What I've Learned in 2019 by Vivian Rupe

Wow! Time flies when you’re having fun!!! I am so honored to be part of an amazing team at Sommers Financial Management. When I started back in January, I was a little nervous to start a new career chapter. I thought I had a lot of financial knowledge under my belt; but I quickly realized that I had a huge learning opportunity in front of me. I have been studying all different aspects of the financial industry. Adam, Joyce, and Misty have been extremely supportive and more than willing to help me learn. 

One of the things I have learned at SFM has nothing to do with regulations or filling out forms accurately. It has to do with what the word “fiduciary” means. “A fiduciary is a person or organization that acts on behalf of another person or persons to manage assets. Essentially, a fiduciary owes to that other entity the duties of good faith and trust.” The reason I feel honored to be a part of this team, is that I have witnessed the many ways we put our clients first. We listen, we research, we plan, and we help our clients succeed. The amount of time and quality planning that it takes to not only help them through a process—but to do what is in their best interest—has been a huge eye opener for me. This is not the type of service I have ever received from any financial firm I have used in the past. 

Another huge eye opener and learning opportunity revolves around the variety of paths financial advising and planning can have. From investments to retirement options, from taxes to charitable giving—to where you choose to live. All these facets are their own, but work together in a roadmap to financial wealth and freedom. I love and appreciate that our clients are not put in boxes; they have their own box due to the fact that their circumstances and options are different. I love that we have the opportunity to individualize each one of our client’s portfolios and plans, and we can execute the best for each of them.

I am enjoying getting to meet our clients and learning their needs and options. Some people just stop by to say ‘hi’—and I really enjoy that as well. I look forward to learning how we can help our clients and our community grow and strengthen their finances. Let’s face it: it’s not all about money; but the better prepared and more financially astute we are, the healthier our environment is — and the more tools we have to help others in our community. SFM wants our community to be strong and successful, and I’m grateful to be part of it.