What makes us a good fit for someone as their financial advisor?
People use words like empathetic and authentic often but I think we live them out really well. We listen. We’re inquisitive with the aim of understanding client needs and objectives. We’re passionate about having a plan and diligent in working toward the end result of that plan.
I think our team dynamics set us apart a bit, as well. I’m in my 50’s, you’re in your 40’s, Kate is in her 30’s. Allison and Jaime bring a lot to the table from an operations standpoint with their vast knowledge. We have two CFP’s on the team. We’re not afraid of work. All of those things are important.
What value do we add?
Our experience and knowledge in and of themselves is of value to clients. Clients live one financial life. We’ve been involved in hundreds and if you count the experience and expertise at Baird that number only multiplies exponentially. If you’re going through it, we’ve most likely seen it, experienced it, and gotten to a solution before. An offensive coordinator needs to know the play, what the quarterback needs to do, along with the offensive tackle, and everyone in between. We’re a coordinator in a way, if you will.
We don't have a crystal ball, but we do have access to a plethora of research and a vast network of really smart colleagues. That doesn't hurt to add value over time either.
The single biggest way we undoubtedly add value though is in our ability to take away 'the noise' for our clients. There are so many things that aren't important for them to focus on and our ability to keep them focused on their goals and objectives is paramount.
What has changed in personal finance or client needs over your career?
Client circumstances have gotten more complex as time has gone on. It used to be pretty simple. Simple from a ‘what type of account’ is my money in. Simple(ish) from a tax perspective. Simple from a what tools can I implement perspective. That has all changed. It is much more complex than it used to be in a lot of scenarios. Even from an individual client standpoint…it used to be that everyone was pretty much the same whereas now it seems like every individual client has wildly different circumstances in regards to their financial picture.
That variability makes it difficult to assess where you stand. If you’re watching the 24/7 cable financial world, or talking to your golf buddy or coworker, it’s tough to figure out what scorecard you should be measuring yourself against. We’re good at putting clients’ unique circumstances in perspective.
What do you wish clients did more of?
Patience, planning, and partnership. That sounds cheesy but we’ve seen time and time again how those three words can generate good outcomes for clients. Patience in the market, in their career, in their accumulation of wealth. They all pay off. Every time someone tries to take a shortcut it seems like it doesn’t work out. Planning is so important. People don’t know how important it is to have every oar paddling in the same direction. When everything fits together it makes their financial waters smoother and the rowing easier most of the time. Finally, the idea that we’re on their side of the table and a partner. We prove it over time with clients, but when we’re part of the team we care about them, their families, and their goals and objectives deeply.