Clear answers.
Straightforward guidance.
Built for Kansas families.

What makes Baxter & Associates different from other financial advisors in Wichita?

We have been serving Wichita and Kansas families for more than fifty years. Our team brings more than one hundred years of combined experience in financial planning and wealth management.

This gives you something simple but rare:

• Advisors who have lived through multiple market cycles
• Guidance shaped by Kansas taxes and employer plans
• Real experience with KPERS, KP&F, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and business-owner planning
• A long-term partnership instead of a quick transaction

Most people tell us they want clear answers and want to know what others in their position do. That is the approach we take every day.

What services do you offer?

We provide comprehensive financial planning and wealth management, including:

• Retirement planning
  
• Investment management
  
• Income planning and withdrawal strategies
  
• Social Security and Medicare timing
  
• Tax-aware planning for Kansas households
  
• Business owner and farm/ranch succession
  
• Legacy and estate coordination
  

Each plan is tailored. No templates. No guesswork.
To see our full list of services, please visit our Services page.

Do I need a financial advisor if I already have a 401(k) or KPERS pension?

Many people do. These benefits are valuable, but they do not build a full retirement plan on their own.

Most clients ask questions like:

• “When should I take Social Security?”
  
• “How do I turn my savings into monthly income?”
  
• “Which account should I use first in retirement?”
  
• “Will my KPERS or KP&F payment be enough?”
  

Your employer plan is the seed. We help you grow it into something lasting.

Who do you typically work with?

Our primary client groups come from throughout the Wichita area and greater Kansas as a whole in many of the top industries:

• Aviation and manufacturing (Spirit, Textron, Koch, INVISTA)
  
• Healthcare professionals (Wesley, Via Christi, clinic groups)
  
• Teachers and KPERS members
  
• Law enforcement and KP&F members
  
• Business owners
  
• Agricultural and rural landowners
  
• Engineers, executives, and corporate professionals

If you live and work in Kansas, chances are we’ve already helped someone with a financial life that looks a lot like yours.

Does Baxter have a minimum investment amount to get started?

As a general rule, we work with clients who have a minimum of $250,000 in investable assets. We have found this is a good place to begin exploring investment options outside of a traditional 401(k).

We do have options for clients who are not yet at that point.
We call these our “Acorn” accounts — smaller accounts designed to help you build consistent savings and investing habits. These accounts require a minimum monthly contribution to help you stay on track toward your long-term goals.

How does Baxter get paid?

We are a brokerage firm, held to high industry standards and strong regulatory oversight. Our advisors maintain required certifications and provide recommendations based on your circumstances and goals.

We are transparent about how we are compensated. Depending on the type of account or service you choose, our compensation may come from:

1. A fee for ongoing wealth management
   
2. A planning fee
   
3. Commissions on certain accounts or insurance-based solutions
   

Most clients never pay a separate planning fee unless they request deeper, project-level work and do not already have several investments with us.
We explain all costs upfront, so you always know how we are paid and why.

What is a fiduciary financial advisor?

A fiduciary financial advisor is required to follow a high standard of care and typically works on a fee-based model. Clients pay an advisory fee for ongoing management and planning, and the advisor must:

• Put the client’s interests ahead of their own
• Disclose conflicts of interest
• Provide advice that meets fiduciary standards at all times

This structure works well for clients who prefer a fee-based relationship instead of commission-based solutions.

What is a brokerage firm? 

A brokerage firm is held to strong regulatory standards and can operate in two ways:

1. Advisory accounts when a client wants planning and ongoing management
   
2. Commission-based accounts or products when that structure is more cost-effective or appropriate
   

One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Brokerage firms can access a much wider range of financial vehicles than fee-only advisors or product-only sales firms.

Baxter & Associates operates in this space, which means:

• You receive clear, regulated guidance
  
• You can use advisory solutions when you want deeper planning
  
• You can choose commission-based options when they make more sense
  
• You are not locked into one model or one compensation structure
  

This flexibility is especially helpful for Kansas families who have a mix of pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and insurance needs across different life stages.

What about advisors who only sell commission-based products?

Commission-only providers can sell specific products, often insurance or annuities, but they cannot offer the full spectrum of financial vehicles.

