Why I Became A Financial Advisor
NewslettersBy Eric Chetwood, CFP®
If I could sum up my career journey in one sentence it would be: The numbers drew me in, but the people made me stay. I knew I wanted a career in finance because I was fascinated with how the finance world worked and loved math. But once I got my feet wet and started working with people, hearing their stories, and walking through different chapters of life with them, my passion only grew. I loved that I could add value to their lives, and that by helping people with their money, I was helping them with the rest of their lives too.
The Beginning
With the end goal in mind, I earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was blessed to start working for Wachovia Securities shortly after. As I gained hands-on experience, I also completed my coursework for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification at Duke University and, after passing the 10-hour final exam, became a CFP® practitioner.
The Next Chapter
I knew I had found my home at in a faith-based firm that shared my values and prioritized people over numbers. Now, 15 years later, I get to lead an amazing team and spend my days connecting with our clients and helping them work toward financial peace of mind through comprehensive financial planning. But even more than that, I see myself as a coach or a counselor for my clients, guiding them through the ups and downs of life and helping them navigate milestones and experiences, because finances don’t exist in a bubble; they affect your emotions, your relationships, and even your faith.
In fact, I’d say the most fulfilling part of my job is doing just that—guiding clients to financial confidence no matter what life holds. Even now, in the middle of a global pandemic, I have the privilege of helping my clients manage their anxiety and show them how their finances are set up to weather the storm and still achieve their goals. That gives them the freedom to keep working hard, loving their family and friends, and serving their community.
I show up to work every day ready to dive in because of the commitment I have to my clients, but also to God. As a faith-based firm, our goal is to glorify God in all that we do, and that includes our interactions with clients and stewarding their money well.
Your Turn!
I am incredibly grateful that I get to do what I love! And a big part of that is because of you and the relationships we build with our clients who become like family to us. So, now that you know a bit about me, I’d love to hear your story. What do you care about? What do you dream about? What keeps you up at night? We are here to help and guide you through the next chapter of your life, whatever that may be! Reach out to us to learn more about who we are and what we do by scheduling a complimentary introductory meeting online or contacting us at michelle.disney@adamschetwood.com or (919) 287-5660.