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Paladin Research Report For:

Steve Watkins

Gilliam Mease Advisors

BFA"
10200 Forest Green Blvd.
Suite 304
Louisville, KY 40223
502-736-1197

About Steve Watkins

After a 32-year executive career at UPS, Steve retired as Vice President of Solutions & Implementations in 2017. For this career, he was able to hone his skills in executive coaching and accountability, as well as financial management and emotional intelligence. Subsequently, Steve leveraged his passion for personal finance to help individuals and families through financial coaching. He completed Crown Financial Ministry's Financial Coach's Program and Dave Ramsey's Financial Coach Master Training and was a Ramsey Preferred Financial Coach before joining GMA.

Steve began working with Gilliam Mease Advisors in 2021 and is committed to supporting his clients by delivering personal, strategic, and holistic advice. He maintains the FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative license, the NASAA Series 66 securities license, life and health insurance licenses, and the Behavioral Financial Advice (BFA) designation.

Steve and his wife Glenda have one daughter, a wonderful son-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter, they attend New Circle Church and live in Lexington, KY.

I am dedicated to being accessible to clients across Kentucky. My weekly schedule is structured to best serve you:

Tuesdays: In-person at our Louisville office

Wednesdays: In-person in Lexington

Monday thru Friday: Available for virtual meetings via Zoom

Please reach out to schedule a time that works best for you

See Disclosures

General Information

Firm Start Year
  • 2004
No. of Employees
  • 5-9
CRD#
  • 7440273
Firm CRD#
  • 23131
Insurance License#
  • 20212834
Name of Broker/Dealer
  • OSAIC WEALTH, INC.
Name of Custodial Firm
  • National Financial Services
States Licensed in
  • KY, IN, FL, CO, OH, SC, TX, VA, WV, WI, MS, NV
Years of Experience in Financial Services
  • 4
Number of Years with Current Firm
  • 4
Work Experience
  • As a financial advisor, I help clients make sense of a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain. I start by recognizing that every client is unique - your relationship with money is shaped by your values, experiences, goals, and even your fears. I take the time to understand your story, not just your numbers.

    Because money is complex, I bring clarity to the chaos. I translate the language of finance (taxes, investments, insurance, estate planning) into actionable strategies that align with your life. Whether you're building wealth, planning for retirement, or navigating a major life transition, I help you make informed decisions with confidence.

    I also understand that change is constant. Markets shift, careers evolve, families grow, and priorities transform. That's why I don't just build a plan - I build a relationship. I stay with you through the seasons of life, adjusting your financial strategy as your world changes.

    And in a time when the world is noisy, I serve as a trusted filter. I help you cut through the clutter of headlines, opinions, and marketing hype to focus on what truly matters to you. My role is to provide grounded, unbiased advice that empowers you to act with clarity and purpose.

    Ultimately, I help you align your money with your values, so you can live the life you want, with confidence and peace of mind.
Work with the following types of clients
  • Individual Investors
Advisory Services Provided
  • Financial Advice & Consulting, Investment Advice & Management, Estate Planning & Trusts, Insurance Products & Annuities, Financial Planning, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, 401K Rollovers, Wealth Management, Money Management, Risk Management, Financial Planning for Individuals, Financial Planning for Businesses, Tax Advice and Services, Legal Advice and Services, Education Funding and Planning

Compliance

Registered Representative
  • Yes
Investment Advisor Representative
  • Yes
Acknowledged fiduciary
  • Yes
Compliance Disclosures in Last 5 years
  • I have a clean record
Criminal Disclosures in Last 5 years
  • I have a clean record

Qualifications & Membership

Certifications, Accreditations & Designations
  • BFA"
Securities Licenses
  • Series 7, Series 66
Insurance and Annuity Licenses
  • Variable Annuity, Life, Annuity, Long Term Care, Variable Life, Disability

Firm Information

Firm's Number of Clients
  • 1,176
Firm's Number of Planning Clients
  • 50
Firm's Number of Managed Clients
  • 259
Assets Managed by Firm
  • $345,068,072
Advisor's Number of Clients
  • 124
Advisor's Number of Managed Clients
  • 41
Advisor's Number of Planning Clients
  • 33
Assets Managed by Advisor
  • $13000000

Compensation and Fees

Fee Structure
  • Fee-Based
Minimum Portfolio Size for New Managed Accounts
  • $100000
Compensation Methods
  • Flat Fee, Based on Assets, Commissions
Fee % Based on Assets
  • 1.25%
Additional Details on Charges
  • Asset Management Fee Schedule: 1.25% $0-$250k 1.15% $250k-$750k 1.00% $$750k-$2M 0.85% $2M+

    Comprehensive Financial Planning: $4,800 for 12 month agreement

    Happy to serve clients with less than $100,000 investable assets on a commission basis.
Minimum Fee Charged for Managed Accounts
  • $1,250

Disclosures

PaladinRegistry.com provides referrals to financial professionals. PaladinRegistry.com is not a current client of advisor or advisory services. Financial professionals pay cash compensation for these referrals, which creates the incentive for PaladinRegistry.com to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest.

Additional Detailed Disclosures
https://www.paladinregistry.com/disclosure/1893207/paladinregistry-Gilliam-Mease-Advisors-detailed-disclosure.html

Disclaimer

Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., A SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Joshua Gilliam, Representative. Gilliam Mease Advisors and Osaic Wealth, Inc. are not affiliated. 10200 Forest Green Blvd. Suite 304, Louisville, KY 40223. Osaic Wealth, Inc. and its representatives do not provide tax advice.