Daniel Weitz: Why I Became A Financial Advisor
By Daniel Weitz, CFP®, CFA
There’s nothing like graduating college and starting your career—in the financial industry, no less—right at the onset of a recession. But before you start feeling bad for me, know that this experience was the catalyst that led me to pursue this career as a financial advisor further. The timing of when I embarked on this journey didn’t make me second-guess my choice, it reinforced it. Here’s why.
The Beginning
I graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with my bachelor’s degree and started a job as a portfolio analyst for a multibillion-dollar wealth management firm. There I was responsible for the daily monitoring and rebalancing of over 250 client portfolios and acted as a member of the firm’s investment committee and risk management subcommittee.
I was fascinated by the work and was bit by the finance bug. Working through the 2008 recession allowed me to witness firsthand the emotional reactions and lifestyle changes that many of our clients faced during this time. I developed a deep appreciation for the financial planning and investment management process and wanted to be in a position where I could help clients manage their wealth through times of uncertainty.
With this motivation, I earned my MBA in finance from Rutgers Business School and was fortunate to join the Simon Quick team in 2011, starting out as an Associate and making my way up to Managing Director and Principal. During my early years at Simon Quick, I also obtained my Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations.
What I Do Today
One of the many reasons I pursued a job at Simon Quick Advisors is because I strongly believe in the mission of the founding partners who set out to create a firm that is truly client-centric. Because I hold so firmly to the firm’s values, I take my job as a Client Advisor seriously by providing sound and objective advice that serves my clients’ best interests, always.
I spend my days guiding clients through all aspects of financial planning and investment management to help them achieve their long-term goals and objectives, including working with CPAs and attorneys to coordinate the best possible solutions for my clients’ needs. I split my time between working closely with high-net-worth individuals and families and working with the investment committees of various endowments and foundations.
Growing In My Role
Every job has its challenges, and working with money is no different. Finances tend to bring up plenty of emotions, which can lead to unwise decisions. It can be difficult to help clients through emotional times and encourage them to exercise prudence and patience. That being said, I love that I can go to work and make a direct impact on my clients’ lives every day. Every client has unique needs and changing circumstances, and I am thankful I can serve as a resource during market ups and downs, changing legislation, and life’s many milestones.
I work hard every day to give back. I’ve had many people pour into my life and help me get to where I am today and I want to invest in others and give them the tools and resources they need to be successful.
What I Want For You
The core values of our firm are centered around trust and transparency. Above all, I want my clients to feel they are working with an advisor they can trust, one who has their best interests in mind and is providing advice objectively. The financial industry can be tainted with schemes and fraud, but I want my clients to know that this is the exception and not the norm. The stronger the client–advisor relationship is and the more trust we place in each other, the better I can help my clients achieve their goals.
If you are looking for an advisor you can trust, someone who will walk with you through the ups and downs in life and be your advocate through it all, call our office at 973-525-1000 or email info@simonquickadvisors.com.
About Dan Weitz
Mr. Weitz joined Simon Quick in 2011 and is based in Morristown, NJ. As a Managing Director and Client Advisor, his focus is on providing investment and financial planning advice to high net worth individuals & families. Additionally, he works closely with endowments & foundations and regularly attends investment committee and board meetings. Mr. Weitz completed Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Financial Planning program and passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam in 2009. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder and member of the CFA Institute. Mr. Weitz holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and an MBA in Finance from Rutgers Business School. To learn more about Dan visit his LinkedIn.
DISCLAIMER
Simon Quick Advisors, LLC (Simon Quick) is an SEC registered investment adviser with a principal place of business in Morristown, NJ. Simon Quick may only transact business in states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. A copy of our written disclosure brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request. References to Simon Quick as being "registered" does not imply a certain level of education or expertise. No information provided shall constitute, or be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to acquire any security, investment product or service, nor shall any such security, product or service be offered or sold in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation is prohibited by law or registration. Additionally, no information provided in this report is intended to constitute legal, tax, accounting, securities, or investment advice nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. It should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful.