About Michael . . . . . .

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Hi, I’m Michael Ruger.  I’m the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Greenbush Financial Group

I have always been a huge fan of helping people with their finances whether they are clients of our firm or not which is why I created our blog and YouTube channel back in 2017 in an effort to share our best financial planning, retirement planning, tax strategies, and investment ideas with as many people as possible.  My primary goal is to help individuals avoid big financial missteps, discover financial solutions that may not have been aware of, and to help people optimize their financial future. 

I spend most of the day working with clients from all over the country to map out their plans for retirement, developing custom fee-based financial plans, managing their investments, and identifying tax solutions unique to their personal circumstances.

I love the financial industry because each day is different, each client that I work with is different, and the tax laws and financial markets are ever-changing.  It literally makes each day a new adventure in the world of finance.

 

My Background…………..

I have been in the financial planning and investment industry for over 20 years. My career started in the investment department of a bank that specialized in employer-sponsored retirement plans. I later obtained by CFP® designation and expanded into personal financial planning and investment management. At the age of 26 , I became the Chief Investment Officer of Greenbush Financial Group and over the past 17+ years we have grown the firm to over $605,000,000 in client assets. I maintain the following well-recognized designations:

  • Certified Financial Planner™

 

My Family & Hobbies

Family wise, I’m married to my wife Joelle and we have three daughters, Maddie, Ellie, and Mia. The only other male in the house is my French Bulldog named “Knox”. We are fully emerged in what I have come to call the “organized chaos of life” juggling work, kid’s sports, house projects, homework, family gatherings, etc. For fun, I’m big into running, pickleball, and anything fitness related. I’m also a super early riser. My day typically starts at 4am with a run or workout and then the work day begins from there.

 
Recently requested a brief phone consultation with financial planner Michael Ruger. Michael was both personable and professional. He was knowledgeable about my particular inquiry. Provided guidance without attempting to sell his services. Much appreciated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— J S

This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 

They are Great to have in your corner especially with the confusing Secure Act 2.0 as the rules for inheriting different types of accounts has become brutally complex. They will put you on the right track in regards to your retirement accounts and the new rules that the beneficiaries must abide by. Michael Ruger was excellent and helped put me at ease. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Andrew Frolich Jr
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
After tragically losing my fiancé just weeks before our wedding, I inherited some of his union benefits. I have sought financial guidance from expensive attorneys and high-priced tax advisors for the past year, but none have been helpful. Yesterday, I came across a video on YouTube by Michael Ruger from Greenbush Financial Group. He shared some excellent advice, and I had a few additional questions. I decided to send him an email, not expecting a response. To my surprise, Mr. Ruger personally replied within the hour, providing all the information I needed. After a year of consulting costly advisors and attorneys, Mr. Ruger was able to resolve my issue immediately—at no cost to me. He saved me from a significant tax burden and renewed my faith in humanity. Thank you, Michael Ruger and Greenbush Financial Group! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Karin Asplund
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
Mike Ruger is highly informative and knowledgeable, he answered all of my questions quickly and efficiently. AAAAA+++++ Very friendly too. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Edward Tstrenk
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
Greenbush Financial, and Michael Ruger in particular is a rare commodity in this day and age. I am not a client, but came across an informational piece Michael had written about ‘When To File For Social Security’ - the article was so helpful, and the only source of accurate information I could find online that wasn’t charging $400 - $1,400 for services rendered. Based on that article I reached out to Greenbush Financial and received a prompt call back from Michael; we discussed all the nuances of filing for social security (there are many) ... and I now have a much clearer picture of how and when to start my SS benefits. To be clear, Greenbush Financial is an independent wealth management firm and not a social security hotline ... but the fact that Michael took the time to call me and answer my questions was a tremendous help to me. And based on the Greenbush Financial reviews I’ve read, these guys seem like a fantastic company to entrust with your finances. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Maui Holiday Information
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
Watched many tax law videos from various financial groups and I was so confused. Finally, I came across Greenbush Financial Group and watched Michael Ruger explain, plainly and clearly, on the tax law issue I needed to understand. I emailed them just to confirm that I did understand the tax law and Mr Ruger actually called me. We discussed my situation and I feel confident about the steps I need to take…thank you so much ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Stephanie Kearney
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
Great experience. Michael Ruger is a very knowledgeable advisor and gives clear and concise information. Helped me brainstorm, analyze options and set me up for a better financial future! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Ricardo Campos
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
Mr. Ruger was very helpful and knowledgeable on all facets of social security and medicare enrollment. Strong recommend his services to anyone that needs help and wants the correct advise . Thank you, Mr. Ruger, for your service. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Beat-in-Buzzard
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
I was looking for more information around a minor child receiving social security retirement benefits after a parent starts drawing their benefits. The social security website doesn’t have a lot of good information. I saw a video on YouTube that Michael did explaining this topic. I had some additional questions and emailed him. He emailed me back quickly and was very helpful. I greatly appreciate the fact that he responded and shared additional information with me. I recommend Michael Ruger! Very helpful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Jennifer Hines
This endorsement provided for Greenbush Financial Group, LLC on Google Review was made by a non-client, and it was a non-paid review.  This non-client was solicited by Greenbush Financial Group, LLC to provide the endorsement. 
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