In Episode #04 of NAPFA Nation, Katie Burke, CFP^® and Bridget Grimes, CFP^® talk with host Marie Swift about how they became fee-only financial planners with two independently owned and operated firms, plus how – and why – they came together to establish Equita Financial Network (EFN), an umbrella Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for other women-led RIA firms. Grimes, who was once told by a male in her previous employer’s peer group that she was “too ambitious”, and Burke, who was looking for other like-minded women with whom to create synergies, found each other and built their own solution (EFN) because they couldn’t find what they wanted anywhere else. Today, the two are forging ahead, bridging the gap, for other women-led financial planning firms.

Burke and Grimes tell us:

• How they got started in the financial planning profession and why they are so passionate about helping other women be successful as independent financial advisors
• What they are doing to combat pay disparity, lack of female role models, and how to overcome the confidence gap
• How to find the right mentors and professional communities
• Why the DEIB movement matters – and how they are embracing it
• Productivity “hacks” for any busy business owner

Key point: As a profession, we need to help women feel valued and supported. Pay transparency, mentorship, role models, flexibility, community, and resources are needed. The financial services industry must do more than just talk the talk; more action is needed – including tangible resources and proven communities of support. Women in the financial advisory world can help by looking for ways to mentor or work alongside other women. Representation and visibility matters. Grit and ambition is needed as an independent business owner; seeing these great qualities, especially in a woman, is important.

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Katie Burke started Method in 2015 after working in financial services for over a decade. After gaining ample experience learning the ins and outs of the industry, she decided to start her own firm rooted in the belief that focusing on each client’s individual needs and priorities leads to simpler and more effective solutions to help them achieve their financial goals.

In addition to heading up Method, Katie’s passion for financial services led her to co-found Equita Financial Network, a collaboration of women-led planning firms that seek to attract, support and retain women in the financial planning profession, in 2018. She is also a mentor through the CFP^® Board, and works to support others through the process of obtaining the CFP^® certification.

Bridget Grimes, CFP^®
Bridget Grimes, CFP^® is the President of WealthChoice, a boutique financial life, fee only planning firm for women executives, and Co-Founder of Equita Financial Network, a collaboration of women-led financial planning firms. She is also author of the Best Seller Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom. She believes in empowering women through education, collaboration, and support so that they have the confidence to take action for a better life. NAPFA Member since August 2019.