As an advisor for over 33 years, hemming& Wealth Management’s Founder Dawn Hemming has seen, or heard, practically everything while helping people navigate the ups and downs of planning financial futures. From retirement planning to complicated family dynamics, Dawn has worked to empower clients to make smart financial decisions that help them reach their short- and long-term goals.
Recently voted 2025’s Red Hot Best Financial Service Advisor for Traverse City, we sat down with Dawn to chat about her work as a financial advisor, her passion for empowering clients, and her creative, client-centered approach. With a reputation for warmth, expertise, and innovative solutions, Dawn continues to help individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions with clear direction and peace of mind.
What drives you to help clients with their financial goals?
What drives me to help clients meet their goals is understanding what truly matters to them. We take the time to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and learn about their values and priorities. From there, we map out a clear, personalized financial plan designed to help them reach their goals with confidence and clarity.
What’s something you learned the hard way?
Don’t hoard cash, or cash equivalents. These are designed for short-term investing and are often held much too long. Inflation quickly erodes buying power. Focus on the timeframe for the money as a determinant of the investing objective.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Practice living on retirement spending levels one to two years before you retire. This reduces financial stress at retirement.
How do you communicate complex financial concepts to clients with limited financial knowledge?
Complex topics become approachable with relatable analogies, clear visuals, and real-life examples. My background in counseling and education lends itself well to this approach. It has given me the tools to be a patient and effective communicator, and I approach every conversation with a teaching mindset. Every conversation we have is tailored to the client’s background, making financial concepts easy to grasp and empowering clients to truly understand their plan.
What makes your client service unique?
Client service at hemming& is all about building genuine, long-term partnerships. Every relationship is approached with care and curiosity, ensuring goals and values are always at the heart of every decision we make together.
Tell us about a time you helped a client overcome a financial challenge.
One couple I worked with faced a unique challenge: they had been together for many years but remained unmarried. She had limited income while he enjoyed a strong pension and Social Security. Through thoughtful planning, it became clear that marriage would unlock spousal benefits and transform her financial security. Their decision led to peace of mind, even after his passing—a powerful reminder of how the right guidance can change lives. It was deeply rewarding to guide them through such a personal and meaningful decision that had lasting financial benefits.
What do you think your greatest strengths are as an advisor?
A blend of experience, empathy, and genuine passion for the work we do sets hemming& apart. It’s all about bringing energy, insight, and a sense of partnership to every client relationship—helping people navigate their financial lives with confidence and care.