Posted on March - 29 - 2010
My Profession: Ray Brandon, Certified Financial Planner
Ray Brandon is glad he followed the family legacy by going into the financial planning business in 1983.
Brandon’s grandfather and father started Brandon Financial Planning, which has prospered in Memphis since 1952. As the third generation in the business, Brandon understands the importance of legacy and taking a long view.
Photo by Dave Darnell
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“My passion is working with families of multiple generations, helping them achieve their goals and dreams in life,” says Ray Brandon, CEO of the firm started by his father and grandfather.
“My passion is working with families of multiple generations, helping them achieve their goals and dreams in life,” said Brandon, who graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in economics/finance and a MBA from the University of Texas.
“I am currently working with children and grandchildren of clients my father and grandfather began working with decades ago. I am also able to help them work through the financial side of unexpected and emotional twists and turns of life. That is what makes me feel good about what I do when I put my head on the pillow at night.
“My dad is now 82 and still works every day in the business,” Brandon added. “I would describe these two important men in my life as prudent and emphatic. They have shown great care and compassion for others, but they back it up with a strong commitment to a lifetime of learning and customer service. Those are the traits that I have tried to emulate in the business.”
Long experience has taught Brandon several fundamentals of financial self-defense that he uses to guide investors.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Never judge a person’s integrity by how they look or sound.
Stay involved in the financial planning process. Do not turn it over to the “experts.”
Ask tough questions. Understand the investment.
“Once the economy began to worsen and retirement funds dropped in value, many people quickly converted their investments into cash, moving as much as they could into safer positions,” Brandon said.
“As the economy and the stock markets begin to recover from the global recession, many people have a lot of questions about reinvesting.”
Brandon added that anyone can be known as a financial planner. However, a certified financial planner has passed required tests and is bound by a Board of Standard’s Code of Ethics. Consumers can verify planners by visiting CFP.net or by calling 1-800-487-1497.
“The role of a certified, well-trained financial planner is critical because people need a helping hand in making the right choices,” he added.
“Together, the client and financial planner map out long-term goals, review the client’s assets and developed an approved plan that the client endorses. The process is almost too complicated for individuals to do on their own nowadays.”
Ray Brandon, CFP, CFA
Company: CEO, Brandon Financial Planning
Address: 5101 Wheelis Drive
Phone: 324-6600
E-mail: raybrandon@brandonplanning.com
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