Samer EshmawyCFP®

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

I came into the financial planning field through my upbringing, having seen the impact of the financial crisis in 2008 at a personal level. Through that experience, I learned the importance of planning for the unknown. With that in mind, I frankly cannot think of better inspiration than to get up every day and know that I get to help people plan for the unknown and make better financial decisions for themselves and their families.

What’s the one thing people say you’re best at?

If I had to step outside of myself, my hope is that people would see me as an optimist, able to focus when confusing or challenging situations come up in life, and find solutions to potentially address those concerns.

How do you do good in your community?

It started with my experience with the Boy Scouts and doing good in the community from a young age. I have been involved with Shelter Our Sisters for battered women and children. I helped run food drives for the homeless in both Paterson and Hackensack, New Jersey. I also believe in doing good in my day-to-day life — for example, I keep goodie bags in my car for homeless people. I’m also part of a group that fundraises and provides fresh water for villagers in the country of Togo.

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

I’ve been a resident of New Jersey for 27 years. I grew up in New Milford, NJ in Bergen County, and now live in East Rutherford. I also got married locally. I am happy and lucky to continue to work among my people here in New Jersey, doing what I love to do!