By
Brian Thorp
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. Prior to founding Wealthtender, Brian spent nearly 22 years in multiple leadership roles at Invesco. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
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Navigating the world of personal finance can be challenging for anyone, but for Americans who are the first in their family with a chance to build meaningful wealth, the journey often comes with unique hurdles and opportunities. From balancing cultural expectations to learning unfamiliar financial systems, the need for trusted guidance is essential.
Finding the right financial advisor can not only help simplify these complexities but also empower first-generation wealth builders to achieve their financial goals.
You’ll likely find dozens of nearby financial advisors well-suited to help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. But it may be more difficult to find a financial advisor who specializes in serving first-generation wealth builders.
Fortunately, many financial advisors offer virtual services so you can meet online no matter where you (or they) live. This means you can choose to hire a specialist financial advisor who lives hundreds of miles away if you decide their knowledge and experience working with first-generation wealth builders is a better fit to help with your unique financial planning needs.
Financial Planning for First-Generation Wealth Builders
💡 In the Q&A below, you’ll gain insights from financial advisors who work with first-generation wealth builders to help them make smart decisions to enjoy life more today while preparing for a comfortable retirement in the future.
🙋♀️ Do you have questions not answered below? Use the form on this page to submit your questions, and we’ll update this article with answers from the financial professionals and educators in the Wealthtender community. You can also contact the financial advisors featured in this article directly to set up an introductory call or ask your questions by email.
💸 Smart Money Insights for First-Generation Wealth Builders
This page is organized into sections to help you quickly find the information you need and get answers to your questions:
- Q&A with Financial Advisors Who Serve First-Generation Wealth Builders
- Get Answers to Your Questions
- Browse Related Articles
Q&A: Financial Advisors Specializing in Serving First-Generation Wealth Builders
Three Questions with Uziel Gomez, CFP®, AFC®
We asked Los Angeles-based financial advisor, Uziel Gomez, who specializes in serving first-generation wealth builders, to answer questions he often hears from the clients and community he serves.
Q: What is a common financial planning challenge unique to first-generation wealth builders that you frequently encounter when working with your clients? How do you work with them to overcome this challenge?
Gomez: Many of my clients are encountering financial systems and challenges their families have never faced before. Whether it’s opening a credit card, investing in the stock market, or buying a home for the first time, these milestones can feel daunting without proper guidance or a solid grasp of financial concepts.
When working with clients, I first assess how much detail they want to understand about the financial topics we’re covering in their plan. My goal is to ensure they gain a clear understanding of the process without overwhelming them with too much information.
I’ve found that clients are sometimes hesitant to proceed with certain recommendations simply because they don’t fully understand how something works. For example, some may be reluctant to save in a retirement account out of fear that they won’t have access to their money in an emergency.
From there, I approach every conversation with a focus on financial literacy and empowerment, breaking down complex topics in a way that helps clients feel informed and confident. By addressing these concerns and ensuring they understand the reasoning behind my recommendations, I help clients move forward with clarity and assurance.
Q: How do the services you offer first-generation wealth builders distinguish your firm from other advisory firms?
Gomez: What sets my services apart for first-generation wealth builders is my dedication to understanding what matters most to them before diving into financial discussions. I take the time to uncover their values, missions, and goals, allowing me to create personalized recommendations and financial plans that genuinely align with their priorities.
Education is also a cornerstone of my approach. I prioritize ensuring my clients fully understand the financial topics we cover, addressing any skepticism or uncertainty they may have. For example, many of my clients are unfamiliar with high-yield savings accounts, so I take the time to explain how these accounts work and why they can be beneficial.
Get to Know Uziel Gomez, Financial Advisor for First-Generation Wealth Builders
View Uziel’s profile page on Wealthtender or visit his website to learn more.
Q: When you first speak with a first-generation wealth builder, what questions do you like to ask to better understand their unique circumstances and determine how you can best help them achieve their goals?
Gomez: We start by having a meaningful conversation about their upbringing, background, and the people or values that matter most to them. I also explore their journey to their current career, what money represents in their life, and their current financial circumstances. We discuss how they’re feeling as they come into the meeting and then shift the focus to the goals they want to achieve—both financial and personal.
This conversation flows seamlessly into our first onboarding meeting, where we focus on gaining a deeper understanding of their values and financial mindset. We begin with a values exercise, identifying and exploring their top five values, and work together to craft their money story. This process helps uncover the experiences and beliefs that shape their relationship with money.
When it comes to setting goals, I break them into three categories—personal, professional, and financial—to ensure a holistic approach.
For many who grew up in low-income households, it can be difficult to dream beyond achieving financial stability. That’s why I introduce the Miracle Question: “I want you to think of all your problems and worries. Now, imagine waking up tomorrow, and they’re all gone. How do you feel?”
This exercise encourages first-generation wealth builders to dream freely and share their true aspirations without holding back. You can read more about embracing bigger dreams here https://primerosfinancial.com/blog/beyondsurvival
Resources to Help You Choose a Financial Advisor
✅ Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
✅ How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
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About the Author
About the Author
Brian Thorp
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian
To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn money from advertisers, including financial professionals and firms that pay to be featured. This creates a conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Read our editorial policy and terms of service to learn more. Wealthtender is not a client of these financial services providers.
➡️ Find a Local Advisor | 🎯 Find a Specialist Advisor