Here's an update 7 years after my first review: I've been with Meagan Phelps at Empress Investments for 18yrs. It's been a Mutually Beneficial Relationship. The More Money you Make, the More she Makes. But she does Not pressure me at all. She has helped me build up financial success to the point I can retire without any worries about 'do I have enough to live on.' [[HIGHLIGHT]]Meagan presents options which she feels are beneficial to me at my stage in life. And I get to choose what I want and she Never makes any decisions without my consent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've always felt Meagan has my Best Interests at Heart and has high moral standards. She has put me in the correct portfolio after doing a Risk Assessment Questionnaire. I chose Moderate, the $325,000 I've contributed over 15 yrs since I opened that account has tripled. She has also helped put me in the correct top producing funds in my employer 401k. Prior to that I was gaining only 20-30% annually choosing options on my own. After she revised my funds 10 yrs ago, I've gained 50-60% and my total has doubled. She is a Licensed Top Rated Financial Advisor whom I've trusted and been very happy with her services over these 18 years. I'm in my early 60's now, this past year we've been reviewing my Retirement Plan. We met again just Yesterday June 11, 2026. I'll be able to draw a Healthy Monthly Income from my Madison Portfolio from the Interest alone, without even touching the Principle or my 401k. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Meagan runs a very Efficient Office, her Staff responds promptly and always are on top of whatever requests I have[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. She has a beautifully designed Office on Larchmont which I saw built from the beginning. Megan designed it herself and its gorgeous high end aesthetic echoes her high end business practices. [[HIGHLIGHT]]She also loves and appreciates all her clients, she's almost like my therapist, she gets to know you so well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Meagan always send me a Birthday Gift & Christmas Gift in Appreciation every year, which I look forward to and love.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]She gives us free Pumpkin Pies Each Year for Thanksgiving and sponsors Fun Events for her Clients throughout the year.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Over the years, I've been to a lovely Easter Brunch Event in WeHo, Maggiano's Dinner at the Grove Fairfax , a Christmas Movie & catered Dinner at the Hollywood Silent Movie Theatre, a Fun English Tea Party at Huntington Gardens in San Marino , a Sip & Paint Class w a real Art Instructor, Last year's Christmas: It's A Wonderful Life Movie at Downtown Live Regal Theater- she gifted us cozy blankets & cookie tins, and raffled gift baskets[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. It was so much fun and I appreciate her generosity and her spirit of sharing a small bit of our good fortunes together! I just can't say enough good things about Empress Investments. I first met Meagan via Mailer for a free Dinner Seminar at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Pasadena. She founded the business to help Women become financially successful after watching her mother struggle as a single mom. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I felt an instant connection after having a consultation meeting and felt her genuine, compassionate desire to succeed by helping women like herself to become financially secure.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My instincts were spot on, I'm so glad I chose and stuck with her. It was the same year in 2009 Bernie Madoff was imprisoned. My sister & I joked and made Meagan promise she's not a Bernie Madoff Scammer! Prior to Meagan, I've had many financial advisors provided from major Banking institutions, etc But nothing ever panned out and felt I never got anywhere financially with the meager gains and services they offered. Megan at Empress has made success possible. I love her so much, Thank You Meagan!!! read more

Have been a client since 2009. My portfolio has been managed extremely well. Meagan and staff are professional, courteous and helpful. Could not have been in better hands all these years. read more

