Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Smith.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started this job nearly 3 years ago almost on accident – lockdown was in full force, my job was furloughed, and I was teaching Zoom fitness classes when I stumbled upon a post on Indeed from a boutique financial firm looking to hire a remote administrative assistant. I decided to apply, not thinking much of it, and a couple interviews later, I was hired. Now, with this new job came new expectations – this was a financial firm, and I was encouraged to learn as much as I could about the ins and outs of finance – so I studied hard and quickly became a fully licensed Wealth Advisor. What I didn’t expect, however, was the a newfound purpose.
I’ve been a helper my whole life, but in this new position, I quickly discovered that I could use my new skillset to help the me from 10 years ago with the thing that I struggled most with – financial anxiety and money mindset.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Let me tell you; it’s really difficult to make a full career change in your 30s. I went from a Musical Theatre degree-wielding office helper outer to a full-fledged Wealth Advisor in just under 2 years -for perspective, most people that sit for these licensing exams have some sort of financial background, whether that be a degree in finance or at the very least, someone teaching them the ins and outs of the finance world. Passing these exams was NOT an easy time, but in the end, was so rewarding.
In addition to that, there are far fewer female Wealth Advisors in the US (around 27%) than there are male Advisors. There’s a long-standing stigma that women don’t know what to do with money. If a woman can’t handle her own money, how can she be trusted to handle someone else’s? This stigma stacks the odds against us even more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Modern Wealth Collective is a woman-owned boutique financial firm here in San Diego built on three pillars – Wealth, Impact, and Purpose. It was launched in 2018 by Mahalene Dulay with a mission to empower women of color with a trusted advisor-client partnership and tools to live their best life full of financial independence, security, and success.
I personally specialize in money mentorship, money mindset, and I’m most passionate about working with Millennial working women and women in transition periods.
The financial industry simply was not designed with women in mind. It also is not the same financial world that our parents grew up with. It’s my job to help women to not only navigate the financial world but to teach along the way. My goal is for you to be just as much a part of your financial journey as I am. Your goals are unique to you, and we should celebrate that journey together,
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Having someone in your corner is so important. So many times, I’ve seen friends and family members at a loss when it comes to “what comes next” simply because they don’t have anyone on their side that they can not only rely on but that will also hold them accountable for their actions and for their goals. Having just one person to talk to, to bounce ideas off of, and to challenge you and pull you back down when you’re doubting yourself makes all the difference. I love being able to be that person for my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modernwealthcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernwealthcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernwealthcollective
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modernwealthcollective/
Image Credits
Brooke Aliceon Photography
Keeley Miller Photography
