Strategic Collaboration to Expand Wealth Management Access
Third Federal Savings and Loan has taken a significant step to broaden the financial support it provides to customers by forming a partnership with Clearstead Advisory Solutions, a division of Clearstead Advisors, LLC. The collaboration is designed to make professional wealth management services available to customers nationwide, ensuring individuals and families have easier access to investment management, retirement planning, and comprehensive financial planning support. The partnership represents a strategic alignment between two organizations that share a strong commitment to customer-focused financial guidance and long-term financial wellbeing. By integrating advisory access into the customer journey, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional banking services and full-spectrum wealth planning solutions. This move reflects the growing demand for holistic financial services as customers increasingly seek trusted institutions that can guide them through complex financial decisions at every life stage.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Holistic Financial Guidance
Financial planning needs have evolved significantly in recent years as economic uncertainty, longer life expectancy, and shifting retirement expectations reshape how individuals approach wealth building and preservation. Customers today require more than savings accounts and mortgages; they seek personalized strategies to manage investments, plan for retirement, and secure financial legacies for future generations. The partnership directly addresses these needs by connecting customers with experienced advisors who can tailor strategies to individual goals and life circumstances. By offering structured access to wealth professionals, the collaboration helps customers navigate market volatility, tax considerations, estate planning complexities, and retirement readiness. This initiative reinforces the commitment to providing meaningful financial solutions that extend beyond everyday banking and into long-term financial empowerment.
Strengthening Customer-Centric Financial Services
At the heart of the collaboration is a shared philosophy centered on customer wellbeing. Third Federal has long emphasized trust, stability, and service excellence as core pillars of its operations, and the addition of wealth management access complements this long-standing approach. The ability to introduce customers to dedicated advisory professionals ensures that individuals receive personalized guidance tailored to their specific needs. Customers can now benefit from a seamless experience that integrates traditional banking services with advanced financial planning, creating a more comprehensive support system. This integration enhances the value customers receive while maintaining the familiar relationship and trust they associate with their primary financial institution.
Expanding Nationwide Access to Advisory Expertise
The partnership ensures that introductions to advisory services are available to customers across all markets served by Third Federal. This nationwide reach represents a major expansion of access to professional wealth management support. Customers can now connect with advisors through their local branches or customer care channels, simplifying the process of seeking professional financial guidance. This accessibility is particularly important for individuals who may not have previously engaged with wealth advisors but now recognize the importance of structured financial planning. The collaboration reduces barriers to entry and encourages proactive financial management by making advisory services more visible and approachable.
Leadership Vision Behind the Partnership
According to Marc A. Stefanski, Chairman and CEO of Third Federal, helping customers achieve financial security remains central to the organization’s mission. The partnership reflects a strategic effort to deepen that commitment by expanding the range of services available to customers. By aligning with a firm that shares its values and customer-focused philosophy, the organization aims to strengthen its ability to support customers through every stage of their financial journeys. Stefanski emphasized that offering wealth management guidance through a trusted partner enhances the institution’s capacity to serve customers effectively and responsibly.
Clearstead’s Commitment to Personalized Wealth Strategies
Bradley D. Knapp, President and CEO of Clearstead Advisors, highlighted the firm’s dedication to helping individuals and families achieve their long-term financial goals. Clearstead Advisory Solutions focuses on delivering tailored wealth management strategies that address the unique needs and aspirations of each client. By collaborating with a long-standing financial institution, Clearstead can extend its expertise to a broader audience and support more families in building sustainable financial futures. The partnership represents an opportunity to combine institutional trust with specialized advisory knowledge to create meaningful outcomes for clients.
Comprehensive Wealth Management Services for Customers
Customers introduced to Clearstead Advisory Solutions gain access to a wide range of wealth management services designed to address diverse financial needs. These services include investment portfolio management, retirement planning strategies, and personalized financial planning. Advisors work closely with clients to understand their financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term aspirations. The result is a customized strategy that aligns investment decisions with personal priorities and life milestones. This level of personalization ensures that clients receive advice tailored to their individual circumstances rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Investment Management Tailored to Individual Goals
Investment management is a cornerstone of the services available through the partnership. Clients can receive professional guidance on building diversified portfolios designed to meet specific financial objectives. Advisors help clients navigate market conditions, manage risk, and identify opportunities aligned with their long-term plans. Through disciplined investment strategies and ongoing monitoring, customers gain confidence that their portfolios are structured to support their financial ambitions. This support is particularly valuable during periods of market volatility when professional insight can help clients maintain perspective and stay focused on long-term goals.
