Sean Sparkman, AIF®
Grow with purpose. Retire with a paycheck.
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Pathfinders Wealth
Sean Sparkman, AIF®
Commerce Township, Michigan
Serving Clients Nationwide
Grow with purpose. Retire with a paycheck.
4.9 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews
Areas of Focus
- Investment Management
- Retirement Income Planning
- Roth Conversion Strategies
- Social Security Optimization
- Tax-Efficient Planning
About Sean Sparkman, AIF®
Hi, I'm Sean Sparkman, Founder and Financial Advisor at Pathfinders Wealth, a retirement-planning practice I run together with my father, Rick.My first lessons about work, responsibility, and money did not come from a classroom, but from watching my father make decisions, serve people, and take direct accountability for outcomes. That lifelong partnership shaped our firm around a simple, essential principle: always listen before recommending, explain every choice in plain English, and follow through once decisions are made.
As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), I believe that planning must always begin with the person, not a product or an off-the-shelf model. When providing advisory services through Foundations Investment Advisors, I am held to a fiduciary standard, and once someone entrusts me with the details of their life, I feel a deep personal responsibility to do excellent work for them and their family. My approach is direct, relationship-driven, and focused on helping families connect retirement income, investments, taxes, protection, and legacy around the life they truly want to live, even when that means questioning and challenging default answers to build a more thoughtful plan.
At the core of how I work is my Christian faith, which shapes my belief that leadership is fundamentally an act of service. To me, serving families means listening carefully, speaking the truth, and dedicating what I have been given to help the person sitting right in front of me. While you never need to share my faith to be fully welcomed and respected here, it is the reason I take my responsibility to you and your future so seriously.
Professional Designations
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
Primary Location
Commerce Township, Michigan
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Commissions
- Fee Based
- Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free introductory conversation. You do not need to know exactly what you need before talking with us. Bring what you are doing today, what concerns you, and what you want retirement to look like. We will listen, help organize the questions, and decide together whether a deeper look would be useful. I look forward to speaking with you.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Pathfinders Wealth
At Pathfinders Wealth, we founded our firm around a simple, essential belief: listen before recommending. Founded by the father-and-son team of Rick and Sean Sparkman, our firm was built on the conviction that a financial plan must begin with the person, not an off-the-shelf product or a generic template. We believe that money is not the goal itself, but a tool to create freedom, time, meaningful experiences, confidence, and stronger relationships.We specialize in helping families navigate the critical transition between the building years and retirement. Many people spend decades saving and growing accounts, yet reach retirement without a clear understanding of how those savings are supposed to reliably replace their paycheck. Our primary focus is helping families turn what they have built into a cohesive retirement income strategy—connecting investments, dependable income, taxes, protection, and legacy around the real-life priorities that matter most to them.
Our approach is guided by four core values we call the PATH:
Prosperity: Defining what enough makes possible, from family time and stability to generosity and confidence.
Adventure: Building your plan around the life you want to live, whether that means travel, golf, continuing to work by choice, or quiet days at home.
Thoughtfulness: Taking the time to see the whole picture so every moving part works together and every dollar has a clear job.
Honesty: Explaining advice in plain English—what a strategy is designed to do, what it costs, where it could fall short, and what tradeoffs exist before you decide.
Every client relationship has a dedicated Pathfinders advisor who takes the time to learn your story, understand your concerns, and lead your plan. To support that personal relationship, we partner with Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC—an SEC-registered investment adviser—to provide our investment-advisory platform, institutional investment management, operational support, and compliance resources. Furthermore, we believe trust begins with clear custody, which is why eligible client investment assets are never held directly by Pathfinders, but are kept safely with established, independent custodians such as Fidelity and Charles Schwab.
Above all, we aim to provide advice in a way we would be comfortable sharing with our own family: direct, relationship-driven, and grounded in service.
Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Business Owners
- Couples
- Families
- High Net Worth
- Intergenerational Families
- Living in Retirement
- Pre-Retirees
Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.
