How long have you been a financial advisor?
I’ve been a financial advisor since the summer of 2010, so just over 12 years.
Why did you become a financial advisor?
A bit of family backstory may help to offer context. My father made plenty of income but didn’t steward his resources well and neglected to invest. My mother navigated many career transitions and accumulating for retirement was never her focus. My grandfather was the father of 10 but didn’t finish grade school. My grandmother was a blue-collar worker whose focus was knowing The Bible and loving her family. I offer these family highlights to share that while I didn’t learn “the how” from my family, I am grateful to have learned much of “the why.”
As I was considering this career path, I became aware of a few characteristics which tend to make it more fulfilling, if not enjoyable: good communication; relatable; desire to help others; willingness to prepare and follow through; commitment to the long term; and a natural curiosity of others. I felt I possessed those traits, and I longed for a career that I could build lasting relationships based on mutual trust. Many factors went into my career choice, but what really motivated me, was a “calling” to pursue financial advice as a marketplace ministry. My purpose is to help people with what is often confusing, neglected, and frustrating. I desire to bring understanding and reasonable action steps to what is typically thought as far-fetched and unattainable.
Who were some leaders/mentors in your life that helped shape you along the way?
There are many who have encouraged and sharpened me through the years; the list is far too long for me to name everyone, but a few that always come to mind include: my parents; Scott Lambert who was my campus minister at Pepperdine who was great at asking me thoughtful questions and pointing me to new perspectives on vision, task, and relationships; and Ron Blue who was the founder of Kingdom Advisors who was quick to integrate Biblical verses and perspective in financial counsel.
What aspects of your work are you passionate about?
Running the race of a financial advisor is certainly more marathon than sprint, but there are certainly weeks where we must step it up a few notches. I enjoy continually learning about “the market,” both sides of the game: offense (equities) and defense (bonds). I appreciate the logic behind many financial and economic concepts: risk and reward, supply and demand, buy low and sell high, etc. I enjoy illustrating retirement scenarios based on clients’ figures, needs, and wants.
But the aspects that are most interesting to me focus on the people-side of the path. I love asking and responding to unique questions. Facilitating their “what ifs and what abouts” is the part of this work I uniquely enjoy. The financial advice I am most passionate about is often more behavioral coaching and less researching the quantitative options.
Next, I’m proud of the investments we include in our clients’ portfolios. Our investing approach is much more than ROI, but rather we help our clients purposely integrate their meaning with their means. Running a financial practice with VBI (Values Based Investing), gives me joy, peace, and gratitude.
What advice would you give to someone who is skeptical about going to a financial advisor?
There are reasons to be skeptical, and I don’t dismiss those at all.
However, I would encourage the skeptic to gather a list of key meaningful questions that cause their skepticism, approach several experienced CFP®s with those questions, and be open to establishing a trusting relationship with the professional who most resonated with their story.
A CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) is a professional who must pass several required courses, an exhaustive exam, background checks and ethics reviews, and have several years of experience serving and advising clients. CFP®s can be found by searching, “find a CFP® professional.” Also, if you are looking for an advisor that shares a Biblical worldview, search: “Kingdom Advisor, find a professional” (A Certified Kingdom Advisor is a CKA®). Then, over time, as the relationship builds and more rapport is established, be open to trusting the advisor with more. Basically, I would point the skeptic to this verse: Luke 16:10.
What financial principle/values do you want to share for free with readers?
I like to share the 6 key principles that always work, regardless of the income, assets, or circumstances:
- Spend less than you earn
- Avoid the unnecessary use of debt
- Build cash reserves for emergency
- Invest for the long term, in accordance with your values
- Be a generous giver
- Remember the role of a steward, you can’t take it with you.
Why should someone choose you/Anthem?
First, I would encourage you to look for a technically competent financial advisor who communicates in a way you can understand; is trustworthy and has a purpose greater than money; and helps you unpack your unique situation and organize a custom plan you can be comfortable and confident with to accomplish your vision for the future.
Next, I would challenge you to consider your values, and if those values are incorporated into your portfolio.
Finally, I would offer investing is ownership; be mindful of what you own. (Proverbs 27:23-24)
** Past performance may not be representative of future results. All investments are subject to loss. Forecasts regarding the market or economy are subject to a wide range of possible outcomes. The views presented in this market update may prove to be inaccurate for a variety of factors. These views are as of the date listed above and are subject to change based on changes in fundamental economic or market-related data. Please contact your Financial Advisor in order to complete an updated risk assessment to ensure that your investment allocation is appropriate.