Dan Danford began his investment career as a bank trust officer and has been advising clients on how to preserve and manage wealth for over 30 years. He was one of the founders of the Trust Company of St. Joseph, a nationally-recognized Missouri-chartered trust company, and then went on to form Family Investment Center, a commission-free advisory firm.

Having seen first-hand the many ways bank trust and investment companies work and provide services, he feels strongly that a commission-free firm offers a better way for most people to receive independent, objective, advice at reasonable rates, with a high level of personalized service. Dan favors solution-based planning and proven investment strategies. With his financial expertise and investment management experience, he helps clients achieve financial goals while providing them peace of mind, convenience, economy, and simplicity. Dan serves a wide range of clients, but especially enjoys working with and educating women, families, nonprofit groups, and company retirement plans.

Dan has written extensively on investment-related topics and his articles or comments have appeared in a variety of professional and general interest newspapers and magazines including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, and Business Week. He has also published three books, Stuck in the Middle: The Mistakes That Jeopardize Your Financial Success and How to Fix Them, May I Help You? Why You Need a Fee-Only Investment Advisor and Million Dollar Management:  Simple Lessons to Use Wealth Management Principles for Your Family Investments, with Gary Myers.

Dan has taught personal finance and investing at Missouri Western State University and has been a presenter at local, regional and national workshops and conferences. He has also served on the boards of many civic and professional organizations, including the Association of Independent Trust Companies, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Western State University Board of Governors, United Cerebral Palsy of Buchanan County, and the Metro St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. He is also an Eagle Scout and has served as a Loaned Executive for the St. Joseph Area United Way.  He was honored with the 2003 Missouri Western State College Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Dan is a graduate of Missouri Western, and holds an MBA from Northwest Missouri State University. He holds a Graduate Certificate and a Master’s degree in Personal Finance from Kansas State University. He is also a Certified Retirement Services Professional® and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.