Higher Ground Financial Group, Inc

Imran “Raz” Razvi and Daniel Razvi want to put their clients on higher ground – that is why the father-and-son partners decided to use the title of the classic Christian hymn as the name of the financial services companies they founded in 2014.

Faithful to their motto, “to honor God by serving others,” both men are fiduciaries, “required to act in our clients’ best interest at all times,” Raz said. “We put our commitment to morals and ethics in writing for all our clients. It’s the right thing to do.”

Higher Ground Financial and Higher Ground Legal are separate businesses that jointly assist clients. Through their shared areas of expertise, the partners are able to serve clients in triple capacities: as retirement planner, estate planner and tax attorney.

Higher Ground Financial is geared toward clients who are either approaching retirement or are already retired. The partners develop a comprehensive strategy for clients, with clear objectives, including reducing taxes, risks and fees; protecting wealth; and increasing income.

“Retirees need to know that their money will last for the rest of their lives,” Raz said. “We educate our clients on the best ways to manage their legacy, and how to minimize deferred taxes and any other risks that may impact their wealth and the ability to use their assets effectively in retirement.”

The duo specializes in dispelling financial myths and dispensing uncommon knowledge, Daniel added.

“We help clients find money they might be unknowingly losing,” he said. “We focus on maximizing cash flow; you do not want to have to reduce your lifestyle in retirement.”

Since market volatility is a concern for many these days, Raz and Daniel guide clients to strategies that eliminate market risk. "Modest gains that never suffer a loss will outperform a volatile market," Daniel said.

Father and son also work together as officers of Conquered By Love Ministries, which provides parents with practical resources – including 45 books written by Raz and his wife Tami – to strengthen family relationships. Daniel, the oldest of the couple’s 13 children, 8 of whom are adopted, lives in Thurmont with his wife Alicia and their children.

When the Father and Son duo isn't serving their clients, they enjoy spending time on their family farm, where their children enjoy the horses, dogs and other farm animals.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Higher Ground has conducted all client meetings via Zoom. Not only does this eliminate travel time, but it can also make everyone more comfortable. And when clients have questions or concerns, both Daniel and Raz are accessible.

“We respond within a few hours, if not a few minutes,” Raz said.