Quarles and Herring of Financial Longevity Advisory

Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with Michael Quarles and Heather Herring, principals at Financial Longevity Advisory LLC, to explore their whole-client, fiduciary-first approach to retirement planning. With a strong commitment to integrity, education, and personalized service, Michael and Heather help individuals and families prepare for the future with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with Michael Quarles and Heather Herring of Financial Longevity Advisory about their holistic, relationship-centered approach to retirement planning. Drawing on years of experience and a deep commitment to fiduciary values, Michael and Heather share how they empower clients with education, transparency, and reliable income strategies—so they can enjoy retirement with clarity and confidence.

Brent Meyer:
What’s your overall approach when it comes to retirement and financial planning?

Michael & Heather:
We focus on the whole client. Financial planning isn’t just about finances—it’s about people. It’s about their families, their values, their lifestyle, and their vision for the future. Our job is to always put the needs of our clients ahead of our own, and to listen deeply so we can offer guidance that’s personal, not just transactional.

Brent Meyer:
Can you share a meaningful client experience that speaks to your approach?

Heather Herring:
Absolutely. I recently met with a client who had some buyer’s remorse after purchasing a couple of fixed indexed annuities 10 years ago. But when we spoke, he said how happy he is now with that choice. His income stream started several years ago, and he loves knowing that, no matter what happens, those funds will continue to show up in his bank account every month—even if the original principal runs out. Given that both he and his wife come from families with strong longevity, that peace of mind is priceless.

Brent Meyer:
What role do ethics play in your daily work with clients?

Michael Quarles:
Ethics are foundational to who we are. They’re not something we “apply” to business—they’re part of our everyday lives. Doing what’s right, being transparent, and staying true to our word… it all flows naturally into how we serve clients.

Brent Meyer:
What advice would you give someone who’s looking for the right financial advisor?

Heather Herring:
First, look for a fiduciary—someone legally and ethically committed to putting your interests first. Second, choose someone you’re comfortable with. Retirement planning can involve some difficult, personal conversations, and you need to trust the person across the table. Finally, find a “WYSIWYG”—What You See Is What You Get. One of our long-time clients used that term to describe us, and we consider it one of the highest compliments we’ve received.

Brent Meyer:
How do you stay current on changing laws, products, and trends?

Michael & Heather:
We stay plugged into industry updates through our FMO, professional mailings, and the financial news. But above all, we’re constant learners—always reading, always researching. The industry is evolving, and staying informed is essential to providing great advice.

Brent Meyer:
What strategies do you use when crafting a financial plan?

Heather Herring:
We use a system called Case Central, which helps guide our planning and ensures no detail gets overlooked. But honestly, nothing beats good, old-fashioned experience. Knowing your client, understanding their complete situation, and being familiar with the full menu of options—that’s what leads to smart, effective planning.

Brent Meyer:
How do you incorporate financial education into your client relationships?

Michael Quarles:
Education is at the heart of what we do. We regularly provide updates on law changes, tax impacts, and planning strategies that could affect our clients. Whether it’s through customized handouts or one-on-one conversations, we want our clients to feel informed, not overwhelmed.

Brent Meyer:
What are your long-term goals for Financial Longevity Advisory?

Michael & Heather:
We want to continue growing—as financial advisors and as a firm. Our mission is to expand our reach while maintaining our personalized service. One of our upcoming goals is to add a satellite office in a nearby territory so we can serve even more families with the same care and integrity.

Final Thoughts

Brent Meyer:
Any closing words of wisdom for those approaching or already in retirement?

Michael & Heather:
Don’t just plan for retirement—plan for life. Your retirement should reflect what matters most to you. Work with someone who sees you, not just your accounts. And remember: peace of mind comes from preparation, and the earlier you start, the more confident you’ll feel down the road.

About Michael Quarles & Heather Herring

Michael Quarles and Heather Herring are Investment Adviser Representatives and Principals at Financial Longevity Advisory, LLC, serving clients across the Kansas City–Northland region. With a fiduciary-first mindset and a focus on holistic planning, they help pre-retirees and retirees navigate income strategies, longevity risk, and the emotional aspects of retirement. Their mission is simple: put the client first, educate at every step, and deliver retirement solutions that truly support long-term peace of mind.

Thank you for joining us—and stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more outstanding financial professionals across the country.

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