Creating relationships that last in financial advising

By Nathan Amor, CIM, CFP

When your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, you probably aren’t going to try to fix it yourself. Chances are, you aren’t going to hesitate to call a pro.

So, why are so many people reluctant to call a financial advisor when they need help with their money??

Money isn’t the same thing as a broken furnace. Talking about money is hard. It’s personal. For many, it’s private. Yet, at some point in all of our lives, it’s going to get complicated. That’s why financial advisors exist—and it’s why I do what I do.?

Helping people achieve their financial goals and helping them out of tricky financial situations is what drew me into my career in finance. Growing up as a kid of a single mom, I saw first-hand how someone who knew a thing or two about money could make a difference in our lives.

Before I joined connectFirst Credit Union , I spent 18 years working in the asset management side of financing—18 years working to understand and master the Canadian financial system. When I heard about the great things connectFirst was working on and an opportunity was presented to me, I knew I had to take it, and put those years of hands-on education to work helping other people find financial success.

Now, two and a half years later, the work I have been a part of here has been some of the most rewarding. Instead of focusing on driving sales, I get to put my time and energy into fostering relationships with our members and helping them reach their goals and to help take away the stress that comes with worrying about money.?

A successful relationship with a financial advisor is also a long-term one. From the time you start thinking about planning for retirement, to the time you start thinking about your estate, having a trusted advisor will make all of the difference—especially if you know you share the same values.?

Staying active is one of my own values. I live by the old adage, “health is wealth,” and try to encourage my clients to do the same. Outside of my work with connectFirst, I own a handful of F45 Training franchises in Calgary. Not only does my involvement with the gyms keep me active and connected to other fitness-focused individuals, it’s enabled me to more deeply connect with many of my clients who are business owners themselves—because I know what they’re going through.?

Whether it’s in my office or in the gym, relationships matter. When we build relationships based on trust and clear communication, we can accomplish anything. And I consider it an incredible privilege to partner with connectFirst members on their financial journeys.?