Stephen Bauer, CFP®

Stephen Bauer is responsible for developing financial plans and offering guidance and advice to clients at United Capital Financial Advisors.

Stephen started his career with AG Edwards, which, after a few acquisitions, became Wells Fargo Advisors. After gaining experience with Wells Fargo Advisors, he continued his career as a Wealth Manager with Ameriprise Financial and eventually joined United Capital.

Stephen is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Before majoring in Business at the University of Illinois, he studied Engineering. His extensive knowledge of financial planning and previous experience with engineering has helped him break down client goals when creating a plan to meet their unique financial needs. He has also been recognized as a top advisor on Forbes Lists: Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best in State (2018-2023) & Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors (2022-2023) and is a Nine-time Five Star Professional winner (2014-2017, 2019-2023). *

Stephen lives with his wife, Lisa, his sons, Lukas and Ben, and their cocker spaniel, Rudy. He serves on his church finance council, as a diplomat for the Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member of The Woodlands Rotary Club.

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*Disclosures: Rankings and/or any other rankings and/or recognition by unaffiliated rating services and/or publications should not be construed as a guarantee that a client or prospective client will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if the Wealth Manager is engaged, nor should it be construed as a current or past endorsement by any of the Wealth Managers clients. Published rankings are generally based on information prepared or submitted by the recognized advisor and limited to those participating in the rankings. United Capital does not pay any fee for any ranking or recognition but may purchase a plaque or reprint published rankings.

Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors (2018-2023)

The Forbes Nest-Gen Wealth Advisors rankings, developed by SHOOK Research (http://www.shookresearch.com/), is based on an algorithm of qualitative criterion, mostly gained through telephone, virtual, and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of four years' experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass the highest standards of best practices. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

Best in State Wealth Advisors (2022-2023)

The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria learned through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data such as revenue trends and assets under management. The algorithm additionally weighs factors such as service models, compliance records and industry experience, and focuses on those that encompass best practices in their approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

Five Star Professional (2014-2017, 2019-2023)

Five Star Professional (“FSP”) wealth manager award is intended to recognize local wealth managers that promote excellence. Candidates are nominated through a variety of methods and those that do not pass FSPs regulatory and consumer compliant review process are removed from consideration. To receive the Five Star Wealth Manager award, a wealth manager must satisfy 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria that are associated with wealth managers who provide quality services to their clients. Candidates are accessed through a self-evaluation form. The criteria includes, but limited to client retention, education and professional designations, and discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets managed.