Hello world! This is a place where you can get to know me better and hopefully learn something new about financial planning topics.
First, a little bit about me. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. (Yes, they make us write it that way!) This means that I have passed a 10-hour comprehensive exam, completed a certificate program along with a Bachelor's degree (I'm also an MBA) and along with 6,000 experience hours, I complete annual continuing education credits to maintain my designation. I am also a tax pro, with the federally-granted IRS Enrolled Agent designation. Tax topics are often at the heart of good financial planning, so you've come to the right place.
In addition to my CFP® and EA designations, I am licensed in CA and NV (and your state if you just ask!) for life, disability and Long-Term Care insurance.
Let me break down the significance of the business name. I have chosen Serenity because I want to help you to feel calm and centered as you navigate the decisions and situations that come up regarding your financial goals. Sometimes the markets will be down, sometimes something unexpected comes up. I want to be your trusted partner and help you to know your options, stay the course and get your questions answered, so you can be untroubled.
Serenity also means that our meetings will be right for you. I love virtual meetings and can accommodate evening schedules if you need. My office is in my family's garden apartment, so if you come over, you can expect a cup of tea and to sit on a comfortable couch or even swing on the redwood bench outside. No big cold conference rooms and no suits here.
Wealth management means we will work to optimize your investments and tax plan for your goals and risk tolerance. What does money mean to you and how will it help you achieve what you want? Is your wealth protected, are you saving enough, what are your choices? Your life is multi-faceted and so is a financial plan.
I am a solo planner, so why use the word Partners? It is because I'm far from alone! I represent Cetera Financial Specialists, a broker-dealer based in a Chicago suburb. Cetera has teams of professionals who help me every day with back office support, compliance and with specialized knowledge to help me give great service to my clients. I have partners that I use for portfolio management, like Dimensional Fund Advisors (you'll be hearing a lot about them), who use the best available financial science to create their funds. For insurance, I will always check for the best rates available, but I do like the John Hancock Vitality program, which rewards you for healthy living.
My job is to get to know you and give you the one-stop shop experience, with the team at Cetera's help in creating your plan.
Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck (www.brokercheck.finra.org).
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