FORT WAYNE, IN – Howard Bailey Financial is pleased to announce that Karissa Labenz, a Financial Advisor Support Specialist at the Fort Wayne location, has successfully passed the Series 65 exam. This significant achievement underscores Labenz’s dedication to advancing her knowledge and skills in the financial industry, as it positions her to provide even greater support to the firm’s clients and Advisors.

The Series 65 exam, known as the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, is an assessment that evaluates an individual's competency in areas such as investment strategies, ethics, and regulatory guidelines. By passing this exam, Labenz has demonstrated her proficiency and commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial advising.

“Studying for this exam was a true test of mindset, faith, and character,” said Labenz. “It means the world that I was able to prove to myself that I can stay dedicated, focused, and determined enough to put in the time and work it took to achieve this goal.”

Labenz’s achievement highlights Howard Bailey's commitment to continuous professional development – echoing their mission to grow people who grow people – and providing dynamic financial advisory services.

“We are incredibly proud of Karissa’s hard work and dedication,” said Rachel Lockwood, Director of Client Service at Howard Bailey Financial. “Her success in passing the Series 65 exam is a reflection of her commitment to excellence and her passion for helping our clients achieve their financial goals.”

As for her next professional endeavor, Labenz intends to deepen her knowledge of client meeting logistics, form greater relationships with clients, and most importantly, continue offering them trustworthy, ongoing support and financial advice.

Howard Bailey Financial, Inc. was founded in Fort Wayne, IN, as Davenport Financial Services in 2002. The name changed in 2011 as a tribute to the grandfathers of the founder and CEO, Casey Weade. The mission of Howard Bailey is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. In 2017, Howard Bailey opened a second location in Mishawaka, IN, followed by the opening of the Perrysburg, OH, location in 2022. Also in 2022, Howard Bailey acquired Singer Financial in Brownsburg, IN, giving the independent retirement planning firm four locations in the region. Howard Bailey has been voted Best Financial Advisor by Fort Wayne Newspapers Reader’s Choice Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Howard Bailey Financial became the Official Wealth Management Partner of Notre Dame Athletics in 2023.

Investment Advisory Services may be offered through Howard Bailey Securities, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Working with Howard Bailey Securities, LLC, cannot guarantee investment success or that specific financial goals will be achieved.

University of Notre Dame and University of Notre Dame Athletics (“Notre Dame") are not current clients of Howard Bailey Securities, LLC nor Howard Bailey Financial, Inc. Legends / JMI Rights Holders, on behalf of Notre Dame, was compensated for this Endorsement, as such term is defined under SEC Rule 206(4)-1. For more information, visit howardbailey.com/nddisclosure.

The rating referenced was given on September 28, 2024, and is based on public vote from July 6-28, 2024; September 30, 2023, and is based on public vote from July 8-30, 2023; September 25, 2022, and is based on public vote from July 10-31, 2022; September 19, 2021, and is based on public vote from July 11 – August 8, 2021; and September 20, 2020, and is based on public vote from July 12 – August 6, 2020. The rating was created, tabulated, and presented by Fort Wayne Newspapers. This award recognizes companies based on popular vote. Howard Bailey Financial did not pay to participate in the rating process but did cover the cost for the award badging to market this recognition. For more details, please visit: www.fortwayne.com/ReadersChoice-faq

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