Full Name: Jennifer (Jen) LaFrance
Current title and company: Financial Planner at E3 Financial Planning in Needham, MA.
Brief description of who you are professionally with concise accomplishments:
As a financial planner, I work with individuals towards financial success. Together we create a financial plan that helps them to work towards their goals. Let’s face it, the investment world is scary to most and like stepping on the scale people will try and avoid it. I make it fun and exciting in a judgment free zone. This creates a very strong relationship with my clients which in turn motivates them to make smart financial decisions and put a plan in action. I am most proud of managing a practice that focuses on the individual relationship first.
Why did you join TWT and what are you hoping to achieve as a member of the organization?
I was one of the first members of TWT. There were very few females in the financial world and I was looking to network and talk with other Boston women who were climbing the ladder. Everyone had a vision of their future which was exciting! It was encouraging to be with a group of women supporting each other both personally and professionally.
What is one of your most proud professional moments and what are you most looking forward to professionally in the next five years?
I am most proud of taking my practice independent a few years ago. This was a big jump for me since I had been at the same firm for 16 years. It was hard to say goodbye but the future was bright. I took a lot of time researching the best environment for me to run my practice for myself, my staff and most importantly, my clients. I was not unhappy in my old environment but I knew there was something better out there. I went with my gut and my gut was right! I look forward to building and growing my practice. I would also like to start blogging about financial planning using humor and encouraging stories. I want to help change the environment of talking about money. It doesn’t need to be so serious! Every day I get up excited for what the future brings.
What do you do in your “free” time? Hobbies, Interests…
“Free” time sounds like music to my ears! There is limited free time with my practice and being a mom to three little girls, but I believe it’s important to always take time for yourself so you can do the best for others. Going for a run or making a great boot camp class always clears my head and gets me excited for my day. I also have the best girlfriends. Enjoying quality time with them is always great.
3 Core values:
Independence: I help clients to be financially independent but I also believe women should be independent financially and emotionally.
Healthy Work/Life Balance: This is hard but crucial. I work hard so I can play hard. Having a successful business is only worth it to me if I can spend time with the people I love and also be able to take time for myself.
Honesty: The only way we can move forward both personally and professionally is to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes being honest with yourself means that you may need to slow down or say “no” to things. Being true to who you are has never failed anyone.
Fun Fact/What makes You, you? Sense of humor! Without it life is boring and can be much harder than it needs to be. I hope my sense of humor can help others when they are down and also help myself when I’m in a tough place.