Steven A. Starnes

Committed to a client-centered approach

Steve brings heart to his client relationships. He applies precision, acuity, and decades of experience to growing his clients’ wealth and securing their financial legacies.

Lauded as a trusted advisor and well-known as a compassionate community partner, Steve loves making a difference in the lives of his clients. By taking a comprehensive wealth management approach, he helps ensure his clients' financial, retirement, and estate plans are aligned to their values and positioned to power their dreams.

Steve shares, "We help make clients’ lives better, and that has an impact on their families and community as well."

Applying specialized, expert support

Steve is a vital part of Grand Wealth Management’s efforts to help clients make informed decisions about their finances. Throughout his tenure, he has been a passionate advocate on the subject of financial planning for business owners, people in the immediate stages of retirement, and families navigating the challenges of aging — specifically dementia. He understands the benefits of employing a skilled advisor to help families avoid conflict and save time in this unique stage. Steve joined Grand Wealth in 2015.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and recognized as an expert in the field, Steve has been quoted in numerous national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, The New York Times, and Consumer Reports. His undergraduate degrees in economic and aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and master degree in business from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business laid the foundation for his expertise and thriving career.

Providing solid experience

Steve takes pride in Grand Wealth’s advisors' skills, including contributing ideas, research, and thought leadership. Their expertise underpins the firm’s mission to provide the best advice possible, so that clients can pursue the goals and interests most close to their heart.

“Money is not the most important thing,” he says, “but it affects the things that are most important,” he shares. “Our clients want a partner who can anticipate future obstacles, confidently navigate critical decision making, and bring competency and experience to complex questions that can truly make a generational difference for them and their families. I’m committed to doing just that.”

 Steve is a violinist, and avid supporter of the arts and music education, making time to serve on the Board of the Grand Rapids Symphony. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and serves as the treasurer for his college fraternity’s educational endowment. In his community support, personal life, and professional advising, Steve prioritizes curiosity and commitment, with the motto: “Be curious, dig in, and follow through.”