Ashley GragtmansBFA™, CFP®, CSRIC®

What sparked your interest in financial planning?

My interest in financial planning wasn’t piqued until I started working in the industry as an intern. I saw advisors accompanying their clients, and their families on the journey of financial independence, security, and freedom. It seemed like meaningful work to strive to help people meet their financial goals and be such an integral part of the process. I wanted a job that made an impact on the lives of others, and that rings true to this day.

What do you value most in your client relationships?

The best possible client / advisor relationships are built on a foundation of mutual collaboration. It’s critical to listen and understand the client’s “why,” and not guide them without taking their input and holistic situation into account. My goal is to have relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. By doing this I believe investors can find success where their financial goals are concerned. I value that most.

Where do you live now?

In 2005 I moved to Asheville, NC, and I love it here. My husband and I have always been pulled to the mountains of North Carolina, and everything they have to offer. Surrounded by protected and public lands, we hike, spend time on the rivers, mountain bike, road bike, trail run, ski, and everything in between. In addition to optimizing time outside, we also love the liveliness and quirkiness of our quaint mountain town. Our three daughters seem to enjoy it, too!

When you retire you’re going to…?

Everything! While that may sound ambitious, and while I have some time before retirement, I dare to dream. My first goal is not to wait until retirement to do all the things I want to do. I hope to have lots of active travel in my lifetime with my husband and children. I want to bike across Europe, walk the Camino, sail in the Caribbean, run marathons through national parks, do yoga on a beach and on and on. While I’m sure I’ll relax a lot as well, I can’t imagine a more wonderful existence than traveling this beautiful planet with my family.