Behind the Scenes
by Sarah Porter
I’m your friendly Southwest Investment Lead Paraplanner.
What does that even mean? It’s complicated. But at the same time pretty straightforward.
I’m a jack-of-all trades (literally), but I’m a master of all of them. I’m a leader in our portfolio team at the practice, which means I do all the research as it relates to the funds we choose for our client portfolios. I review client accounts and propose any changes or updates to the portfolio and submit those to their financial advisor for review. I lead a team that handles submitting all those trades once they are approved. I help prep financial planning, whether it’s for Roth IRA conversions or estimates for year-end capital gains distributions for tax purposes.
On occasion I am also Indiana Jones. I get down into the financial trenches and go on a journey to discover if we can calculate the unknown cost basis of a fund that belonged to a client’s great-great grandmother, twice removed, which the client inherited 25 years ago. But then the funds merged with another fund and then were acquired by another fund company, etc. There are lots of twists and turns, but the most satisfying moment is when all the puzzle pieces fit together for an answer that we can present to the client.
This is an adventure that doesn’t require me to leave the office or find myself falling into a pit of snakes (like Mr. Jones, I am not particularly fond of snakes).
I’m kind of a behind scenes person. But I see and hear a lot.
I see how each financial advisor prepares, before they meet with each client, to research and educate themselves on the client’s accounts and personal values, to ensure everything is lining up with the client’s objectives.
I hear our operations team on the phone helping clients with online account access, paperwork, or calling to remind people of their upcoming appointments (yes, it can be easy to forget – we understand).
I’ve seen our staff walk alongside clients in every season of life with grace and respect.
I’ve picked up the phone and heard the pause in someone’s voice as they are trying to hold it together to let us know their husband died the night before, wanting to know what next steps are for their finances.
Or the joy and tiredness of a new parent’s voice letting us know their baby girl is now earthside.
Or hearing a financial advisor get off the phone with someone whose cancer has come back, and they are starting back on chemo and radiation.
Every situation you can imagine, we’ve dealt with it.
Not as a problem or a project. But as one human being to another, with compassion and empathy. We know our clients, who they are, who they love, and what they value. And we celebrate the victories and mourn their losses with them.
Finances and investments are a part of the equation, but at the core it’s using our expertise to build solutions to problems, and as a team act as a trail guide on your financial journey – reminding you of your goals, and that it’s all about just taking a step forward – no matter the pace you are keeping.
From what I’ve seen and heard over the years (it’s 5 years now), I wouldn’t want to work with another team.
Okay, I’m now going back to introverting and geeking-out over numbers and spreadsheets in my back office.
Important Information
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification and asset allocation do not protect against market risk.
Investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price. International investment involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. Investment in real estate and commodities may be subject to risks including illiquidity, lack of diversification, and sensitivity to economic, political, or regulatory developments. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.
