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Begin with the End in Mind

When you dream about your life in the future, what do you see? We begin our process by learning about what is most important to you, and then we make a plan together to create that reality. Through our collaborative process, you’ll have us as a guide to help teach and lead you throughout your journey towards financial independence. 

About Us

The Cotignola Wealth Team specializes in demystifying complex financial concepts for our clients. We strive to empower our clients with the knowledge they need to make sound financial decisions over the course of their lives that will help them reach their goals. We start by getting to know you, both where you are in life now, and where you hope to be in your future. Then, we build a plan together and walk alongside you as your trusted guide. The Cotignola Wealth team uses our extensive knowledge of budgeting, investment management, insurance planning, tax planning, and estate planning to help you build, protect, enjoy, and effectively transfer your wealth.

It all starts with a conversation. Reach out to us today for a complimentary phone consultation.

Meet Our Team

Learn more about each of the dedicated members of the Cotignola Wealth Team.

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Chris Cotignola

CFP®

Financial Planner

402-315-9679

carlleen sturdivant 1
Carlleen Sturdivant

Client Service Associate

402-513-3146

Valerie Jones
Valerie Jones

Client Service Associate

402-513-7004

Our Services

Retirement Planning

Retirement Withdrawal Planning
 Retirement Contributions
 Social Security Strategy
Goal-Based Planning
Pension Optimization
Medicare Planning

Investments

Investor Risk Assessment
Portfolio Management
Investment Selection
Education Planning 
Cash Management
Asset Allocation

Tax Strategy

 Charitable Giving Strategies
 Roth Conversion Strategy
 Tax-Efficient Investing
 Tax Loss Harvesting
Tax Return Review
CPA Coordination

Business Owner

Entity Structure Comparison
Retirement Plan Consulting
Buy Sell Agreements
Employee Benefits
Succession Planning

Estate Planning

Estate Document Coordination
 Trust Implementation
Beneficiary Review
Asset Protection
Legacy Planning

Risk Management

 Property & Liability Protection Analysis
Emergency Fund Determination
Long-Term Care Planning
Life Insurance Analysis
Disability Protection
Key Man Insurance

Employer

Employer Plan Contributions
Retirement Plan Investments
Option Execution Strategies
Deferred Compensation
Stock Plan Analysis

Other

Behavioral Financial Coaching
Divorce Settlement Consulting
Debt Reduction Strategies 
Windfall Investment Plans
Money Movement
Cashflow Analysis

What to Expect at an Appointment

Step 1

We get to know you.
We learn about your family, hobbies, history, goals, what’s important to you, and what encouraged you to meet with us.

Step 2

We work to understand your goals.
Through strategic questions pertaining to savings and how long you plan to work, we gather all the information needed to put together a strong financial plan.

Step 3

We introduce you to our tools.
We help you understand our process and the tools we use to formulate a savings and investment plan tailored to your specific goals.

Step 4

We create a lasting relationship.
Tailored to your needs, we develop a regular review plan with you to ensure your finances are on the right track.

Connect with Us

SageSpring is invested in more than just your finances. We are invested in you.
Connect with us today, and discover how our unique, holistic approach to financial planning can guide you to long-lasting peace and prosperity.

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Our Location

Street Address
15808 W. Dodge Road, Suite 103

Omaha, NE 68118

Phone Number
402-315-9679

Recent Insights

866.712.1657
Valerie Jones

Client Service Associate, SageSpring Wealth Partners
402-513-7004

Valerie Jones

Client Service Associate, SageSpring Wealth Partners

Valerie Jones is the welcoming face of the LaBroad/Cotignola Wealth Team as their Client Services Associate. Serving as the first point of contact for clients, Valerie is responsible for processing and tracking all client account activity while efficiently carrying out operational duties for the team. 

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Valerie graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a BS in Elementary Education. She brings her strong organizational skills and attention to detail from her educational background into her role at SageSpring.

Married for 19 years to her husband Jon, Valerie is a proud mother to three daughters: Madison (17), Meredith (14), and Makenna (13). The family also shares their home with the sweetest mini goldendoodle named Molly, who brings joy and laughter to their lives. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, Valerie loves spending her free time at the lake or cheering on her daughters at their ball games.

carlleen sturdivant 1
Carlleen Sturdivant

Client Service Associate 
402-513-3144 

Carlleen Sturdivant  

Client Service Associate 

Before joining SageSpring Wealth Partners, Carlleen Sturdivant previously worked in the travel industry as an HR talent coordinator for two years. Prior to that, she worked in the human services field for ten years, assisting individuals with preparing and gaining employment.

In her current role serving the wealth advisors at both Eric Shapiro and Brandon Kew’s offices —both based in Omaha, Nebraska—Carlleen assists the financial advisors and provides clients with quality service. She routinely contacts internal and external customers to obtain, clarify, or provide facts and information. Carlleen also schedules and coordinates meetings, events, and appointments for advisors.

While looking for a financial advisor that aligned with their values, Carlleen and her husband were drawn to Eric Shapiro’s heart of a teacher. Later, while looking for a new employment opportunity, Carlleen learned about the Client Services Associate position and jumped at the chance to be a part of the SageSpring Wealth Partners team.

When it comes to what Carlleen loves most about working at SageSpring Wealth Partners, it’s the support she receives from everyone in the company. Carlleen truly enjoys her amazing team, and she comes to work with a smile on her face, knowing that the work her team completes every day positively impacts the lives of others.

