“”I love when clients take a picture of the whiteboard after a meeting and tell me with a big smile that financial planning finally makes sense to them.
Derek is driven by the reality that the average American family spends more time planning their summer vacation than they do on planning their financial future, often resulting in simple financial mistakes that have big consequences. His mission is to deliver a logical, practical framework for making important financial decisions that works for people with complex lives.

Having been raised the son of two teachers, Derek values the importance of education, especially when it comes to financial intelligence. He enjoys helping clients develop road maps for their personal finances. His kind and confident Midwestern charm helps guide clients through a process of organizing financial resources, prioritizing financial values, and learning about economic trade-offs. With a firm belief that implementing changes and adapting to life’s challenges is where the rubber meets the road, Derek is committed to managing a dynamic financial plan, providing confidence and peace of mind that allows clients to enjoy other activities –  such as planning the next family trip across the country.

Schedule a Meeting with Derek:  Click Here

Education
  • BBA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 1996
Experience
  • 2015 - Present, Partner, Austin Wealth Management, LLC
  • 2011 - 2015, Vice President, Wealth Management Corporation
  • 2007 - 2011, Director, Advisory Services, National Financial Partners
  • 2004 - 2007, Financial Advisor, Planning Works, Inc.
  • 2003 - 2004, Firm Development Associate, National Financial Partners
  • 1998 - 2002, Regional Vice President, Strong Capital Management
Professional Designations
  • CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™)
  • CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor)
Background

Derek, a Wisconsin native, brother of three siblings, and son of a football coach and school teacher, learned early and often to prioritize education, work ethic, discipline and a positive attitude. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelors of Business Administration in 1996, where he played inside linebacker for the Warhawks football team.

Derek’s career in financial services started in Houston, Texas and covers the spectrum of investment management, financial planning, insurance and estate planning, marketing and distribution, technology and back office operations. This diverse background within the industry provides him with a deep understanding of how the financial system functions for his clients. Prior to joining Austin Wealth Management, Derek worked with a wealth management firm in Knoxville, Tennessee where he developed services for the specific financial needs of physicians and other medical professionals.

Texas has a way of drawing people back, and Derek returned to Texas in 2015 to put his roots down. Derek lives in Wimberley with his wife Jennifer and two girls, Anna and Lily. During his time off he enjoys the Texas outdoors and spending time with family. He enjoys developing a homesteading lifestyle in the Hill Country with a focus on practicing self-reliance and sustainability, fitness and health.


Videos by Derek Ripp, CFP®, CEPA
Exit Planning: Maximizing the Value of Your Business
Business Exit Planning
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance
Understanding the 1031 Exchange
Yes or no to vacation rental property?
Modern accounting services w/ Marc Berger
Great companies at bad prices
Inflation, the dog that isn’t barking
Building a financial fortress
Building a house without going broke
The most underrated insurance
Why are stocks so high?
All Videos
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