Meet Laurel
Laurel grew up in Anchorage, enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities. One of her most memorable experiences was hiking the Chilkoot Trail as a teenager. She was able to do this trip again as an adult and it was equally amazing!
Post-high school, Laurel followed her passion for Cross-Country skiing to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She began her studies in environmental economics, which evolved to a focus in business and a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in economics.
When looking at career opportunities, she wanted to use her background in economics to help others in a meaningful way. A friend connected her with Financial Advisor Kathleen Madden in 2010 and she quickly learned the numerous ways in which advisors can help their clients. She was struck by the impact an advisor can have on the lives of others. Under Kathleen's mentorship, Laurel got licensed and obtained her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. She began building her own practice in 2014, using a values-based approach to financial planning. Laurel strives to provide a stress-free environment for people to talk openly about their money and work towards their goals. Her positive attitude, enthusiasm and colorful office make difficult conversations easier and outcomes more hopeful.
Meet Rene
Rene began her career as a Financial Advisor in 2002, although her interest in investing and goal setting started at an early age. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Rene moved to Southeast Alaska when she was 10 years old with her family. Her knack for catching a fresh fish or two for dinner ultimately led her to become a commercial fisher at the early age of 15, where she navigated the waters of Alaska’s Panhandle, the Gulf of Alaska, and spend a short stint around the waters of Kodiak’s Emerald Isle and Washington’s Puget Sound. During that time, a fellow crew member sagely suggested she set up a meeting with his Financial Advisor. She opened an IRA when she turned 18, and that same Financial Advisor ultimately mentored her into the career she enjoys to this day.
She holds the designations of Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor, and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and believes Financial Planning is a life-long process that is created and adapted based on client’s needs, values, and unique situation. It is through such a process that clients work toward pursuing their most important aspirations. Rene has helped many clients navigate finances during transitional situations, such as retirement, inheritance loss of a loved one, divorce and remarriage.
When away from work she enjoys the outdoors; procuring all sorts of Alaska nourishing bounty, hiking, fly fishing, photography, water sports, yoga, traveling, cooking and sharing good food with friends. Sunny her young Labradoodle keeps her busy and entertained.
LPL Financial
LPL Financial (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that the firm should work for the advisor, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader* in the markets we serve, supporting more than 18,000 financial advisors, 800 institution-based investment programs and 450 independent RIA firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-centered model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial advisor. At LPL, independence means that advisors have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services, and technology resources that allow them to run their perfect practice. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors, so they can take care of their clients. For more information about LPL Financial, visit www.lpl.com.
*Top RIA custodian (Cerulli Associates, 2020 U.S. RIA Marketplace Report); No. 1 Independent Broker-Dealer in the U.S (Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine 1996-2021); No. 1 provider of third-party brokerage services to banks and credit unions (2020-2021 Kehrer Bielan Research & Consulting Annual TPM Report); Fortune 500 Company as of June 2021. LPL and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States.
Financial Advocates
Financial Advocates serves as a financial advisor’s primary ally through the transition, growth, and ongoing management of an independent practice. They provide client care, compliance, marketing, and business succession support to their partnered advisors. Financial Advocates’ experienced and diverse staff is able to effectively assist advisors in several key areas, removing the obstacles advisors encounter when managing an independent practice. For more information about Financial Advocates, visit www.financialadvocates.com.