Advisor Spotlight: Thomas
A Bit About Thomas
Thomas’s interest in the financial world and investment strategy make him an ideal fit for our new-to-financial wellness folks. His gusto for helping people and his no-nonsense approach are a breath of fresh air in the often overwhelming world of financial planning.
Thomas, tell us a bit about yourself!
“I grew up in Barnes in south-west London. I can speak some German and Russian. History is my favorite subject—I came to the states in 2013 to pursue a graduate degree in history, actually. I also love the ocean. If I could, I would live right on the beach and go surfing every day.”
Thomas, what does “Financial Wellness” mean to you?
“To me, financial wellness means having money when you need it without compromising your assets or taking on added risk.”
If I were new to my financial wellness journey, what is some advice you would share?
“Like any subject that involves numbers and calculations, finance assumes an aura of complexity. However, personal financial wellness really only comes down to a few basic ideas and skills.
Anyone can become a money master, and it’s never too late. Also! Take advantage of compound interest: Small changes can make large differences over the long term.”
What are some of your favorite aspects of working with new clients?
“My favorite thing is getting beyond financial calculations to help clients step back and see the big picture. Financial planning begins by clarifying what is important in life and then figuring out in what ways those goals can be achieved more easily through prudent financial plays.
I also love helping my clients build a financial castle surrounded by a large moat. Nothing pleases me more than building a bastion of robust wealth that is impervious to attacks from life’s contingencies and the financial brigandry that runs rampant in the modern economy.”
Do you have an exciting client success story you can share?
Yes! I helped a client open a brokerage and a Roth IRA to start investing for the first time in their life.
Because my client had never invested before and was also (understandably) distrustful of investing products, we spent a number of meetings together learning about markets, investing institutions, and brokerage accounts to address these concerns.
We were able to put together a detailed plan for investing her funds and this client is now executing this investment strategy with a new confidence and optimism about her future finances.”
