Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Moore.
Well, in the beginning, like so many people, I thought I knew it all. After all, I had graduated with honors with an accounting degree, had been keeping a detailed budget since age 18 and had an 820 credit score by age 25.
I began my career in finance in the area of lending. Time after time, I saw credit reports of people with massive consumer debt, particularly credit card debt. When structuring loans for them, many people of all ages, even in their late 50’s and 60’s didn’t even have $500 or $1000 saved for a down payment. That was when I first began to notice how big of a problem this was.
What was the turning point in your life?
Personally, I had questions of my own. Even though I had a financial background, I didn’t know how much I should be saving each month or how to invest it. I also got pressure from people around me to buy a house (renting is a waste of money they said)… buy a new car (you can afford it they said). I soon found myself in debt, living paycheck to paycheck. I had some savings but would soon find out that $50k in a 401k doesn’t go very far after taxes and penalties.
At age 26, I decided that I needed a financial advisor. The problem was that I didn’t have many liquid savings to invest outside of my 401k. I couldn’t find a financial advisor that would work with me at first. Finally, I found an advisor that would listen to me. I poured out my life story to him and he agreed to help me as a “public duty”. When he told me what he was going to charge me (a very large amount of money), I almost fell out of my chair. I said there’s no way! Then I went home and noticed a pair of designer shoes in my closet that I had paid $700 for. I thought to myself, “You’re willing to spend money on shoes but not invest in your financial future?” The next day I went back to him and in that very first planning meeting, he cut $800 from my monthly budget which we then used to pay off debt each month and eventually to build up savings. How I saw money changed forever. One of the things he said that I’ll never forget is, “Angela when you leave here today, I want you to pay attention to all the billboards, advertisements and commercials. These companies are spending millions to get a piece of your money. Every day, you have a choice to either make yourself richer or to make someone else rich.”
How did you become a Financial Advisor?
Two years later, I was selected to participate in one of the industry’s top programs with Merrill Lynch. While at Merrill Lynch, I specialized in wealth planning and worked with one of the largest teams at the firm under the direct guidance of a Baron’s advisor. After several years with Merrill Lynch, I relocated to Miami and worked as a financial advisor with over 300 families at Charles Schwab.
Why was Modern Money created?
One of the things I realized was that no matter what level of education or wealth someone may have, most people have never been taught the basics of personal finance. I found that even the most educated and successful people needed to go back to the basics of something as simple as a budget or spending plan as an example. I also noticed that there were a large number of young professionals that needed and wanted the guidance of a financial advisor but didn’t have the minimum assets needed to work with most Advisors in the industry. I found myself helping so many young professionals and loving it that I decided to focus on it full time.
How are you making a difference?
I have made it my mission to help my clients build a strong financial foundation, one focused on aggressively eliminating debt and accumulating wealth. In addition, I am passionate about teaching all of the fundamental personal financial principles to lead clients to financial success well into the future, preparing them early for their short term and long term goals including retirement and building a legacy. I help my clients with a customized strategy and then I am there throughout the process to implement, coach them and serve as an accountability partner. In addition, I monitor their progress and make adjustments when needed. This is a real solution with real results.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have a love and passion for helping people. I was primarily working with high net worth clients but I would always get referrals from other young professionals like myself. These Gen X and Gen Y referrals often times did not meet the minimum asset requirements set by the firms I worked for but they often needed help with financial planning on topics like creating and sticking to a budget, paying off debt, saving for a house or business and assistance in understanding the benefits that were being offered by their employers. I found myself helping people in the evenings and on the weekends for free.
One day, it occurred to me that this is what I love and I want to start something… a place where more people like these can come and get help with financial planning and financial literacy education no matter whether they meet any income or asset requirements.
It took me two years of mapping everything out and getting the courage to leave the perceived safety of my job. I have never worked harder than right now but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Modern Money Advisor – what should we know?
Angela Moore is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (TM) professional and passionate, outspoken financial literacy, activist. She is on a mission to make financial planning accessible for everyone. Specializing in Gen X & Gen Y, she helps her clients build a strong financial foundation, one focused on aggressively eliminating debt and accumulating wealth. “I love the fulfillment I get from changing lives, promoting financial literacy and helping people achieve financial freedom,” she says. “I want to start a movement of people who are willing to disrupt the paycheck-to-paycheck crisis and make wealth-building a lifestyle that they share with everyone whose path they cross.” Her personalized approach prioritizes client’s financial objectives, lifestyle values, and life goals. Angela is equally passionate about service and community involvement and she has spoken at various community organizations, colleges, schools, and churches.
Angela has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry and has rigorous training at some of the most esteemed financial institutions in the world. Angela currently serves as an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami and is a member of the German American Business Chamber, XY Planning Network and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and was recently honored by Brickell Magazine as one of Miami’s Top 20 Professionals Under 40. Angela holds various professional designations and licenses including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(TM) and Certified Financial Education Instructor. She is currently completing a Masters in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning and has Bachelors in Business Administration from Howard University with a concentration in Accounting where she graduated Cum Laude. She was raised in Germany and speaks German fluently. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her two Dobermans Rio and London and volunteering in the community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had so many influences, but my support system has definitely been my friends and family. My husband has allowed me to do what I need to do to make it happen. My mom encouraged me to go for it and my friends keep me lifted.
My BFF from Howard University, Kara Sax, played a major role in my brand creation. Kara Sax and her team at The Sax Agency in Los Angeles worked closely with me to bring my vision to life.
Pricing:
- Financial Planning – From $225 to $874 per month
- Financial Bootcamp (Coaching) – $129 and up
- Financial Workshops and Online Courses – $29 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modernmoneyadvisor.com
- Phone: 305.697.2260
- Email: info@modernmoneyadvisor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmoneyadvisor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernmoneyadvisor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ModernMoney305
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/modern-money-advisor-miami-beach-2
- Other: https://www.xyplanningnetwork.com/advisors/angela-moore-cfp-crpc-cfei/
Image Credit:
Gina Carson, Jack Manning, Miss Takes
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