Economic Insider

Brass Ring Wealth: How Nathan Sealey Turns Financial Complexity Into Client Confidence

By: Chelsea Robinson

For Nathan Sealey, financial advising isn’t about chasing markets, but about guiding people. With 26 years of experience and an uncommon blend of technical mastery and human connection, the founder of Brass Ring Wealth has built a practice that redefines what it means to be a trusted advisor—an advisor who understands their clients’ fears, goals, and the real lives behind the spreadsheets. 

“I don’t measure success in percentages or projections,” he says. “I measure it in calm. When a client stops worrying about money, that’s when we’ve done our job well.” 

For Sealey, client management is not about control; it’s about partnership. His approach blends deep technical expertise with a steady, human touch. He doesn’t just help clients plan for their financial futures; he helps them understand why those plans make sense. 

The Expertise Behind the Empathy 

Sealey’s expertise is both broad and specialized. With more than two decades of experience across the advisory, brokerage, and insurance sectors, he possesses the rare ability to bridge all aspects of financial planning. That means when clients come to him, they don’t get siloed advice – they get a complete picture. 

“I wear three hats,” he explains. “Advisor, broker, and planner. But I make it clear which one I’m wearing and why. My job is to find the best path for the client, not the most profitable path for me.” 

That transparency has become a defining feature of Brass Ring Wealth. In an era where many Americans distrust financial institutions, Sealey’s honesty stands out. Clients describe him as the person who “finally made it all make sense.” He’s the one who explains the difference between a product pitch and a financial plan, and then builds the latter with care. 

But behind his calm demeanor lies a sharp analytical skill. Over the years, he has guided clients through every kind of market cycle, helping them adjust to inflation, taxes, and evolving risk profiles. He excels at translating complex mechanics, such as retirement income strategies, portfolio allocation, and Roth conversions, into simple terms that empower clients to make informed decisions. 

“Finance isn’t about knowing everything,” he says. “It’s about knowing what matters most, and teaching that in a way people actually understand.” 

The Client-Centered Formula 

Sealey’s process is rooted in what he calls alignment through awareness: a constant recalibration between what clients want, what they need, and where they are in life. Every plan he builds is personalized and built to evolve. 

At the heart of this method are what Sealey refers to as “The Big Three Variables”: Risk Tolerance, Objectives, and Time Frame. 

Each serves as a checkpoint to ensure that no plan ever drifts too far from a client’s reality. 

  • Risk Tolerance reflects emotional comfort. “Everyone has a number,” he says. “It’s my job to find it, and to know when life changes that number.” He uses these insights to prevent emotional decisions during volatile markets. 
  • Objectives give purpose to every dollar. “Money only works when it has a job,” he says. Whether it’s saving for a child’s education, preparing for retirement, or funding a future home, Sealey ensures every goal remains relevant and achievable. 
  • Time Frame turns strategy into rhythm. “People underestimate time,” he says. “They keep money idle for years because they might ‘need it soon,’ and then they lose opportunity. Aligning investments with realistic timelines changes everything.” 

Through this disciplined structure, clients stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. They understand the “why” behind every recommendation, which keeps fear and impulsive decisions out of the equation. 

The Brass Ring Standard 

It’s not just the framework that sets Sealey apart; it’s the philosophy behind it. Brass Ring Wealth takes its name from an old carousel tradition: riders who reached for the brass ring earned another turn. For Sealey, it symbolizes attainable success—something within reach for anyone willing to learn, plan, and trust the process. 

He applies the same logic to his client relationships. “You don’t need to chase the markets to win,” he says. “You need a steady hand, a clear plan, and a partner who will walk with you through every turn.” 

His clients range from blue-collar retirees to young professionals just starting their financial journeys. Each receives the same level of attention, education, and accessibility. Sealey meets them where they are, sometimes literally, whether that’s in a small-town coffee shop or over a late-night video call with a client anxious about retirement. 

And in every conversation, his goal remains the same: simplify, clarify, and empower.

Defining Success the Brass Ring Way 

In a profession often defined by numbers, Sealey has built his firm on intangibles: trust, transparency, and understanding. His version of success isn’t found only in a quarterly report, but also in the moments when clients realize they’re finally in control of their future. 

“When clients stop calling me out of fear and start calling me out of curiosity, I know we’ve succeeded,” he says. 

That shift, from panic to partnership, is what makes Brass Ring Wealth more than a financial firm. It’s a guidepost for a new kind of financial advising: one that values comprehension as much as competence, and humanity as much as data. 

To connect with or work with Nathan Sealey, visit www.BrassRingWealth.com. There, you can learn more about his personalized approach to client success and discover how Brass Ring Wealth is redefining what it means to build wealth with confidence. 

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Brass Ring Wealth Management is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. This information should not be construed as an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This material is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or legal counsel. Individuals should consult their own tax professionals and attorneys to help answer questions about specific situations or needs before taking any action based on this information. The information provided is reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness. Kestra Investment Services, LLC does not provide legal or tax advice. 

www.kestrafinancial.com/disclosurs 

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyberattacks

Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who view them as easier to breach than large corporations. Cyberattacks can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive information, and damage customer trust. While technology risks continue to evolve, many protective measures remain straightforward and cost-effective.

