Education

Managing investment portfolios for our clients entails constant research and staying informed of the latest economic and market information as well as new advances and trends in our industry. Sophia’s clients expect us to be on the cutting edge of industry knowledge, and we also work hard to ensure our clients are achieving their desired level of education and information. 

While certain information is privy only to licensed professionals, there are mountains of data and research available to the general public – though not always in easy to understand language. A large part of investment education tends to be translating industry jargon into language that can be understood by our clients and colleagues and putting it into the context of their life circumstances. This is the key element that turns information into useable knowledge.

Our classic foundational education seminar Empowered Investing has been attended by thousands of people over the last 25 years. This class is offered regularly and in a variety of formats with the belief that understanding basic financial concepts and information creates well-informed and confident investors. Topics such as asset allocation, balancing risk with security, diversification and modern portfolio construction strategies are explained in plain English. The goal is to educate, not to sell, not to impress or razzle-dazzle.

Some of our classes are specifically geared to women. Women often have longer life expectancies, may have interrupted careers because of motherhood and can earn lower lifetime wages and pensions. Therefore, their perspectives and objectives may differ from those of men.

Often women find that the many responsibilities they face working inside and outside the home leave them time strapped and poorly prepared for the financial complexities created by life transitions such as divorce or widowhood.

We also find that some women may feel more comfortable in a female-only learning environment. The way markets work, the economic environment, risk tolerance and the quality of investments do not change by gender, but the views of them might. We also speak regularly at women’s groups about the circumstances, language, social and neurological differences that may affect the financial lives of women.

It is widely recognized that preparing for retirement is the “right” and responsible thing to do. But in our changing world it seems that our ideas of what this phase looks like have not kept up to the reality.

What are the real pitfalls we need to avoid, and what are the magnificent opportunities this new world offers us? With increased life expectancies, longer retirements, gender disparities and a society with a growing absence of wisdom workers, how can you shape an empowering life-enhancing plan for yourself? What are the economic implications of having to make your money last for almost 30 years? How do men and women differ in their financial needs? And what does this phase of life really look like?

In our classic seminar Empowered Retirement and our New Paradigms of Retirement classes, we examine and explain the stages of this phase of life, the different circumstances and challenges facing men and women and outline strategies for ensuring income lasts as long as we live. These workshops are highly acclaimed, and in addition to offering them at the Sophia offices and online, we are asked to present them to various community and professional groups.

In the world of family finance, few events compare with the impact of a divorce. Long-term perspectives can be affected by strong, temporary emotions that can block a person’s view of the most important financial questions and details that need to be taken into account.

The Financial Divorce Specialist designation certifies that those unique circumstances and the decisions that arise from them are proficiently addressed. The psychological, legal and financial implications of housing, investment and asset division can be looked at in context.

We frequently offer multi-disciplinary Transitioning through Divorce seminars to the public. Our financial expertise is presented along with a lawyer and a psychologist to explain the issues that will come up during separation in a climate of trust and professionalism. It is one of our most popular seminars.

Sophia Financial is a gathering place for thought leaders and business professionals who want to connect with each other to support and enhance their professional expertise and leadership reach. Networking events, social value discussions and brainstorming groups frequently use the Sophia space to gather. A wide variety of groups meets to look at issues from social responsibility to health and wellness to negotiation to spirituality in the workplace.

We are always exploring uncharted territory and interacting with those who are at the top of their fields. Promoting the success of our clients and colleagues by getting them connected to high caliber peers is an enjoyable aspect of our work. Mentorship around issues of financial empowerment, success and values is a role we cherish.