Retirement Planning and Financial Security
Retirement planning is another key area of focus. As retirement expectations evolve and lifespans increase, individuals face greater responsibility for funding their own retirement years. Advisors help clients evaluate retirement readiness, estimate future income needs, and develop strategies to ensure financial security throughout retirement. By addressing savings strategies, withdrawal planning, and tax considerations, advisors provide comprehensive support that helps clients approach retirement with confidence. This proactive planning empowers individuals to make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty about their financial future.
Financial Planning for Every Life Stage
Financial planning services extend beyond retirement to encompass a full range of life stages and milestones. Whether customers are saving for education, purchasing homes, building businesses, or planning for generational wealth transfer, advisors can help create structured strategies that align with evolving goals. By taking a holistic approach to financial planning, the partnership ensures that customers receive guidance that adapts as their lives and priorities change. This long-term perspective fosters stronger financial resilience and helps clients navigate both opportunities and challenges.
Supporting Legacy and Generational Wealth
A growing number of individuals are focused on preserving and transferring wealth to future generations. Advisors work with clients to develop strategies that protect assets and facilitate smooth wealth transfer. Estate planning considerations, tax efficiency, and long-term investment strategies all play important roles in building lasting legacies. The partnership helps customers address these complex issues with professional support, ensuring that their financial success benefits future generations.
Enhancing Financial Confidence Through Education
Education is an essential component of effective wealth management. Advisors not only provide recommendations but also help clients understand the reasoning behind financial strategies. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make informed decisions and feel confident about their financial plans. By increasing financial literacy and awareness, the partnership contributes to stronger, more resilient communities. Customers gain a deeper understanding of their financial options and the tools available to help them achieve their goals.
Simplifying the Path to Professional Advice
Connecting with a wealth advisor is designed to be simple and convenient. Customers can reach out through their local branch or customer care channels to request an introduction to a Clearstead advisor. This streamlined process ensures that seeking professional financial guidance is accessible and straightforward. By removing complexity and creating clear pathways to advisory support, the partnership encourages more customers to take proactive steps toward financial planning.
Aligning Values and Long-Term Vision
The collaboration is grounded in shared values, including integrity, transparency, and a commitment to long-term customer success. Both organizations recognize that trust is essential in financial services, and the partnership reflects a mutual dedication to building and maintaining that trust. By aligning their missions and combining their strengths, the institutions aim to deliver meaningful value to customers while maintaining the highest standards of service.
Responding to Changing Financial Landscapes
Economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing customer expectations have reshaped the financial services industry. Customers increasingly seek integrated solutions that combine convenience with expert guidance. The partnership reflects this evolution by offering a seamless blend of banking and advisory services. By responding to these changing expectations, the collaboration positions both organizations to remain relevant and responsive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Empowering Customers to Achieve Financial Goals
Ultimately, the partnership is about empowering customers to achieve their financial goals and build secure futures. By providing access to experienced advisors and comprehensive wealth management solutions, the initiative supports individuals and families in navigating complex financial decisions with confidence. The collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to helping customers pursue financial security, growth, and long-term success.
About Third Federal
Third Federal Savings and Loan Association is a leading provider of savings and mortgage products, and operates under the values of love, trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. Founded in Cleveland in 1938 as a mutual association by Ben and Gerome Stefanski, Third Federal’s mission is to help people achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security. It became part of a public company in 2007 (Nasdaq: TFSL). Third Federal, which lends in 28 states and the District of Columbia, is dedicated to serving consumers with competitive rates and outstanding service. Third Federal, an equal housing lender, has 21 full service branches in Northeast Ohio, lending offices in Central and Southern Ohio, and 15 full service branches throughout Florida. As of September 30, 2025, the Company’s assets totaled $17.46 billion.
About Clearstead Advisory Solutions
Clearstead Advisory Solutions (“CAS” or the “Firm”) is defined as a division of Clearstead Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Prior to the April 2024 acquisition of the CAS division, the firm was defined as Wilbanks, Smith & Thomas Asset Management, LLC (“WST”), an SEC registered investment adviser headquartered in Norfolk, VA. CAS claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS® Prospective clients can obtain a GIPS compliant presentation and/ or the firm’s list of strategy descriptions by contacting CAS with the contact information supplied in this document. GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein.
Clearstead Advisors, LLC was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The firm is a growing financial advisory firm advising approximately $62* billion for private clients and institutions. For private clients—families, individuals, and related entities—Clearstead integrates financial planning, tax planning and preparation, and family office services with research-driven investment management. The firm also serves more than 300 institutional clients, including endowments and foundations, healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, and retirement funds, providing investment policy development, asset allocation strategy, investment selection, and performance reporting. Clearstead offers trust services through Clearstead Trust in Maine and Clearstead Avalon Trust in New Mexico.
For more information, visit www.clearstead.com.
*Approximate as of January 31, 2026. Also includes assets and employees of Clearstead Trust and Clearstead Avalon Trust, which are not registered with the SEC.
