As a grandmother of two beautiful girls, ages 9 and 6, and as a wife of 36 years to an amazing husband, Jodi enjoys spending time with her family. She
loves golfing, riding four-wheelers, and traveling. Spending time with her granddaughters during the summer is especially rewarding for her. Recently, we interviewed Jodi to learn more about her and her service to others as a financial adviser.
Interviewer (I): Can you tell us about the events that led up to where you are now?
Jodi (J): When I was first married, I wanted to be a counselor; however, my husband always told me I shouldn’t because I tend to get too emotionally involved. I also thought about owning a business, but because I had a young family, I decided I couldn’t commit to the long hours and days. So, I was determined to find a way to make my money work for me while fulfilling my other aspirations, which lead me to the financial services industry. After being a tax preparer and teaching tax classes for 12 years, I made the transition to financial planning. Not only does working with my clients fulfill my career goals, but I’m also able to counsel others in a way that is extremely rewarding. And, my money works hard for me. It seems I have everything!
I: What is your business and what is unique about you and the work you do?
J: As a comprehensive financial planner, I help my clients with a variety of investments, including 401K, IRA, education savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. I also help with many types of insurance, like life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance, and health insurance. However, the process always starts with a financial plan. Each of the products I previously mentioned are merely tools to help my clients accomplish what’s most important to them. So, we first start with their goals and values to create their personal plan. Then, we can decide what tools we need to implement that plan.
Several traits and processes make me unique. First, I’ve had several life experiences that provide me with a perspective that many advisors don’t have. And, as a tax preparer for 12 years, the knowledge, and experience I gained are invaluable in my financial planning business.
Learning about something and doing something are two very different things, and knowledge gained through experience is priceless. I also have first-hand experience with entering into retirement. Because we invested early, and correctly managed our retirement funds, my husband was able to retire at age 55.
I’ve also experienced several long-term care challenges that retirees and families of retirees’ face. My mother had an aneurysm at age 50, and while I was working full time with a young family, I helped care of her. Fortunately, at the time, I had an employer who allowed me to keep my job after reducing my working days to three days a week from five, and a very supportive husband. I’ve also had two grandmothers and two mothers-in-law that have needed care. I was able to get two of them approved for a Veteran’s benefit they were entitled to because their husband served in the military. It’s called Aid & Attendance, and many people aren’t aware that it even exists or that they may qualify for it. Without my knowledge and help, they would have never applied for or received the benefit. This monthly income has been invaluable and allowed them to receive the care that they needed, continue to live in their apartment, and we can support and visit as a family. Additionally, the difficult part of the care and 24-hour service is provided by the professionals because we have the resources to pay for it.
The second is my knowledge and skills. I have found that I am happiest when I’m learning, so I am continually taking classes, researching, and reading relevant news. For example, this month I finished an Advanced Financial Planning class through the American College. My certifications include; CLU® (Certified Life Underwriter), CASL® (Chartered Advisor for Senior Living) and RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional).
The third is my personality and style. I’m a teacher at heart, so I educate my clients, which allows them to make informed decisions about what is best for them. We all know discussing finances can be challenging, especially with spouses. We each have different opinions, views, and even values. Therefore, finding a way to come together to support each other is quintessential.
Finally, I tell my clients, I’m going to tell you the truth -- what I think you need to hear, not what I think you want to hear. Creating a strong plan requires being honest and upfront for both my clients and me. I expect both. Otherwise, we’re not a good fit to work together.
I: What would we be surprised to hear that you have done?
J: I won a demolition derby 25 years ago. It was great!
I: What are some great books you’ve read and why would you recommend them?
J: 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. Communication is critical, and it’s not what you say, it’s what they hear. With this book, you can figure out how you give and receive love, and more importantly, how those you care about receive love, so you can speak to them in their language. After all, isn’t love the one thing?
Next is The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It’s the little things that matter in the long run. I believe this is true in life and especially in finances.
I also recommend Womenomics, by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay along with Rising Strong, by Brene’ Brown
I: What else do you want us to know about you?
J: I am very active in my community. I teach and often present to a variety of organizations at community events and local colleges. I currently serve on the Board of the National Association for Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Salt Lake Chapter as the Co-President, and I co-founded the Business Networking International (BNI) chapter, Abundant Business.
For fun, I am a massage connoisseur, so I get massages regularly. I like to vacation in warm tropical areas and I love lazy river pools. One of my dreams is to have a lazy river pool in my retirement home. And, spending time with my granddaughters, playing games, swimming, and just hanging out together gives more joy than I can express.
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (RAA) member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Oakbridge Asset Management, LLC, which is not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Oakbridge Asset Management is located at 897 Baxter Drive South Jordan, Utah 84095. Office 801.327.7223 Mobile 801.205.8857.