Sam is the Managing Partner of Payson Wealth Management and brings more than 40 years of experience in the Insurance and Financial Services industry. Throughout his career—as an agency owner, manager, product wholesaler, and business consultant—he has gained an exceptionally broad and practical understanding of how financial products work, how they’re designed, and how they are often misunderstood.
Sam is an Investment Advisor Representative and holds a Series 65 license. He has earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation and is a National Social Security Association certificate holder. In addition, he maintains Life, Health, Property, and Casualty licenses in the state of California.
Reflecting on his experience, Sam notes:
“As a manager, wholesaler, and consultant, I often saw a disconnect between what financial products were created to do and what people expected them to do—both professionals and the general public. My goal is to educate individuals and help them manage the risks to their assets, their liability, and their lifestyle.”
Risk management has been at the heart of Sam’s career. While the risks he addresses today differ from those he managed at 25, 35, or 45, his focus has sharpened on the challenges retirees face. He often echoes Benjamin Graham’s insight: “The essence of investment management is the management of risk, not the management of returns.”
A native Texan, Sam has had the privilege of living in diverse regions of the world—including northern Canada and Indonesia. These experiences give him a global perspective on political and economic events and how they influence the financial landscape in the United States.
Sam has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Debbie, for over 40 years. They have two married children and four grandsons. Outside of work, Sam enjoys hiking, reading, studying languages, and playing the guitar.
The National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certification was obtained on February 15, 2015 by completing eight hours of course work, passing a certification exam. Certificate renewal requires sixteen hours of biennial continuing education and payment of a fee. The NSSA certification is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. More information regarding the certification can be found at https://nationalsocialsecurityassociation.com/become-an-advisor/.