Acen Hansen on Wealth, Risk, and the Future of Financial Planning

Acen Hansen, a distinguished wealth advisor at Legacy Integrated, has carved a niche in the financial sector through his dedication to client-centric strategies and proactive financial planning. His journey from a small farm town in Idaho to becoming a trusted advisor in Boise exemplifies his commitment to helping clients secure their financial futures.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in rural Idaho, Hansen developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community values. He pursued higher education at Boise State University, where he excelled academically, graduating with high honors, and showcased his leadership and teamwork skills as a rugby player. This formative period shaped his analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities, qualities that now define his approach to wealth management.

Professional Trajectory and Expertise

Before joining Legacy Integrated, Hansen honed his financial acumen as a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual. This role provided him with a solid foundation in financial planning, risk management, and client relations. At Legacy Integrated, Hansen has taken his expertise to new heights, focusing on comprehensive financial strategies that alleviate client concerns about economic uncertainties. He emphasizes proactive planning, ensuring that his clients can create the futures they envision while safeguarding their personal and business assets.

Hansen’s role at Legacy Integrated is far more than that of a conventional wealth advisor. He is a strategic partner for his clients, helping business owners and professionals navigate complex financial landscapes. Whether structuring entities for asset protection, optimizing tax strategies, or designing wealth transfer plans, Hansen takes a holistic approach to financial advising. He is deeply invested in guiding his clients through every stage of their financial journeys, helping them avoid common pitfalls and maximize their opportunities.

“If you have a business doing $5 million, you need a trust, and you need some entities in place.”

Leadership and Board of Advisors Involvement

Beyond his client-facing role, Hansen is an active and valued member of the Board of Advisors. In this capacity, he collaborates with industry leaders to shape Legacy Integrated’s strategic direction and influence best practices in wealth management. His insights into economic trends, risk mitigation, and business succession planning make him an essential voice in high-level decision-making.

Hansen’s involvement with the Board of Advisors extends beyond internal contributions. He frequently engages with industry peers, policymakers, and thought leaders to exchange perspectives on market trends and evolving financial strategies. His participation in advisory discussions helps shape innovative financial solutions that benefit both individual clients and businesses navigating today’s economic challenges.

A Strategic Approach to Wealth Management

One of Hansen’s most impactful aspects is his ability to translate complex financial strategies into actionable solutions for his clients. As part of his role at Legacy Integrated, he and his team hold regular case study meetings, known as “Case Study Mondays.” In these sessions, they analyze real and hypothetical financial scenarios to identify innovative strategies that can benefit their clients.

For example, in a recent session, Hansen presented a case study about a fictional client, Dr. Green Jeans, a chiropractor dealing with student loans, business financing challenges, employee turnover, and work-life balance issues. Through this case study, Hansen highlighted practical solutions, such as increasing employee salaries to retain talent, outsourcing financial management to an accountant, and leveraging strategic tax planning to optimize personal and business finances.

“At the end of the day, the business is personal. You go into business to provide for your family, and that business needs to serve your personal life,” Hansen explains. His approach ensures that financial strategies are not only effective but also aligned with his client’s personal aspirations and family goals.

“At the end of the day, the business is personal. You go into business to provide for your family, and that business needs to serve your personal life.”

Key Financial Insights

Hansen often discusses the importance of delegating financial responsibilities to experts. “As soon as possible, you need to make sure that you have a strong accountant on your team,” he advises. Business owners, he notes, frequently spend too much time managing books instead of focusing on their core expertise. Hiring a qualified accountant who truly understands the financial health of the business can help owners make better decisions while allowing them to concentrate on growth and client service.

Another major issue he addresses is tax efficiency. Many business owners, Hansen observes, fail to optimize their tax strategy. One practical solution he recommends is utilizing 529 plans for private school tuition, which can offer significant tax benefits. Additionally, structuring assets under separate entities, such as LLCs, can protect businesses from liability risks associated with real estate investments. “Risk isn’t just about volatility—it’s also about liability. Structuring assets properly with separate LLCs can protect everything you’ve built,” he notes. Many business owners assume real estate investments are low-risk, but they often fail to consider the broader liability concerns that could put their business at risk.

Hansen also warns against the common misconception that buying real estate is always a smart move for business owners. “You don’t start a business to become a landlord, but so many entrepreneurs make that mistake. If you’re not careful, real estate can become more of a burden than an asset.” He highlights how many business owners dive into property investments without fully understanding the complexities, from unexpected repairs to prolonged vacancies, which can quickly drain both time and financial resources.

Hansen also emphasizes the importance of estate planning. “If you have a business doing $5 million, you need a trust, and you need some entities in place,” he notes. Many business owners focus on growth but neglect to secure their wealth for the future. Establishing estate plans and trusts can help ensure that financial success translates into long-term stability for both businesses and families.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Hansen remains committed to advancing Legacy Integrated’s mission by fostering financial literacy and strategic planning among business owners. His vision extends beyond wealth accumulation—he seeks to empower his clients to build sustainable financial legacies that benefit their families for generations.

Hansen’s expertise, coupled with his role on the Board of Advisors, positions him as a thought leader in the wealth management industry. His ability to blend technical knowledge with real-world applications makes him a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals and business owners alike.