Module 1: Why Longevity Planning Is Financial Planning

Lauren Clough is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of bQuest, a care intelligence and coordination platform helping financial advisors and their clients navigate the complexities of aging, caregiving, end-of-life planning, and loss. Prior to founding bQuest, Lauren spent more than a decade at Dot Foods, the nation’s largest food industry redistributor, where she built expertise in business development, operations, and managing complex networks.

Lauren’s passion for transforming the experience of aging care is deeply personal. For more than 20 years, her family has navigated the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, giving her firsthand insight into the emotional, logistical, and financial realities families face. She co-founded bQuest in 2022 to bring greater clarity, trusted expertise, and compassionate

Ranie Verby, CPA, CFP® is Director of Practice Management at Plancorp, where she leads advisor development, practice growth, and initiatives that strengthen the firm’s client experience. She joined Plancorp in 2019 after more than a decade in public accounting and financial services, bringing a unique combination of tax expertise, financial planning, behavioral finance, and client advocacy. Ranie also advises clients through complex financial and life transitions, with a particular passion for helping families plan thoughtfully for caregiving needs.

Ranie is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy in Taxation. She received the SIUC College of Business Emerging Saluki Leadership Award and has remained actively involved with the university’s School of Accountancy. She is also involved in community organizations including COCA and has a longstanding commitment to developing talent and expanding access to financial education.

Sarah Mouser, CFP®, CDFA®, CES™, CTS™, CCFS®, ELA™ is Executive Vice President of Financial Planning at Merit Financial Advisors, bringing more than two decades of experience in the wealth management industry. She helps lead the firm’s financial planning platform, with a focus on strengthening planning infrastructure, developing advisor talent, and delivering a more comprehensive client experience. Her expertise spans estate and legacy planning, tax planning, and the financial and personal decisions families face as they age.

Sarah previously served on the Board of Directors of Insight Memory Care Center, where she held leadership roles as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair. This experience deepened her commitment to helping families navigate the intersection of longevity, caregiving, cognitive decline, and financial planning. She believes financial advisors have an important role in helping families prepare earlier for healthcare and caregiving costs, housing transitions, and the complex conversations that accompany aging. A nationally recognized thought leader and frequent industry speaker, Sarah has been featured in publications including Barron’s, InvestmentNews, and Financial Planning. She also serves on financial planning advisory boards at Virginia Tech and George Mason University, supporting the next generation of financial planning professionals.