Susie M. Steel, CFP®
ssteel@deerfieldfa.com
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Meet Susie, whose unwavering commitment to the principle of “To whom much is given, much will be required” serves as the driving force behind her dedication, diligence, and empathy as a Wealth Manager at Deerfield. With a three-decade-long career in financial planning, Susie’s approach has always been rooted in a spirit of service, treating each client as an extension of her own family. Her distinctive perspective extends far into the future, enabling her clients to navigate the present with an acute awareness of the lasting consequences of their decisions.
With over 25 years as a principal shareholder and Executive Officer at Deerfield, Susie’s remarkable journey began at Ball State University. A distinguished CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Susie embodies the pinnacle of excellence in the financial services industry. In a landscape where only 29% of advisors nationwide hold the CFP® credentials, a mere 23% of whom are women, Susie’s credentials stand as a testament to her exceptional achievements.
Throughout her career, Susie has been an integral part of NAPFA (The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors), a premier association of fee-only financial advisors. Her commitment has seen her serve as a NAPFA Regional Board member, contributing to multiple leadership committees. Additionally, Susie’s expertise has been recognized through her Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) designation from the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC), held from 2013 to 2018, which further solidified her impact within local estate planning councils.
In a landscape of professional involvement, Susie’s active memberships span diverse associations like the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Greater Indiana, Central Indiana NAPFA Study Group, Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis, Network Of Women in Business, Female Advisor Network, Professional Advisory Leadership Council (PALC), and the CICF Cornerstone Council. Her consistent recognition as one of Indianapolis Monthly’s “Five Star Wealth Managers” for the past decade attests to her outstanding accomplishments (2009-2023).
Yet, Susie’s impact extends well beyond her professional realm. Grounded in her belief in giving back, her community involvement has left an indelible mark on the Indianapolis landscape. From Financial Center First Credit Union (FCFCU) to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Planned Giving Council, Kiwanis Club of Northwest Indianapolis to Junior Achievement, Susie’s altruism knows no bounds. She extends her wisdom to mentoring women through the CFP® Board’s “WIN-to-WIN” Program, embodies the spirit of Rotary Club of Carmel, advocates for Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), and actively serves on the board of the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center (MRNC).
Celebrating 30 years of marriage, Susie and her husband Kevin reside in Carmel, Indiana, where they raised their three children. Her life beyond the office centers around family, spirituality, and fostering meaningful connections. Embracing the concept of the body as a temple, Susie’s personal growth is nurtured through practices like strength training, yoga, and meditation. Her leisure pursuits include strolls with her endearing 9lb Doxiepoo, Lulu, indulging in movies, podcasts, books, and the theater.
Susie’s journey embodies the spirit of dedicated service, financial excellence, and an unwavering commitment to both her profession and her community.