SLIDELL – For more than three decades, Chris Nogues and Andy Prude have built a distinguished career in financial advisory services, culminating in their successful partnership at Pontchartrain Investment Management in Slidell.
From their First Street office in Olde Towne, they lead a skilled team dedicated to helping clients—from first-time investors to those preparing for retirement—work towards their financial future.
When Nogues and Prude opened their office on Carey Street in 2011 and later acquired the former Hancock Whitney Bank building, they not only strengthened their business but also contributed to revitalizing Olde Towne Slidell. Their commitment to community growth remains evident today.
The Risks of DIY
Retirement
Planning
Despite their years of experience in retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and investment management, Nogues and Prude continue to see a troubling trend: many individuals attempt to manage their retirement, investment, and estate planning alone.
“Many people try to figure out their retirement plans on their own, which could potentially lead to costly mistakes,” Prude explains.
His business partner was quick to agree.
“It is not uncommon to meet successful individuals in their 60s who were making errors that could have cost them hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars,” Nogues added.
Simple missteps can have significant consequences for retirement assets or inheritances, they said.
For example, Prude recalls a client who was sick and not expected to live much longer, so the client changed his will to leave all of his assets to his brother. What the man did not realize, however, was the fact that nearly all of his wealth was in his retirement accounts which are generally passed by beneficiary designations on those accounts and not a person’s will.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
The rise of online resources and AI tools has not solved this problem.
“People want quick answers from Google or AI,” Prude notes, “but without a full understanding of someone’s personal situation, those answers can be wrong.”
Nogues emphasizes the value of personalized advice: “We take the time to understand your goals and circumstances. That’s something online platforms simply can’t do.”
A Commitment to Education and Community
Nogues and Prude also advocate financial education, noting that schools rarely teach young people how to manage money. “Most of us work for 40 years hoping to accumulate wealth, but without the right plan, that goal is hard to achieve,” Nogues says.
Beyond financial services, the duo has played a key role in revitalizing Olde Towne since purchasing abandoned buildings in 2010. Their efforts have spurred steady business growth and community development, while they continue to support local initiatives and nonprofits throughout Slidell.
Plan Your Future Today
Pontchartrain Investment is located at 2065 First Street, Slidell. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call 985-605-5066 or visit mypontchartrain.com.
Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee that working with a financial professional will yield positive results.
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