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Women of Distinction

there led to some tremendous Because Whitney is a weather the difficult storms Having been guided by
career accomplishments, financial pro, I asked what that life can bring our way. strong women her whole life,
including public speaking information she could share Unfortunately, financial literacy Whitney now advocates for
engagements at national and with us. is not something most of us are strength in all women. “I
regional conferences, complet- “One part of my job that I taught in grade school, so it is have a passion for working to
ing her CERTIFIED FINAN- am passionate about is teach- important to gain that knowl- empower women in the work-
CIAL PLANNER™ designation, ing women the importance edge throughout our lives. place.” In pursuit of this pas-
and making a cultural impact of being an active participant Then at the top of the pyramid sion, she became part of a team
with her colleagues and her in their financial life. I have is your overall financial plan. that expanded a program at her
community. seen too many women faced Think about the next five, ten, former company, known as the
Commonwealth’s dedica- with a divorce or the untimely fifteen years and how you can Women’s Leadership Network.
tion to service allowed her to death of a loved one, and they position yourself comfortably “In this group, our mission was
pursue her philanthropic drive have no idea of their financial and successfully. Remember to inspire, empower and sup-
in her local community. “I port women in the workplace.
have stayed actively involved in By encouraging open dialogue
community service in various about important and relevant
capacities, including reading issues, we hoped for women to
to elementary school children, pursue advancements in their
many of whom suffer financial careers and their own financial
hardship, raising money and successes.” Whitney will be
supplies for a homeless veter- carrying these efforts forward
an’s association, and serving to her new company, where the
meals to San Diego’s seniors principals of diversity and in-
in need of assistance. As a clusion are woven through the
member of the Giving Back fabric of the company culture.
Committee, she helped spear- I asked Whitney what
head various charitable events suggestions she would give to
and volunteer opportunities young women when they are
throughout San Diego. starting out on their own.
Although Whitney loved “I think number one for
her position at Commonwealth me, and something I constant-
Financial, she recently left to ly remind myself to this day,
join U.S. Bank, N.A., in the is don't let the fear of failure
Private Wealth Management hinder you. I have been stuck
division. In her new role she is in inaction more times than I
able to work with individuals can count because of my fear
and businesses to provide com- of the outcome, my fear of
prehensive financial planning, the unknown, and the things
helping clients achieve their health. Whether you are single also that success looks a lot I could not control. A pattern
wealth goals and plan for a or married, take a strong role in different for each person. I would form of this cycle of
successful future for themselves your personal finances and your encourage clients to define real- negative self-talk about how I
and their families. “I like this long-term financial wellness.” istic financial goals and work could not do it, or that I wasn’t
work because I really wanted Whitney suggests the hard to accomplish those goals. capable or good enough for the
to get back into the complexi- following when considering At the end of the day we should task at hand. This, I believe, is
ties of wealth management by a client’s financial health. all advocate for ourselves and common in human nature so
engaging in client-facing work. “Consider your financial life be confident enough to know I want to shift the perspective
I thrive on the intricacy which as a pyramid. At the very base that the financial decisions we so that we constantly remind
allows my brain to really work of the pyramid is your per- are making are the right ones ourselves to trust the path
so this is a great fit. Importantly, sonal budget, basically income for ourselves. The best way to we’re on, be present, and keep
this role also has a huge focus and expenses. Knowing and do that is by staying as in- positivity at the forefront of
on community involvement understanding one’s individual formed as possible.” our thoughts.
and philanthropy. “My new spending patterns and habits is
role opens the door for a lot of an important foundation. Next For more information please visit:
opportunity to give back and up the pyramid would be sav- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wdrechsleresq/
work with nonprofit organiza- ings and investments. Building https://blog.commonwealth.com/guiding-women-through-financial-
tions in a variety of ways, which up savings can be challenging, change-after-a-divorce
is extremely important to me.” but necessary to be able to https://blog.commonwealth.com/financial-guidance-for-recent-widows

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