The team of financial advisor Mark Freeman and office administrator MaryKate Morin of Edward Jones in Hopkinton helps clients define their objectives and develop a plan to achieve those goals.

Financial advisor Mark Freeman enjoys getting to know his clients. His aim is to help them clarify their objectives and then, working as partners, create a financial plan that achieves their goals.

“I love this career because I love helping people,” said Freeman. “I work for my clients because I care about them.”

A certified exit planning advisor (CEPA) working for Edward Jones at his 77 West Main Street office in Hopkinton, Freeman offers financial advice to business owners and individuals.

“I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients. We talk about their financial challenges, and their proposed solutions. Many times I find people are focused on the wrong problem,” Freeman said.

A frequent problem is taxes. He notes many clients, while saving for retirement, inadvertently create “a tax time bomb.” Freeman explained, “If you invest in a diversified portfolio year after year and don’t deal with taxes while saving, it could come back to bite you in retirement” in the form of large tax bills. For other clients, “Once you establish some type of wealth, taxes become an important part of the discussion, since the best way to increase wealth is to keep more of it,” said Freeman. “Helping people avoid tax issues is a primary focus. I work hard to keep my clients money in their pockets and out of Uncle Sam’s.”

Another issue faced by many of Freeman’s clients is being in a “job prison” — working in a position they dislike. “But after reviewing their finances, we often find they can change careers or do something else,” he said.

Freeman added, “I also try to make sure my clients’ money outlasts them.” When meeting with a new client, he runs a financial analysis to make sure their funds will support them for their lifetime.

With a mechanical engineering degree from UMass Lowell, Freeman worked in two other industries before establishing his finance career in 2017. Even though his first two jobs were outside his training, Freeman said he was hired by Edward Jones “one, because I have the ability to analyze data quickly and, two, because I always try to figure out a better way to do things. I bring those skills to my finance clients.”

Freeman also tries to understand his clients’ motivations. “When I propose a plan, I ask, ‘How do you feel about it?’ If there is something bothering you, I need to fix that,” he said.

Much as he partners with clients, Freeman has developed relationships with the Hopkinton community supporting local organizations and nonprofits. A Holliston resident since 2005, he volunteers as a business advisor for the high school’s DECA Club, an international nonprofit preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Summing up his work objective, Freeman said, “My job is to understand what is important to you and figure out how to make it happen.”

Anyone interested in more information can call 508-293-4017 or email Mark.Freeman@EdwardJones.com.

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