathleen Williams serves as a member of the Financial Planning Association, Leadership Oklahoma City, Jack and Jill of America, C.A.R.E, the State Chamber of Commerce, and the Capitol Chamber of Commerce. Her brilliant accomplishments placed her as a finalist for The Woman of the Year, in both 1999 and 2001. When not involved in business or community projects, Ms. Williams devotes her time to her family, her church, and an occasional good movie.

 Copyright © 2002

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