Retirement Plan Consulting
Independent fiduciary leadership under ERISA 3(21) or 3(38). Comprehensive employee financial wellness workshops, custom Investment Policy Statements, and vendor fee benchmarking.
Fee-Based Fiduciary Advisory Firm
Helping People and Companies Thrive Through Empowered Financial Solutions
Independent retirement plan consulting and private wealth management designed to protect fiduciaries, inspire employees, and guide families toward multi-generational flourishing.
Fiduciary Excellence & National Recognition
Independent Standard of CareVoted the 2025 PLANADVISER Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year (Plan Sponsor Service) and home to the 2024 RIA Intel Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year. We bring non-siloed teamwork and uncompromising institutional rigor to every plan committee and private portfolio.
- Unbiased vendor-neutral fee benchmarking & RFP oversight
- Customized employee financial wellness & 1-on-1 consultations
- Holistic wealth preservation, tax drawdown, and estate architecture
Who We Are
A Thorough, Collaborative Team Approach to Wealth & Retirement
We utilize a thorough and highly efficient team approach to retirement plan consulting and wealth management. While we are deeply proud of the measurable outcomes we deliver, we believe it is our non-siloed team structure and collaborative environment that truly set us apart in this industry.
Founded in 2015 in Carmel, Indiana by Tom Mayer, Drew Denny, and Steve Wylam, Shepherd Financial has grown into a nationally recognized advisory firm managing over $6.8 Billion across defined contribution plans, institutional accounts, and private family portfolios.
What We Do
Empowered Financial Solutions for Organizations & Families
Four specialized operational practice areas backed by independent fiduciary diligence, modern technology, and personalized advocacy.
Wealth Management Services
Holistic life planning integrating estate transfer, tax location, Social Security optimization, dynamic portfolio construction, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).
Business Planning
Strategic continuity roadmaps for mid-market and family-owned enterprises: corporate succession structuring, formal valuation, buy-sell agreements, and executive NQDC plans.
Insurance Solutions
Comprehensive personal and corporate risk mitigation coordinated in strategic partnership with Shepherd Insurance: key-person protection, disability coverage, and health benefits.
National Recognition
Shepherd Financial Honors & Accolades
Our advisors and retirement practice are continually recognized by independent industry benchmark organizations for fiduciary service and participant impact.
Winner • 2025
Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year
PLANADVISER (Plan Sponsor Service)Honoring national excellence in plan sponsor governance, participant outcomes, and proactive committee support.
National Winner • 2024
RIA Intel Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year
RIA Intel / Institutional InvestorConferred upon Executive Partner Leah Sylvester for leadership, fiduciary advocacy, and industry-wide innovation.
2017 – 2024
Top DC Advisor Teams
National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA)Recognizing the nation's premier defined contribution advisory teams managing over $100 Million in DC assets.
Multi-Year Honoree
Top 401 Retirement Advisors
Financial Times (FT 401)Evaluated on defined contribution plan assets, growth rate, industry credentials, and compliance record.
Interactive Assessment
Fiduciary & Wealth Readiness Health Check
Evaluate your corporate retirement plan governance or personal financial trajectory in under 60 seconds.
Fiduciary Insights
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Latest Regulatory & Financial Intelligence
2026 Contribution Limits Released — What Employers Should Know
IRS cost-of-living adjustments for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans, including new SECURE 2.0 catch-up tiers for ages 60–63 and HCE thresholds.
Read Full Analysis
5 Things to Know About HSAs (The Triple Tax Advantage)
How Health Savings Accounts function as tax-deductible, tax-deferred, and tax-free medical vehicles that can double as auxiliary retirement accounts.
Read Full Analysis
Level Up Your Credit Score & Essential Habits
Dissecting the five components of credit score calculation: payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and new inquiries.
Read Full Analysis
Ready to Connect?
Start the Conversation With a Shepherd Financial Advisor
Whether you are evaluating your organization's 401(k) fiduciary standing or crafting a private wealth strategy for your family, our team is ready to assist.
Direct Inquiries: shepfinteam@shepherdfin.com | Carmel HQ: 317.975.5033
