While we can’t reverse the emotional trauma, we can offer them a comfortable, safe place to share their experience, reveal their fears and focus on their passions. Through that, we can minimize their anxiety by creating a dynamic, ongoing financial plan for their current and future needs. We can help maximize their financial security and arm them with realistic expectations for the next chapter of their lives.
For me, cultivating personal and professionally enduring relationships with clients is critical to being effective as a financial advisor. I work to build trust by listening to their journey and understanding their goals and passions, as well as by sharing developments in my life, such as the recent birth of my son. I want clients to know I care, and I can help repair their confidence and transform their outlook for the future.
It is easy to become mired in the financial logistics as we work to retitle documents and separate accounts. Those are important, but we shouldn’t underestimate the role we play as advisors who also shepherd people into new phases of life.
The best advisors offer support, as well as realistic perspectives, to help clients evaluate “unopened doors” with a positive outlook. We can empower clients with the knowledge they need to shape their futures.
Luke Kulma, CFA, CFP, is a wealth advisor for Kayne Anderson Rudnick.