Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Myers.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Twenty five years ago I was “looking for a job” when I applied for a position as a financial advisor. I applied, even though my degree was in Biology. A 4-year degree was a pre-requisite to the interview. Getting hired as a financial advisor opened the door to my career and passion. Once I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, I left corporate America and started my own financial planning practice. I recognized that clients were hungry for more education, guidance and accountability in the areas of personal finance. This realization led to me writing a book, workbook and journal. Then came facilitating a book club, course and public speaking opportunities. This fall I went rogue and established my own, 100% independent firm, Bayou Financial Planning LLC, DBA Melissa Myers Group. I have a heart for helping people get what they want in life and feel blessed that I can be a blessing through my work!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Accomplishment and success require grit in dealing with the bumps in the road and detours along the way. I believe that in every situation there are lessons which prepare us for something else later in life. One of my first lessons was that I needed to ask for help. By getting out of my comfort zone and asking for help with MY personal finances I was able to create processes, systems and new ways of thinking. Now I’m able to deliver extra value as I apply those strategies in my work with clients. The challenges you face are preparing you to be able to help someone experiencing the same problems you did.
Once you know your purpose and calling, it’s important to block out the noise. There will be raving fans and there will be people who aren’t part of your tribe. A huge struggle is when those closest to you don’t offer the level of support you expected. Don’t let that stop you. They are either simply trying to keep you safe or they’re scared about the unknown and how it could impact them. Surround yourself with people who will be your advocates and pursue your goals.
As you know, we’re big fans of Melissa Myers Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in Lifestyle Financial Planning™ offering wealth management, financial planning, investment and insurance solutions. Typically we work with single women or women who are the financial point person in the relationship. Clients who recognize the value of investing in themselves and are coachable are our favorites!
One of the ways in which we are different is that we don’t start out talking about our investment performance or asking how much money you have. We start with qualitative conversations about the things and people that matter most to you and then move into the areas you wish could be different. Perhaps you desire to retire early, change career paths, travel, or spend more time pursuing activities that have been on hold, we help you see the possibilities.
Our interactive and collaborative process helps you align your money with your values so you can live your ideal life and be a blessing to others. At the end of the day, our goal with each client is that they feel good about their life and finances.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During any challenging time think and act like the Marines. Improvise, adapt, overcome!
Fortunately, prior to the pandemic, I had started offering clients and team members the ability to meet virtually. When we moved to remote meetings, we were prepared.
The shut-down was a gift of time for me. I used the extra time in my day to interview over 100 women for my book, then proceeded to write and publish a #1 best-seller!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissamyersgroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askmelissamyers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goingroguebymelissamyers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-myers-cfp%C2%AE-60b068188/
- Other: https://goingrogue.askmelissamyers.com/
