During her decades in the field, she's embraced the vital importance of recognizing each of her clients as individuals - every one of them with a unique set of values and hopes for the future.
That understanding is greatly enhanced by the fact that Tresa is one of those all-too-rare people who experiences true empathy. This talent to see through another’s eyes translates into clear communication, easy interaction and – especially – Tresa’s ability to determine a financial strategy precisely matched to your lifestyle and goals.
Certainly among the greatest benefits that Tresa brings to her clients is her great depth of experience. She has dedicated nearly all of her adult life to the study and practice of personal finance. She has been investing for clients during the last thirty years of market ups and downs and applies hard earned lessons to every case and client.
Tresa’s empathy and experience are further strengthened by her association with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer. (As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2010, based on total revenue) LPL Financial provides a wide range of tools and resources to aid in the planning process.
Tresa Leftenant Career Milestones
1980: After studying business and marketing in college, begins career as a municipal bond trader and underwriter for Boettcher & Company in Denver.
1990: Earns her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and later joins First Security Investor Services (later purchased by Well Fargo) as Regional Sales Manager.
1997: Promoted to Wealth Management Specialist with Wells Fargo Investment Services.
2002: Opens her own financial planning practice in Bellevue, WA.
2005: Joins WMS Financial Planners (Seattle) as Director of Financial Planning and Portfolio Management.
2008: Founds My Financial Design.
What does it mean to be an “independent” financial advisor?
In finance, the word “independent” means something very specific.
Some financial advisors are compelled by their association with a bank or other financial institution to offer only proprietary investment products. Indeed, the commission from the sale of these products is one way financial advisors make money.
An independent financial advisor, on the other hand, has no incentive to offer any product or service other than interpreting it as in the best interests of her client. She also has the ability to create a compensation structure that works for you, rather than the company.
Put simply, an independent financial advisor, such as Tresa, puts your interests first. She provides full and fair disclosure of all details. She has the utmost respect for your confidentiality.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial PlannerTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
