Liz KishelCFP®
Financial Advisor
Liz has over 6 years of experience advising clients as a Trust Advisor, Investment Specialist, and Senior Associate and has extensive knowledge in trusts, estates, and retirement planning. She is passionate about working closely with clients to strategize and implement comprehensive financial plans to help them accomplish their goals. Liz believes in the importance of financial literacy and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts in the financial planning industry. She serves on the board of directors of the Financial Planning Association® of Georgia where she seeks the advancement of women and minorities in the field.
What sparked your interest in financial planning? What fuels you every day in your work?
As a first-generation Latina, I have experienced firsthand the hard truth of our communities – we are behind when it comes to financial education. Many immigrants (like me) and their children are taught that controlling your finances means buying things you can see and touch and not spending more than what you physically have. Conversations about investing, the stock market, etc., are uncommon. This often leads to financial illiteracy and fear of the unknown. Hence, why I am so passionate about financial planning and education for our communities and our clients.
What’s a particularly rewarding example of how you helped to create impact for a client?
In providing administration services to a recently-widowed client, I was able to uncover many of her hesitations and fears about her finances, as her husband had been the one to manage them previously. We had multiple calls and meetings together where my goal was to help her understand her financial situation and help her prioritize what needed to be done during her time of grief. The most gratifying moment was when she thanked me for getting her to a place of confidence where her finances no longer kept her up at night.
What do you enjoy most about working at Modera?
I truly enjoy the authenticity of the people at Modera. What I value most about them is their integrity and amiability, which can be uncommon in other firms. Modera teammates have integrity, which is defined as “the quality of being honest and fair.” Good advisors should be transparent and truthful, placing their clients’ needs ahead of their own at all times. This is why I am proud to be part of the Modera team.
What’s a destination in the world that you aspire to visit?
Turks and Caicos, mainly because I’d hate to admit that I am a beach snob and truly appreciate a beautiful beach. After constantly hearing how Turks is one of the best beaches in the world, my husband and I are finally planning our trip there next year.