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What if you didn't need to be ultra-wealthy for personal, top-to-bottom financial guidance and investment advice? Since 1986, we've helped millions of people get the ball rolling on their financial plans — with straightforward guidance built around their story and where they're headed next. Today, we're proud to be one of America's top independent investment advisory firms as ranked by Barron's (awarded September 2025, based on prior 12-month data through June 30), with nearly 1.25 million clients and more than $314 billion assets under management (as of March 31, 2026) — and prouder still of the trust clients place in us.

The Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms list, an annual ranking of independent advisory firms, is based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. Firms elect to participate but do not pay to be included in the ranking.

Retirement Wealth Partners is a family-owned financial advisory practice with a legacy of helping people pursue their financial aspirations. A member of our Schannep family has guided the financial decision-making of the Southwest since 1962, and we're ready to serve your investment and retirement planning needs.

University of Michigan, B.A. in Economics 1994;

Indiana University, M.S. in Finance, 2016;

Boston College, Certificate in Financial Planning 2008;

Fuller Theological Seminary, M.A. in Theology, 2009

Aaron Montez, Senior Partner with Validus Financial Associates, chose to be a financial professional as his desired profession early in life. After graduating with a finance degree from Arizona State University, Aaron was able to grow a client base helping individuals and business owners with their financial, education and retirement planning, estate planning strategies, and business succession planning. As a benefit to his clients Aaron sought and received a Certificate in Retirement Planning from Wharton School and holds Series 7, 63, 65 and 24 registrations through LPL Financial as well as Life and Health Licenses.

In 2003, Aaron was asked to join his firm's management team where he was eventually promoted to the Senior Vice President of the Southwest Branch. While in management, Aaron oversaw the hiring, training, development and mentoring of new advisors to the firm. This position not only allowed him to further develop his adeptness for leadership and communication but, more importantly, he also gained valuable experience working with complex client situations. He has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANER^™ practitioner certification and is a member of the local Financial Planning Association. Aaron and his wife Olivia have 5 children (Zachary, Dallin, Brigham, Keaton and Ella). Aaron's hobby IS his family so he spends any and all free time with them. He enjoys fishing, coaching his kids and supporting his wife and children in their various activities. Community service has always been a priority for Aaron. He is an active volunteer with the local BSA program and serves in several capacities with his church.

We appreciate your time and interest in Validus Financial Associates.

Validus Financial Associates provides you access to a highly experienced group of professionals who provide a collaborative approach to help you toward realizing your stated goals. We help you define your vision for the future and create a clear, concise course of action to optimize your potential for financial success. Additionally, as part of your financial plan we will factor in all aspects of your financial situation including how taxes, timing and other factors may affect your portfolio now and in the future.

Ryan Kidd, Senior Partner with Validus Financial Associates, first launched his career as an Evaluator at a Nuclear Power Plant. This afforded him the chance to develop his aptitude for communication and leadership. He later channeled this unique skillset into his passion for finance as he embarked on a career in retirement planning for Utility/Nuclear Power Plant employees. Ryan's client base grew as he helped build a better financial future and transition his clients into retirement. Ryan is a Certified Retirement Counselor® who is committed to helping individuals and business owners with Financial/Retirement Planning, Estate Planning Strategies and Business Succession Planning.

Ryan Kidd received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a master's degree in Counseling and a Certificate in Retirement Planning from Wharton. In addition to education, he holds Series 7, 66 and 24 registrations through LPL Financial and Life and Health licenses. His dedication and success in the financial service industry has led to many awards. His dedication to his clients has led him to author his first book "The Art of Retiring Whole", a non-financial guide to retiring with purpose, productivity and endless possibilities.

Validus Financial Associates provides you access to a highly experienced group of professionals who provide a collaborative approach to help you toward realizing your stated goals. We help you define your vision for the future and create a clear, concise course of action to optimize your potential for financial success. Additionally, as part of your financial plan we will factor in all aspects of your financial situation including how taxes, timing and other factors may affect your portfolio now and in the future.