Today we’d like to introduce you to Keli Hazel.
Hi Keli, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I went through a divorce in 2003-2004. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time. My work experience was in public and private accounting as a CPA. Going through the divorce made me realize that so many women relinquish the finances of the family to the husband. It was difficult going through a divorce even with my CPA background, I couldn’t imagine what it was like for a woman with no financial knowledge. It was then that I felt a calling to help women. Women who were contemplating or going through a divorce, widowed or happily married. I wanted to educate and empower women to take more of an interest in their own finances as well as their household.
I love educating and helping. Becoming a financial planner was a natural flow for me. With my CPA background and my relationship building skills it was the perfect fit.
Throughout my divorce, I journaled quite a bit. Several years ago, I approached a ghostwriter to see if she would write my book. It was not a good fit, so I put it on the back burner. In 2000 I met a lady who is a book coach. She inspired me to write my book. She coached me through it and was even somewhat of a therapist at times. In 2023, my book was published. My goal with this book is to let others know that they are not alone. That if I can get through such a tumultuous time, so can they. In the end, I am a stronger, wiser, and better person.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it has not been smooth. Recreating myself (to a certain degree) from a stay-at-home mom and housewife to a financial planner required several tests that I had to study for and pass. So far, I have taken three insurance tests and two financial securities tests. I am currently studying for my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Accomplishing this with three young boys at the time was challenging. Making time to study and then actually go take the tests wasn’t easy.
When I started as a financial planner, I was working part-time. My boys still needed me. I wanted to be at their extracurricular activities and sporting events. It seemed that every time I tried to work more something chaotic would happen in the home front. An extreme example was in the fall of 2011, when my middle son suffered a traumatic eye injury and almost lost his left eye. This put things into perspective for me quickly. I knew and still know what is most important in my life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Capitol Financial Solutions?
In 2022, I entered into a partnership with Denise Sowell and we joined Capitol Financial Solutions due to their client-focused philosophy and internal advisor support. We came together as two female advisors based in McDonough, Georgia with a similar mission of commitment, values, and faith to provide quality guidance for our clients. Capitol Financial Solutions’ strong culture and resources will help our office reach the next stage in its growth while delivering even more efficient service and remaining independent financial advisors.
I am a Financial Planner, CPA, and BFA with an entrepreneurial background and a passion for helping people achieve their financial objectives. As a licensed Registered Representative and CPA, I bring a tax-efficient approach to my client’s financial circumstances. As a BFA, I prepare and help implement a client’s unique life plan to align with their values and goals. And as a small business owner, I recognize the value of innovative approaches to financial freedom. My entrepreneurial spirit and decades of accounting experience have formed my philosophy of providing my clients with insight and advice to make informed decisions and help them create a secure future.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Clients work with me by allowing me to do their financial plans. This is a comprehensive, holistic plan that is unique to that client. As part of their plan, they can choose to allow me to be their wealth manager. This requires transferring existing accounts or opening up new ones.
I am a firm believer and an advocate of having a referral marketing team. I am a member of two networking groups: BNI and the Amicable Divorce Network. Having trusted professionals to share ideas with, grow, and learn from each other is a valuable resource.
Referrals are the highest compliment. I have grown my business primarily by referrals and word of mouth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.capfsgeorgia.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelihazelfinancialplanner
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khazel/
Image Credits
Patricia Wells Photography, Branding that CLICKS Michie Turpin, We are Henry Magazine