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Annual Review of Portfolio
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 14, 2026
I appreciated the time you took to walk me through my annual performance review. You explained everything in a way that was easy to follow, and the visuals made the information much clearer. You made sure any questions & concerns I had were addressed. I feel confident about where my portfolio stands.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 14, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sean Sparkman advisor extraordinaire!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 13, 2026
I've known Sean for almost a decade now. He has ALWAYS demonstrated himself as a long-term thinker who is transparent at all times. I became a client a few years ago and am 100% satisfied with him and the services he provides. I am NEVER taken by surprise by the market because of Sean's approach and understanding.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sean has always been available
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2026
Sean makes learning about stocks and trading easy to comprehend very patient with both of us no matter how many questions are asked of him. Would recommend Sean to anyone concerned about their financial future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Extremely knowledgeable
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2026
Sean has a complete understanding of what my long term goals are for retirement. Very knowledgeable when discussing the best options available. He asks good questions and explains what options may meet my needs. No pressure tactics. I feel he has an interest and passion for what he does and cares for other people. Great person to be around.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sean is the best!!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2026
I can't recommend Sean highly enough. He spent so much time with us in the beginning, answering questions and clarifying and making sure we understood everything. He was (and still is) so patient! He really takes the time to listen and understand our needs and concerns. Every decision we've made on his recommendations was because we truly feel he has our best interests at heart. We feel so secure knowing he is looking out for us and is only a phone call away, ready to answer any question that arises.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
AMAZING ADVISOR!!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2026
I honestly can’t say enough good things about Sean. He has been a part of my family’s financial life for pretty much as long as I can remember, and over the years, he has helped us navigate so many different stages and achieve goals that I’m not sure we would have reached without his guidance. What I appreciate most is that he genuinely cares about the people he works with. He takes the time to listen, explain things, answer questions, and make you feel like you’re more than just another client. Having someone you trust with something as important as your financial future means everything. I’ve personally seen the difference his knowledge, consistency, and dedication have made for my family, and I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for someone they can truly trust with their financial goals. If you’re considering working with a financial advisor, I would absolutely encourage you to give Seam a call. I’m incredibly grateful that my family has had him in our corner for so many years. ❤️
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sean Sparkman
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2026
Sean is a great financial advisor. He is always there for us. He always picks up the phone. He always answers our questions and is very kind and patient. We always try to ask him when we have questions regarding purchases that we might be making because we are retired and need to have some advice on which avenue to take. We always know we can count on Sean.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sean Sparkman Financial Advisor
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2026
I have been with Sean for quite some time. He has helped me navigate my retirement plan when I thought what I had was useless. Without his guidance and knowledge, I would not have been able to retire when I did which has meant everyone me. He is always readily available and truly cares about his clients. Class act!!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Excellent advice
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
When looking for the perfect annuity I had several financial advisers advise me. Once Sean got involved I knew he was going to be awesome a difference maker. He took the time to listen and do the research I needed to get the best outcome for my wife and I. He saved me thousands of dollars and got my family the best life time payout annuity over 3 other advisors! Sean is caring and thoughtful I would recommend him to anyone that wants a get it done advisor! Thank you Sean for making my families retirement stress free and saving me so much money!!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Trustworthy
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
I started working with Sean in December 2021. I have worked with several financial advisors and the most important attributes, from my point of view, are honest, integrity and knowledge. Unlike many in this industry, Sean possess all three! In addition, he is always available to explain anything I don't understand.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Highly Recommend
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
Sean had been very insightful, always looking out for our best interests and is a delight to work with. I would highly recommend him.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Excellent Financial Planner
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
I highly recommend Sean Sparkman as a financial advisor. Sean is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about his clients. He is always available whenever I have questions and takes the time to explain everything clearly, making the entire process easy to understand and giving me confidence in my financial decisions. Beyond his expertise, Sean is also a genuinely great person—trustworthy, approachable, and always willing to help. I’m very grateful to have Sean as my financial advisor and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for someone knowledgeable, reliable, and truly committed to his clients.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
True Professional
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
when Sean put together my retirement plan (about a year before I retired) I looked at it almost every night and every night if I had a question, I would call Sean at lease 1-2 twice a week and he would always take my call personally and explain the ways this plan can work and it did work i am very happy with my retirement and Sean helped me get to where I am comfortable and not worried about enjoying myself on my new adventure he is a true professional and cares about his clients and watches over your accounts and makes expert recommendation to keep you living a good life in retirement
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Outstanding professional
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
I have worked with Sean/Pathfinders now for several years, making multiple investments. And I am a very detailed investor. For every potential investment I review, typically there are many that I review and pass on. I have found Sean always to be a professional, with high ethics, who has been patient and thorough to all my requests. In particular, when I have not made investments with Sean, he has maintained a high professionalism. And when I have made investments, I have found Sean to always be there for additional questions. Two words come to mind when thinking of Sean---professionalism and ethical. I'd highly recommend Sean/Pathfinders to others when considering additional investment vehicle alternatives.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Confidence and trustworthiness
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 1, 2026
I highly recommend Sean Sparkman he is knowledgeable , confident and incredibly trustworthy always taking the time to make sure I understand my options. I totally appreciate his professionalism and the confidence I have in his guidance.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Best Financial Decision I've Ever Made
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 30, 2026
Working with Sean Sparkman at Pathfinders Wealth has been an absolute game-changer for my financial future. From day one, Sean has been incredibly attentive, always available whenever I have a question or need advice. What I appreciate most is his ability to take complex financial and retirement concepts and explain them in clear, plain English so I actually understand where my money is going and why. He didn’t just hand me a cookie-cutter strategy—he genuinely took the time to understand my specific goals and built a customized plan to meet them. He truly lives out his mission of giving every dollar a purpose. The peace of mind is priceless, but the results speak for themselves: my portfolio has seen amazing returns under his stewardship. Beyond being a top-tier fiduciary, Sean is a true friend and someone I trust completely. If you’re looking for a financial advisor who genuinely cares about your success and delivers real value, look no further than Sean and the Pathfinders Wealth team!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 30, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
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Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Sean Sparkman, AIF®
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FAQs
Who does Pathfinders Wealth typically help?
