Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Schadeck.
Jacqueline, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Imagine this: you’re a teenager, living in poverty, then, boom! Your family gets about a million dollars. It’s great at first. You’re living life like a celebrity. Then, all of sudden, it’s gone, and you’re back to eating plain rice with salt and pepper twice a day. Well that’s where my story begins.
Throughout my life, I have witnessed people struggle with money. From budgeting, to credit, to investing. After witnessing my family lose their entire fortune to bad financial advice, I decided to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM).
I knew that as a CFP® professional I would be able to help people gain financial clarity. I wanted to ensure that the same thing that happened to my family doesn’t happen to others. Furthermore, my mission is to help people plan and live their best lives free from anxiety about money.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe that if you find a path without obstacles it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. The road to being a Financial Planner has not been easy, especially as a woman. As a woman, I make up part of only 23% of CFP® professionals. In the beginning it was almost intimidating to be in these important meetings and at networking events that were primarily made-up of men much older than myself.
After a positive word from a mentor, I found my confidence and set a goal to try something outside of my comfort zone in every meeting. Overtime, I became more comfortable in this environment, and it was like second nature.
Today, the struggles are different. Our society is ever-changing and so are the facets of financial planning. This includes reaching out to prospects and clients differently, as well as staying abreast of changes in the world that have the potential to impact clients’ lives. I am continuously pushing to grow professionally.
If I had to give advice to a young woman, I would tell her two things: One, be decisive about what you want and work like a crazy person to get it. And second, network because it’s not about who you know, but who knows you.
What should we know about business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to people across the nation. Engagements differ from person to person, but the overarching goal is to help clients plan and live their best lives, free from anxiety about money.
In addition to assisting with investment management, a few topics we may cover could include: budgeting, selecting insurance(s), purchasing a home or rental property, tax planning and more. Anything that affects your personal financial life, I help you incorporate into your financial plan. This is an ongoing process and most clients are clients for many years.
Additionally, I am a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner, meaning that I put my clients’ interests before my own. I do not accept commissions or referral fees, giving my clients a peace of mind knowing that the solutions I provide for them are strictly for their benefit. I consider myself my clients’ Financial Advocate.
Traditionally, financial planning has been thought of as a service for older, established people close to retirement or already retired. While I do still serve that demographic, I am also well-known for being able to assist people in their 30’s and 40’s with financial planning. I take the time to consider their entire financial picture before I provide any recommendations. This is paramount when we’re planning out 30 plus years.
I am really big on customer-service. Anytime I go somewhere I expect a certain level of service and with that in mind I strive to provide a high-caliber of service to my own clients. If you’ve ever worked with an attorney, you know that they often bill you just to converse with them. I believe that to give my clients the high-level of service they deserve that they should be able to reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns and get a response within 48 business hours. I have received feedback on several occasions from clients stating how much they appreciate my timely responses to their questions. This is something I really pride myself on and I am proud to exceed client expectations.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Finding a mentor is crucial for your professional growth. I believe you should have multiple mentors for different aspects of your life – industry, general business, personal/spiritual growth (or whatever fits your lifestyle), etc. This will help give you a broad knowledge and guidance to lead an overall healthy life.
For me, joining the Financial Planning Association of Georgia, serving on a committee, and eventually being voted on as a board member has been a great way for me to network with others in not only my area, but my industry as well. I recommend that a person looking for a mentor or to network should start with an organization closely related to their field.
Pricing:
- Rates vary, but individual sessions start at $250
- Traditional 1% of assets under management
Contact Info:
- Phone: 423-401-8973
- Email: jacquelineplans@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_jacquelineplans
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-schadeck-cfp%C2%AE-7151a8b7/
Image Credit:
Devonte Durr
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