Money. Money makes the world go ‘round. More money more problems. Money is such an interesting topic for so many. From individual households, to banks, to investment firms, to fortune 500 companies, money can dominate conversations and influences decisions.
Money and I have had an interesting relationship throughout my life. For many reasons, I have loved studying and finding applications for monetary principles and policies. At the same time, there is a part of me that still despises the destruction that money can bring individuals, families, and businesses.
As I continue to reflect on finances and my relationship with money, I realized that I have kept two things in the back of my mind throughout my life:
1) Even though everyone in my life has done more than enough to take care of me, I have never wanted to be or feel like a financial inconvenience – not my parents, not my grandparents, not the schools I attended, not to anyone. I have always wanted to feel a sense of “financial independence”.
2) As I have witnessed “life happen” to many members of my family and peer groups, would any of them have benefitted from someone giving them education and advice on what finances may look like given major changes in their lives? That answer is undoubtedly, “yes”.
With those 2 thoughts becoming clearer as I grew up, I decided to pursue a career that would allow me to impact the financial livelihoods of every person with whom I work. So, I went to the University of Toledo on a full ride, majored in personal finance, graduated Valedictorian of the College of Business & Innovation, and took a full-time job as a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial upon graduation.
Since money and I have had a polarizing, non-traditional relationship, I wanted to be a non-traditional advisor. I wanted to be real. I have spent countless hours contemplating what that means. Shortly before graduating from the Toledo College of Business & Innovation, I came up with the following four values that have become the foundation of serving my clients.
Be Human.
- My ultimate goal: Meeting with me should feel like getting a coffee with a long-time friend. I want to know about your family, childhood, children and grandchildren, dogs, work, friends, struggles, and hobbies. Ultimately, I want to know YOU – because how can I “know” about your money without knowing who you are first? I don’t ever want to be your Superman. I simply want to be your financial advisor and help guide you along your financial journey.
Be Simple.
- When meeting with someone to help plan your financial future, you probably don’t want to be bombarded with financial jargon like “Sharpe Ratio”, “Security Market Line”, “Collateralized Debt Obligations”, or “Coefficient of Variation”. Here’s the simple reality: Life is full of ups and downs. Markets ebb and flow, your money will ebb and flow, and even your job will ebb and flow. Trying to figure why, when, and how thing move will leave you with questions to which you will never have the answers. Our main priority should be identifying where you currently are, where you want to go, and the most efficient way to join those two – that is what I am here to help you do.
Be Empowering.
- I did not become a financial advisor to “hijack” your financial plan. I did not become an advisor because I want to tell you exactly how you are supposed to think about money. I became a financial advisor to help empower each of my clients to live the life they want to live and figuring how their financial decisions fit into that lifestyle. That is why itis so important that I get to know YOU: your story, values, motives, influences, vices, relationships, and financial goals. I simply help my clients develop the financial tools needed to help live that life most efficiently.
Be There.
- Lastly, I want to be there for you. Life can be joyful one minute and sad the next. Everything can go from smooth sailing to bumpy in seconds. Life can be blissful and stressful at the same time. Life just happens. Throughout these happenings, I want to help you turn chaos to clarity. I want to be there, not only as your financial advisor to help guide you through financial life, but more importantly as your friend.
Here is the good news: I do not believe in account minimums, initial consultations are complimentary, and the coffee is always hot! My guidance is based on YOU: your money, your financial goals, and your purpose. If you think our values align or you are looking for a fresh take on the world of finance, let’s talk!
Ready to learn more? Get started by
requesting a complimentary initial consultation whenever it’s convenient for you.
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