Today, I want to walk you through my personal journey - one that winds through the streets of Cleveland, Ohio, bustles through the energy of New York City, and finds solace in Austin, Texas. It's a story of upbringing, training, and a pursuit of purpose, culminating in the launch of Simplify Wealth Planning. We’re a financial planning firm focused on helping tech professionals navigate the complex world of finance.
How My Upbringing Shaped My Path
Having spent over a decade in the world of finance, I've seen my fair share of ups and downs. But nothing prepared me for the challenges I faced growing up. My story begins in Cleveland, Ohio, where my parents, fresh-off-the-boat immigrants, settled in pursuit of the American Dream. The concept of living in the United States was foreign to them. Literally. At an early age - and probably not the best idea in retrospect - I became the go-to person for all things financial in my family. In the pre-internet era, alternative options were scarce, making it all the more important for me to step up. This responsibility allowed me to develop a keen understanding of financial matters at a young age, and I realized I had a natural affinity for it.
Finance Industry Training
Armed with a talent for financial matters, I had the fortune of working in the mortgage industry before college. This gave me a first-hand look at the professional financial services space. Determined to expand my knowledge, I set my sights on a finance degree. After graduating college in 2008 at the height of the recession, I persevered and landed a role at J.P. Morgan. This role ultimately led me to New York City. I pursued the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, dedicating countless hours to studying and passing rigorous examinations. The pursuit of the CFA charter solidified my commitment to mastery of the financial landscape.
For the next eight years after J.P. Morgan, I immersed myself in the world of alternative investments, gaining invaluable insights and perspective. Working with all the talented people I met along the way is something I will cherish.
Simplify Wealth Planning and the Future
Amidst the fast-paced nature of the city that never sleeps, fate intervened, and I had the great fortune of crossing paths with my wife, Lindsay. Our shared aspirations would soon ignite the spark that would lead to our next adventure.
As the world grappled with the pandemic, we found ourselves reflecting on our lives and contemplating what mattered to us. Our desires expanded beyond financial success. We craved a life that included starting a family, a furry companion, and the closeness of loved ones.
As I delved deep into my soul, I realized essential components were missing from my work-life equation. While my career had afforded me success, it lacked two critical elements:
Autonomy - I longed for the ability to spend my time intentionally and to shape my destiny
Relatedness - I craved a genuine sense of connection and the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships. Finance, after all, is not just about numbers—it's about people and their dreams
To many, the idea of leaving a stable and well-paying job might seem ill-advised. However, the entrepreneurial spirit ran through my veins. My mother, a tenacious business owner, built her legacy around passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment. I wanted to model my life around this.
Armed with a passion for making a difference, I launch Simplify Wealth Planning. My vision was clear: be accessible to professionals at all stages, particularly those in the early stages of wealth building. After all, even the smallest missteps early in your career can have profound consequences down the line.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of the power of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of a solid foundation. I hope that through Simplify Wealth Planning, I can empower and guide tech professionals through the financial jungle. Together, we can navigate the complexities, embrace the opportunities, and build a future of financial fulfillment. Reach out anytime to get started on the path to financial freedom.