As we enter into 2013, I am excited to introduce a new member of the Von Haefen Financial Management team, Kathy Watkins. Kathy, is a virtual assistant who is also certified as a registered paraplanner and resides in the Mid West. She will work remotely with VFM and my clients.
Kathy’s primary role with VFM will be to improve the client experience by increasing efficiencies and workflows. By taking some of the data entry work off my hands, I will be able to better serve my clients by doing what I love…..spending time with you, the client!
I know you all will enjoy getting to know Kathy. Her caring attitude and love for helping others aligns her perfectly with VFM.
While Kathy is experienced enough in her own right to handle some of the planning work, that is not the role she will take with VFM. All of the financial planning will remain my responsibility, which is what I love. Again, her back-office support (populating pyramids and investment inventory pages, prepping tax calculators, assisting Molly with Admin work, general client communications, etc..) will help me to better serve you!
I am very excited to add Kathy to my team and feel very fortunate to have someone who shares my passion for helping others.
Here’s a bit more info on Kathy:
Prior to working with financial advisors as a Virtual Assistant/Paraplanner, I worked in a corporate environment for 20+ years, providing executive-level administrative support.
To prepare for my current career as a Virtual Assistant/Paraplanner, I have received intense specialized education and training in financial planning and working virtually:
October 2012: Certified as a Registered ParaplannerSM by the College for Financial Planning.
July 2012: Passed the test for certification as a Registered ParaplannerSM following completion of the comprehensive Foundations in Financial Planning course offered by the College for Financial Planning.
September 2009: Certified as a Virtual Paraplanner by the Alliance of Cambridge Advisors, as a member of ACA’s first training class
May 2008: Completed the Virtual Training Program at AssistU
I am a charter member and past president of Cutting Edge, the first virtual chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
My faith is a huge part of my life. I base everything I do and every decision I make within the context of whether it is true to my faith and beliefs. Following that rule tends to keep me grounded and on the right track.
The other factor that keeps me grounded is my sense of humor. I love to laugh…at myself…at others…at situations.
I currently reside in the Midwest, where I spend a great deal of time trying to keep up with my three young grandsons. (I’m not sure if they are keeping me young or aging me before my time.)