Understanding where these risks originate and how to manage them allows small business owners to take reasonable precautions without feeling overwhelmed. Cybersecurity doesn’t require a major budget; it begins with awareness, planning, and consistent habits that keep systems and data secure.

The key to prevention lies in building a foundation of digital hygiene—simple, repeatable steps that reduce exposure to common cyber threats.


Understanding Cyber Threats Small Businesses Face

Cyberattacks take many forms. The most common are phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Phishing refers to deceptive emails or messages designed to trick employees into revealing passwords or clicking harmful links. Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment to restore access, often causing major downtime. Data breaches occur when unauthorized parties gain access to confidential customer or business information.

Small businesses are often targeted because they may not have full-time cybersecurity staff or sophisticated defenses. Hackers use automated tools that scan for vulnerable networks or weak passwords. Even a single compromised device can provide entry into broader systems.

Recognizing these risks helps business owners understand that cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a business risk similar to fire safety or insurance. Preventing a breach means protecting customer data, financial stability, and long-term reputation.


Building A Cybersecurity Plan

A cybersecurity plan doesn’t need to be complex. It should define what assets need protection, who has access, and how incidents will be handled. Start by identifying critical data—such as financial records, customer information, and operational systems—and determine how that data is stored and backed up.

Access control is essential. Each employee should have only the permissions necessary for their role. Shared logins and unsecured file sharing increase the chance of accidental leaks. Regular password updates and the use of multi-factor authentication add layers of security that block unauthorized access.

An incident response section should outline how to contain and recover from a cyberattack. This includes identifying who to contact—such as IT providers, law enforcement, or insurance carriers—and how to communicate transparently with affected customers if data is compromised.


Securing Networks And Devices

Network protection starts with basic measures like updating software regularly and installing reputable security programs. Many cyberattacks exploit outdated systems or unpatched vulnerabilities. Setting devices to update automatically ensures that known flaws are fixed promptly.

Routers and Wi-Fi networks should use strong passwords and modern encryption settings such as WPA3. Public or unsecured Wi-Fi connections can expose sensitive data if used without protection. Virtual private networks (VPNs) offer additional security by encrypting data when employees work remotely.

Physical devices also matter. Lost or stolen laptops, phones, or drives can lead to breaches if not encrypted or password protected. Businesses should require all devices connected to the network to meet minimum security standards before gaining access.


Training Employees To Spot Threats

Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches. Even well-designed systems can fail if employees don’t recognize risks. Regular training helps staff understand common threats and how to respond safely.

Training can cover how to identify phishing emails, handle suspicious attachments, and verify unfamiliar requests. A clear policy should explain what employees should do if they receive a suspicious message—such as reporting it immediately rather than deleting it.

Simulated phishing exercises are another effective tool. By sending controlled test emails, businesses can measure awareness and provide feedback without real risk. Over time, employees learn to treat unusual communication with caution, reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.


Safeguarding Customer Data

Customers trust businesses to handle their information responsibly. Protecting that data is both a legal and ethical obligation. Sensitive records—such as payment details, contact information, and personal identifiers—should be encrypted and stored securely.

Businesses that handle online transactions should ensure that their websites use secure protocols (HTTPS) and that payment systems meet compliance standards such as PCI DSS. Regularly reviewing privacy policies and limiting how long data is stored can further reduce exposure.

Transparency strengthens trust. If a data breach occurs, notifying affected customers quickly and explaining the steps taken to fix the issue can minimize reputational damage. Maintaining clear communication demonstrates accountability and respect for privacy.


Backups And Recovery Strategies

Data loss doesn’t always come from hackers. Hardware failure, natural disasters, or human mistakes can also erase critical information. Regular data backups protect against all these risks and ensure faster recovery after an incident.

Backups should be stored both locally and offsite or in a secure cloud environment. Automated backup systems reduce the chance of human error. It’s also important to test backups regularly to confirm that files can be restored correctly.

Having a recovery plan minimizes downtime and financial impact. Knowing how to restore data, reestablish systems, and resume communication allows a small business to return to normal operations faster, even after a major disruption.


Working With Trusted Partners

Even small businesses rely on third-party vendors for services such as payroll, email hosting, and cloud storage. Each vendor relationship introduces potential security risks, since third parties often handle or store sensitive data.

Before entering agreements, businesses should review each vendor’s security policies and certifications. Contracts should specify responsibilities for data protection and breach notification. For essential services, choosing established providers with clear security measures is often worth the added cost.

Regular vendor reviews ensure that partners continue to meet security expectations. If a supplier suffers a data breach, understanding their response plan helps your business act quickly and maintain customer trust.


Maintaining Ongoing Security Awareness

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time task but a continuing process. As technology changes, new vulnerabilities appear. Scheduling regular reviews of policies, software, and employee training keeps defenses current.

Subscribing to alerts from organizations such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides updates on active threats and guidance for small businesses. These resources offer free checklists and alerts that are easy to apply without technical expertise.

A culture of awareness makes cybersecurity a shared responsibility. Employees who understand the importance of safe behavior online become active participants in protecting the business, creating resilience against potential threats.