Outside of work, Carlleen enjoys dancing in Zumba class and hanging out with her husband and their two adult children and their families. Carlleen loves being a grandma, and she has a passion for helping family and friends find work and life balance. 

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Chris Cotignola

CFP®

Financial Planner

402-315-9679

Chris Cotignola 

Financial Planner

Originally from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Chris brings with him a diverse background, having spent the first 9 years of his career as a high school band director. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Messiah University and a Master of Music degree from Central Washington University. Every day he gets to draw from his experience as an educator to help guide clients to achieve their financial goals.

As leader of the Cotignola Wealth Team, Chris specializes in retirement planning, investment management, tax strategies, and personalized behavioral finance coaching. Chris first came to know of SageSpring Wealth Partners as a client of Eric Shapiro after going through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Having worked hard to live on a budget, get out of debt, and save for the future, Chris knows the importance of having a financial plan and carrying it out. As a client of the company, joining SageSpring as an advisor felt like coming home. Chris is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and holds his Series 7, Series 66, Insurance, Annuity, Long Term Care, and Disability licenses and is an independent, registered representative with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.

Outside of the office, Chris maintains an active schedule as a professional musician. He runs his own private saxophone studio in addition to playing with various bands throughout the region. In the little free time he has, you’re likely to find Chris on the soccer field or golf course.

carlleen sturdivant 1
Carlleen Sturdivant

Client Service Associate
402-513-3146

Carlleen Sturdivant 

Client Service Associate

Before joining SageSpring, Carlleen Sturdivant previously worked in the travel industry as an HR talent coordinator for two years. Prior to that, she worked in the human services field for 10 years, assisting individuals with preparing and gaining employment.

Carlleen has been with SageSpring for two years assisting financial advisors and providing clients with quality service. She routinely contacts internal and external customers to obtain, clarify, or provide facts and information. Carlleen also schedules and coordinates meetings, events, and appointments for advisors.

When it comes to what Carlleen loves most about working at SageSpring, it’s the support she receives from everyone in the company. Carlleen truly enjoys her amazing team, and she comes to work with a smile on her face, knowing that the work her team completes every day positively impacts the lives of others.

Outside of work, Carlleen enjoys dancing in Zumba class and hanging out with her husband, their two adult children, and their families. Carlleen loves being a grandma, and she has a passion for helping family and friends find work and life balance. 

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Christina Hausner

Client Services Associate, SageSpring 

402.513.7004

Christina Hausner 

Client Services Associate, SageSpring 

Christina Hausner is a Client Services Associate at SageSpring Wealth Partners. Christina collaborates closely with advisors as the main point of contact for clients. Her day-to-day responsibilities include processing and tracking client account activity as well as working to ensure the team maintains an exceptional level of service as the practice grows.

With a career in the financial services industry spanning more than 25 years, Christina joined SageSpring Wealth Partners seeking a role where she could continue assisting clients while working within a close-knit team. She was drawn to SageSpring due to the quality and care of service the firm provides to clients and its commitment to helping others.

Born and raised in Omaha, Christina received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the College of Saint Mary. Outside of the office, she and her husband, Mike, are avid sports fans and enjoy watching and cheering for the Omaha Storm Chasers, Creighton Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Christina also enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. 

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Jeffrey T. Dobyns

CFP®, CLU, CHFC

President, SageSpring 

Jeffrey T. Dobyns

President, SageSpring 

Beyond crunching numbers and investment strategies, at SageSpring, we’re about building relationships. When you encounter Founder & President of SageSpring, Jeff Dobyns, it’s easy to understand why this is at the very heart of who we are as a firm. You won’t find stuffy formalities with Jeff; instead, you can expect to find him sharing a warm smile, communicating a compelling vision, or patiently untangling life’s complex challenges with clients. He believes in truly getting to know clients, understanding their aspirations and priorities, and navigating their financial plans with a tailored, comprehensive approach. Our team members have often been caught taking notes on Jeff’s effortless relationship skills from a distance, and we admire them for striving to learn from one of the best. 

Jeff’s financial expertise and wisdom are the perfect match to his innate people skills. Jeff holds the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChLU®) designations, and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than two decades. 

His dedication extends beyond the office to the boardroom and the local community, where Jeff is passionate about giving back. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Men of Valor, a prison ministry and mentoring program. Jeff also serves on the board of Send Musicians to Prison, which shares hope, healing and restoration with the imprisoned through musicians & artists. Jeff actively supports other initiatives in the community by sitting on the board of The Signatry of Middle Tennessee and the Halftime Institute of Nashville. 

Witnessing his four children, Gracyn, Hunter, Tanner, and Logan, excel on the field is almost just as rewarding, if not more, than celebrating the victories of seeing his clients overcome obstacles and build wealth. Spending weekends boating on the lake, hiking mountain trails, and fishing with his family are the moments Jeff cherishes most. It’s this grounded perspective that reveals the true meaning of wealth for Jeff: not just numbers on a page, but the freedom to create experiences that enrich your life and the lives of those you love. When you choose the Dobyns McMillin Wealth Team, you choose more than financial expertise. You choose a partner who champions your dreams, celebrates your victories, and walks besides you on the path to achieving your unique goals.

**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.