Employee Spotlight: Ben Duncanson
At Badgley Phelps, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each individual brings their own perspective and expertise to the table, helping us deliver thoughtful, personalized guidance to the clients and families we serve.
In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we’re proud to feature Ben Duncanson, Wealth Manager, Financial Planner. Ben’s collaborative, client-first approach to planning helps ensure that every recommendation supports the long-term lifestyle and legacy goals of the families he works with.
Meet Ben Duncanson
What is your title?
Wealth Manager, Financial Planner
At Badgley Phelps, we believe our clients' assets should work just as hard as they do. As a trusted wealth manager, can you share more about your collaborative approach to financial planning and how you help ensure your clients' lifestyles remain secure?
I think the average investor would be surprised how often I tell my clients to spend more money. We live in a society where most people earn their wealth by slowly accumulating it within a workplace retirement plan or building a business from the ground up. When it comes to living off the assets they have accumulated, some people may find it difficult to do. I hear a lot about how freeing going through the financial planning process can be for clients as it gives them a framework to spend their assets on what is most important to them while relieving the fear of running out of money down the road.
Since joining Badgley Phelps, what has stood out to you as unique or especially positive about working here?
Two things really jumped out at me when starting at Badgley Phelps: 1) The research teams’ in-depth conversations about how each economic statistic effects positions within the portfolio, and 2) The level of proactive communication done by the wealth managers and investment teams to show clients how we are navigating the ever-evolving landscape that is the financial markets.
What do you like to do when you're not at the office?
Golfing; taking walks with my two little boys, wife, and goldendoodle; trying to teach my sons to play the sports I enjoy despite them not being 3 years old yet.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Completing the CFP right after my first son was born is a top accomplishment of mine. Although I definitely should have prioritized finishing it before having the added responsibilities a newborn brings, I will always cherish rocking him to sleep while reading financial material on my phone at 3 A.M. Additionally, I am proud of the fact I enjoy continuing to learn new things. Being curious about different aspects of life can only add to a life of happiness.
Planning is a continuous process, and investing is a long-term journey rather than a series of transactions. Beyond creating a custom plan, what other aspects of your client relationships come to mind when thinking about long-term goals?
As a financial planner, one of the biggest values we can bring to a client's financial situation is tax efficiency over their lifetime. I want to take that burden off my clients so that they can live the life they want to live. Even in my own life I don’t maximize every dollar because I know at the end of the day that won’t bring fulfilment. Prioritizing doing the things I love with the people I love is more important than the numbers. Guiding clients to realize their happiness won’t come from hitting a specific number in their accounts and instead showing them what that number allows them to do with their money and time is what is truly rewarding.
If you could go back in time and give your 20-year-old self one piece of financial advice, what would it be and why? What lessons do you think young people today could take away from your experience?
Contribute to a Roth account as soon and as aggressive as you can. With that money growing tax-free forever, starting a Roth early on in your career can allow you to have great flexibility in your retirement planning moving forward. Having tax diversification in retirement gives you so many options to replace your paycheck, you will thank your 20-year-old self later.
What is a travel destination you’ve always wanted to visit—or have already experienced—that excites you, and why?
I look forward to visiting Europe as it is a melting pot of different cultures that can be experienced while visiting countries all right there together. Eating amazing and diverse food plus seeing non-tourist historical sites excites me.
For someone who has never worked with a wealth manager before and is starting with an interest in legacy planning, what advice or first steps would you recommend?
My advice for someone who has never worked with a wealth manager would be to just start a conversation. I enjoy giving everyone an hour of my time to help improve their financial situation. If I feel I can add value outside of a conversation, I will let you know that and show you it is worth paying a fee for the value that is created. Legacy planning should not begin a couple years before you pass away, there is so much you can do to better your legacy goals today vs. waiting till the last minute.
What’s your favorite sports team?
My fantasy football teams. I follow the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Mariners, and University of Idaho athletics.
Final Thoughts
Ben’s dedication to client education, long-term planning, and ongoing curiosity make him an invaluable member of the Badgley Phelps team. His thoughtful approach to building financial confidence—along with his commitment to helping families live well today while planning for tomorrow—reflects the best of our client-centered mission.
Stay tuned for future Employee Spotlights as we continue to showcase the incredible individuals who make up the Badgley Phelps team.