5 Questions with Sara Zuckerman - 05/29/2024

What makes you or your firm particularly qualified to serve recently divorced and widowed women?  

I created Reset Financial Planning solely to support women in this very difficult stage of life.  This is not a time for a cursory review of investments or a quick retirement score.  I hold space for my clients to process their emotions and get educated about their finances so that they can enter the next chapter with confidence.  

What is the biggest misconception about your job?  

The biggest misconception about what I do is that I am just an investment advisor.  Advising clients on their investments is a part of what I do, but I think the most important aspect of my job is the financial planning.  It is through the planning process that I really get to know and understand my client’s values and dreams.  From there we figure out how to align their resources (including their investments) with their values so they can create a life they love.

What part of your work gives you the most satisfaction?

I get immense satisfaction in seeing the look of relief on a client’s face when she starts to understand that she is going to be ok.  Through my process, I help my clients get organized, reassess their goals, reimagine the future and then create a plan to get there.  Often at the end of the process my clients tell me how relieved they are to have a plan in place.

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make with their money?

The biggest mistake people make with their money is using it unintentionally.  Money is a tool that you can use to make your life whatever you want it to be.  However, too many people spend mindlessly, not understanding where their money is going or how they could use it differently to move their life in a different direction.

How do you hope the industry will evolve, and how are you contributing towards that change?   

My hope is that over time our industry evolves such that people who are just selling financial products can no longer be called financial advisors.  A client should be able to hire any financial advisor and know that they are getting advice that is in their best interest, not just a product pitch.  I will continue to educate anyone I can about what real financial planning and advice is.