This month’s spotlight is on Bernadette Rainear. Bernadette is a Senior Client Relationship Associate & 401(k) Program Manager.
Can you explain what you do at the firm? What do you do in each key role (401(k) and Client Service) and what about it do you enjoy most?
I have two primary areas of responsibility at SWMG. As a Senior Client Relationship Manager, I support our Advisors in preparing for client review meetings and providing quality service for our clients. I like working alongside the Advisors, but it brings me joy to assist clients with any administrative needs they may have or help them find answers to their questions.
In my role as the 401(k) Program Manager, I facilitate coordination between the business owners and other key players involved in overseeing the retirement plan, working together in providing service for the plan trustee(s) and employees. Again, I find value in my work when processes run smoothly, and everyone involved has the information needed.
What are a couple of important lessons you have learned while working in the field of wealth management?
I have been in the industry for over 15 years and one of my greatest mentors taught me that it is a sacred trust when people look to you for help in caring for their wealth. I take pride in supporting the team of SWMG in providing personalized attention to each of our clients regarding their individual financial success.
Have a working budget and follow it. It is important to save. Even small amounts of savings add up over time. It will be worth it. Living within your means can be challenging, but it is helpful to distinguish between needs and wants.
Find a good fit for a Financial Advisor. A strong relationship with a financial advisor is invaluable. An excellent advisor will guide you through different stages of life, providing expertise in financial, estate, and tax planning. More importantly, a great advisor will help you determine your financial purposes and your financial goals, ensuring your priorities come first.
If you weren’t working in wealth management, what would you have done instead?
By education, I am a teacher and hold a master’s degree in early childhood education. If I had continued that path, I imagine I would have pursued a leadership role such as a preschool director or an elementary school principal. However, no matter what the role, I would have wanted to continue teaching in some capacity.
What is something that clients might be surprised to learn about you?
• I like to push and pull heavy things, especially Russian Kettlebells
• I would never survive in a competition that required me to eat gross things, do anything with heights, or swim in the middle of the ocean
• I have been fortunate enough to visit Germany and South Africa as philanthropic opportunities
• If I could be any superhero, I would be Elastigirl
• I got engaged at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum – Go Eagles!
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
*Please remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Stephens Wealth Management Group [“SWMG”]), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions.
Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from SWMG. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. Neither SWMG’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if SWMG is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. SWMG is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the blog content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the SWMG’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available for review upon request or at https://stephenswmg.com/.
Please Note: SWMG does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to SWMG’s web site or blog or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.
Please Remember: If you are a SWMG client, please contact SWMG, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Unless, and until, you notify us, in writing, to the contrary, we shall continue to provide services as we do currently. Please Also Remember to advise us if you have not been receiving account statements (at least quarterly) from the account custodian.