What Does It Mean to Be “Heart Forward”?
These financial advisors found freedom by aligning their beliefs with their business practices.
Traditionally, feelings are not prioritized when it comes to financial advice. Capitalism does not assign value to emotional processing. However, since our emotions influence our money habits, we can’t talk about one without respect to the other.
Heart Forward Advising is a practice that not only accepts vulnerability around money but actively invites it into the conversation. Womxn Talk Money members Melanie Schroeder, Mindi Wernick, and Robina Bennion all chose to leave traditional employment in search of independent careers in advising and coaching that would allow them to prioritize emotional wellness––both their own and their clients’.
Turning to Heart Forward Advising
Mindi had a “wake up moment” after an uncomfortable situation at work spiraled into a bigger mess. She shared, “I was doing things without boundaries; letting people treat me in ways that were not respectful.” She realized that by starting her own practice, she would have more control over her circumstances.
For Robina, becoming Heart Forward meant that she could invest her energy into a business model that truly reflected her personal values. “Business taught me to be focused on the competition, but that's not what it's about. I have to remind myself to focus on what I'm offering, stand in my truth, and make it my own.”
Money Is a Sensitive Subject
People seek advice around money in some of their most vulnerable moments. It can be difficult for some clients to open up to financial advisors, especially when they feel intimidated or uncomfortable. Part of Melanie’s practice is to provide time and space for her clients to discuss their existing beliefs around money. She encourages other advisors to take that time as well. “Ask them where they're at, and what's motivating their decisions. If you're willing to be vulnerable and share, you can show that you're there with them. That is being a Heart Forward Advisor.”
Choosing Clients
Careers in Heart Forward Advising have allowed these womxn to prioritize working with the clients who are the best fit for them, something most aren’t able to do when working for firms or at larger businesses. In Robina’s case, this has meant focusing on clients who don’t shy away from digging deeper than the topic at hand. “I want to work with people who want to ‘do the work’ when something doesn't feel right. Usually, it starts around money, but there's so much more that's under the surface.”
Balance vs. Alignment
Being a Heart Forward Advisor means leading with the more difficult conversations and leaning in when emotions come up. As a result, advisors form closer client relationships and can offer more informed guidance. For these three womxn, being Heart Forward is also a more fulfilling and rewarding career than traditional advising. “It's not about balance, it's about alignment” shared Melanie. “When we're true to ourselves and our beliefs, we're in alignment. You just have to be willing to be brave. Be honest, kind, and loving to yourself. Give yourself the space and grace that you are willing to give everybody else.”
A Vision for the Future
Approaching finances with emotional awareness could create a different financial world. Heart Forward Advising imagines a different economy––one that gives back with consciousness and a greater understanding of each other. As Mindi shares, “I think that's a differentiator in the industry. We can really add value by letting people sit a little bit with uncomfortable beliefs. I don't have to dive right into the numbers, forgetting that people are humans with unique histories and experiences.”
