Who I Am and Why I Blog

Well, first, this is not something that I jumped into lightly.  It may be an easier way for clients and friends to read our stories and hopefully learn from our insight but for me, it is a challenge.  I am not a writer! I am much better at the analysis and the goal tending.  I am also a little shy…to think that people may actually read this and it will be on the Internet forever is a daunting thought. 

My personal goal is to share ideas, hints, tips – things that people may want to know more about but were afraid to ask.  I also want to educate.  Communication is key to education.  As a wealth advisor for over 20 years, I still see the blank looks on people’s faces when I talk about certain topics.  They may be very educated, run a great business, have many years of experience in life, or not, and because we as financial advisers assume they should know “things” we tend to talk to clients as if they are our peers.  I want to cover some of the important topics over time in plain English.  I hope we give you a thought or idea that will prompt you to think about your particular goals or to ask any question you want answered.

I have one son, Bryan, that thinks this is a great idea but he also is a CFP®.  I have a younger son, Mark, that thinks blogging is just a fad and my other son, Justin, thinks it is amazing that I figured out the technology! (He works for a major technology firm and admits that I probably know more than he does about writing code.)

Not only do I have the education, but I have volumes of life experience.  I have been married, divorced, and remarried (for over 20 years). I have raised three boys, all of which we managed to get through college, and on to amazing jobs and starting to raise their own families.  Yes, I am a proud Nana to four grand kids that I adore.  I have worked through estate planning with the death of my parents.  I have worked through some ugly family issues with the very early passing of my sister so when I tell people how important certain topics are, I am coming from a place of experience.  I have helped numerous clients walk through complicated estate planning issues and retirement issues along with unrealistic market expectations, both in up and down markets.  These are not easy topics for most people.  I have been a small business owner in a couple of different industries and currently a business owner with my independent wealth management firm.

I have worked in the financial services industry in the large, large, corporate environment but really enjoy working in the independent world.  The Wall Street environment provided a great education, however I truly believe that we can offer so much more as an independent advisor when you are not biased and not “selling” the agenda of a large public corporation.  I want to make sure I am doing what is right for the client, first and foremost. 

I think the economy has polarized a lot of public opinion, so I apologize up front if we may publish something that may seem political.  And, most important, I apologize for NOT BEING A WRITER (and my spelling!) Give me a good math equation or a spreadsheet……..