With a few years before retirement, I needed a plan and someone by my side to guide me with my investments. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I'm so happy to have chosen Empress during this critical time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Friends and co-workers offered lots of conflicting advice. Although I tried a managed investment service with a well known firm, I felt they followed the same template for all their clients without paying attention to my resources, needs and goals. Empress did a thorough assessment of what was important to me, my comfort with risk and came up with a plan that meets my vision of a successful retirement. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Christine DiRuscio, my financial advisor, is knowledgeable, explains every step of the way and ensures I am comfortable without any pressure.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Just wish I had found Empress sooner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We've worked with Meagan Phelps with Empress Investment Group for over 20 years. She has helped guide our family through every stage of financial planning, including planning for our children's future and long-term goals. She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and truly an expert in her field. We value her guidance and leadership and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a trusted financial planner. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Before working with Empress Investment Group, financial meetings felt passive and left me feeling overwhelmed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]That changed with Megan Phelps, who not only included me in the decision-making process but also took the time to break down my financial situation and outline clear steps toward my goals.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]For the first time, I felt in control and confident about my future.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Megan's team is incredibly knowledgeable and always has my best interests at heart. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They make sure I never feel out of the loop or judged, no matter how small the issue, whether financial or personal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Thanks to them, I now have peace of mind about my retirement and financial future.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We have been clients of Empress for about 15 years and continue to be pleased with and impressed by the service we receive and the performance of our investments. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Meagan Phelps has assembled a talented team whose primary focus is customer service and engagement.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We value the investment recommendations we have received over the years based on our needs and desires, which have served us well. read more

For a single professional woman, Empress is tops. They guide and inform how best to manage one's assets keeping in mind the specific life goals one has chosen. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Especially reassuring is that their staff is friendly, supportive and accessible.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Last year, I made the decision to leave my current investment advisor of 10 years and his firm. I researched a couple of different firms and eventually found my way to Meagan via a good friend. I really liked Meagan's approach to investing and being tax conscious. I appreciate how she tailored my portfolio to my risk tolerance and getting into sectors I was interested in. I've been thrilled with the customer service and the returns. Super happy I am working with Meagan and her team. read more

My husband and I have had the pleasure of working with Meagan and her team for over 10 years. In that time, she has helped us grow our portfolio so we could both retire early. She makes sure to contact us twice a year to update us on our investments and advises us on changes that need to be made. She takes a personal interest in our lives and knows our goals and plans for the future. I have recommended her to many other family members and friends, and they are very happy with her as well. read more

I am quite pleased with Meagan Phelps and her Empress Investment Group and the help and advice they have provided me during the years I have been with them. All of their employee have always been very helpful, professional and caring. Not only with matters dealing with my "financial world" but also with personal matters. I have gone to them with questions dealing with finances and my future as well as help with situations and problems that are not in the financial area. They all have gotten back to me in a more than timely fashion. I feel that they are quite knowledgeable and up to the minute or up to date on all financial matters. If I have a concern or question about something I know that they will get back to me and address my concerns as soon as possible. That is exactly what you want in a financial manager and her staff. read more

I went to a seminar Megan was holding as it was time for me to start thinking about retirement. Then I had a one on one with her and was very impressed with her. This was late 2019. I decided to put my finances in her hands and am so glad I have. COVID-19 happened and I feel we moved my money around just in time. I took an early out retirement package from my company and was a little restless hoping I would be able to afford it. Since speaking with Laura I've upped my confidence level. Time will tell. I've been very impressed with Megan's team. read more

I started working with Meagan just a little over 10 years ago. In that time, I have felt tremendous amount of support and encouragement from her and the entire Empress Investment Team- with everything from saving just a little more for retirement to giving me the encouragement when I needed to reduce the amount I was putting away. Whenever I have my annual meeting with Empress, they seem to really listen to my goals and concerns. What began as a conversation 10 years ago has allowed me to feel a lot more financially confident and secure. Do yourself a favor and reach out to Meagan. I highly recommend Empress! read more

