learn about our history
Established in 1988, the firm is headquartered in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. Suncoast Advisory Group enjoys a national reputation in the field of innovative financial and practice planning, particularly for physicians and dentists. We offer jargon-free, straightforward advice, free from hype and based on solid research and years of experience. There are never unexpected fees or hidden costs. We don’t like surprises when it comes to financial, business, or life planning – and assume you don’t either.
Unveiling financial potential with a foundation in Stoic wisdom and the insights of Behavioral DNA, Rick advocates for a worry-free, high-quality life and has over 35 years of experience in the financial advising industry.
Motivated by the financial challenges witnessed in his youth, Rick has crafted a four-stage financial life planning process that integrates values and goals, psychology, and a keen understanding of the client’s Behavioral DNA. This holistic approach helps his clients achieve financial independence and a more prosperous life.
Rick values his clients beyond the numbers and adds a delightful tone to his conversations with his sharp wit. When not decoding finances, he balances his energy with yoga, enjoys golfing, works with his favorite personal trainer., and relaxes with a glass of red wine. Staying active and exploring the country with his family and furry companions is his recipe for unforgettable experiences.
Hello, I’m Rick Helbing, a financial life advisor who has specialized in guiding doctors and dentists through the labyrinth of financial planning for over 35 years. The unconventional route that brought me to this point is a unique story and I’m happy it did – because it is now allowing us to cross paths.
Hailing from the bustling metropolis of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (home to a proud population of 13,000 busy beavers – yes, it’s on the welcome sign!), my entrepreneurial spirit emerged at an early age, thanks to being left to my own devices by my significantly older siblings.
From hustling lawn mowing gigs to orchestrating snow shoveling expeditions, I quickly graduated to more refined ventures, like slinging root beer at the local A&W stand and mastering the art of unloading trucks.
My thirst for entrepreneurship knew no bounds – I dabbled in album sales and even engineered makeshift skateboards out of spare skates, charging neighborhood kids a princely sum for their new rides.
High school was a blur of sports and disdain for studying, much to the chagrin of my well-meaning counselor who doubted my college prospects. Spoiler alert: I did make it to college, despite the odds, landing a spot in the University of Wisconsin system where I continued my adventures in multitasking.
During my college tenure, I worked as a bookstore aficionado, a party planner extraordinaire, and even spun tunes on a reel-to-reel Sony tape. Seeing boring weekends as unacceptable, I took it upon myself to negotiate rock performances in the student union. Summers were dominated by a lucrative stint at Helbing Distributing, purveyors of fine Pabst beer and other hoppy delights. Hey, who said academia had to be boring?
Armed with a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I embarked on a post-graduation adventure through the streets of Milwaukee, eventually getting hired at none other than Pabst Brewery itself, thanks to my prior summer escapades in the beer business.
A period with Mobil Oil Corporation led me to the shores of Florida, where I immediately fell in love with the sunshine and decided to plant my roots. Despite lucrative promotions beckoning from afar, I remained devoted to the Sunshine State, all while dipping my toes into the financial services pool thanks to my then-father-in-law.
Fast forward through Cigna training sessions and a handful of certifications – CFP, ChFC, you name it – and I found myself at the helm of Suncoast Advisory Group, a comprehensive financial planning firm for small family businesses.
But the plot thickens – a chance encounter on a leisurely boat ride led me to cross paths with the president of a local hospital in Sarasota. Bonding over a shared vision of financial life planning and philosophy, he extended a contract my way, catapulting me into the niche realm of advising doctors and dentists on their financial journeys.
Today, Suncoast Advisory Group stands proud, 35+ years strong, a testament to my unorthodox approach to financial planning and my affection for making waves in the industry.
But enough about me – it’s your turn now. If you’re a doctor or dentist craving a lifestyle that’s as bright as the Florida sun, then consider me on your team. Let’s chart a course for you to enjoy life now and during retirement.
With over two decades of financial industry expertise, Renee excels in serving as the primary point of contact for clients and institutional connections. Her focus on clear and reliable communication, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, defines her approach. As a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional since February 2012, Renee is dedicated to ensuring clients have a friendly and knowledgeable contact just a call or email away.
Beyond her professional achievements, Renee is a devoted volunteer at the Children’s Cancer Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Metropolitan Ministries. She enjoys cruising and aspires to retire on a cruise ship, reflecting her adventurous spirit.