Ohio’s Wealth Blueprint: How One Firm Shapes Luxury Lifestyles

CARROLL, OH – December 05, 2025 – In the quiet town of Carroll, Ohio, a financial planning firm is making statewide noise. For the second consecutive year, Disbennett Wealth Management Group has been named the "Best in Ohio Business" for financial planning by the readers of Ohio Business Magazine. This back-to-back recognition for a firm rooted outside the state's major metropolitan hubs points to a deeper trend: the critical role specialized wealth management now plays in shaping the futures and lifestyles of Ohio’s growing affluent retiree population.

While the award celebrates a single firm, its significance extends into the very fabric of high-end living and real estate decisions across the Buckeye State. For discerning homebuyers and investors, the confidence to acquire luxury property or build a dream retirement home is not born from market trends alone; it is forged in the security of a meticulously crafted financial plan. As Ohio's demographic landscape shifts, the strategies employed by firms like Disbennett are becoming the foundational blueprint for a prosperous retirement.

The New Ohio Retirement: A Paradox of Affordability and Anxiety

Ohio is increasingly becoming a haven for retirees, and the numbers tell a compelling story. The state's population aged 65 and over has swelled by 33% since 2010, now representing nearly 20% of all residents—a figure slightly above the national average. This demographic shift is fueled by significant lifestyle advantages. Ohio boasts a cost of living roughly 10% below the national average, with median home prices sitting substantially lower than in many other parts of the country. Furthermore, the state offers a tax-friendly environment for retirees, most notably by exempting all Social Security income from state taxes.

Yet, this picture of affordability is shadowed by a pervasive sense of financial anxiety. National studies reflect the concerns felt within Ohio's borders. A 2024 Schwab survey revealed that nearly half of affluent retirees worry about maintaining their desired lifestyle, and over a third fear outliving their savings. The concerns are well-founded. Market volatility, rising healthcare costs—which trend slightly above the national average in Ohio—and a complex, ever-shifting tax code present formidable challenges. According to a 2024 Spectrum Group analysis, the number of U.S. households with $500,000 or more in investable assets is growing, but so are the complexities they face in preserving and growing that wealth for the long term.

This paradox—a desirable, affordable state coupled with deep-seated financial uncertainty—has created intense demand for sophisticated retirement planning. It's no longer just about accumulating assets; it's about strategically deploying them to generate sustainable income, mitigate tax liabilities, and fund a multi-decade retirement that can include significant lifestyle investments like second homes or legacy properties.

Crafting Clarity from Complexity

In response to these challenges, Disbennett Wealth Management Group has built its reputation on a proprietary framework known as the "Wealth With Clarity Process." Developed by founder and CEO Chad Disbennett, a Certified Financial Planner™, this five-step process is engineered specifically for the firm's target clientele: successful business owners, executives, healthcare professionals, and affluent families navigating the transition to retirement. The process is designed to move beyond generic advice and provide a personalized roadmap for protecting and growing wealth.

"We are deeply grateful to be recognized again as Ohio's Best Financial Planning Firm," said Chad Disbennett in a recent statement. "Receiving this honor two years in a row is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust our clients place in us. Our mission remains the same: to bring clarity, confidence, and personalized strategy to each client's financial future."

The core of the firm's approach addresses the key pressure points for modern retirees. It focuses on creating tax-efficient retirement income streams, structuring portfolios to weather market fluctuations, and implementing advanced strategies for wealth transfer and estate planning. By demystifying complex topics like capital gains, IRA distributions, and generational wealth strategies, the process aims to empower clients to make informed decisions with confidence, rather than apprehension. This structured approach is what transforms a nest egg from a source of anxiety into a tool for achieving long-term goals.

A Small-Town Firm with Statewide Influence

Achieving statewide recognition from a base in Carroll is no small feat. The Ohio financial advisory market is a competitive arena, with numerous firms in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati vying for the same high-net-worth clients. Many competitors similarly emphasize fiduciary responsibility, retirement income specialization, and comprehensive planning.

That a reader-driven poll from Ohio Business Magazine has selected Disbennett Wealth Management Group two years running suggests its message of clarity and personalized service resonates powerfully. It highlights a key dynamic in the luxury service industry: reputation and trust often outweigh geographic prestige. For affluent individuals planning the most critical financial phase of their lives, the perceived quality of the strategy and the strength of the client-advisor relationship are paramount. The firm's success demonstrates that top-tier expertise is not confined to urban financial districts, and that a consistent track record can build a powerful brand across an entire state. This consecutive accolade serves as a powerful market signal, validating the firm's methods and reinforcing the trust that is the essential currency of wealth management.

The Financial Bedrock of Luxury Living

Ultimately, the work of a premier wealth management firm is inextricably linked to the luxury housing market. A secure, well-managed financial future is the bedrock upon which significant lifestyle decisions are made. For many affluent Ohioans, retirement isn't about downsizing or cutting back; it's about realizing a long-held vision of their ideal life. This may involve purchasing a lakefront property, acquiring a sophisticated condo in a walkable urban neighborhood like the Short North in Columbus, or designing a custom-built home with amenities for visiting family.

These aspirations require more than just accumulated wealth; they demand liquidity, confidence, and a clear understanding of what the future holds financially. A robust financial plan provides all three. It ensures that a major real estate purchase will not jeopardize long-term income streams or create an undue tax burden. It models the impact of property taxes, maintenance, and other carrying costs on a multi-decade retirement budget. In essence, strategic financial planning transforms a luxury home from a potential liability into a sustainable and enjoyable asset.

As Ohio continues to attract and retain an affluent aging population, the interplay between sophisticated wealth management and high-end real estate will only intensify. The ability to navigate economic uncertainties with a clear, actionable plan is what empowers individuals to invest not just in the market, but in the quality of their own lives for decades to come.