Disclaimer: The below review is an exercise of my right of free speech and is solely my opinion based only on what I have personally experienced and in good faith, at this point in time, believe to be true. It is not intended as a generality or to imply or infer anything about EIG, EIG's business practices or Meagan Phelps beyond the exact events described. "Who the cap fit, let them wear it." Bob Marley https://youtu.be/6Ek9zsyejN0 I had a negative experience with Empress Investment Group (EIG). Meagan Phelps, the owner of EIG, attracts new clients through various of her "complimentary workshops". My 85 year old mother attended one of these and was introduced to EIG sometime after May 2009 when EIG first started. Around May 2010 I also became an EIG client and my mother used family trust funds to buy a $100K bond investment from Meagan in "Adageo Energy Partners" (AEP) - a Texas gas and oil exploration company. I own 1/4 of this AEP bond. My father passed on in May 2010, my mother was very vulnerable and discussed with me that she was seeking retirement income investments. This "investment" - was to pay a monthly retirement income of $1,000 based on 12% interest per year and then pay back the entire $100K principle in 2015... Well, it paid the $1,000 payments for a few months... then stopped paying anything... My mother was in despair. She relayed to me that Meagan said to her that perhaps my mother could file a law suit against AEP which is located in Texas, but likely the cost of doing that would have been more than any recovery. My mother had no idea that possible misrepresentation and/or unsuitability issues gave her a right to file a complaint and/or take legal action against EIG and/or Madison Avenue Securities both civilly and/or through FINRA. My mother passed on in May 2012. 2015 has come and gone and AEP has yet to pay back one cent of the $100K nor any of the accrued interest. Just last month I found out that, according to the White Law Group website: http://www.wlgattorneys.com/2017/11/07/adageo-energy-partners-lp/ Meagan, through Madison Avenue Securities and other brokers that sold these $100K Adageo bonds were paid a whopping $10K (10%) commission by AEP on the sale of this ridiculous "investment". It seems to me very possible that when that large of a commission is at stake, the focus of a broker can easily stick on selling the product to a customer and getting paid the big commission... rather than on detecting possible frauds and/or accurately judging the financial soundness and/or appropriateness of that investment. My mother was very unwell in the final two years of her life. She was in and out of the hospital and I kept in constant contact with her. The default of this bond which, she had hoped to rely on for retirement income, was a major stress for her. I lived with her in her final days of life and was at her bedside during her death process and at the actual moment of her death. I was an executor of her estate. She related to me several times during her last year of life that she felt she had erred by suspending her critical thinking and allowing herself to be unduly influenced by Meagan's "wanting to help women learn to invest" pitches at the various "complimentary workshops", the fantastic food served at these workshops and the true life story (often told at many of these workshops) of Meagan being inspired to go into investment advising due to her single parent mother learning to invest early in life from a female financial adviser and, as a result, her mother now enjoying a comfortable retirement. My mother related to me many times that what she believed she had purchased was a secured bond from a brick and mortar Texas oil and gas exploration company that owned real estate, wells, rigs and other collateralize-able assets that would act as a protection against her investment becoming a total loss. I own 1/4 of this bond and continued to believe this same thing until just last month when I found out that AEP was both led and founded in May of 2008 by a couple of Texas "business men" whose prior "experience" was home mortgage refinance (!) Neither had any experience in the oil and gas industry and the only assets AEP owns are a few worthless interests in Texas oil and gas leases. I am not a lawyer nor am I offering here any legal suggestions or advice. Just last month, however, I found out, too late for me to act on, about FINRA complaints. If a broker has sold you and/or sells you an inappropriate investment product and/or one that has been misrepresented that ends up losing your money you have 6 years from the purchase date to file a complaint with FINRA. One is able to background check a broker online using the FINRA brokercheck tool: https://brokercheck.finra.org/ The below brokercheck link shows the publicly available information and disclosure events that are associated with Meagan's broker number: https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/4064499 read more

Deciding to work with Meagan was one of the smartest decisions my wife and I made. And it's not just about how well she's done with our investments, which she did. Our portfolio is relatively small compared to some of her other clients but the attention she gives it is on par with the "big ones". It's been 9 years since we started working with Meagan and we cannot be happier with the results, as well as her team. read more

Meagan Phelps and her team are professional, patient, efficient and caring. Whether it be investing, property purchase, income preservation, retirement, long-term care insurance and so much more, I can't recommend Meagan and her team more highly. read more

Meagan Phelps literally came to my rescue when I was going through the process of buying a condo in Florida, my home state. With her help, I was able to transfer funds fast and efficiently, beating my contract's deadline. Without Meagan's savvy insights, I would never have achieved that. Just this week, Cynthia Rich took time over two meetings to enlighten me about the best course for monies earned from the sale of that property. Both of these women are caring, practical, brilliant. I would never ask for financial advice from anyone else. read more

