As a financial planner, my most important responsibility is to help my clients formulate a clear vision for their ideal future, then leverage all their available resources to bring that dream to fruition. I derive immense satisfaction from seeing my clients experience the peace of mind that comes with financial security and the joy that flows from living in accordance with their most deeply held values and aspirations. They say those who choose a career they love will never have to work another day in their lives, and this has certainly been true for me. I believe thoughtful planning has life-changing potential, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to guide my clients on this journey.
As a Colorado native, I feel most alive when I’m exploring the Rocky Mountain wilderness with my wife and our 2-year-old bernedoodle, Allan. Here in Chicago, we love to ride our bikes along Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Trail, usually stopping halfway for a tasty, highly caloric treat. I also enjoy traveling and spent much of my twenties living in Seoul, South Korea.
As a former teacher, I have a passion for learning and can often be found working my way through new degrees, designations, and courses. Early next year I will complete Kansas State University’s master’s in personal financial planning with an emphasis on advanced financial planning and financial therapy. Studying under some of the preeminent financial planning and financial therapy researchers has been an extremely rewarding intellectual journey.
Affiliations: Fee-Only Planning
Areas of Expertise: Financial life planning, financial planning for academics, financial independence/early retirement, teaching
Education:
Memberships: Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association for Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
Who inspires me:
My wife, Yi, is the most thoughtful, hard-working person I’ve ever known. Meeting her was the best thing that ever happened to me.
My favorite things:
A great book, a comfortable chair, and a hot cup of coffee
Favorite destination:
Bali, Indonesia
My greatest extravagance (under $100):
A cup of coffee and a pastry at my favorite neighborhood coffee shop
Most effective saving tip:
Align your spending with your values