Why I Became a Financial Advisor

By Matt Stephens, CFP®

Some things in life captivate us from a young age and never stop fascinating us. For me, that something is personal finance. I have always been good at math and interested in the strategies that help people turn their goals into reality. My parents taught me good money habits from childhood, like budgeting and tithing, so I was fortunate to have learned from an early age some of the skills necessary to succeed with money.

Very rarely do people’s passions line up with their careers, but it worked out that way for me. I stay on top of new ideas and advancements in the field of financial planning because it continues to interest me. I’m then able to use these ideas and skills to help people in a tangible way and add value to their lives. Now, almost 15 years into my career, I still love it just as much as I did when I first started.

My Career Journey

Before becoming a financial advisor, I worked various other types of jobs for a few years, but consistently volunteered with financial ministries at church, including leading countless Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University groups. During this time, people in those groups, as well as friends and family, were always asking me for money advice. So in 2008, after years of facilitating group classes, I decided to do it professionally.

I became an advisor and gained experience working for a large firm here in town. Over the years, I earned various certifications to enhance my financial knowledge, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM certification, the highest standard in personal financial planning. I eventually wanted more freedom and flexibility in advising clients, so I left the large firm and joined The Wealth Plan Company, in 2013. After several years of working and specializing, I created AdvicePoint to meet the increasingly complex needs of retirees.

Today I spend my days guiding clients through the transition from career to retirement by helping to simplify complex financial issues and providing unbiased advice. More than just investment management, our team helps with anything from income strategy to tax and estate planning, charitable giving, and more. I take a client-focused, highly personalized approach, tailoring each client’s plan to their unique situation, needs, and goals.

Why I Love What I Do

There’s something so rewarding about helping a person move from a place of chaos to stability and relief. I wake up every day with a smile because I’m able to do work that I love and clients seem to really appreciate what I do for them.

The most fulfilling part of my job is walking alongside my clients and guiding them through important financial decisions that will impact their futures. I absolutely love what I do and am able to serve my community in a way that improves their lives, so they can have more capacity to help improve the lives of others.

Are You Ready to Stop Worrying About Your Retirement?

The transition to retirement can be a challenging and confusing time. There are many variables that are unique to each individual and family, and it can also be an emotional time as you adjust to a new way of life. At AdvicePoint, we specialize in managing this transition. Our goal is to help you stop worrying about your financial future by giving you clarity and empowering you to make decisions that make your dreams a reality. If you don’t already have an advisor helping you do that, schedule a 30-minute intro call by clicking here.

About Matt

Matt Stephens is a financial advisor with AdvicePoint, a financial services firm based in Wilmington, North Carolina, specializing in retirement income planning, tax-reduction strategies, and charitable planning. Matt spends his days guiding clients as they make the leap from career to retirement. He loves simplifying complex financial issues and giving unbiased answers in plain English. His team goes beyond just professional investment management with their client-focused and high-touch approach, building plans as unique as each client.

Matt obtained degrees in business administration and communication studies from UNC-Wilmington, holds the Series 66 Investment Advisor and Insurance Licenses, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^℠, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and was a recipient of the 2019 Wealth Management Thrive Award. Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two young children. They attend Port City Community Church, where Matt has volunteered since 1999. His favorite pastime is surfing. To learn more about Matt, connect with him on LinkedIn.