Advisor profile


Rick Saunders: Private Wealth Advisors in ATL, GA

With over 25 years of financial services experience, I wanted a career where I could help people be successful. What started as a career is now my passion and purpose. I have grown from being a number driven "mathlete" at Duke University into a professional who uses numbers as a tool to help my clients reach their financial goals. What defines me as an advisor and sets me apart, is my genuine desire to be there when my clients need me most. We are there for our clients through good markets and turbulent ones. More importantly, we are present when life happens; celebrating births, weddings, and successes of their children and grandchildren. We also mourn with them over losses.

I grew up on beautiful Hilton Head Island, SC and have a home there to this day. I am grateful for my life and business partner, Thu Saunders. Our son, Bennett, came into this world in 2019 and he has transformed our lives in magical ways. The model and inspirations for my business partnership with my wife comes directly from my mom and dad. My work ethic, commitment to excellence and desire to do good in the world stems from the example they set. Our favorite saying is 'you make a living by what you do; you make a life by what you give.' I make time to play the guitar and imagine myself a cross between Jerry Garcia and Jimmy Page. My retirement dream is to have a band with my son.

26
Years of Experience
This number may include years as a financial advisor, and/or experience as a registered representative.

Areas of focus

  • Investment Management
  • Tax Planning Strategies
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • Retirement Planning Strategies
  • Small Business
  • Insurance

Qualifications

  • CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • ChFC® Chartered Financial Consultant®
  • APMA™ Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor™

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
  • Graduate of The Hill School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Awards & recognition

  • AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch (over $1Bil), 2025
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2025
  • Five Star Wealth Manager, 2012 - 2017, 2019-2022
  • Ameriprise Circle of Success, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015-2024
  • Ameriprise Circle of Success Diamond Ring, 2021
  • Iron Oaks Wealth Advisors, Ameriprise Client Experience Award, 2020-2024
  • Ameriprise Ultimate Digital Excellence Award, 2021-2022, 2024

Honored to receive recognition

All of us at Iron Oaks Wealth Advisors are honored to share we have received the Ameriprise Client Experience Award. This recognition is a testament to the loyalty of our clients, the dedication of the entire Iron Oaks Wealth Advisors team and the great experience we work so hard to provide for our clients every day.

Community participation

Interests

  • Traveling - especially to my home in Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Spending time with my family
  • Being active in the community and volunteering
  • Music - playing guitar and going to concerts
  • Sports - golf, tennis, basketball, running
  • Reading
  • Cooking
  • Movies

Private Wealth Advisors

Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisors have extensive experience in helping affluent clients preserve and grow their wealth. They possess the capabilities and resources to provide customized recommendations and support for tax, estate, and retirement planning. They help clients step back and explore the full range of opportunities their wealth can bring. With years of experience and an established network of expert resources, Private Wealth Advisors are among the most qualified and credentialed advisors in the industry. Ameriprise Financial gives this elite group the highest priority and quality of service and resources available to help ensure their clients receive the best possible client experience.