By Pamela Zedick, CFP®
Like most things in life, my path to becoming a financial advisor had plenty of twists and turns. I knew I wanted a career in finance before I even started college, but the how and why has changed over time as I’ve gained experience, clarified my values, and met some amazing people.
You’ve likely heard the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” And while it sounds cliche and trite, it’s become true of my decision to become a financial advisor. At the end of the day, what it comes down to is this: my role as a financial advisor is not just a job for me. It’s an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives using my skills and experience.
Let’s go back to that nonlinear career path I mentioned. Right after earning my bachelor’s degree in accounting and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, I joined corporate America and made it my home for 25 years. Many of my positions for various companies involved me working in a financial advisor capacity, but from a corporate planning standpoint. Eventually, I reached a crossroads; I could continue to climb the corporate ladder or I could follow my dream of creating my own business and working independently. I switched gears and started working for Morgan Stanley as a personal financial advisor, but unfortunately, I didn’t build the relationships I desired or receive the mentoring that I needed to grow and learn the way I wanted.
Thankfully, as luck would have it, I ended up meeting a financial advisor who worked with Zuk Financial Group who needed help with her book of business. She became my career mentor, giving me some of her business, answering my many questions, and walking me through the stages of becoming an independent financial advisor.
Now, with 15 years of personal financial planning experience [10 years as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)], I am so thankful for the decisions that led me to this point. I get to apply my professional experience and insight to a client-centric approach that allows me to add value to people’s lives. I spend my days helping professional women and educators build a solid financial foundation that can help get them closer to the life they’ve always wanted.
I can’t pick just one! I love the autonomy and the freedom to put clients first, always, which allows me to address their financial concerns in a way that is customized to their life. There’s nothing more fulfilling than celebrating with clients when we use our teamwork to help clients work towards a goal or milestone. What started as a career has become a passion project, my greatest pastime. I come to work every day motivated to address challenges head-on and continually grow personally and professionally.
I’d love to meet you, get to know you, and hear about your goals, your worries, and the opportunities and challenges you face in your financial life. If you’re ready to see what financial planning can do for you, contact us at (909) 626-1947 or pzedick@zukfinancial.com to schedule a complimentary consultation and start working toward a brighter future.
Pamela Zedick is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) at Zuk Financial Group with over 15 years of personal financial planning experience, a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Pam specializes in serving professional women as well as educators, helping them create a plan through customized strategies and services. She is committed to acting as an investment fiduciary for her advisory clients, putting their interests first in all that she does. Outside of work, Pamela enjoys swimming, exercising at the gym, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers. She also loves the arts, especially going to the theater and listening to live music. Pamela recently became a first-time dog owner, and Speck, her miniature dachshund, has become the hit of her neighborhood. To learn more about Pamela, connect with her on LinkedIn. CA Insurance Lic# 0D82095.