26 Jul HER PATH: Jill thrives in her dual role as a Financial Advisor and Practice Business Manager
Jill C. Griffith, AAMSTM, CDFA®
Financial Advisor, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®
Stewart and Evans Wealth Management Group of Raymond James
Meet WLA Ambassador Jill Griffith from Greenwood, IN, a dedicated mom, (to son Colton and rescue pup, Tater Tot) and advocate for education, animal welfare, and women’s issues. She is making waves in both her community and career.
Before diving into the world of financial advising, Jill held a diverse career path from administrative roles at Girls, Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co. to teaching at The Art Institute Online. When her uncle, a seasoned financial advisor, sought her out as his successor, she accepted a challenge she hadn’t anticipated, but had been looking for to provide more opportunities for growth, more freedom & better pay. Financial advising seemed to be the perfect fit.
Transitioning into finance wasn’t without its setbacks. Despite lacking a background in economics, Jill embraced the learning curve with determination and spent hours studying for licensing exams and certifications, building her expertise and confidence step by step. She also balanced the demands of single parenthood and the nuances of family dynamics, taking it day by day.
What surprised Jill most about her newfound career was the breadth of opportunities it offered. Far from a one-size-fits-all field, financial advising allowed her to combine her creativity with her commitment to client care.
Today, Jill thrives in a hybrid role as a Financial Advisor and Practice Business Manager, specializing in women investors and divorce planning. She feels the most fulfilling aspect of being a financial advisor is helping to empower people to achieve their financial goals and offering guidance during moments of uncertainty.
“Just recently,” Jill comments, “I had a productive session with a couple in their late 50s/early 60s who were apprehensive about their retirement savings. After walking them through our interactive financial planning process, they left reassured about their preparedness for the retirement lifestyle they envisioned! Their visible relief was incredibly gratifying.”
Additionally, as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Jill specializes in assisting women in preparing for and navigating the complexities of this significant life transition. Reflecting on her own experience, she wishes she had been aware of the existence of CDFAs when she went through a divorce over a decade ago. “It would have not only saved me thousands of dollars, but also resulted in wiser decisions for my financial future,” says Jill. “By combining my personal and professional insights, I am able to facilitate better financial outcomes for others.”
Reflecting on her journey, Jill encourages women eyeing a career change to seize the moment.
“Life is short – take the leap! It won’t always be easy, but the rewards are worth it,” she advises.
In her spare time, Jill enjoys reading, exploring the great outdoors through camping and travel, and cherishing moments with her family.
Jill’s Path exemplifies the power of adaptation and embracing new challenges head-on and serves as a reminder that any career change can lead to fulfillment and success.
