Estate Planning

Kristin Wech is a dedicated Client Relationship Manager and Licensed Financial Advisor at Beacon Way Wealth Management, bringing over a decade of experience guiding clients through life’s financial milestones. Since entering the industry in 2012, she has specialized in helping clients navigate a wide range of life events—from paying off student loans and rebuilding after divorce or job loss, to planning for college, retirement, and beyond. Kristin excels at building collaborative relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and bridge between clients and lead advisors, while maintaining meticulous attention to detail to ensure compliance and optimal outcomes.

Kristin earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA from California State University, East Bay, with a double concentration in Marketing and International Business. She is a licensed Financial Advisor, holding the Series 7 and Series 66. In addition, she is a licensed insurance professional authorized to provide Life, Health, Disability, and Annuity products.

Outside of work, Kristin has contributed countless volunteer hours to community organizations, schools, and various athletic teams and clubs. When she is not serving clients, she enjoys trail walking, CrossFit, travel, and spending time with her family and friends.

Thomas M. Burger was born in California and grew up in Iowa City, Iowa. After public high school in Iowa, he went east to Harvard College, graduating in 1967, A.B. cum laude. Subsequently he graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA in 1973.

In 1971 Tom entered the financial and estate planning business with Howard Holladay, a general agent for National Life of Vermont and Equity Services, Inc. Since 1976 Tom has been a general agent, first with Chubb Life and then with Lincoln Financial. From 1981 until February 2017 he has conducted his investment business as a branch manager through Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, member SIPC, or its predecessor corporations. In 1973 Tom earned his Charter Life Underwriters designation, and later became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant.

Between February 2017 and June 2024, Tom was an Investment Advisor Representative of Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. He is now an Investment Advisor Representive with Beacon Way Wealth Management.

Over the years Tom has served his community in a number of ways. From 1976-1987 he was one of the founding partners of the Cabot Street Cinema Theatre and Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Magic Company. In 1986 Tom joined the Waring School Board of Trustees, serving as chairman from 1987 to 1993, during which he guided the transition from founding headmasters to the first non-family head who served for 25 years.

From 1989-1995 he served as a Wenham Selectman. From 2004-2006 he was on the Board of the Essex County Community Foundation, serving as chair of their Planned Giving Committee. Since 2004 Tom has been on the Board of the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, now Rockport Music. Between 2005 and 2011 he chaired that Board as the organization undertook a $20 million capital campaign to build their own performance center, which opened in June 2010. He is currently serving as a trustee emeritus.

In December 2011 he joined the Board of Longy School of Music. In April 2012 Longy merged with Bard College. With Bard and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Longy is fostering social change through music in their Take A Stand program. Between 2013 and 2018 Tom served as Chair of the Longy Board of Governors and as a Trustee of Bard College.

In September 2016 Tom joined the Board of Advisors of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Over the years, Tom has been honored for his non-profit service. In 2014 Tom was recognized by The Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, Inc. for his work in service to the Boston community over nearly four decades. Their Champion for the Arts Award is given to distinguished individuals who have contributed extended time and resources to foster the business success of artists and cultural organizations in the Greater Boston Area.

In May 2017, the Essex County Community Foundation honored Tom at their Celebration of Giving event with their Professional Advisor Award that recognized Tom’s philanthropic leadership in Essex County and his tireless work in building a thriving arts and culture community in Cape Ann and beyond.

Tom resides in Manchester, MA. He takes great delight in the unfolding of the lives of his three adult children, Rachael, Alex and Natasha and that of his son-in-law, Hitesh Hathi and grandson Mohan, and son-in-law Michael Berstein and grandsons Ziv, Shai and Elijah.

Jeanne Hagar is a dedicated financial advisor who works closely with clients to fully understand their unique financial situations, goals, and risk profiles. Her approach is centered on developing personalized, practical strategies that help clients navigate life’s various financial stages with clarity and confidence.

“Creating a unique plan for each client is what keeps me focused, excited, and challenged. No two clients are the same—and I truly love the work I do,” says Jeanne.

With decades of experience, Jeanne has built lifelong, trusted relationships with individuals and families. Her clients value her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to putting their best interests first.

Jeanne began her career in international trade and finance, building a successful 10-year track record before transitioning into financial services in 1991. She started as an insurance and investment representative with Prudential Financial, then took a pivotal step in 2002 by joining The Hamilton Group. At that time, Jeanne became an Independent Advisor and Sole Proprietor, establishing and growing her own financial advisory practice—an endeavor she continues to lead with vision and integrity.

In 2017, she joined Boston Harbor Wealth Advisors and Raymond James Financial, further expanding her service offerings and professional network.

Jeanne is excited to join Beacon Way Wealth Management, where she continues to operate independently while leveraging a collaborative platform that offers clients enhanced investment opportunities and access to some of the most advanced technology tools in the industry.

Professional Designations:

• Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®)
• Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC®)
• Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF®)
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Foreign Languages and Business from Salem State College and studied at the Université de Caen in Normandy, France, where she graduated with honors from the international program.

Community & Personal Life

Jeanne has been an active member of the Mansfield Women of Today for over 40 years, serving in multiple leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She is also deeply involved in her church community, having served on the Parish Council and currently chairing the Endowment Fund Committee.

In her free time, Jeanne enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, home decorating, and hosting events for her large extended family. Her greatest joy comes from time spent with her daughter and five active grandchildren, who keep her happily on the go.

Christopher Bryant serves as President and Wealth Advisor at Beacon Way Wealth Management, where he brings a well-rounded background spanning operations, leadership, and client-facing roles. Since entering the financial services industry in 2011, Chris has developed a comprehensive understanding of both the strategic and day-to-day elements required to successfully run an advisory business while delivering meaningful results for clients.

In his previous role, Chris played a key part in guiding a firm through full independence, helping to establish a new Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and transition the business to a new custodian. Today, he applies that experience to help oversee the firm’s operations while continuing to work directly with clients, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience across all aspects of the business.

Chris is committed to building long-term relationships and guiding clients through the financial planning process to help them achieve what matters most to them. He specializes in a goal-based approach to financial planning and investment management, empowering clients with a clear vision for their future. He is passionate about making a meaningful, positive impact in people’s lives through thoughtful, comprehensive financial guidance.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Plymouth State University, where he was also a Division III NCAA baseball player.

Chris holds multiple securities licenses, including the Series 6, 7, 9, 10, 24, 63, and 66, along with insurance licenses.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. He lives in southern New Hampshire with his fiancée, Ashley, and their golden retriever, Bentley.