Student Forum: A Day in the Life of a Financial Planner

Meeting Overview

Student Forum Meetings are intended for prospective and current students at UCSC-Extension in the Personal Financial Planning Program, UCSCX PFP alumni, and for members of the Financial Planning Association (any chapter).  These meetings are not open to the general public.

Upcoming Meeting

Date and Time:  Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018, 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Location:           UCSC Extension in Santa Clara (3175 Bowers Avenue)

Topic:                  A Day in the Life of a Financial Planner

Panelists:           Russ Blahetka D.B.A., CFP®, Renata Carico, CFP®, Michael Gray, CFP®, Ph.D.

Meeting Overview

As students, we spend our time learning about the financial planning framework, studying rules and metrics, and using our calculators to solve problems.  Case studies are the closest that we come to being a financial planner.  But, what is it like to actually be a planner?  What are their primary tasks?  What does a “Day in the Life” look like?

In this session, we will hear from a few panelists representing different business models discuss tasks such as: conducting new client introduction meetings, gathering client data and records, preparing a plan for a client, rebalancing portfolios, researching methods and resources, taking time for professional networking, etc.

This session is expected to be interactive with audience questions guiding the session.  Please bring your questions for an interesting and dynamic event!

Click here to register for this free event.  Badges will be prepared for those registering for this event.  Walk-ins may be restricted.  Networking begins at 11:30 am.

Panelist Bios

Russ Blahetka D.B.A., CFP® is the founder and Managing Director of Vestnomics Wealth Management, LLC. Dr. Blahetka has been a financial advisor since 2002. Previous to this, he worked as an international consultant and trainer in the area of data communications and networking. He is an instructor at the UC Santa Cruz Extension where he teaches in the CFP® programs. When not working with clients or students he enjoys his HAM radio hobby. He currently holds an Amateur Extra license and is interested in Software Defined Radio (SDR) and digital mode operations.

Renata Carico, CFP® graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. degree in Metallurgy and Mining Engineering in 1986. She worked in the high tech and medical industries for more than 25 years before she began her career in the financial industry in 2012. She currently works at a well-known national brokerage firm as a Vice President – Financial Consultant. Renata holds Series 7, 66 and Insurance licenses. She earned her CFP® designation in May 2016.

Michael Gray, CFP®, Ph.D. is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional at Family CFO, Inc., where he aims to connect people with investment solutions, working to understand his clients’ life stories and current circumstances before developing financial strategies that best address their needs. Michael considers it a privilege to work with his clients, and he enjoys establishing strong, long-lasting relationships with them based on mutual trust. Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from Williams College, and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of California-San Diego. He has completed the Certificate Program in Personal Financial Planning at the University of California Santa Cruz, holds a NASAA Series 65 license for investment advisors and is a member of the Silicon Valley chapter of the Financial Planning Association. When not helping clients, you might find Michael playing with his 2 boys and family, running, swimming or meditating.