What It’s Really Like to Work with a Financial Advisor for the First Time: A Real Client’s Story
TAMMA Client Marisa Lonic
When “Someday” Becomes Today
There’s a phrase I hear often from families I work with:
“We’d been meaning to do this for a long time. We just kept putting it off.”
And I get it. Life is busy. Financial planning, estate documents, and tax conversations don’t exactly top the list of fun ways to spend a weekend. But eventually, there comes a point when “someday” turns into today. That moment usually arrives in the middle of a big life change, like a move, a shift in career, or simply the realization that time isn’t slowing down.
Marisa and Anthony’s story followed a familiar path. They had never worked with a financial advisor before, but after relocating across the country and watching their four kids grow up quickly, they decided it was time to seek guidance beyond podcasts and books. They wanted a trusted guide. Not more information, but insight.
That’s where our work together began.
More Than Just Numbers
After 15 years of building a multi-family office, I’ve learned that no one wakes up panicking over the lack of a financial plan. The decision to reach out comes gradually, and often when the weight of decision fatigue gets too heavy to carry alone.
When I first meet with families, the conversation is not about their tax returns or investment accounts. It’s about who they are, what matters to them, and how they see their future. That first meeting is called the alignment meeting for a reason. It’s where we decide together whether this relationship feels right.
As Marisa put it, “You better be ready to hand over the keys to everything.” That kind of honesty and trust is not easy. But when it’s present, it allows for the kind of planning that creates real clarity.
Planning Is Personal
For most families, the planning process quickly becomes more personal than they expected. That’s intentional.
No two plans are the same, just like no two families are the same. Everyone brings their own set of values, challenges, and goals to the table. The work I do requires understanding those layers.
One area where this becomes especially clear is estate planning. For families with children, these conversations can be emotional. It’s one thing to talk about budgeting or saving for college. It’s another thing entirely to ask, “Who will raise my kids if something happens to me?”
Most people avoid these questions. I see them as a way to help families protect the people and legacy they care about most. These decisions are hard, but they are also empowering.
Clarity Over Complexity
One of the biggest barriers to financial planning is the fear of being overwhelmed. Many people assume the process will be filled with confusing language or complicated steps.
The reality is quite different.
When Marisa and Anthony reached out, they were ready. That clarity made the process smooth from the start. We moved through each step together, with checklists, clear communication, and timelines that worked for them. My job is not to impress anyone with how much I know. It’s to make the process feel achievable and organized.
Whether you have one child or four, like Marisa and Anthony, life is already full. Financial planning should be a tool that adds clarity, not stress.
The Value of a Single Point of Contact
A big reason many families choose to work with me is because everything they need is under one roof. I handle planning, investment management, and tax strategy. You don’t need to coordinate three different professionals or worry about things falling through the cracks.
You make one call. I help you work through the questions.
This holistic approach gives families the ability to think proactively instead of reactively. Whether we’re reviewing tax documents, updating a plan, or navigating a transition, everything is connected. That makes the work feel more cohesive and efficient.
Timing and Trust Matter Most
The most successful client relationships I’ve seen are built on timing and trust. As Marisa said, “People reach out when they’re ready. And if they’re not ready, no amount of convincing will make it happen.”
That’s why I invest so much time in getting to know families before we ever sign a contract. If we’re not a fit, that’s okay. But when we are, the planning becomes a partnership, not a transaction.
My goal is never to “sell” someone on financial planning. It’s to be a steady, knowledgeable presence when the timing feels right. And when that time comes, it’s important to work with someone who genuinely cares about your goals and your peace of mind.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
Marisa shared something toward the end of our talk together that stayed with me. She said there weren’t any big surprises in the process because she’s not someone who likes surprises. She’s highly organized, risk-averse, and likes to be well-prepared.
But what stood out most wasn’t the structure of the process. It was the trust that built up over time.
Trust came from knowing we had a shared understanding of what mattered to them. Trust came from knowing they wouldn’t be judged or rushed. And it came from having someone who would walk beside them, not just talk at them.
That’s what financial planning looks like when it works.