Brett Lathrup, CFP®, CCFC
Financial Planner
Being quiet and methodical may not be the flashiest attributes for a financial planner, but I hope what I lack in spontaneity I make up for with my trustworthiness and dependability. I’m a perpetual learner and highly curious (hopefully clients don’t find me obnoxiously so!). When something sparks my interest, I will swan dive down into that rabbit hole (I might be mixing my metaphors here!) until I’ve sufficiently researched everything about that topic.
When I first learned about what it meant to be a CFP® practitioner, I quickly realized that it was my “bat-signal”. Knowing that financial planning was my true destiny, I decided to change careers and divert my focus toward a new path. During the process of transitioning into the financial services industry I also relocated all the way from my hometown of Atlanta to Washington and have never regretted it for a moment.
Learning about the stock market and how to invest were big reasons why I initially became a financial advisor. But few years into my career, I noticed myself preferring to create comprehensive plans encompassing a client’s entire financial picture rather than managing just their portfolios. With Creative Money, I can now help clients regardless of their financial situation and feel like I’m making a positive impact on their lives.
What is your favorite part about being a financial planner?
I truly enjoy working with individuals and families as they all come in a variety of flavors with different outcomes. I’m also a big advocate for professional financial advice being more accessible to anyone seeking guidance… not just for the uber “wealthy.”
If you could make up your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?
Dream Builder. I help turn your dreams into reality. Regardless of the client’s goals, I hope to empower them by opening up unseen paths and nudging them in the right direction.
What is the best skill that you bring to this job?
I bring a laid-back approach to financial planning with a healthy dose of nerd.
After a Strategy Session, how do you hope your clients feel when they leave the meeting?
Relieved and optimistic. Relieved that they took the first steps to reach out to a financial planner (we know how uncomfortable and intimidating that can be). And optimistic now that their future looks a little brighter than before.
If you could pass on only one piece of advice to your clients, what would it be?
It’s never too late (or early!) to start saving for the future.
Bucket list travel destination?
Seychelles. Look it up. It will now be on your list too.
What is one thing your coworkers didn’t know about you… until now?
I’m a human “Shazam”. I can name the artist, title, and sometimes the album of most songs that come on the radio. Well… unless it’s country.
