My journey to become a retirement consultant began when my parents retired while I was in college.
They were fortunate to have access to employer-sponsored defined benefit and defined contribution plans, which provided financial security in their retirement years. After earnings my degree in Mathematics, I started my actuarial consulting career.
Early on, I was asked to help an employee, diagnosed with late-stage cancer, decide whether it was better for his family if he died as an active employee or as a retiree. This sobering conversation underscored the critical role of clear, concise explanations of the complexities involved in retirement plans.
Years later, during an employee education meeting for the same client, I was approached by the brother of the man I had helped. He expressed how much it meant to his family that I had taken the time to explain the benefits clearly, allowing his brother to make the best decision for his loved ones. His gratitude confirmed that I had chosen the right path.
Everything I do professionally is focused on ensuring that other people’s family members are supported by dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate consultants who never lose sight of the bigger picture.
Ellen L. Kleinstuber
Founder
Nationally recognized expert in retirement plan management for public and private companies, multinationals, not-for-profits, union pension funds, and government entities. She combines exceptional pension actuarial technical skills, a focus on compliance and risk-management, and extensive industry experience with authenticity, compassion, resilience, and adaptability. Ellen has a deep portfolio of capabilities she leverages to enable her clients to successfully manage their retirement plans through cost-effective, results-driven solutions.
Risk Mitigation
Assisted plan sponsors design and implement pension risk transfer programs, including lump sum windows, group annuity purchase, and plan termination. Supported plan sponsors in designing integrated funding, accounting, and investment strategy to prepare plan for termination.
Governance and Oversight
Appointed by U.S. Office of Personnel Management to the Board of Actuaries providing independent oversight and assumption setting for valuation of the U.S. federal employees' pension plan. Served on Board and executive committees for several professional organizations. Developed, implemented, and monitored compliance with policies and processes based on legal and regulatory requirements and actuarial standards.
Communication
Widely recognized for ability to articulate and simplify complex issues for audiences including C-suites, finance, HR, and legal staffs, and plan participants. Selected to lead national conversations around sustainability of U.S. private sector retirement system.
Utilizes deep expertise in retirement plans and actuarial science to craft cost-effective, results-driven solutions
Guiding Principles
Mission
Empowering retirement plan stakeholders to manage risk effectively, understand cost drivers, and simplify complexity.
Vision
Fostering financial security for American workers through a robust and sustainable retirement system.
Values
Independence: Offering unbiased, fact-based advice as a steward for clients.
Integrity: Acting authentically, professionally, and passionately to build lasting trust and strong relationships.
Creativity: Looking beyond the obvious and thoughtfully challenging the status quo.
Excellence: Prioritizing clarity, quality, and compliance when delivering solutions.
Growth: Embracing change as an opportunity to learn, innovate, and improve.
Strategic Partnerships
No one does it all by themself, which is why my extensive network of best-in-class actuaries, attorneys, and other retirement plan advisors is so valuable. I tap into my network of service professionals to bring additional resources when needed to provide clients with a complete suite of services. For those clients needing support in benchmarking the performance of their current providers or engaging a new provider, this helps me find them someone who fits their needs, personality, and culture.
Through an alliance with Western Reserve Education and Consulting, we offer a suite of services promoting financial literacy and financial wellness to help employers support their employees in saving for retirement and managing their day-to-day finances. These services include educational materials, in-person seminars, online education, and one-on-one coaching.
Western Reserve’s founder, Steve Leskovec, created The Life Skills Curriculum to help young adults succeed in life and learn how to manage their money. Now, he has expanded his scope of consulting to work with corporate employers whose workforces of all ages will benefit from learning or reinforcing these foundational life skills.