Partnering for Financial Success

When you open up to someone about your money, you also open up about your life – your goals, your values, your everyday concerns. It can make you feel a bit vulnerable, especially if you’ve never worked with an advisor before. But it’s important to be open and honest about your money story in order to design your ideal financial path.

To help you along your way, I strive to build a mutually supportive client/advisor partnership based on trust, respect and caring. Through my many years of practice, I have identified several critical aspects that contribute to a successful partnership:

Authentic communication, rooted in transparency.

I’ve worked with many clients who never worked with a financial advisor before. I understand that they need to feel safe to describe what their financial journeys have been like. They have told me “I don’t talk about money with people – it feels uncomfortable.” There can be a fear of making a mistake or fear of being judged.

• To allow folks to be vulnerable, I listen without judgment and often share my own human vulnerabilities. Over time, we have created fruitful relationships, discussing life situations in a friend capacity. Many clients have become part of my circle of friends and colleagues whom I admire and find interesting.
• I’m available and happy to communicate with you. No issue is too small, so don’t be embarrassed. I want you to know that you are not alone. I’ve learned that once people start talking, we realize that we are more alike than different.

Attention to cultural sensitivities.

It’s natural that people want to be with someone who understands their culture. When they’re discussing financial issues, they don’t want to have to explain the background influences. They want to feel accepted and safe. I share a viewpoint with you about such things as:

• • Prioritizing giving money to help family members, whether through a family fund or other legacy options
  • Maintaining a particular type of discretion – knowing that celebrating our wealth looks different from the mainstream and we often don’t want to bring attention to ourselves
  • Recognizing and understanding the non-verbal cues around money discussions

Openness to outside expertise.

I bring to the table my deep expertise in both investing and financial planning. I want to share that value with you and I encourage you to always reach out to me for my advice.

Feel free to call me before making any financial decisions, large or small. Ask for my feedback and ask “What am I missing?” on questions such as:

• When should I retire?
• How is my investing strategy?
• How should I receive a bonus?
• How should I negotiate a compensation package?
• How does my HSA work?
• What kind of insurance should I get?

For example, if you are navigating widowhood, I understand the grieving process and I want to help you to slow down and think through important decisions systematically.

Collaboration is key. Don’t make financial decisions (investment, Social Security, insurance, retirement, etc.) without a conversation with me. Don’t sign anything before you let me review it, especially any financial documentation that could impact your household or your future. What you think is a small detail could have a big impact on your life.

• Realistic expectations. These are necessary in order to have a successful partnership. Specifically, please know I give your concerns as much attention as I can, balancing my ability to serve my other clients and professional and personal obligations. I respectfully ask that clients share all financial information requested, so I have all the necessary detail to help you make the best decisions. When I communicate with you, I will appreciate your timely response in order to keep our partnership moving along. Let me know any questions you may have about our process or relationship. Your voice is important to me!

Get in touch!

Click here to start the conversation with Harris & Harris Wealth Management.