Meet the Team Behind the TAG Retirement Road Map

Local retirement guidance built around coordination, lived experience, fiduciary investment care, and long term client relationships.

Our Owner & CEO

Vanessa Retter | Financial Advisor

Vanessa is dedicated to becoming the last financial professional you’ll ever need. Growing up in a household that relied on food stamps, she was determined to create a different future for herself. She landed her first job at the age of 12, and after graduation, she worked her way up the corporate ladder, aiming to build a family that would never need assistance with food. In 2009, both Vanessa and her husband faced downsizing in their corporate roles, watching helplessly as their 401(k)s plummeted. This pivotal moment inspired them to establish their own financial firm to assist others struggling to make their money stretch.


Since then, The Advisory Group has transformed into a resource for retirees and business owners looking to secure their futures. After the loss of her husband in 2018, Vanessa became the “keeper of the flame.” Through her personal journey of grief, she discovered a newfound passion for supporting widows and single individuals in achieving financial success, aiming to be a reliable source of guidance throughout their lives.


Vanessa prioritizes a healthy work-life balance, spending cherished moments with her children around their pool. She enjoys various outdoor activities, including kayak fishing, hiking, pickleball, and delighting in lazy days by the pool.

20+

YEARS IN BUSINESS

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Nathan Parchman

Fiduciary Wealth Advisor

  • Meet Nathan

    Originally from Kentucky, Nathan has been an O’Fallon resident since 2007. With a finance degree from Murray State and a Series 65 license, he serves as a fiduciary wealth advisor. His career spans roles as a credit and bank manager, bringing deep expertise to The Advisory Group. Nathan is an active community member, serving the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber, Rotary Club, and coaching youth sports. He and his wife, Nicole, live in O’Fallon with their two daughters, Brooklyn and Carlee.

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Melissa Shepherd

Operations Manager

  • Meet Melissa

    Driven by a passion for helping others, Melissa brings a diverse professional background spanning retail management, library services, and accounting. She holds a degree in English and Sociology and remains an active library volunteer. Whether she’s tackling yard work, enjoying the snow, or curled up with a book, Melissa loves staying active. She frequently takes road trips to visit her active-duty military boyfriend and enjoys spending quality time with his two young children.

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Tricia Hillard

Office Coordinator

  • Meet Tricia

    Bio coming soon!