It’s amazing how the smallest of moments or decisions we make in life can impact our entire lives. I remember clearly in 1984 picking up an issue of Money magazine. I was fascinated by financial planning and the strategies people could take to build and preserve their assets. That same year, my father helped me open my first IRA and I was officially hooked on investment management.
Over the years, I continued reading about finance and investing and started helping my friends and family with their investments and taxes. After a few years, I realized that this was something I could do for a living. I began studying to become a financial and tax advisor, and in 2009 I officially opened my own financial planning and investment advisory business, Gallant Financial Planning LLC.
Achieving My Dreams
By the time I founded my firm, I had 11 years of experience consulting to the public sector, and 16 years of experience running an independent, small business. I have dedicated the past 30 years of my life to being a management consultant, entrepreneur, mother, wife, and financial and healthcare helper to elderly family members.
Today, as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Registered Life Planner, I am honored to be living my dream by helping my clients live theirs.
My Goal as an Advisor
I understand that finances are stressful enough, but my philosophy is that financial planning doesn’t have to be. I strive to create a warm and friendly environment so my clients feel comfortable and relaxed. I don’t want anyone to feel overwhelmed by their strategies or my recommendations, so I dedicate the time it takes to offer focused, personal attention and services that are completely adaptable to your goals and needs.
Beyond financial and investment services, I seek to provide my clients a deeper sense of understanding regarding their financial circumstances. It’s important that you know where you stand financially and what you need to do to reach your goals. I believe that providing meaning to all the various parts of your financial life can impart a sense of peace and reduced stress.
Should you choose to work with me, I hope I can offer you greater peace and confidence in your financial future. I avoid financial jargon and speak to you in real terms that help you understand actions you can take to feel less stressed and worried about the unknown.
Why Clients Work with Me
A recent client told me she called me because she heard I was “nice.” I like to think that that’s how many of my clients took the first step and reached out to me. Multiple clients of mine tell me that they chose to work with me because they felt they could trust me and that they liked me. They know I’m not going to try to sell them something they don’t need or understand. As another client recently told me, “You have my back.”
It’s words like these that remind me why I’m in this career and drives me to work hard every day. My clients rely on me to think of the things they don’t know about or have time to worry about. My clients trust me to have their backs and I never want to let them down.
The Ups and Downs
Just like any job, there are ups and downs. It’s always disappointing when I can’t offer my services to everyone who could benefit from them. Ultimately, I can only work with so many people so that I can dedicate enough valuable time to each one.
It’s also difficult when I have to let a new client know that their goals may not be in line with their finances, or that there’s a lot of work they need to catch up on in order to retire on their schedule.
But, the fulfilling aspects always outweigh the difficulties. I’m so grateful to be in a career that allows me to help people take control of their finances and work toward their goals. It’s also satisfying when we work to close any gaps they have in their safety net so they can feel more secure.
Next Steps
If you’d like to learn more about how I work with clients or how I may be of service to you, I encourage you to reach out. I’d be happy to sit down and talk about your situation and what you’d like to accomplish. To start, email me at debra@gallantfp.com or call (301) 461-8492.
About Debbie
Debbie Gallant is a financial advisor and the founder of Gallant Financial Planning, a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor firm. Along more than two decades of experience, she has advanced training and education in holistic and comprehensive financial planning, having received the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Registered Life Planner, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designations. Specializing in client-centered financial life planning, she works closely with her clients to develop personalized strategies that address both short-term and long-term needs. Based in Rockville, Maryland, she works with clients throughout Maryland and the metro Washington D.C. area as well as those who have moved to warmer climates. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids. To learn more, visit www.gallantfinancialplanning.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.