I am a CFP® Professional, an IRS Enrolled Agent, and have a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Missouri State University (Go Bears!). Since entering the financial planning profession in 2021, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients at both small and large wealth management firms. During my time at those firms, I learned that my favorite clients to work with tended to be “regular folks”, or people just like me who were diligent savers, enjoyed things like traveling and family time, and wanted transparent guidance when it came to financial decisions. I started Vance Financial Planning to help these folks with questions like: - Am I in a good position to retire in 5 years? - What changes should I be making now to prepare for my retirement transition? - Do increased Medicare premiums (IRMAA) matter in my retirement plan? - Are my investments allocated tax efficiently for my situation? - How do I take income from my accounts when I’m retired? If you’d like to learn more about my services, I invite you to visit my website to see if we might be a good fit.

Dana Nelson is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Dana joined the Springfield, Missouri Merrill office in 1986 and works with clients to understand their investment objectives and involvement preferences. Dana collaborates with clients to develop strategies that align with their mindset, approach, and investment goals, utilizing the resources of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Bank of America for investment, banking, and lending services. Dana holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Missouri State University, earned in 1997. Dana has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation since 2002 and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation since 2013. Additionally, Dana holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. Dana contributes to the community through involvement with Crosslines and King's Way United Methodist Church.

James Hallam is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 15 years of experience in serving a diverse clientele that includes neighbors, former schoolteachers, business owners, and their employees. He focuses on connecting the dots in clients' lives through personalized strategies aimed at helping them reach their long-term goals with minimal risk. His areas of expertise encompass employee benefits planning, family wealth management, personal retirement planning, philanthropic and tax minimization strategies, as well as individual and corporate investment approaches. James holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and maintains multiple industry credentials, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He applies his ongoing professional training to provide informed, client-focused advice that measures success by client outcomes and long-term wealth preservation across generations. Residing in Springfield with his wife and children, James is actively involved in his community. He supports organizations such as Kings Way United Methodist Church, Ozarks Food Harvest, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, and Rotary International, where he has served in leadership roles. Beyond his professional commitments, he enjoys outdoor activities including lake life, cooking, hunting, fishing, and following University of Missouri sports.