Home - Retire Smart Louisiana

OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE

Help you feel confident in your financial future

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At Retire Smart Louisiana, we believe the mark of a life well spent is one where you are true to your values, such as honesty, hard work, and respect for others. We know that relationships are very important and that earning someone’s trust is sacred.

We believe that although feeling good about your retirement plan is not for sale, it can be achieved with efforts and planning for a comfortable and secure retirement. The key is to build trustworthy relationships with professionals who educate you about retirement options while offering proven real world solutions that work for your individual retirement needs and concerns.

As your trusted financial Professionals, we are dedicated to helping you reach a higher purpose for your wealth and design a lasting legacy for your family. We leverage deep industry knowledge, a vast network of specialized services and a passion for serving you.

Our Process

We identify the values and beliefs most important to you and your family. We establish a clear set of short & long-term financial goals based on your values & beliefs. Together, with your tax, legal and other professional advisors, we compare financial alternatives and develop recommendations that work towards achieving your financial goals.

Our Services

Annuities

IRA & 401(K) Assets and Planning

Asset Protection

Lifetime Income Planning

Estate Planning

Retirement Income Planning

Fixed Index Annuities

Conservative Growth Options

Guaranteed Retirement Income

Social Security

KAREN BIENVENU

Retirement Consultant

“I have spent 30+ years educating retirees and pre-retirees on the importance of tax-free retirement income, principal protection and safe, dependable retirement accounts.”

Karen Bienvenu has been providing financial strategies and assistance to individuals since 1991 when she first began her work as owner of Bienvenu Insurance Agency. She is known for her extensive knowledge of benefit systems and her ability to explain difficult concepts in a no-nonsense manner.

Karen has worked as an independent financial professional knowledgeable in retirement and benefits, specializing in asset protection and risk-free retirement planning. She also has specialized experience in Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Plans.

In recent years, she has turned her focus towards Asset Protection, Financial Education and Customized Retirement Planning. Karen has also become a specialist in planning and presenting educational seminars. Her network of professional relationships includes elder law attorneys, CPAs, and planning advisers. Karen also delivers asset transfer advice and speaks to various tax issues, championing tax-free retirement and tax-free income planning.

GARY POUWELS

Retirement Consultant

“As a Retirement Consultant, I bring a sound work ethic and a passion for helping the community learn more about how to plan for success.”

Gary Pouwels has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Today, he is focused on helping community members in the retirement income planning phase of their lives.

He believes everyone has the opportunity to succeed in life, but few people really achieve that goal because of a lack of focus. Gary’s record of success has persisted even in the struggling markets of the past and present. Believing in hard work and a can-do attitude has given him the opportunity to influence others and help them succeed.

As a licensed agent, he brings a sound work ethic and a passion for helping the community learn more about how to plan for success. One of his top goals includes ending financial illiteracy by working with people who have relied on risky investment tools for many years for retirement only to lose some or almost all of their savings. Helping others acquire information to successfully protect their future is truly what brings him satisfaction.

More importantly, Gary believes in giving back to the community. Serving as the President of the Bayou Angels, a philanthropic organization, he has firsthand knowledge of gifting to those who are less fortunate. A Bayou Angel earns his or her wings by selflessly helping others.