By Bernie Wurts, CFP®
Can you think of a time in your life that was a pivotal moment in determining the course of your future? Or maybe you had an experience that greatly influenced your decisions and made a significant impact on how you live your life. This is certainly true for me. My experience growing up on a farm in rural North Central Ohio, the oldest of five siblings, shaped who I am and instilled many of the values I still hold on to today—such as hard work and serving others. But there was one experience in particular that became the driving influence in my decision to become a financial advisor.
A Defining Moment
When I was in 4th or 5th grade, my siblings and I were weeding the garden when my mother called me inside. At first I was a little bit nervous and thought I had done something wrong. But my mom looked me in the eye and said, “Bernie, I want you to do something good for someone every single day that makes their life better.” Initially I thought she was trying to get me to pick up my chores around the house.
But every day my mom would ask me how I had helped someone to make their life better. I didn’t want to do this at first, but my mom was persistent in asking me and, as the days went by, I began telling her what I had done. It made me feel good to help others and put a smile on their face. So, after about six months, my mom didn’t have to ask me any more; I just performed my acts of service because it made me feel good and I saw the impact it had on others. To this day, I carry this spirit of serving others in all I do, especially in my career. Financial planning allows me to help others tangibly, and that is very rewarding.
My Career Journey
With the knowledge that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to make a difference in people’s lives and use my skills with finance and numbers, I chose a career path in the financial industry. I graduated from Akron University with a bachelor’s degree in business and began working in that field, eventually earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Since 1994, I have been working with individuals and business owners to prepare for a better retirement.
We serve clients in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, along with many other states As an independent, fee-based, Registered Investment Advisory, we offer a range of services to our clients so we can better meet their needs and provide a full-service retirement and investment planning experience.
The Best Part
Not everyone can say they love their job, but I am grateful to have a very fulfilling career. I love helping people and making their lives better. That’s just who I am because of how I was raised. The values instilled in me during childhood and from my mother’s influence have shaped who I am today and are the reason I do what I do—help people prepare for and enjoy a worry-free retirement. I work hard at my profession because I thoroughly enjoy building out a client’s retirement blueprint to match their goals and then watching it all come together. It’s a very satisfying experience.
The Next Step
Who or what has influenced you and impacted your life in a significant way? Many of us have had this type of experience that led us to where we are today. But maybe you need a little help or clarity to determine where you want to go from here and how to prepare for retirement. Or maybe you are looking for the best way to bestow your wealth to the next generation and leave a legacy.
At Professional Financial Advisors, this is what we do every day. We understand the value of having a helpful guide and advocate on your financial journey, and we’re here to help our clients live a more enjoyable life through smarter planning. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you meet your financial goals, I encourage you to contact us today for a no-obligation get-acquainted meeting. Schedule an appointment online or reach out to us at (913) 322-3845 or email wurts@pfaretire.com. We’d love to hear from you!
About Bernie
Bernie Wurts is a CFP®, Certified Financial Planner, at Professional Financial Advisors, LLC, an independent, fee-based, Registered Investment Advisory firm delivering full-service financial planning and investment guidance to families and businesses or organizations. Since 1994, Bernie Wurts has been working with individuals and business owners to help map out their retirement and succession plan. Along with a team of CPAs and estate planning attorneys, Bernie works to ensure no stone is left unturned and operates under the methodology of doing the right things today to avoid unpleasant surprises later. He enjoys making a difference in his client’s lives as they pursue a worry-free retirement, and has two goals for every client: be the kind of financial advisor whose integrity and character would be good enough for his mother and create enough wealth so they have the resources to live a life with no regrets.
Bernie received his bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Akron and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Outside of the office, Bernie enjoys outdoor activities, sports, and spending time with family. To learn more about Bernie, connect with him on LinkedIn.
