By: Maria Williams

Financial planning and wealth management are key tools advisors leverage to help clients achieve their financial goals and preserve assets for generations. Yet, providers in this space frequently struggle to simplify the complexities of finance for clients to feel comfortable. Jennifer Valdes, a Certified Financial Planner and Founding Principal of Financial Designs Wealth Management highlights some of the major challenges clients face when beginning their financial planning journey. Her insights demonstrate how choosing a suitable advisor is key for taking the stress out of financial planning and wealth management. 

Jennifer Valdes

When tested on key financial concepts such as risk diversification, inflation, numeracy, and compound interest, over one in three Americans were not financially literate. Baby boomers and Generation X were knowledgeable, while younger generations lacked a solid foundation in financial education. Despite the importance of understanding finance, public and private curriculums rarely cover this information. 

As a result, people feel anxious and unsure about how to manage their money. These behaviors are influenced by changing economic factors, but the underlying issue is tied to a lack of support in learning how to budget, invest, and plan for the future. This problem affects people from all walks of life. A recent study showed that 92% of high-net-worth individuals underestimate their retirement needs, signifying a persistent gap in financial literacy despite wealth status. 

Jennifer Valdes, a Certified Financial Planner and the Founding Principal of the advisory firm Financial Designs Wealth has witnessed this problem firsthand. Since discovering her love for finance at age 20 as an unpaid intern at a firm managing $3 billion in assets, she has realized how intensely people avoid financial planning. Jennifer’s love for finance stems from a desire to break down barriers perpetuated by confusing language and ambiguous practices. She spent over six years learning the intricacies of financial planning and investments, eventually becoming the Head of Financial Planning at this firm. Over that period, Jennifer has pinpointed some of the biggest issues preventing business owners and high-net-worth individuals from proactively managing their financial well-being. 

“It’s common for time-consuming and complex tasks to fall by the wayside when we’re busy,” Jennifer says. “Business owners and high-net-worth individuals have so much on their plate, so it’s natural for them to postpone finding a financial advisor, developing retirement plans, or investment strategies. Their anxiety about finance, which typically stems from a lack of knowledge, doesn’t help them get the ball rolling. That’s why we focus on simplifying the process – allowing clients to feel empowered and excited about their futures.”

Research shows that financial stress can take a significant toll on a person’s physical and mental health. To avoid the daunting task of managing their finances, many people focus on increasing their income without realizing what strategies are important for retaining that wealth. Jennifer encourages her clients to focus on what they can control to avoid feeling overwhelmed about how they can achieve their goals. 

A financial planner works in tandem with accountants, attorneys, and many other industry professionals to ensure clients have a coordinated, efficient financial strategy. They need to be reliable, experienced, and trustworthy. Jennifer strongly believes a financial planner is meant to be the ‘quarterback’ of a client’s financial team with the primary goal of getting to the finish line. 

“I always encourage clients to begin the process, even if they are unsure about where to start,” she says. “ Oftentimes, people get overwhelmed, but having someone in your corner who’s goal-oriented and knowledgeable will make this process simple. If you don’t have someone taking a holistic look at your goals and consistently working to progress toward them, you’ll probably become stuck somewhere in the middle because you think you don’t ‘know’ enough. That’s why you need an advisor that you can trust and breaks it down in simple language.”

At Financial Designs Wealth, Jennifer and her father Jorge, who has decades of experience in insurance solutions and estate planning, champion comprehensive service offerings. The firm’s family touch enables business owners of all backgrounds to find peace of mind in financial planning. The team, which also includes Jennifer’s brother, Jorge Jr. CFP, goes above and beyond to provide value. Financial Designs Wealth helps clients with a variety of financial goals including planning business succession, strategic asset placement, and advanced tax strategies. Jorge and Jennifer’s hands-on experience with entrepreneurship provides them with unique insights on how to support their clients through the many challenges they may face. 

As economic conditions continue to fluctuate, financial planning and wealth management advisors are poised to take a reactive approach, offering more services tailored to their clients’ biggest priorities. Amid these changes, the industry will continue evolving with the introduction of advanced technologies and generational shifts. Financial Designs Wealth stands at the forefront of this revolution, boasting a personalized approach to relieving financial stress and preserving client legacies.

“No one wants to work forever,” Jennifer says. “The earlier you plan for the future, the easier it will be to protect and grow your legacy for following generations. It only takes a bit of time and the right advisor to help get you there.”

Dislocsures

Please refer to FD Wealth’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure and Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) for additional information regarding our services, fees, and business practices. These documents are available by contacting us at and are publicly available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation is a professional certification granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. For a more detailed description of the CFP certification requirements, visit https://www.cfp.net/

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional for advice specific to your situation. The opinions expressed are those of Jennifer Valdes and Financial Designs Wealth Management and may not reflect the opinions of other financial institutions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal.

Published by: Nelly Chavez