Morgan Lougee
Navigating REALTORS® toward Financial Independence
Back in 2022, Morgan Lougee, a financial planner, was steadfast on educating the real estate community on an approach to financial planning that prioritized all aspects of growing assets, protecting businesses, and building wealth. Today, he is proud of his continued success in leading clients through a much more complex approach toward financial independence.
“I have the same message but with an added twist,” shares Morgan. Now you will find him fiercely advocating to diversify assets and incorporate intentional strategy for his clients' long-term gain.
“I want REALTORS® to understand that they need to diversify out of real estate and real estate sales if they want to have a secure retirement plan. If REALTORS® don't save during the good times—so that they can continue to grow their wealth when the real estate market isn't doing well—they're likely going to be working far longer than they plan to,” shares Morgan.
Over the past several years, Morgan’s focus has been on helping clients prepare for impending tax law and estate exemption changes that are set to occur in a couple of years. “Many clients originally were not worried about these changes,” notes Morgan. “But now that we've shown them that there are smart moves they can make today, we've been having many creative conversations around intelligently repositioning.”
While Morgan values the importance of evolving his approach toward financial literacy, there is one aspect of his work that remains steadfast: his loyal commitment and genuine care for his clients.
“I care, almost to a fault,” Morgan says, enthusiastically. “I am constantly working on myself, solutions, and services to benefit our clients. Many advisors only consider how to grow a client's assets, but I take into consideration tax changes, income fluctuations, market volatility and estate law changes, and I am constantly scouring the marketplace for innovative solutions for my clients.”
Morgan’s focus is on enabling his clients to realize their financial dreams with efficiency, taking the time to understand each client deeply, and sharing the rationale behind all recommendations and potential risks.
His support for REALTORS® and their clients extends beyond financial discussions too. He actively participates in Chicago Real Producers events, offering insights into financial strategies and sharing best practices while identifying potential pitfalls.
“We're able to offer virtually any solution in the financial services space for our REALTOR® clients, so we work to grow their assets; minimize their current and future tax bills to Uncle Sam; lower costs on commercial, home, auto insurance; as well as make sure they're taking advantage of any benefits, tax credits, deductions, and federal programs available,” notes Morgan.
Morgan has a dynamic team behind him that support all he does for clients. Morgan and his team oversee all things insurance including life, health, income protection, commercial, home, and auto insurance while also specializing in investment management, portfolio construction, retirement income replacement, and financial planning. By combining multiple strategies, they can successfully navigate investment management, tax-efficient retirement income solutions, and comprehensive financial planning.
Together, they strategize, execute initiatives, and provide valuable reporting. In the coming years, Morgan envisions further growth by adding new team members, enhancing client appreciation events, and engaging in inter-generational planning conversations. They aim to provide robust legacy planning services and continue to deliver for their diverse clientele.
Outside the financial realm, Morgan and his partner, Mark, have made significant personal life changes. They moved into a new home together, a cozy coach house in Lakeview, and recently welcomed an adorable Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy named Agador Spartacus (Hank Azaria’s character in The Birdcage) into their family.
Morgan has also redefined what success means in his life, emphasizing balance and gratitude. While he once focused on constant growth and busyness, he now cherishes the present with a newfound sense of gratitude, joy, and balance across the various areas of his life.
“I've been working with a coach recently and that's helped shift the perspective to assessing where I'm at and where I want to be, so that I can be grateful for what's going well and see the areas of opportunity and where I need to focus,” shares Morgan. “Having great balance across different areas of my life has allowed me to feel more joy and gratitude in my daily life.”
Morgan's advice for REALTORS® is simple: don't wait until a challenging year like 2023 to seek financial guidance. “Reach out to me and my team, and you'll find that a meeting with us costs only your time. We guarantee that you'll leave with valuable insights,” he says.
In a spirit of authenticity, Morgan has a hidden desire to make people laugh. Not many know that he's harbored a desire to take to the stage as a stand-up comedian. He's recently committed to taking a stand-up comedy class at Second City, so the next time you meet him, don't hesitate to ask about his comedy journey and hold him to it.