Julian Rutskin

What sparked your interest in financial planning? What fuels you every day in your work?

My interest in financial planning started early; watching my parents work with their advisors and seeing firsthand how thoughtful planning around investment, taxes, and long term goals brought them clarity and confidence. That early exposure opened the door for me, and my passion really grew at Florida State University. As President of the Finance Society, I loved helping students understand the various sub-industries of the finance world and supporting them as they worked to secure internships/full-time jobs. The experience of guiding students, giving them directions, and helping them make informed decisions, has felt incredibly like the role financial planners play for their clients.

What drives me every day is the impact this work has on people’s lives. It’s rewarding to know that the effort I put in helps clients feel secure, make progress toward meaningful goals, and support the people who matter most to them. Being even a small part of that journey is what keeps me motivated and excited to grow in this profession.

What do you feel is a strength that you have?

Inquisitiveness is one of my biggest strengths, and it’s something I bring into my day to day work. As someone early in my full time career in wealth management, I’m constantly asking questions, digging into the “why” behind our processes, and trying to understand the full picture of how the advisory world operates. That curiosity helps me build a deeper foundation in all areas of wealth management, which ultimately allows me to better support the clients I work with now and the clients I hope to lead in the future.

What do you enjoy most about working at Modera?

One of the things I appreciate most about working at Modera is the people. I had the chance to intern over the summer with the Charlotte office, and now, starting my career in the Boston office, I can say with complete confidence that the level of support, encouragement, and genuine selflessness across the firm is unmatched. Coming in as a curious, ambitious young professional, I’ve felt supported at every step. My coworkers have been incredibly generous with their time, their knowledge, and their willingness to invest in my development.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I lived most of my life—21 years to be exact—in Tampa, Florida.

Now, I’m living in South Boston. Moving here has been a major change, but in a great way. Southie has a great mix of an old-school Irish neighborhood and a vibrant young group of recent college graduates & families who are in the early part of their professional careers. It’s been a drastic change, but a fun new routine, new hobbies, new people and a city that has much to offer.

And yes, I’m fully aware I traded year-round sunshine for a place where the weather changes its mind every day…but at least I can ski in my backyard now.