Ted Schwarz - Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC - Olympia (WA)

Emily Financial advisor Samantha Darnell at this location *allegedly* recommended my husband take out a whole-life insurance policy from Liberty National, which is an incredibly poorly rated and often fraudulent company. Whole-life insurance in general is basically a scam (except in very specific instances), and there is NO REASON whatsoever that a young, healthy, single (at the time) person should have been encouraged to take out a 200k whole-life policy ON TOP OF his military death benefit and his SGLI supplemental term life insurance. Additionally, this plan was represented as having a disability pay out benefit, when in fact the contract shows that it does not have this benefit. So my husband has been paying $112 a month for an unnecessary policy. Edit: some additional thoughts now that first command has responded - OF COURSE over 1/2 of service members have whole life insurance, when its being pushed by first command. That makes sense. I actually spoke to a former employee of first command, who stated she was told by management to "make the math work" to show that people need whole life insurance. So those "gaps" theyre talking about - it kind of sounds to me like they create them. Additionally, I never said that whole life insurance is *always* a scam. Do your own research. But most people dont need it. And if first command tells you that you do, you honestly probably dont. Id recommend seeking out an independent financial advisor who isnt incentivized for selling. Lastly, Ive done some more research into the company the insurance was from (Liberty National) and it is widely regarded to be a pyramid scheme, as well as to be predatory and sell people on insurance they dont need. It may have a blah blah blah whatever score with the BBB, but it also has TONS of user complaints.

Glenn Osterhout Great financial advice and service. Top notch team!

Jeremy Noga I live in Spokane Valley now, but Ive had better experiences with the Newport branch when I lived up there. And since I was up in Newport anyways, I went there to open my business account. Alahnna was the one who helped me and she was amazing! Very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I saw how patient she was with another customer who needed "extra" help while I was waiting for my turn. And I needed all the help I could get also lol. Love the Newport Branch and the great people there.

Jeannee renee Omg Emi @Bremerton branch was my hero. She not only opened my accounts she helped me with recovery on a Venmo account and got it set up through the bank, she is the best, everyone there is and Yvette the branch Manager is also awesome!!!! 5 stars

Jordan Page Windora Bradburn is a God-send. Through a clerical error on my end, I unknowingly owed 6 months of penalties that she got completely abated!!! She is a fighter for her clients and is extremely easy to work with. Very knowledgeable, and highly recommended!!!

Jen & Zeb Rodes Jarrod is very knowledgeable in accounting and the supported technical applications. He is always able to answer all our tax questions. He does a great job of knowing new laws/rules and is able to explain them in a way that I can relate to. He has been super helpful in understanding the small business supports that have come out in 2020. He is always able to give details on why something needs to be done a specific way so that I am able to see the bigger picture. I appreciate his dedication and assistance!