The Empress Investment Group has provided me professional, knowledgeable and friendly service consistently for almost 16 years. Whenever I need assistance, they provide answers, resources and action. I have confidence in their expert advice. read more

I was referred to Meagan a few years ago by a family friend, someone I really trust. I had concerns about my retirement plan and fees. From the minute I started working with Meagan I felt a sense of relief. She explains everything slowly and thoroughly, and isn't ever irritated if we have extra questions or concerns. I'm also always amazed by the efficiency of her team. They respond right away when I call and email, which is hard to come by these days. I understand that investing and planning for the future can be stressful (it was for me!), but with Meagan's guidance I feel totally in control of my financial future. read more

Researching my own retirement planning was becoming increasingly difficult. Meagan and her team were the perfect solution. It's refreshing to have experts who are passionate about what they do make critical information not only so easy to understand but also personalized for my needs. I feel confident with my future handled by Meagan. read more

I will admit that I'm difficult to please and have high expectations in the area of personal finance. We interviewed many firms when it came to the point of selecting someone to assist us with our retirement planning. It wasn't even close once we began comparing firms and advisors, and saw everything that Empress does for their clients. They are organized, care about educating us (not just telling us what to do), and are super responsive. Their approach is refreshing, and I truly feel they think outside the box. I'm grateful we were referred by a friend and continue to tell others about Meagan and her team. Meet with them if you want to feel more confident about your finances; I definitely do; and have learned so much over the past eight years working together. read more

A couple of years ago I attended a seminar that Meagan gave. I was very impressed with her personal story and her presentation. After a consultation during which she did a thorough assessment of my financial situation, I decided to become a client. She adjusted my investments to reflect my risk tolerance and economic values and the value of my portfolio increased. This was one of the best financial decisions I have made. I feel confident about my financial future now that Empress is handling my investments and I have recommended their services to several of my friends who have also joined the Empress family. read more

I'm going to be honest, I know nothing about finances. But i do know that its important to become aware and plan for the future. I am so happy that I know Meagan. I came to her completely clueless and she broke everything down for me in such a clear way, never making me feel stupid for asking questions or just not knowing. Meagan is such a strong woman, I completely trust her, and she is so knowledgable, caring, and personable. I would recommend Meagan and her business to anyone and everyone. read more

The professionalism, knowledge, demeanor offered by the Empress Investment team is A+. In fact, I was a bit nervous before I started using their service. I was concerned about trusting my finances to any advisor these days. However, my concern immediately dissipated when I spoke with Meagan. Her Larchmont Village office is lovely. I consider her a trusted confidant and I truly believe she has my best interest at heart. Thank you Empress Team!!! read more

I was fortunate enough to meet Meagan N. Phelps at a delightful financial luncheon that she had arranged for a number of people in my area - when I lived in Santa Monica, CA. I felt confident that Meagan was the sort of professional who could help me get a retirement account established, which she did through a personal appointment I made about a week later. She truly cares about people and understands how confusing financial matters can be. I would recommend her services and that of her company, without hesitation. She and her staff are always a pleasure to deal with! read more

Ms. Meghan Phelps is really understandably great individual who has the knowledge for Investment strategies. Her staff are also friendly and we our comfortable being clients with them. read more

Meaghan and team have been very helpful in pre-retirement planning. Meghan is a Fiduciary and has been great at walking me through investment options, taking into consideration my risk tolerance level, which provides a bit of piece of mind. It's been a great experience so far. read more

I have been working with Empress Investment Group for almost 15 years. They are a great firm and have helped me immensely with my financial future and retirement planning. Meagan is fantastic and her entire staff is helpful too. There are 2 offices to assist everyone's needs. I would highly recommend this Investment group. read more

Meagan and her colleagues are outstanding! Knowledgeable, responsive, helpful and they all demonstrate excellent customer service. Highly recommend! read more

Empress Investment Group is focused on educating and empowering their clients to make healthy financial decisions. Meagan is patient and open, and always answers all of my questions without making me feel uneducated or foolish. Empress provided me with a written financial plan covering all areas, which was completely different than my former advisor who just gave me statements, many of which I had difficulty comprehending. Now I feel organized, with a clear path, especially because Meagan gives me progress reports each time we meet to monitor my goals. I can't imagine anyone else guiding me to a secure financial future. Highly recommend! read more

