Why I Became A Financial Advisor
By Joe Gross, CDFA®
There are many reasons you probably chose your career. Maybe it was the excitement of future opportunities, the salary, or the flexibility. For me, my reason was simple: I wanted a career where I could have a significant impact on people’s lives while using my passions and skills. We all know that money, and how you handle it, can make or break your life. I became a financial advisor so that by helping people with their money, I am helping them with the rest of their lives too.
Getting Started
My interest in anything financial started all the way back in my junior-high days, so when it was time to pick a major in college, it was a no-brainer. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in finance and started the financial advisor training program at Merrill Lynch. It was in my almost 10 years at this company that I started noticing a trend: clients were moving their assets to independent financial advisors. Even though I was committed to looking out for my clients’ best interests, I could understand why they would move away from a big company that may have conflicting interests or fee structures that are difficult to understand. As an advisor, serving my clients wholeheartedly, I saw that there were just too many things outside of my control.
I started looking for an independent firm that had the same values I held and provided unparalleled service and advice that helped their clients thrive. JGP Wealth Management checked those boxes and I happily joined the team.
What I Do Now
Now, over 25 years into this career, I am a senior financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). I spend my days working tirelessly to keep my clients on track toward their financial goals and building a plan that will weather life’s storms. I especially love helping divorcees find clarity and confidence in an uncertain season, customizing strategies to give them the security they long for.
When it comes down to it, my clients are like family to me. I love hearing their stories, problem-solving through their challenges, and building a long-term relationship they can count on. It’s unbelievably fulfilling to see a client move from anxiety to peace of mind all because of our work together. The best days are the ones where I celebrate with a client when they reach a goal or achieve a milestone. That’s what gets me out of bed every day!
Your Turn!
Now that you know a bit about me, I’d love to hear your story. What are you looking for in a financial planner? What challenges do you currently face? Contact me today at 503-446-6450 or jgross@jgpwealth.com.
About Joe
Joe Gross is first vice president and senior financial advisor at JGP Wealth Management, an independent, fee-based financial advisory firm in Portland, Oregon. With over 25 years of experience under his belt, Joe is passionate about putting his clients first and helping them stay focused on their financial goals, inspiring confidence in their future. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), he specializes in addressing the unique financial issues of divorce. Joe is known for his tenacity to keep clients on track toward their dreams and for his attention to detail, which is second to none! His clients know that nothing will slip through the cracks when working with Joe!
Joe graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Outside of work, he enjoys being involved in the community and is actively involved with organizations close to his heart. Joe is a former president and current board member of the ALS Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington and a long-time member of The Multnomah Athletic Club. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, spending time with his family, and cheering on his alma mater, the University of Arizona. To learn more about Joe, connect with him on LinkedIn.