Blogs

Why I Became a Financial Advisor

Written By: Michael Nedreski

Choosing a career or profession is one of the most significant decisions a person will have to make in their lifetime. Some people are fortunate to know what they love and can make a living doing that. Others may choose a career based on the potential for advancement, a desire to use their skills in a specific arena, or even income possibilities. But for me, it was all about helping others. I wanted a career that would allow me to add value to people's lives and help them work toward making their goals and dreams a reality.

I always had an interest in finance and understood from a young age how much of an impact money can have on someone's life. My father was a great example of this. He was an insurance agent, and through watching the difference he made in people's lives by helping them protect their finances, I realized this is where I could also make a difference. I became a financial advisor so that by helping people with their finances, I am helping them with the rest of their lives too.

Starting My Career

I have never been one to follow the crowd, so my career path didn't take the typical route. Knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in the financial world, I dove in head first by gaining first-hand experience with various financial institutions and earning my credentials along the way. I have been working in this field since 1988 and continue to stay on the cutting edge of my industry by staying informed and active in financial organizations and working with financial mentors. My goal is to always offer the highest level of service and excellence to my clients and to educate them on creative, effective strategies to pursue their financial goals.

My Career Today

Since 1995 I have been working as an independent advisor, serving individuals and families in Erie, PA, and the surrounding areas. I removed my name from my firm in 2017 and we officially became White Oak Wealth Partners. We chose this name because we felt that the characteristics of a white oak tree (slow and steady growth, sustainable and strong) aligned perfectly with our culture and how we approach client relationships as well as the management of their assets.

My clients are primarily entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, and their families and I act as their personal CFO or wealth management coach. I specialize in customized wealth accumulation, preservation, and maximization strategies.

Over the past three decades of my career, I have worked diligently to craft my skill set. My strategies and approach are unique compared to other financial advisors. I'm not interested in being an "asset accumulator" or just taking someone's money and investing it, but helping them strategically utilize vehicles like insurance policies, lines of credit, and vehicles for deferring business income to help clients pursue big-picture goals.

I also recognize and appreciate other professionals with areas of expertise outside of my own and the value they add to my clients. In a sense, I act as a "financial quarterback" who not only works with other professionals like a CPA/attorney but can also help explain and defend the strategies I recommend. I value a "team approach" to planning, and as such, I work collaboratively with other professionals and subject matter experts in an effort to deliver the best possible advice when guiding clients. The result is sound and cohesive strategies complete with plans and timelines for execution.

The Best Part

I enjoy supporting my clients by walking them through challenges they didn't think a financial advisor could or would help with. It feels really good to help people improve their lives financially, making the most of their money in a variety of ways.

I'm also passionate about giving back to my community, through both monetary commitments and time. My firm hosts an annual charity golf fundraiser and raised over 27k at this year's event. We underwrite the total cost and donate 100% of the proceeds to charity. This year's charity was the Erie Humane Society, a local non-kill animal shelter, specifically their Service Dog Program for Veterans. Serving the community, not just businesses and individuals, but organizations like this, is what motivates me to work hard at what I do every day.

Are You Ready for a Different Financial Future?

If you have been doing the same thing, getting the same advice, and still haven't accomplished your financial goals, then it may be time to reevaluate and try something different. At White Oak Wealth Partners, we specialize in providing innovative holistic financial planning services that are tailored to each client's needs.

If you're looking for a high level of service and are open to new ideas that can help you pursue your goals, I would love to meet with you and see if we would be a good fit to work together. Contact us today by calling 814-835-4551, emailing MICHAEL.NEDRESKI@LPL.COM, or scheduling an appointment here.