Meet the professionals who can help you Pursue Your Goals

We help individuals and families work toward achieving their ideal retirements.

 

Meet The Team

The team behind The Advisory Group, LLC is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.

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Vanessa Retter Financial Advisor/ Owner CEO

Vanessa is on a mission to be the last financial professional you’ll ever work with.

Growing up in a family that had to use food stamps, Vanessa was determined to have a different life. She got her first job at age 12, and after graduation, she climbed the corporate ladder in the effort to have a family that never needed food stamps. In 2009, Vanessa and her husband were downsized from their corporate jobs and watched as their 401(k)s plummeted. At that point, they decided to start their own financial firm to help others struggling to make their money last.

Since then, The Advisory Group has evolved into helping retirees and business owners prepare for their futures. Vanessa’s husband passed away in 2018, leaving her as the “keeper of the flame.” Through tragedy, she developed a passion for helping widows and single individuals succeed financially, striving to be someone they can depend on for the rest of their lives.

Vanessa holds a work life balance in high regard. She spends a lot of time with her children around their pool. She loves outdoor activities, kayak fishing, hiking, pickle ball, and lazy days by the pool.

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Nathan Parchman

Nathan Parchman

Nathan is originally from Hickory, Kentucky and first became an O’Fallon, Illinois resident in 2007. His career has consisted in a variety of financial roles including credit manager, bank manager and financial wealth advisor. Nathan and his wife, Nicole, have 2 children, Brooklyn and Carlee that both attend Marie Schaefer Elementary in O'Fallon.

Nathan holds a degree from Murray State University as well as his Series 65 license making him a fiduciary. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Finance and Management.

He spends his time in a variety of local organizations including O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador, Rotary Club of O’Fallon, O’Fallon Parks and Recreation as a youth coach and attends the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon.


Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor.  Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.
Fiduciary duty extends solely to investment advisory advice and does not extend to other activities such as insurance or broker dealer services.  Advisory clients are charged a monthly fee for assets under management while insurance products pay a commission, which may result in a conflict of interest regarding compensation.

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Melissa Shepherd Operations Manager

Melissa Shepherd

Melissa comes to us with a love of helping people. She worked in retail management for many years, worked at a local library, and at an accounting office. She has a degree in English and Sociology, loves reading, and still volunteers at the library. She can usually be found outside, either doing yard work or playing in the snow, or curled up reading a book somewhere. She loves road trips and visiting her active-duty military boyfriend whenever she can. Between visits, she spends time with his two young kids.

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Jill Rice
Medicare Advisor

Jill Rice

What makes me tick is the notion that somehow, I can make a difference. I've always been for the underdog and felt a strong need to right the wrongs around me. I am passionate about financial literacy and accountability. Much like a personal trainer or a registered dietitian helps improve physical health, I have the desire to help people improve their financial health. My mission is to give people the best possible foundation to build their financial lives upon and watch them thrive!

As a professionally trained Accredited Financial Counselor, and member of AFCPE I have the tools and understanding to help you navigate your personal finances. Working in non-profit, government finances, financial institutions and as a volunteer budget coach over the past 8 years has given me the professional and life experience to draw from and help you meet your goals. Whether it's a quick budget review or digging in deep to correct credit issues and destroy debt, I have the skills and compassion to get you where you'd like to go.

I am a mother of four beautiful children and have been married to the same wonderful husband 27 years. I jokingly call myself a "budget nerd" and admit that I once said I would never be a "bean counter". In my spare time I volunteer at my church, a local food pantry and a national non-profit as a budget coach.

Committing to a healthier financial life is just that – a commitment, and it’s a big one that will take a lot a dedication. My commitment is to provide you with accountability, education, tools, and support to get you there.

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Cassandra "Cassie" IshumOffice Coordinator

Cassandra "Cassie" Ishum

Cassie is our Office Coordinator. Prior to coming to the TAG Family in 2022, she worked in the accounting, tax, and bookkeeping industry since 2015 and in the medical office field for 15 years prior to that. Cassie loves community and togetherness. When not at work you can find her at one of her daughter’s many childhood adventures or sporting events. She and her family enjoy camping, floating, and riding side by side’s.

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Ready to Take The Next Step?

For more information about any of the products and services listed here, schedule a meeting today.

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Or give us a call at 618.726.7046