We work primarily with retirees, pre-retirees, families, business owners, and high-net-worth households who want greater clarity around retirement income, investments, taxes, protection, and legacy. We work with clients nationwide by phone and video and throughout Southeast Michigan in person by appointment. Our goal is to coordinate the moving parts of a financial life rather than treat each decision in isolation.
Are you a fiduciary, and how does Pathfinders Wealth get paid?
Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. When I provide investment-advisory services through Foundations, I act in a fiduciary capacity. Depending on the relationship, compensation may include advisory fees, planning fees, and, when an insurance product is used, commissions paid by the insurance company. I explain which applies, what it costs, and the relevant tradeoffs before a client makes a decision.
How do you help turn retirement savings into retirement income?
Retirement income planning is a core focus of our work. We coordinate Social Security, portfolio withdrawals, investment income, cash reserves, taxes, and protected-income strategies such as annuities when appropriate. Rather than asking one account or product to do everything, we give different dollars different jobs and build an income strategy around the lifestyle, flexibility, and legacy goals that matter to you.
How do Roth conversions fit into retirement planning?
Roth conversions can sometimes help reduce future required minimum distributions, improve tax flexibility, and address the higher tax brackets a surviving spouse may face later. But converting too much can create unnecessary taxes or affect Medicare premiums. We model conversions year by year alongside income, deductions, Social Security, RMDs, and other planning decisions rather than viewing them in isolation.
How do you help clients decide when to claim Social Security?
We compare different claiming ages in the context of the entire retirement plan. That can include life expectancy, spousal and survivor benefits, other income sources, taxes, investment withdrawals, and the need for guaranteed income. The highest monthly Social Security benefit is not automatically the best overall strategy, so we look at how the decision affects the household over time.
How do RMDs and withdrawal order affect retirement income and taxes?
The accounts you spend from first can influence taxes for many years. We evaluate taxable accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth accounts, required minimum distributions, capital gains, Social Security taxation, and other income together. The goal is not simply to minimize this year's tax bill, but to create a sustainable withdrawal strategy with greater flexibility across retirement.
When can an annuity make sense in a retirement plan?
An annuity can make sense when a client wants a portion of retirement assets to provide contractual income, principal protection, or other insurance guarantees. Those guarantees depend on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurer. We do not begin with the product. We first identify the job the money needs to do, then compare annuities with reasonable alternatives based on income, liquidity, costs, risks, and tradeoffs.
How do you manage investments for someone already taking retirement income?
Investing during retirement requires balancing growth, income, liquidity, taxes, and downside risk. We may use different portfolio sleeves for different jobs rather than relying on one allocation for every need. The investment strategy is coordinated with the retirement-income plan so distributions, rebalancing, tax decisions, and long-term growth are considered together.
What should couples consider if one spouse dies first?
Survivor planning is an important part of retirement planning because income and taxes can change substantially after the first spouse dies. One Social Security benefit may disappear, pension or annuity income may change, and the surviving spouse may eventually file taxes as a single taxpayer. We model these risks in advance so income, investments, taxes, insurance, and estate considerations can be coordinated before a crisis occurs.
Can Pathfinders Wealth work with clients outside Michigan?
Yes. Pathfinders Wealth works with clients nationwide by phone and video, while also meeting with clients throughout Southeast Michigan in person by appointment. Our planning and advisory process is designed to work remotely, including secure document sharing, virtual meetings, planning analysis, account reviews, and ongoing communication.
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