The Value of Investing

By Daphne Jordan, NAPFA Chair

In the world of investing, we often see the disclaimer that past performance is no guarantee of future results, but for members who attended our recent spring conference, the opposite was true. Many years of excellent conferences did indeed manifest as another exceptional event with a delightful mix of speakers, sessions and sponsors that allowed us to expand as planners.

Author and motivational speaker Jonathan Sprinkles opened the conference with energy and by reminding us that, “When you change the way you look at things, things change.” He exhorted us to be more human and connect well when we work with our clients. Dr. Sonya Lutter of Texas Tech closed our event by making sure we understood the difference between the disciplines of behavioral finance and the psychology of financial planning, and how any stress we feel can affect a client’s stress level. In between these two goalposts were numerous highly technical sessions that fed our curiosity and minds.

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

This month’s issue of NAPFA Advisor focuses on investing—the process of obtaining an asset that increases in value over time. As you explore the links, you will find articles on how to tap into term maturity ETFs as a strategy to currently capture higher bond yields, how to navigate risks associated with private credit opportunities, and the various approaches you can take for investment strategies. In taking a different angle to investing, make sure to check out the article on investing in your team. This arena can be more art than science.

"The biggest risk of all is not taking one." — Mellody Hobson

Every year, NAPFA recognizes the achievements of members and public figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the association, profession and the practice of financial planning. Many of these award winners have paved the path for who we are today. Award winners will be celebrated at our conferences and via social media sites like LinkedIn. You can read more about each recipient and find acceptance speeches here. If you know any of the honorees, please reach out to congratulate them for their noted accomplishments within the financial planning profession.

Janet Briaud, CFP^®
The Robert J. Underwood Distinguished Service Award
This is NAPFA’s flagship award for an outstanding record of service to NAPFA and significant advancement of the ideals of Fee-Only financial planning.

Sunit Bhalla, CFP^®
NAPFA Inspiring Leader Award
This honors a NAPFA member who has established a record of encouraging, motivating, and engaging others in reaching their full professional potential.

Franklin Gay, CFP^®, EA
NAPFA New Professional Award
This is presented to practitioners under the age of 35 who have demonstrated exceptional influence in their professional and volunteer roles.

Lisa Neira, CFP^®
NAPFA Foundation Pro Bono Service Award
This award recognizes the community service work of a NAPFA member who has contributed their time and financial planning expertise to help those in need to achieve positive financial outcomes in the future.

Nikki Palluzzi, CAE
The NAPFA Special Achievement Award
This is presented to non-members whose service greatly enhances the environment for Fee-Only financial advisors or the advising profession.

Tobias Financial Advisors – Large Firm
Ballast Point Financial Planning – Mid-Sized Firm
Xena Financial Planning – Solo Firm
The NAPFA Excellence in DEI Awards
This is designed to recognize the achievements and efforts of firms to advance DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in their organizations.

I personally applaud all of these esteemed colleagues. Knowing you makes us all stronger!

And, I look forward to seeing you along the journey.