The Living Planner Advisory Perspective Series provides you an opportunity to meet professionals who play a role in crafting strategies and plans for your life.
This month, the focus is on financial planning. Financial planning allows us to provide a road map for our money. When we create cash; having plans to help budget, invest and plan for short-term and longer term goals is valuable.
It is a pleasure to introduce Windus Fernandez Brinkkord, and learn about her philosophy and perspective about financial services and how we may be prepared for client meetings.
Windus Fernandez Brinkkord is passionate about helping people attain the wealth they need to achieve financial freedom and security. She started her career in the financial services industry with Trilogy Financial Services (Trilogy) in March of 2003. As a Senior Vice President of Investments, she offers a thoughtful and patient approach to wealth planning by walking her clients through a range of financial services to help them make educated decisions about their own financial future. She actively manages money and provides comprehensive planning for her clients.
Windus’ dedication to her clients has resulted in her being included in the “Baker’s Dozen” in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, & 2016. Baker’s Dozen is Trilogy’s most elite group of top advisors. In 2015 she was also awarded the “40 Under 40 Award” by SDMetro.
While her career with Trilogy keeps her busy, Windus dedicates considerable time to several community organizations. She also leads a very fulfilling personal life with her family, which includes her husband, Kurt, two children, Bradley and Eloise, and two dogs, Akio and Koji. She and Kurt are avid surfers, travelers, and hikers. Together, they have tackled adventures from hiking Macchu Picchu to road trips through Belize.
- What do you enjoy about working with your clients?
I get to take a minute and walk in their shoes. I get to help understand where they are at and where they want to go, AND what is holding them back and help them break through those challenges. I LOVE what I do.
- How would you suggest a potential new client prepare for a first meeting?
I tell clients to bring what they have but honestly, they can send me the “things” later via email. What I really want in a first meeting is their perspective. I need to get to know them and what makes them tick. Not to sound cheesy, but statements and tax documents help me on the final path and planning, but having them meet with me with a clear and honest mind is what we really need for a first client meeting.
- When someone becomes a client what can they expect immediately, and over time?
That depends on what path they choose to go down. We ultimately have three ways we service clients.
A-We help them manage their assets. Not all clients are in a position to do real planning but we can still start the relationship by understanding where they are and giving them tools to keep moving forward.
B-Decision Coach is a path we have to help people start to do planning BUT for those who don’t need that SUPER OOBER plan. Meaning, if you need guidance, want software to help track your budget, and us to coordinate with your CPA and estate planning attorney, us to make recommendations on what is in line with spending and what can be cut back…basically, we are your financial spouse in this case.
C-This path is for major life decisions. What if I downsize my house 5 years sooner, buy a boat, retire at 60 instead of 70, sell a business, buy real estate…we have software that can help us really deep dive in to your life and what makes you the most money from the smoothest path with the least anxiety.
- What is your service philosophy?
Give more to others then you expect to receive in return BUT be open to receiving. Our goal is really straight from the book The Go Giver by Bob Burg. We are hear to serve, it all comes around in time.
- What resources do you provide to assist “lay people” with understanding what is being discussed?
In all fairness, we tailor our meetings to the client’s questions. Not everyone needs the same information to feel comfortable or to move forward. The software we have and utilize often helps but otherwise, we stay with it until the client has all the questions answered and even after the fact, we are great with emails!!
Bonus Question-If you were to relay one piece of advice to anyone reading this article, what would it be?
Don’t wait to start or meet with a financial planner. A good planner with help you build from the ground up and has TONS of tools to help you on your path to success!
Thank you Windus! Start NOW! All ages benefit from knowing your numbers, making a plan and working the plan.
Contingency planning at home and work benefits people in measurable and profound ways. The Living Planner can help you assess what is in place, at risk and available for you to plan for life.
Many thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your lives. Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness