Financial advisor Mark Freeman enjoys getting to know his clients. His aim is to help them clarify their objectives and then, working as partners, to create a financial plan that achieves their goals.

“I love this career because I love helping people,” said Freeman. “I work for my clients because I care about them.” 

 A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) working for Edward Jones at his 77 West Main St., Hopkinton office, Freeman offers financial advice to business owners and individuals.

I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients. We talk about their financial challenges, and their proposed solutions. Many times I find people are focused on the wrong problem,” Freeman said.

A frequent problem is minimizing taxes. He noted many clients, while saving for retirement, inadvertently create, “a tax time bomb.” Freeman explained, “If you invest in a diversified portfolio year after year and don’t deal with taxes while saving, it could come back to bite you in retirement,” in the form of large tax bills. For other clients, “once you establish some type of wealth, taxes become an important part of the discussion since the best way to increase wealth is by keeping more of it,” said Freeman. He added, “Helping people avoid tax issues is a primary focus. I work hard to keep a client’s money in their pockets and out of Uncle Sam’s.

Another issue faced by many of Freeman’s clients is being in a “job prison,” working in a position they dislike because they feel they need the income.“ But after reviewing their finances, we often find they can change careers or do something else,” he said. Freeman noted he was in that same situation himself until he realized he could afford to change careers.

Freeman added, “I am also trying to make sure that my clients’ money outlasts them.” One of his first tasks when meeting a new client is to run an analysis of their finances to make sure their funds will support them for their lifetime.

With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Freeman worked in two other industries before establishing his finance career in 2017. Even though his first two jobs were outside his training, Freeman said he was hired by Edward Jones, “one, because I have the ability to analyze data quickly and, two, because I always try to figure out a better way to do things. I bring those skills to my finance clients.” 

Freeman also tries to understand his clients’ motivations. “When I propose a plan, I ask ‘how do you feel about it.’ If there is something bothering you, I need to fix that,” he said.

Much as he partners with his clients, Freeman has developed relationships with the towns where he works and lives. Part of the Hopkinton business community, he has supported many local organizations and nonprofits.

Making their home in Holliston since 2005, he and his wife have raised their now college-aged twins in the town. Freeman currently volunteers as a business advisor for the Holliston High DECA Club, an international nonprofit organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Summing up his work objective and the relationship he has with clients, Freeman said, “ My job is to understand what is important to you and figure out how to make it happen.” 

For more information call Freeman at 508-293-4017 or email him at [email protected].

 I think you already have the correct photo and caption but here is the caption again: The team of financial advisor Mark Freeman and office administrator MaryKate Morin of Edward Jones in Hopkinton helps clients define their objectives and develop a plan to achieve those goals.

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