05/02/23 - Jordan Spencer was Interviewed by FeeOnlyNetwork.com

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What made you work with corporate counsels and in-house attorneys in your practice? 
I wish I could say it was intentional! Some of my first clients just happened to be general counsels and I fell in love with them. They were smart, good people who were trying to do for their companies what I was trying to do for their finances – to protect the downside and optimize for the upside. And from what they tell me, it can be a very thankless job: they hate being viewed as the “department of no” or a cost center for the company. And just like the kicker on a football team, much of their work goes unnoticed until a screw up happens. Even though many in-house attorneys feel beaten down or unappreciated, their work is vital. I repeat, their work matters! Millions of Americans depend on these corporate attorneys, to keep the company and its employees safe. Most of them are too modest about their impact too! They’re truly the guardians of their companies. 

What has been your "aha-moment" during your financial services career?
It took me a while but after about the 5th time someone said “you’re really a financial therapist” I started to actually believe it. The heart of good financial planning is actually the person, who they are at their deepest self. Once we know that, everything falls into place because now we have direction. Most financial planners will ask the relevant numbers questions and will give you a technical answer. But the real question of “who are you at your core and what do you want life to look like,” THAT is real financial planning. So many planners rush past the person in order to get the numbers, but that is a disservice. We should ask clients “where is the intersection between your joy and the world’s needs, and how can you do more of that.” 

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make with their money?
Many prioritize material things and work over people and relationships. Unconsciously of course, but it happens all the time. The literature of deathbed regrets makes it very clear, if you don’t spend enough time with those you love or or following the call of your heart, you will miss out. Life is far too short for you to not be fulfilled. This world will be impoverished by the lack of your truest self in this world. 

Just for fun, what are your gadgets/technology that you couldn’t live without? 
My peak design backpack is AMAZING. I got this idea from Sterling Miller’s blog and loved it. And I was hesitant at first because I remember the Jansport backpacks era and thought I’d look like a highschooler…but once the vanity wore off and I realized how helpful this design was, I didn’t care. Seriously, if you go to an office regularly or fly for work, this backpack could be life-changing. I went with their Everyday V2, but my wife went with the Everyday Zip.

I live out of Fieldnotes. LOVE them, especially their National Park series, which is basically artwork that fits in your pocket. For longer form journaling, I use Shinola Journals. They are the perfect size for morning pages and you can even monogram them.