VIDEO (Interview): How Understanding Finance Can Reclaim Your American Dream

"That's what the public needs to know: that they can get exactly what they're looking for and if they don't find it through us, I'd be happy to help them find it." 

• Jason Howell, CFP®, CPWA®, CSRIC®, Founder, Jason Howell Company

On May 22nd (2025) our founder took the opportunity share some of his and the firm's origin story with Alimond Studio based in Leesburg, Virginia. By all accounts, everyone at the studio was kind, positive and made for an enjoyable experience. 

Watch the interview to discover:

• How Jason Howell got started as an entrepreneur (spoiler alert: mowing lawns)
• Why Jason Howell Company was founded a few years after the 2012 U.S. election cycle
• What the differences are between independent financial firms and "big box" banks you see in ads on TV

Watch here: 

Jason Howell Company is a family wealth management firm that strengthens the finances of families making the transition from first generation success to family wealth. We envision a world where wealthy families give, grow and govern themselves in ways that enrich their local communities. We do this by reducing the fear, isolation and guilt associated with financial success.

Jason J. Howell, CFP®, CPWA®, CSRIC® and Douglas W. Tees, MBA, CFP® CAP®, CBDA  have spent a lot of time in the Washington, DC area, and are aware that many people who are first generation wealth suffer from a kind of "financial imposter syndrome."  Successful entrepreneurs and family businesses are always looking over their shoulder; government contractors worry about the next contract; former Capitol Hill staffers privately wonder if they should "feel bad" for the money they now make. Imposter syndrome is common among people who work for the many corporate headquarters based in this area as well. These feelings get in the way of properly managing family wealth. We empower them to get organized, build a team of advisors and make decisions.

Our typical "first generation wealth" families include dual income parents who work, save and have just the right amount of fun. For long-time, family owned businesses we focus on much family preservation as we do wealth preservation. 

First generation wealth success stories and family business owners realize that they:

• Need to “do something” with the cash in their checking/savings
• Need to eventually diversify their portfolio away from the family business
• Need an investment strategy for “up” and “down” markets
• Need a plan to mitigate market, credit, inflation, and political risks
• Need to start tax planning instead of just tax paying
• Need to be sure they are choosing the right work benefits
• Need to reduce financial miscommunications between family members
• Need to separate business finances from personal finances
• Need to separate family wealth from individual wealth
• Need a plan to provide space for both family and individual philanthropy
• Need to plan for money while alive and for what happens after death