Elliot Omanson, Managing Partner of OWLFI Strategic Advisors, urges individuals and business owners across the U.S. to take a clearer, more intentional approach to financial decision-making.

STILWELL, KS / ACCESS Newswire / February 2, 2026 / Financial confusion is costing Americans more than just money-it is costing them confidence, control, and long-term security. Elliot Omanson, Managing Partner and Chief Communicator of OWLFI Strategic Advisors, is raising awareness about the growing need for financial clarity, long-term thinking, and better coordination across everyday financial decisions.

"Most people aren't falling behind because they lack discipline," Omanson says. "They fall behind because their decisions aren't connected to a bigger picture."

According to the Federal Reserve, 36% of U.S. adults say they would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense, and a 2024 CFP Board survey found that fewer than half of Americans feel confident about their long-term financial plans. Omanson says these numbers point to a system problem, not a motivation problem.

"We live in a short-term world," he says. "But money decisions don't work that way. They compound over time-whether we pay attention or not."

Omanson's perspective is shaped by experience well outside the financial industry. Before entering finance, he served three military tours in the Middle East with the U.S. Army. Operating in high-risk environments taught him the importance of preparation, communication, and clear decision-making.

"In high-stakes situations, clarity isn't a luxury," Omanson says. "It's a necessity."

After transitioning into financial services, Omanson earned his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses along with Life and Health licenses. He later acquired Sage Financial Inc. and rebranded the firm as OWLFI Strategic Advisors. Through that process, he noticed the same challenges appearing again and again.

"People had advisors," he says. "But their tax strategy didn't match their business plan, and their insurance didn't match their risk. Nothing was aligned."

Industry research supports the importance of alignment. Vanguard research shows that coordinated financial planning can improve long-term outcomes by up to 3% annually, driven by improved tax efficiency, structured decision-making, and risk awareness.

Omanson emphasizes that awareness begins with personal responsibility.

"You don't need complex tools to start," he says. "You need clarity."

He encourages individuals and business owners to take practical steps on their own:

• List all financial accounts, debts, and obligations in one place

• Understand how taxes and risk affect income and assets

• Ask advisors to explain recommendations in plain language

• Think beyond short-term wins and consider long-term impact

"Being informed changes how you decide," Omanson says. "And better decisions change outcomes."

At the center of his message is a long-game mindset.

"Protect what matters," he says. "Build what lasts. That's how you create stability in an uncertain world."

About Elliot Omanson
Elliot Omanson is the Managing Partner and Chief Communicator of OWLFI Strategic Advisors. A U.S. Army veteran with three tours in the Middle East, he entered the financial services industry after military service and later acquired and rebranded Sage Financial Inc. into OWLFI. Known for his focus on communication, structure, and long-term thinking, Omanson works with individuals and business owners to help them understand complex financial systems and make informed decisions rooted in clarity and purpose

Media Contact:
Elliot Omanson
info@elliotomanson.com

SOURCE: Elliot Omanson