Important distinctions:

• They are not held to the same planning or investment oversight as advisory and brokerage firms
• They cannot manage investments or offer all account types
• Their recommendations are limited to the products they sell

These providers can be helpful in narrow situations, but they do not offer comprehensive planning or investment guidance.

Where does Baxter & Associates fit among these three options?

We are a brokerage-based firm with advisory capabilities, which means you get the best blend of all models:

1. The clarity and guidance people want from advisors
We walk clients through planning decisions, investment choices, retirement income strategies, and tax-aware withdrawals.

2. The flexibility of a brokerage
You are not limited to one type of account or compensation structure.

We can use:

• Advisory accounts
  
• Commission-based accounts
  
• Insurance solutions
  
• Planning-only support
  

This gives us more tools to match what you actually need.

3. The regulatory oversight that protects you
Brokerage firms operate under a higher level of supervision than standalone insurance agents. That means:

• More accountability
  
• More transparency
  
• More reporting and compliance requirements
  

4. No pressure to choose one compensation model
Some clients prefer a fee-based advisory relationship.
Others choose commission-based accounts because it is more cost-effective for their situation.
Most have a blend — and that is perfectly normal.

This is why we often describe ourselves as the perfect mix:

• Clear advice.
• Strong oversight.
• Multiple solutions.
• No one-size-fits-all approach.

How do I know which structure is right for me?

We explain all options in plain English and help you choose based on:

• What you own
• How often you want guidance
• What kind of account works best for your goals
• Which structure keeps more money in your pocket

Most people simply want to understand the choices.
That is exactly what we provide — transparent conversations and no surprises.

What does it mean when you give advice on my accounts or retirement plan?

It means our recommendations are based on what we believe supports your goals, long-term plan, and financial wellbeing. Our role is to give clear, practical guidance and explain the pros and cons of each option so you can make confident decisions.

We walk through how each investment, account type, or strategy works and why it may or may not fit your situation. Transparency is central to every conversation. You are always in control. We may make a recommendation, but it is you who will ultimately determine what direction your investments take.

Can you help if I have multiple retirement accounts across different employers?

Yes. This is one of the most common situations we see. We help clients across Kansas with old 401(k)s, rollovers, pensions, school plans, and more.

People often come in with:

• Old 401(k)s
  
• A current 401(k)
  
• A 403(b) or 457(b) from a hospital or school
  
• A KPERS or KP&F pension estimate
  
• IRAs they forgot about

We help you consolidate where appropriate, simplify the structure, and show how each account fits into your income plan.

When should I retire?

This can't be answered generally, and there isn't a magic age. Based on your saving habits, your spending needs, your tax situation, and your personal circumstances, the right retirement age will be different for everyone. That is exactly what we can help you determine by looking over your financial picture with you. 

We walk through:

• Your savings
  
• Your pension income
  
• Social Security timing
  
• Taxes in retirement
  
• Health insurance before Medicare
  
• Long-term income needs

The goal is clarity. Knowing you can retire with confidence — not guess.

How do taxes work when I retire in Kansas?

Kansas has its own tax rules for:

• Pensions
  
• Retirement account withdrawals
  
• Social Security
  
• Sale of business assets
  
• Sale of land or real estate

We help you understand how these rules apply to your situation so you keep more of what you earned.

Can Baxter help me plan the sale or transition of my business?

Yes. Business owners often ask:

• “Should I sell outright or transition over time?”
  
• “How do I balance family fairness?”
  
• “What is the tax impact if I sell the building and the business?”

The great news is that we have our own Certified Exit Planning Advisor CEPA^® as part of our ownership team. Justin Baxter can walk you through all the steps and help you understand the key strategies with moving forward on the next step in your life plan. We can help you build a retirement plan that reflects your business value and your long-term goals.

Can you help farm and ranch families with land and succession questions?

Absolutely. Many agricultural families want to:

• Keep the land in the family
  
• Treat farming and non-farming children fairly
  
• Build retirement income without selling everything

These are sensitive questions. We guide families through the financial side while preserving relationships wherever possible.

What happens during an initial meeting?

It is simple. No pressure.
We cover:

• What you have invested, available to invest, and needs for the future.
  
• We talk about what your goals are and how soon you want to start. 
  
