When I ask myself why I am a financial planner, I have come to discover my over arching goal is for the greater good. I have experienced the positives of saving/investing along with the negatives of spending too much. I devote myself to helping client's discover what is important, how we can accomplish their goals, and avoid or lessen financially difficult times.
My desire to serve the greater good is realized through my desire to gain specialized knowledge and experience and continually improve my skills and business practices. After four years at university, I earned a bachelors degree in business administration/finance. I spent over three years studying to pass the 10-hour Certified Financial Planner exam. I broke away from a company that put shareholders and management interests first to start a Registered Investment Advisor firm that puts the client's interests first.
The service I provide gives clients a sense of fulfillment and happiness knowing they were wise with money. I want us to be independent in all stages of life and less dependent on others including government. These are values intended to improve each family, strengthen their self-image and improve our country. By helping people save and invest they will experience less stress financially and mentally. Citizens who manage their finances effectively are in better positions to support others like aging parents, pay for children's college, and contributing to charities. They can invest in new or expand businesses that employ people and support agencies to those in need.
Occasionally we hear comments that financial planners only help "rich" people with millions of dollars to invest. This just isn't true. There are groups of planners who have free financial workshops in low-income areas. Some concentrate their practices on middle-income earners while others only work with professionals just starting their careers. Most of us are called to this profession because we want to help people. I am a financial planner because I want to serve the greater good.
