Rick Valenzi

Founder and Certified Financial Planner, Financial Zen

In this interview, financial advisor Rick discusses his firm, Financial Zen, catering to Gen X, Y, and Z. Rick emphasizes his practice's higher touch approach, meeting clients monthly, focusing on both investment recommendations and tangible results. Amid financial downturns, especially affecting tech employees, Rick addresses clients' emotional concerns. He highlights the importance of leveraging opportunities and sees liability planning as crucial. Rick also commends Sora's unique solution in managing liabilities. Finally, he shares three key tips for prospective clients: leverage financial advisors for accelerated growth, practice patience for long-term success, and embrace technology for enhanced financial management.

Full transcript below:

Rohit: Hello, welcome to Spotlights! Really excited to spotlight a fantastic financial advisor here in the Bay Area. Rick, thanks so much for being with us. We'd love to hear a little bit about yourself and your firm.

Rick: Absolutely. I run Financial Zen, which is an independent RAA based out of the San Francisco Bay area. We focus on helping people get to financial independence as quickly as possible, or as we call Financial Zen around these parts.

Rohit: That's fantastic. And you've started your firm now for the last six, seven years. What's top of mind for clients these days with the high-rate environment, inflation? What are some topics that you tend to be working or thinking through with your clients today?

Rick: Well, really, the financial downturns, where people are feeling it most, especially since we work with a lot of big Tech employees. You know, big Tech stocks are down quite a lot. We also work with a lot of people that have very concentrated positions in their Company stock, a large part of their compensation.

Rohit: Switching gears a little bit, how would you describe how you differentiate your practice to potential clients out there?

Rick: We are much higher touch than any other financial planners that I've ever encountered. We currently meet with people typically on a monthly basis. The frequency of appointments is actually one of our calling cards.

Rohit: That makes a lot of sense. It's something I would like for sure, particularly with all the uncertainty right now. Switching gears a little bit, why is it important to incorporate liability planning or managing the balance sheet side of things into your practice?

Rick: It's hugely important. This is something we discuss with our members constantly. Leverage, in all its forms, is one of the keys to financial success. Being able to get more than one unit of output for each unit of input is key, and liability management is a big portion of that.

Rohit: That's super helpful. We obviously love to hear that. Alright, and thanks for sharing that about what we touched on. What are the three most important things you would share with any prospective client on why they should work with a financial advisor?

Rick: Firstly, utilizing leverage is massively important for financial success. A good financial planner will help you move down the field faster. Secondly, steady wins the race. Stay in place, be patient, and things will eventually work out. Thirdly, use as much technology as you can. Technology is a huge leverage point, helping you stay on top of things better.

Rohit: Those are fantastic, Rick. I wanted to thank you so much for sharing a little bit more about Financial Zen, your investment philosophy, and your overall planning philosophy. How you use a comprehensive higher-touch service model. We really appreciate your time here today with Sora.

Rick: Thanks for having me.

Rohit: Of course. See you soon.