I am a big believer in focusing on family, putting our clients’ needs above our own, lifelong learning and giving back to my community. My hobbies include tennis, skiing and chess. Being a former chess expert, I learned early on that balancing short-term focus (tactics) with long-term vision (strategy) is the best way to win at chess, in life and to achieve financial independence. I was fortunate to be a member of one of the winningest Pan-American chess teams in U.S. history. Today, I coach an inner-city chess club and play chess against up to 30 people at once to raise money for children’s charities.
Greensboro, NC | 336-230-1811
Dennis is the founder of Stearns Financial Group and is nationally recognized for complex ultra-high net worth financial planning and the effect of Super Trends on clients’ investments, businesses/careers and the economy. He is the author of several books and is regularly quoted in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Kiplinger Finance, Financial Planning magazine and the Journal of Financial Planning.
Dennis has advanced training in investment planning, financial planning, business planning and estate planning.
The Financial Planning Association calls Dennis “one of the leading financial scenario experts and futurists.” He has considerable experience with “Super Trends,” or how the convergence of globalization, technology accelerators, the global age wave and other forces will dramatically impact our investments, our financial planning, our careers and our lives in the future.
He is a featured speaker at many regional and national conferences and economic events and regularly leads and participates in think tanks on financial planning and investment topics. Dennis is also often asked to provide “best practices” workshops for financial advisors and planners.
Dennis has also written articles and spoken frequently on how to avoid the “villains of decision making,” coaching clients on how to make better decisions in personal finance, careers, businesses and in life.
BA – Finance, University of South Florida
MS – Financial Services, American College
Member of the Family Wealth Advisors Council, an invitation-only study group of prominent fee-only wealth management firms based around the U.S.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
Former Member – Journal of Financial Planning Editorial Advisory Board
Former Member – AAII National 401(k) Advisory Panel
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
SFG in the News Posts:
Dennis Stearns, Andy Clark co-author story for Journal of Financial Planning
The Journal of Financial Planning interviews SFG President Dennis Stearns
Articles published in:
TheStreet.com
Journal of Financial Planning
NY Times
Wall Street Journal
AAII Journal
AICPA Journal
Journal of Retirement Planning
Triad Business Journal
Authored Publications
CEO Road Rules – Right Focus, Right People, Right Execution
Caught in the Middle: How Does the Sandwich Generation Woman Not Get Squeezed?
Fourth Quarter Fumbles: How Successful People Avoid Critical Mistakes Later in Life
Fourth Quarter Champions: Putting an exclamation point on the 4th quarter of life
Chair, YMCAs of Greensboro Foundation and Investment Committee
Board of Directors, Bikes for Kids foundation
Board of Directors, NC A&T State University Endowment Board
Former Board of Directors, Greensboro Partnership (and Executive Committee); Chair, Entrepreneur Connection
Former Board of Directors, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (and Executive Committee)
Board of Directors, Gateway University Research Park
Former Chair; Board of Directors, Greensboro Symphony
Former Member/Chair; Board of Directors, YMCA of Greensboro:
Former Member, Leadership Greensboro Advisory Board
Community Awards
Triad Business Journal Most Admired CEOs
YMCAs of Greensboro NASDAQ community leaders award
TD Ameritrade Community Heroes
Greensboro Chamber Small Business Advocate
Leadership Greensboro Medal of Honor
Business Leader Entrepreneur of the Year
Leadership Greensboro National Community Service Award