My Early Years
I have had a curiosity with money as long as I can remember. Growing up, my favorite toys were a fake cash register and pretend checkbook. I would spend hours balancing my checkbook and loved being organized and methodical with my pretend money. My police officer father and stay-at-home mother were great money role models and were able to raise us all on one income because they mastered the principle of living within their means. Although my parents never sat my brothers and I down to give us a formal financial education, we learned by example. I would wake up Sunday mornings to clip coupons with Mom, and Dad helped me get my first credit card at the age of 16. I never felt deprived growing up, but knew if I wanted more I would have to use my own money to buy the “extras.”
So in high school, I worked multiple jobs and accumulated a cash cushion of my own. One day I walked into the bank to explore options for my savings, and was introduced to mutual funds. Since I had never really learned much about investing, I discussed this with my parents and realized they did not know much about investing either. Like most people, they never received formal financial education. They knew how to save their money, but did not know how to really grow their money over time. I knew I needed to learn more about investing and a spark was ignited beginning my passion for personal finance.
The “Aha” Moment
Continuing my fascination with finance, I studied business economics at UCSB. I excelled in my courses and really enjoyed learning about how the economy worked. However, while I was in college I still had the idea that I was going to be an event planner and have my own event planning business. It wasn’t until I met a woman financial planner, who had a very successful practice, did I realize I could combine my love for money, planning and helping people. After meeting her, I knew I was destined to be a financial planner.
Starting Out & the Disconnect
Upon graduation, I started my career as a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial. While there, I learned how to run a financial planning practice, how to excel as a financial planner, and that I loved financial planning. However, more importantly I realized I did not fit into the traditional financial planning role. Although I was successful, I was unhappy. I tried to fit in with an old school model of financial planning and was not living my authentic life. I wanted to do things differently and serve my clients in a way that made sense to me. I needed an environment allowing my entrepreneurial side to shine and allow me freedom and flexibility when working with clients.
Finding My Niche
In June of 2010, I joined LPL Financial, an independent Broker/Dealer. With a renewed sense of purpose and motivated by intrinsic values, I decided to focus my practice on helping people like me- busy professional and entrepreneurial women who are passionate about life. I strive to be a financial partner for my clients, giving them more time to do what they love most. I want to be the financial planner who understands them, empowers them, and makes their life simpler by helping them make smart financial decisions.
Why I Focus on Women
After observing many advisors communicate with women clients in counterproductive ways, making them feel more confused, shamed and humiliated, I knew something had to change. Women struggle with different fears and frustrations than men. Women want clarity around their money and their financial strategies. They want to worry less, have more time to do the things they enjoy most, and want a financial planner who listens to them and understands their unique goals and concerns.
I know this because this is what I want too. I’ve been there; worried about money, stressed by the future, and feeling misunderstood. It is my goal to change that for the women I work with.
Connect with Brittney Castro, CFP®