April is Financial Literacy Month! Recently we talked with Angie Leaser, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Milan. Edward Jones offers individuals, families and businesses assistance with creating personalized wealth building and protection strategies regardless of financial means.
Ahead of the Curve: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it?
Angie Leaser: At Edward Jones we help serious, long-term individual investors achieve their financial goals by understanding their needs and implementing tailored solutions.
AOTC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?
AL: The first thing I do is to get to know the person and allow them to get to know me. It’s important to develop a relationship before we dive into their individual situation. Then we discuss their priorities and their financial goals; what do they want to accomplish and by when do they want to accomplish it? Examples include preparing for retirement, saving for college, saving to move out on their own or for a down payment on a new home. No two investors are the same and we do not take a cookie cutter approach when understanding individual needs. I then explain how we can help them, what our approach to helping them achieve their goals is, including what we do not do. At that point I will ask if they would like to schedule an appointment for a complete financial review.
AOTC: What organizations do you work closely with?
AL: Edward Jones is a national sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association. Each office is encouraged to support at the local level, including getting involved in their annual walk and golf outings. I am a member of the Milan Chamber of Commerce and of Kingdom Advisors. Our office also sponsors the Marine Corp Toys for Tots drive. This past Christmas we were proud to be able to donate over 50 toys that were generously donated by the Milan community.
AOTC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?
AL: I wish that the public knew that investing to build wealth is available for everyone. It’s not only for the affluent! When I talk to people for the first time and explain this to them, they are surprised and assumed that they had to have a certain minimum dollar amount to start saving or to even talk to me. We are not just about investing. We assess your entire financial situation and provide strategies to help people achieve their goals, including what changes they may need to make today in order to achieve them. Everyone needs this advice, regardless of financial means. Additionally, I help businesses with retirement plans such as 401k and SEP/SIMPLE IRAs and assist with protection strategies.
AOTC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one who’s interested in starting to save for retirement or managing their money better?
AL: Edward Jones is connected in the community. We work with numerous organizations and businesses such as estate attorneys, accountants and senior support services. If you think you may need help beyond what Edward Jones provides, don’t hesitate to call our office, we may be able to point you in a direction to get the support you need.
AOTC: Is there anything you would like to add?
AL: Edward Jones offers numerous educational events and webinars throughout the year on various topics such as the quarterly market outlook, behavioral finance, Medicare, social security, etc. To be included on the mailing list when these events occur, please call the office at 734-439-0486 and we’ll be sure to add you to our invitation list.
Thank you to Angie for sharing information about this valuable community service! For more information about the services Angie offers, visit her website. Visit the Ahead of the Curve Resource Directory for information about additional resources in the community.