Meagan and her team are friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. I came in to roll over a previous 401k and the process was seamless. I receive quarterly updates and feel safe knowing my retirement funds are in good hands. Would recommend! Thanks, Meagan!! read more

Megan and her team are very dedicated. They are always very pleasant, courteous and off course professional. It is a pleasure working with for well over a decade read more

Finally, I have found an approachable, trust worthy financial advising firm. It's been a pleasure working with Meagan Phelps and her team. They are detailed, positive, responsive and extremely helpful. I started with a basic understanding of my financial options and after spending time withMeagan, I have a deeper understanding of my situation and strides to get me to the next level. I never felt embarrassed for asking basic questions. They have a realistic approach that's refreshing. I have a packed schedule and they did a great job of getting to the basics. Every step of the way they provided specific action items with time estimates. I feel confident in their recommendations and trust their judgement. Overall it's been a wonderful experience. read more

I met Meagan very recently at a free presentation about the new tax laws and investments in general. I was impressed with the amount of information we received in a very short time. I accepted her offer of a free consultation and again, received very helpful information and clearly stated options along with a printed report of several scenarios. I appreciate her professionalism and personable manner. Even though I have fairly meager savings she never made me feel less than or ignorant. I believe I was given an exceptional consultation. I was impressed with her capabilities, knowledge and feel confident with her abilities. There was no sales pressure at all. Also, very attentive and professional staff. A pleasant and informative meeting. Thank you. read more

Just had my start of the year financial planning session for 2020 and couldn't be happier! Strong returns each year, never any losses in my accounts. I do understand that my investments have risk, and feel they take that very seriously, always examining my comfort level and adjusting if needed. Great follow up and always available for questions. They have my complete trust. Love working with Meagan and her team. Highly recommend. read more

Its always good to have a financial advisor whom is willing to help no matter how much money you have. Meagan and associate listen first then advise without pressure. I've been with her for many years now, she always explains and answers my questions. Her receptionist are very pleasant on the phone and in person. read more

Meagan and the entire team at Empress are really wonderful. I had never used a financial advisor before and this experience has left me wondering why I waited so long! Meagan was thorough and explained my options to me in a way that left me feeling empowered over my own finances. She took into account my lifestyle, goals, and personality to create a plan that was tailored just for me! Additionally, the office is welcoming and comfortable, and the staff is friendly & helpful. Even after just a couple visits, I have complete peace of mind that this part of my life is not only under control but on track and in the right hands. read more

Meagan. is an exceptionally smart. financier. I feel very secure with my investments that I have with her. Thanks. Barbara

I met Meaghan several years ago through a friend of mine who had used her services. Not only has she been able to double my money that I originally invested, I feel more than comfortable referring to any and all of my friends. She's patient in explaining the strategy behind the investments, and overall cares about your business whether your accounts our big or small. I wouldn't trust my financial investments to anyone else. read more

I attended a complimentary educational workshop on retirement planning hosted by Empress. The event was well worth my time and I left feeling excited about finally meeting an advisor that is passionate and truly interested in helping women. The event was jam packed with information, and presented in a way that wasn't overwhelming. It also wasn't too long, so I was in and out within about an hour which was helpful after a long day at work. My friend attended with me and each of us set up complimentary Discovery Meetings which allowed us to talk to a financial advisor one-on-one. That proved to be very helpful because I was able to have a certified financial planner review my current financial picture, and they actually provided me with a full analysis without charging me! I wasn't expecting that much feedback, and was pleasantly surprised by the effort the advisor went to. I've got to say I was most impressed by their genuine care and down to earth attitude. I would recommend both their events and firm to other women who feel they need financial planning or even a second opinion. read more

Meagan is quite knowledgeable about money investments and retirement planning. I enjoy working with her because she is supportive and looks out for my best interest. I love that all my financial matters are in a binder, organized and easily accessible that she put together with me. Meagan not only is very bright and beautiful, but extremely professional. Her office personnel are very helpful as well. read more