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Brenda, Cindy, and Peggy believe that good financial stewardship and planning for individuals and families of all income and net worth levels are important. All three of these financial advisers remind us of the importance of starting early. Today, companies are moving away from traditional pension plans and Social Security could be inadequate. As a licensed professional for 21 years, one of Brenda’s favorite stories is of a woman who was not actively involved with finances during her married life. With the death of her husband, the first question she asked was, “Can I afford to keep my home?” She had to deal with her grief, an uncertain future, and unfamiliar documents, and financial information. Brenda, compassionate and family oriented, helped her client through the grief process while assisting her in prioritizing her immediate and long-term goals. In this case, the woman did not have to sell her home immediately as she had the resources to remain there until she was comfortable in making a decision. Now, several years later, she travels, gives to family and charities, and enjoys a full and secure life. As a board member for the Designs for Learning Differences Sycamore School, Brenda is part of a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of children with learning disabilities. A woman of faith, she also serves on the board of her church, Heights Cumberland Presbyterian, as well as on the board of Family Therapy of Albuquerque, which offers faith-based counseling services. Families are important in her business, beginning with her own. Her husband Jon manages her technology area, and her daughter-in-law Robyn is Brenda and Peggy’s office manager. Her greatest treasures are the memories created with her children and grandchildren. Peggy has been in the financial services industry since 1974. She says, “When building a house, you hire an architect to listen to what you want, design it, then modify according to your wishes and resources. Financial planning uses the same concept, always building on a solid foundation.”
One of Peggy’s clients, a manager for a large company, was only contributing the minimum to her 401(k). After nine years of working together, the client was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because they had achieved her goals, including reduced debt and maximum 401(k) contributions, she was able make health-based decisions. This emotional security was more valuable than dollars could ever measure. When asked the question, “Who needs your services?” They all answered: “Anyone who is serious enough to take action regarding their financial future.” Cindy added, “Women know they need to plan with the help of a professional, especially if they have children or elderly parents.” When we ask Cindy about her clients, she says, “As an analytical person, my niche is working with architects, engineers, scientists, or anyone who wishes for a clear path. I am passionate about helping people and providing alternative ways to reach goals.” She has been working with clients since 1986.
She serves as chairman-elect of the Better Business Bureau of the Southwest because client satisfaction is especially important to her. She also serves as president of the Albuquerque Association of University Women, an organization supporting equity for women and girls through education and legislation. Cindy has been married for 17 years to her husband, Tim, and they have three children, Brian, Angela, and Nathan. Assisting clients in the development of their goals (determining want versus need is an integral part), gathering and analyzing a client’s financial data, and then developing a financial plan that moves towards the achievement of those goals are the keys to financial planning. Plan recommendations are considered and implemented, and regular plan reviews are important to keep up with the changes in clients’ lives and in the economic marketplace. As the discussion about financial planning and the idea of utilizing the expertise of professional financial planners continues to grow, people have begun to realize the potential benefits in working with a professional. With more than 63 years of combined experience, Brenda, Peggy, and Cindy will meet with anyone who seeks their assistance, and if resources outside of their expertise are required, they will assist in finding the help needed. They find fulfillment when clients share the joy and excitement of dreams coming true. Financial Planning Services include:
It is important to know that financial planners are not credit counselors. Securities are offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, a registered broker/dealer and member of the SIPC.
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Cindy, Peggy, and Brenda all talked about the fact that many women make their own decisions about their finances, but women are still reluctant to discuss these issues. Women need to take an active role in financial planning. It is critical to begin to plan and save now, using company-sponsored retirement savings plans as well as private savings to provide for the future. Brenda, Peggy, and Cindy also see many men who recognize the importance of including their wives in the financial planning process. 
She is driven by her love for her work and by her life experiences as a single mom and caretaker for her mother. With two grown sons and now grandchildren, family still remains her focus. Her spare time is spent as a volunteer for BGEA ministries or as a crew chief for a client’s hot air balloon team. Peggy gives back to the community by conducting seminars for the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women. She wants to dispel the myth that women are naïve about money. “Women are savers and coupon clippers. Women manage 70 percent of the wealth in this country. More women than men will retire without debt.” 
Cindy opened her own business because she believes that everyone deserves the highest level of competence and ethics when dealing with their financial future. Through Financial Network, a palette of choices is available to meet client needs and objectives and implement a customized financial plan. She states, “A critical time for planning is the five years prior to retirement and five years into retirement. The best time to begin planning is now. It is never too late.”