• Where you are getting things right, and where you have opportunities to improve. 
  

You will be asked to complete a New Client Questionnaire and return it at least a week prior to your first appointment along with statements from your current investment accounts. This will allow your team to understand your current situation and spend most of their time helping you understand your position. 

Most people say the meeting feels more like a conversation than an appointment.

Are you located in Wichita?

Yes. We serve Wichita and the surrounding Kansas communities in person and virtually. 
We are able to support clients across the state and country who prefer virtual meetings. We have several clients who we meet with regularly via video conference where we can share our screen and help answer any questions they may have. We also have options for virtual signing, and all of our interactions are secure and encrypted. 

How do I know if Baxter is the right fit?

If you want advisors who:

• Explain things clearly
  
• Understand Kansas retirement systems
  
• Help you make confident decisions
  
• Plan for income, not just investments
  
• Offer long-term partnership
  

Then we may be a strong match. The best way to understand this question is to set up a preliminary meeting with us to discuss your needs and our ability. 

We are here when you need us.

How do I choose the right financial advisor in Wichita?

Most people look for three things:

• Clear explanations
• Experience with Kansas retirement systems
• A simple, easy-to-understand process

Baxter & Associates combines deep local experience with a simple, conversational process, so you always know what comes next.

Can you help me understand my KPERS or KP&F retirement benefits?

Yes. Many Kansas employees are unsure what their pension will actually pay or how it fits into a full retirement plan.
We help you understand:

• Your real monthly income
  
• Options if you retire early
  
• How 403(b) and 457(b) plans fit into KPERS
  
• Survivor benefits and tax implications
  

Can you explain whether I should roll over my 401(k)?

A rollover is not always the right choice. It depends on:

• Your employer’s fees and options
  
• Your tax situation
  
• Your retirement timeline
  
• Whether you need income flexibility
  

We walk through each option and explain whether a rollover, staying put, or a partial strategy makes the most sense.

I work at Spirit, Textron, Koch, Ascension, Wesley or one of the many Wichita employers. Do you know how our retirement plans work?

Yes. Many of our clients come from:

• Spirit AeroSystems
  
• Textron Aviation
  
• Koch companies
  
• Wesley Medical Center
  
• Ascension Via Christi
• KHP or other law enforcement communities
• and many others.
  

This deep understanding of the community and our employers helps us explain your 401(k), pension (if any), 403(b), 457(b), bonuses, or stock programs using real experience with local plan structures.

Do you work with teachers or state employees who have KPERS?

Yes. KPERS planning is one of the core services we provide.
We help teachers, officers, and state employees understand:

• When they can realistically retire
  
• What their take-home pay will be
  
• How much to save in 403(b) or 457(b)
  
• The best way to bridge to Medicare if retiring before sixty-five
  

This aligns directly with Kansas search behavior in your internal persona guide.

Can you help reduce my taxes in retirement?

We create tax-aware income strategies considering:

• Kansas state income tax
  
• Pension taxation
  
• Roth conversions
  
• Withdrawal sequencing
  
• Social Security thresholds
  

Our goal is to help you keep more of your lifetime savings by structuring withdrawals wisely.

We have access to a tax planning software that will review your past returns and put in different scenarios future filings. We are happy to work directly with your CPA to determine the best move forward and to ensure you not only are capitalizing on your current tax plan but that you are setting yourself up for success in the future. 

Can Baxter help me decide when to take Social Security?

Yes. We help you compare options like:

• Taking Social Security early
  
• Waiting to full retirement age
  
• Delaying for higher lifetime benefits
  

We also review how different start ages affect your overall income plan, taxes, and longevity expectations.

What documents should I bring to the first meeting?

• Recent 401(k), 403(b), or IRA statements
  
• Pension estimates
  
• Social Security statements
  
• Tax returns (optional)
  

Many people arrive with a folder of papers or electronic statements — that is completely normal.

What if I’m not sure I have “enough” to work with Baxter?

We work with people preparing for retirement, whether they have a pension, savings, or employer plans such as 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b).

If you're unsure, reach out. We are happy to guide you.

Closing Note

This page is designed to help you get quick answers and understand what working with us feels like. If you want to look at your numbers together, our team is ready when you are.