Ferguson Wellman Marks 50 Years with a Commitment to Financial Literacy
FFerguson Wellman Celebrates 50 Years with a Commitment to Financial Literacy
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, an employee-owned investment firm, is marking its 50th anniversary in 2025. As part of this milestone, the firm is launching a significant initiative to enhance financial education and literacy, reinforcing its commitment to empowering individuals and communities with financial knowledge.
A recent study by the World Economic Forum found that financial literacy among U.S. adults has remained stagnant at around 50% for the past eight years, with a 2% decline over the past two years. The research also highlighted disparities in financial knowledge, showing that women consistently score lower than men, and Gen Z struggles the most, answering only 38% of P-Fin index questions correctly. The index measures individuals’ understanding of financial concepts necessary for making informed financial decisions.
Empowering Individuals with Financial Knowledge
To help improve fundamental financial literacy, Ferguson Wellman has developed DollarSense, a series of 12 self-paced, microlearning videos covering essential topics in investing and personal finance. Initially designed for the firm’s clients, Ferguson Wellman is now making the DollarSense education program available to the public for free, beginning in April 2025.
“As April marks National Financial Literacy Month, one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to our community is by providing accessible financial education,” said Steve Holwerda, CFA, Managing Director at Ferguson Wellman. “At the core of our wealth planning philosophy is a simple yet powerful truth: It’s not just about how much you make—it’s about how much you keep that fosters long-term growth.”
Financial Literacy Through Microlearning
Each six-minute DollarSense video introduces viewers to fundamental financial planning concepts. These short, digestible lessons are designed to help individuals:
- Understand how to start saving and investing
- Assess their own risk tolerance and financial goals
- Stay focused on long-term financial success, even during market fluctuations
Ferguson Wellman’s DollarSense program covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Setting Financial Goals and Calculating Net Worth – Understanding where you stand financially and setting achievable targets.
- Building a Budget and Planning for Future Goals – Managing income and expenses for long-term stability.
- Debt Management and Understanding Income Taxes – Learning how to minimize financial burdens and optimize tax strategies.
- Insurance and Risk Management – Exploring different types of insurance and risk assessment.
- Saving for Retirement – Planning for a secure financial future with smart retirement strategies.
- Market Dynamics and Asset Allocation – Understanding market forces and investment diversification.
- The Power of Time in Wealth Management – How compounding interest and long-term strategies drive financial success.
- How Stocks and Bonds Work – A fundamental guide to equity and fixed-income investments.
- Portfolio Evaluation and Review – Techniques for assessing and optimizing investment performance.
By providing these resources, Ferguson Wellman aims to equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions, leading to greater financial security and independence.
Collaborating to Strengthen Financial Literacy
Ferguson Wellman recognizes the critical role that educational institutions and nonprofit organizations play in financial literacy. To further these efforts, the firm is pledging $50,000 to support organizations dedicated to promoting financial education.
This commitment comes at a crucial time, as Oregon State Bill 3 and Washington House Bill 1285 have recently mandated financial literacy education in schools. Ferguson Wellman plans to collaborate with educators, integrating the DollarSense video series into classroom instruction and expanding access to financial education for students.
“Our founders remained engaged with the schools they attended throughout their careers. In our 50th year, it is fitting that we honor their legacy by promoting free financial education,” said George Hosfield, CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Ferguson Wellman.
As part of this initiative, Ferguson Wellman will partner with two organizations that have a strong track record of financial education:
- Financial Beginnings – A nonprofit organization that provides financial literacy programs for students and adults.
- Junior Achievement – A global organization focused on preparing young people for economic success through financial education.
By working with these organizations, Ferguson Wellman aims to expand financial literacy outreach, ensuring that more individuals—especially young people—receive the tools needed for lifelong financial success.
A Legacy of Community Engagement and Philanthropy
For half a century, Ferguson Wellman has been dedicated not only to managing wealth but also to giving back to the community. Employees at the firm actively participate in philanthropic efforts through board service, volunteering, and direct financial contributions.
Ferguson Wellman’s ongoing support for Financial Beginnings and Junior Achievement demonstrates its deep-rooted commitment to fostering financial literacy beyond investment management. These partnerships allow the firm to leverage its expertise and resources to create meaningful, long-term impacts in the communities it serves.
About Ferguson Wellman Capital Management
Ferguson Wellman is an employee-owned investment advisory firm that has been serving individuals and institutions since its founding in 1975. With $8.9 billion in assets under management for 1,026 clients, the firm provides tailored investment strategies and holistic wealth planning solutions.
Ferguson Wellman offers three distinct service divisions:
- Ferguson Wellman Capital Management – Customized investment portfolios and wealth planning for clients with a minimum of $4 million in investable assets.
- West Bearing Investments – A division serving clients with at least $1 million in assets.
- Octavia Group – A private family office catering to clients with a minimum of $10 million in investable assets.
The firm has received national recognition for its excellence in investment management, with rankings in 2024 from Forbes, Barron’s, and CNBC:
- CNBC’s 2024 “Financial Advisor 100” – Ranked #10 of 100
- Barron’s 2024 “Top 100 RIA Firms” – Ranked #62 of 100
- Forbes 2024 “Top RIA Firms” – Ranked #46 of 250
For more information about Ferguson Wellman and its financial literacy initiatives, visit www.fergusonwellman.com. (Data as of 12/31/2024)
Looking Ahead: A Future Focused on Financial Education
As Ferguson Wellman celebrates its 50-year legacy, the firm remains committed to equipping individuals with the financial knowledge they need to thrive. Through its DollarSense video series, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic contributions, Ferguson Wellman is taking a proactive approach to improving financial literacy for future generations.
By making financial education more accessible and engaging, Ferguson Wellman is not only honoring its history but also shaping a future where individuals are empowered to make informed, confident financial decisions. As the firm looks ahead to its next 50 years, financial literacy will remain at the heart of its mission—helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial success.
