How my business is different
I was recently asked, what sets me apart from the multitude of financial planners in the United States. In addition, I’ve been asked why people should listen to what I have to say. How could my service somehow translate to positive outcomes? Some of the answers to these questions are obvious ones, others are grounded in my history.
For starters, I am a CERTIFIED Financial Advisor, which primarily means I have a fiduciary responsibility to put my client’s interests first. This certification is granted through rigorous coursework and success on the cumulative exam. I am a fee-only financial planner, which means I sell absolutely no product. I have been giving financial advice since I was 23, which is a shockingly 29 years.
My college credentials include a Bachelor’s in both Political Science and History from Miami University. These degrees taught me the skills and value of being an excellent researcher. This skill is a huge asset as the financial landscapes are always changing and evolving. Subsequently, there is always some new idea or piece of legislation that can be used to increase wealth.
I realized as I was finishing my undergrad that I also loved working with children with special needs. I went back to school for my master’s in education and honed my teaching techniques and skill levels. The years that I spent teaching taught me how to provide information at a level that can be easily understood. I also learned that teaching anything without your target audience having some basic knowledge is frustrating to the educator and student. I have learned to teach people the basic steps of using their money as a tool, because once they have that knowledge the sky is the limit.
Since I was married to a naval officer, we moved 10 times in 16 years. In each new area, I volunteered my time helping young married Navy couples understand their finances. The constant moving did not allow me to continue teaching, so I went back to school once more to become a certified financial planner. The idea that a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has a legal responsibility to put their clients first spoke to me. I grew up in an environment where I was taught to volunteer my time to help elevate all people. I saw financial planning as a way to do just that. But how does all this translate to people who want to learn how to control their personal financial life?
These days I use my background in research, education, and finances to increase my clients’ wealth and security through investment, financial, and retirement planning. However, to make my contributions available to a wider audience, I am excited to be rolling out an online class that will be useful to anyone who is willing to spend a little time to build a foundation that will facilitate the accumulation of wealth, happiness, and financial security. I believe that anyone, with the financial tools and information included in this course, will have a great chance to enjoy a happy and secure financial life. I am confident that that my instructional process can teach anyone the tips and skills that can get them started on that journey.
Stay tuned to learn more, but in the meantime sign up for my free online webinar, Powerful Tips to Relieve Recession Stress.