Her Story
About Cheri
Cheri is a seasoned financial advisor, financial planner, and entrepreneur who has spent nearly three decades helping individuals and families build confidence in their financial futures. As President and sole proprietor of Strategic Wealth Advisors, based in the Greater Seattle area, Cheri is committed to providing personalized guidance that aligns with each client's unique goals, values, and circumstances. As an independent fiduciary, she places her clients' interests at the center of every recommendation, helping them navigate complex financial decisions with clarity, discipline, and a long-term perspective.
Cheri's professional journey began in the hospitality industry, where her family's involvement in a variety of hospitality-related businesses provided her with an early understanding of customer service, business operations, and relationship building. She later worked with a restaurant and hotel association, serving in an advocacy role on behalf of industry stakeholders, before becoming Director of the Cascade Loop Association, a cooperative tourism marketing organization. Her career took a pivotal turn when she was recruited by Smith Barney to become a financial advisor. Drawn to the opportunity to build meaningful client relationships and help people achieve their goals, she spent a decade developing her expertise before making the decision to establish her own independent practice.
Inspired by a desire to provide truly objective advice, Cheri launched Strategic Wealth Advisors and has spent the past 15 years building a fiduciary-focused firm dedicated to comprehensive financial planning and investment management. She developed her signature Focal Point Formula planning process, drawing inspiration from her love of kayaking and the importance of charting a clear course through changing conditions. The process helps clients identify their goals, anticipate obstacles, manage risk, and adapt to life's inevitable changes while staying focused on their long-term destination. Through her thoughtful approach, extensive experience, and commitment to service, Cheri empowers clients to make informed decisions and pursue financial security with confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cheri
01What do you attribute your success to?
Building trust and integrity while putting clients' best interests first as an independent fiduciary. Listening carefully and helping clients through life's challenging moments like divorce, loss of spouse, or illness.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned throughout my career was the importance of independence, fiduciary responsibility, and always putting clients' best interests first. My early experiences in the financial services industry helped me recognize that the greatest impact I could make would come from providing objective guidance focused solely on my clients' goals and needs. That realization ultimately led me to establish my own independent practice, where I am committed to serving as a trusted advisor and advocate for the individuals and families I work with.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To be completely truthful with yourself and honest about your capabilities. If it is a fit, dig in, do the hard work, and stay committed. Have a passion for helping people.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the increasing complexity of financial markets, regulatory requirements, and the evolving needs of clients. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in providing personalized financial guidance that helps individuals and families make informed decisions with confidence, even during times of uncertainty. As an independent fiduciary advisor, I believe I am uniquely positioned to build meaningful, long-term relationships by offering objective advice that is focused entirely on my clients' goals and best interests rather than proprietary products or sales objectives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, honesty, trust, service, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I believe financial planning is ultimately about helping people achieve peace of mind and confidence in their future, and I strive to build authentic relationships based on transparency and mutual respect. In every interaction, I am committed to acting in the best interests of the individuals and families I serve while continuously growing both personally and professionally.
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