Why I Became a Financial Advisor

By Dave Coen

I’ve often been asked why I entered this industry and chose to become a financial advisor. From a young age I always had a spirit of an entrepreneur. I sold fudge at school to friends – using ingredients that my Mom bought with her money.

I naturally fell into having my own business from a young age, but always enjoyed the parts where I could help and teach people. With the desire to tackle real-life problems and puzzling decisions people often face, I ended up running the finances of my own businesses and then also helping others who naturally came to me for advice on finances and business. There was a natural progression into helping people develop a plan for business, retirement and finance that led me to enter the industry as a financial advisor.

My Career

As an advisor, my goal is to help people to guide people as they develop a plan for their finances in a way that provides them confidence knowing they have a roadmap for their future. I have found that it is often more valuable to “avoid the losses” than always trying to “pick the winners”. A huge inefficiency that I have found over the years for many families is the lack of proper information and this in part led to the formation of College Planning America in 2006, and serving as an independent financial advisor with SageView Advisory Group.

As a Financial Advisor I work closely with clients to offer them advice on the total picture of their finances, rather than just chasing a rate of return on their investments. We sit down and look at all aspects of their finances, from their immediate needs to their long-term goals, as well as any concerns they have, including planning for retirement, social security, funding their properties, protection with insurance, college planning and how to plan to efficiently draw down their money in retirement years.

Even with decades of business experience under my belt, I try hard each year to do something to learn more, widen my perspectives through constant education and seminars and reading so as to be of more value to my clients. We can never learn less, and the financial world and regulations in are continually changing.

My goal is to serve as a source of knowledge and unbiased guidance to my clients. I enjoy seeing clients leave my office feeling more confident about their futures. Additionally, I strive to practice what I preach and to implement the strategies that I advise my clients on, in my family’s financial plan.

The Hurdles and Triumphs

There are some challenges that come with being an advisor. It can be tough getting people to see the need for planning and realizing that they don’t know what they don’t know. Working with an advisor requires a high level of trust, and for some people, it can be stressful receiving help on their finances from another person. It often only take a few short discussions with someone before they realize the benefit of having a financial plan.

I love what I do. It is incredibly fulfilling to be able to take raw information on a client’s present financial position and formulate a personalized plan designed to improve their financial circumstances without having to say, “you need to save more.” I see my job as educating clients on options and planning in a way that offers them efficient new perspectives on their future and confidence because they have a roadmap to follow.

Down the Road

It still surprises me to this day just how many people don’t receive the appropriate amount of help and guidance to meet their goals. I’m committed to providing a level and depth of education that goes beyond what they have previously experienced. Knowing that there are so many people who can benefit from this level of education motivates me every day.

If you’ve yet to feel satisfied with your financial strategies and education or have yet to start working with a financial professional, I encourage you to reach out to me. I will be happy to provide a complimentary consultation to discuss your current financial picture and your concerns and goals. Get started by emailing me at dcoen@sageviewadvisorygroup.com or calling 714.813.1703. (SageView office – 949.955.1395)

About Dave

Dave Coen is a financial advisor with SageView Advisory Group and the CEO of College Planning America. Along with nearly two decades of industry experience, he is a Retirement Income Certified Professional and a College Planning Specialist and has served on the advisory board of a national College Planning training organization. He works closely with individuals and families to provide them comprehensive financial planning that addresses all elements of their financial picture. Learn more by connecting with Dave on LinkedIn.