First Command Financial Advisor - Pat Benish, CFP®

Russell Clarke joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in October 1996, following a 28-year career in the United States Navy Reserve, where he attained the rank of Commander. Russell understands the challenges and opportunities associated with life in the military and is committed to helping service members and their families get their financial lives squared away. A graduate of United States Naval Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Russell holds Series 6, 63, and 65 securities licenses plus life and health insurance licenses in 23 states. Understanding that the biggest obstacle to financial security for most people is their own behavior, Russell serves as a personal financial coach to clients, continually reinforcing positive financial behaviors. He advocates time-tested financial principles, including disciplined, long-term saving and investing, careful debt management, and a thoughtful insurance strategy to manage financial risk. Russell will work with you to establish specific, meaningful goals that are consistent with your values and then develop a personalized financial plan to guide your pursuit of those goals. In his free time, Russell enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with family. First Command offers a comprehensive set of financial planning products and services, including banking, investments, insurance and retirement planning. More than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad are committed to the company’s Mission of “Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”

First Command's Financial Advisors in Virginia Beach, VA are committed to serving our Nation's military families in their pursuit of financial security. Keeping you financially squared away wherever life takes you.

As a First Command Financial Advisor, I am committed to helping clients consistently make the smart, informed financial decisions that are essential to the pursuit of long-term financial security. I chose this profession because I believe it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the people I work with. Experience has taught me that the biggest obstacle to financial security for most people is their own behavior. That’s why I seek to form trusting, long term relationships with clients, serving as their personal financial coach by: 1. Helping them set specific and meaningful goals that are aligned with their values 2. Providing them with a comprehensive, personalized plan for effectively pursuing their goals 3. Encouraging and motivating them to adopt and consistently practice the productive financial behaviors necessary to successfully execute their plan 4. Making strategic adjustments in their plan as their circumstances and goals evolve over time I don’t believe in shortcuts to financial security. I advocate time-tested financial principles including prudent and responsible debt management, disciplined saving and investing and a thoughtful insurance strategy for managing financial risk. And as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR), I am held to a fiduciary standard, required in all cases to act in the clients’ best interests. About First Command First Command was founded in 1958 by a retired Air Force officer intent on improving the financial well-being of service members and their families. Today, more than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad are committed to fulfilling the company’s Mission of “Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security”.