Why I Became A Financial Advisor
By Angela Dorsey
Like many, I’ve had more than one career. But my second career was not a result of an identity crisis or life change, but more of a natural transition based on seeing a need and desiring to meet it. Here’s my story of why I became a financial advisor.
What Started It All
I spent over 20 years working for large corporations as a senior compensation specialist. Through this job, I met many successful, smart, and competent professional women who worked very hard to earn promotions and increases in pay. But one thing that seemed to be a challenge in their personal lives was that finances confused them. They knew they needed to take control of their financial life but didn’t have the time or knowledge to get started, leading to worry and stress. In my role, I found it very rewarding to get to know these women and offer general advice that left them feeling empowered.
I started dreaming about how it would look to do that full-time, to help women understand and manage their finances and achieve their vision of success and experience the ownership and freedom of being self-employed. But I wanted to do it in a way that put the client first, and the fact that most financial planners get paid commissions to sell certain financial products was a deterrent to me. Thankfully, I found out about fee-only financial planning by fiduciaries who are paid based on their advice and are free to focus on their clients’ needs.
While working full-time in my corporate position, I attended The College for Financial Planning on nights and weekends to earn the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) credential.
What I Do Today
In 2011 I founded Dorsey Wealth Management and haven’t looked back since! I spend my days helping single and married women better manage their finances or their household’s finances. I take time to understand each client’s goals, circumstances, and beliefs to optimize every aspect of their financial lives. Because I believe comprehensive financial planning is a process, not a one-time event, I prioritize developing long-term relationships based on trust and care, walking my clients through each of life’s inevitable transitions.
Hurdles And Triumphs
I love what I do and am so thankful I made the change 8 years ago. But that doesn’t mean it’s been a breeze! As the founder of my firm, I wear many hats. It can be difficult to devote enough time to the necessary administrative tasks, such as marketing, when what I really want to do is spend time with my clients and manage their financial plans. That being said, all the challenges are worth it when I hear a client say that they now have greater peace of mind regarding their finances because of their work with me! I go to work every day excited and determined to carry out my mission of helping women make smart decisions with their money.
Can I Help You Or Someone You Know?
If you’re a woman who wants to change the narrative of your financial story and experience the confidence a personalized financial plan can bring, or you know someone who would, I’d love to sit down and get to know you and show you how my services can make a difference in your life. Schedule a free introductory 30-minute phone call today!
About Angela
Angela Dorsey is the founder and financial advisor at Dorsey Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm based in Torrance, California, helping women prepare for retirement. Angela earned a BS in computer science from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, and spent 20 years as a Senior Compensation Specialist in large corporations before becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). That background gave her the tools to couple with her passion for empowering women to make the best financial decisions possible. Angela lives in Torrance, California, with her husband. She enjoys spending time at the beach or surrounded by nature. To learn more about Angela, connect with her on LinkedIn.