Carrie A. McPherson, a Registered Practice Associate and Practice Manager with BEACON POINT WEALTH ADVISORS, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Providence, never thought she’d choose a career in finance when she was in school. A University of Rhode Island graduate with a double major in US History and Political Science, she envisioned herself as a history professor or archivist, always enamored with documents and stories of the past. However, with two jobs, a family to support, and grad school out of the question, she pursued a new career path.
Fast forward to finance. In 2008, a friend of Carrie’s mentioned that his branch’s office was looking to fill an entry level position – a receptionist role – in the brokerage industry. During her interview, Carrie told management she was eager and willing to do whatever it took to grow and succeed in the company. She quickly studied for and passed the Series 7 and 63 licenses needed to be able to trade securities. She devoured the material. “It brought back memories of my seventh grade stock market club,” she recalls. It was the beginning of her passion for finance.
Ambitious, motivated, and devoted, Carrie quickly rose through the ranks at the branch, taking over her friend’s role when he left to open a restaurant. Carrie continued to seek ways to challenge herself and interact with people, so she pursued additional certification as a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS), the Series 65 – allowing for investment advisory advice – as well as separate Accident, Health and Life Insurance licenses.
This year, Carrie and Beacon Point Wealth Advisors are one of the newest members of the Ameriprise Financial family, a national diversified financial service company that serves with a client-first mindset and offers comprehensive financial advice. “I’m excited to be on such an amazing team dedicated to client service,” she shares.
Given Carrie’s past experiences, she explains that “not all investment advisors are financial planners.” It takes requisite education and experience to support that title.
In essence, though Carrie never did become an archivist, she still does what drew her to that aspiration in the first place: studying documents to gain a better understanding of the past, present and potential future. In this case, those documents are developments in the financial world, and the future is of her clients’ finances. She meets with clients, gets to know them and their goals, and helps develop solutions to address their concerns. In between those meetings, she keeps an eye on the markets, new developments or changes in tax strategies, develops portfolios, and helps creates financial plans for her team’s clients.
“I’m committed to working with my clients to develop creative and strategic plans to meet their unique goals,” Carrie says. “I love helping people – there’s nothing that makes me happier than that.”
*Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
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