Name: Melissa Baldwin
Title: Certified Financial Planner™
SH&J team member since: January, 2011
What’s your favorite part of being a financial planner?
The outcome. I personally enjoy the process of putting together the puzzle, but the more rewarding part is the outcome. Many people find doing their own financial planning to be overwhelming because there’s so much information out on the internet. So being able to distill information down for clients and give them actionable recommendations that are specific to their circumstances, is the most rewarding and enjoyable part.
You interned with Sharkey, Howes & Javer over the summers while in college. How early did you know that you wanted to work in the Financial Planning field?
The intern work helped me decide that I wanted to be a Certified Financial Planner™. I started out as an accounting major in college, but working here over the summers and seeing how all of the advisors interacted with the clients, and how appreciative all of the clients were, is what geared me more towards financial planning instead of the accounting world.
How did you first get connected with Sharkey, Howes & Javer?
My parents are clients and when they came in for one of their meetings, they asked if there were any opportunities to learn and help with projects over the summers. I have my parents to thank for getting my foot in the door and I am forever grateful.
What’s something about you that would surprise us?
I’ve always wanted to go skydiving. When Groupon first started getting big, I saw a couple Groupons for it and I thought, “I don’t know if this is something that I really wanna go through Groupon for. Sounds a little dangerous.” I have yet to skydive!
What do you like to do in your time off?
I like spending time with my parents and friends. I’m a Colorado native so I enjoy the outdoors, both in the summer and winter with skiing, hiking, and backpacking. I also really enjoy baking.
What’s your favorite thing to bake?
Hmm, that’s tough, there’s so many different varieties. There’s a cinnamon chip oatmeal cookie that I really like. So instead of chocolate chips, it’s cinnamon chips.
Are you still running and competing in races?
No, I am no longer running due to the harshness of running on your knees, but I have been doing a lot of cycling lately.
What are some of your favorite travel destination?
Some of my favorite places are Prague and Germany. Some places I would like to visit are Austria and Nepal.
Name: Karlton Childress