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A “Wealth Advisor Mom” Reflects on Advising & Parenting in a Pandemic

Gretchen Top Wealth Advisor Mom 2020

People keep asking me, “What is it like working as a wealth advisor during a severe recession and pandemic while also parenting two kids in remote school?” Usually, I start the answer by listing what I am grateful for – a house with enough room, kids who can handle remote learning (most days), effective technology, our health… but then I drop the honest truth on them: It feels like completing a marathon every day, but without the actual benefit of physical exercise!Gretchen and Family

As an advisor, the most significant impact of COVID19 on my work is that I miss being able to meet with clients in person, especially when addressing their concerns about the markets, economy, and the pandemic. But I have been grateful for connections through Zoom and the view into homes that allows me to meet other family members and pets, and learn more about their lives. It’s also given clients a window into my life, where my kids may walk into the room as if nothing important is going on or drop into view for an introduction and a waveIn that way, 2020 has also given me more time with my family (even if we are all on screens!) as we find ways to work together, stay healthy and active, and connect with friends.

All the while, volatility has been everywhere in the economy, financial markets, our communities – and it has affected all of us in varying ways. I feel fortunate to be in a role where I can help guide clients through planning scenarios and decisions that create positive impact, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without the steady work of the entire team at Litman Gregory: Our research analysts have been true professionals, remaining objective and levelheaded in the face of extreme uncertainty; our advisors demonstrate care and confidence as they lead clients taddress current needs while keeping an eye on the future; our client service and operations teams have been hard at work covering all the bases, making sure we deliver services uninterruptedand our leadership and business continuity teams stay focused on supporting our people, recognizing they are the essential link in serving our clients.

When I look at the sea of faces in our all-company Zoom meetings, I know many are also handling the challenges of parenting in a pandemic”. But there is a collective commitment within our firm to support each other, and keep everything moving forward safely for our work and families.  

With this perspective as my backdrop, iwas an honor to learn that Working Mother and SHOOK Research recognized me again in their “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” list for 2020. The acknowledgment is a direct reflection of the full team at Litman Gregory and the support we have of great families at home. In a year so full of difficulties, I actually feel luckyIt’s a time to celebrate my two favorite jobs – advisor and mom. 

– Gretchen Hollstein, CFP®, Senior Wealth Advisor, Principal, Proud Mom

SHOOK Research considered women advisors with a child 21 or younger still living at home. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures derived from telephone and in-person interviews and surveys: service models, investing process, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria, such as assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC. Neither SHOOK nor Working Mother receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. 
DISCLOSURE
This report is solely for informational purposes and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation to buy securities. The opinions expressed herein represent the current views of the author(s) at the time of publication and are provided for limited purposes, are not definitive investment advice, and should not be relied on as such.
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