Why I Became a Financial Advisor: More Than Just Numbers
Not many people can point back to their preschool years and say, “That’s when I knew what I was going to do with my life.” And while I may not have been able to communicate my desire to be a financial advisor at the ripe old age of 4, that’s when my interest in finances began.
That’s thanks to my mom, who creatively assigned a dollar amount to household chores, which motivated me to work hard to earn money for what I wanted to buy. But understanding why I became a financial advisor goes much deeper than childhood interest—it’s about the profound impact we can have on people’s lives during their most critical financial decisions.
My career choice goes deeper than just interest. What makes me passionate about what I do is the inspiration behind my choice—the lure of possibility.
As the grandson of Italian immigrants who left everything they had to pursue a better life for future generations, I grew up with the message that hard work and being willing to face the unknown can help you achieve all that’s possible. That, in a nutshell, is why I became a financial advisor—to walk with my clients into the unknown so they can build the life they dream of.
The Growing Need for Passionate Financial Advisors
The financial advisory profession is experiencing unprecedented growth, which makes the question of why I became a financial advisor even more relevant today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 415,000 personal financial advisors in the United States, and the profession is projected to grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is being driven by an aging population, with baby boomers requiring comprehensive retirement planning services, and the continued shift from traditional pension plans to individual retirement accounts. What’s particularly striking about our industry is that only 5% of financial advisors are under 30 years old, while the average age is 44.
This demographic reality means the industry needs approximately 25,500 new advisors annually to meet growing demand. However, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about finding advisors who are truly committed to serving clients rather than just selling products.
Research from Kitces shows that the most successful advisors are driven by intrinsic motivations: the desire to help others and apply their expertise in personal finance, rather than purely financial incentives.
Making It A Reality
With an increasing interest in money as a child, I started a landscaping business at the age of 10, experienced the wonder of compound interest at 16 when I bought my first certificate of deposit (CD), and figured out how to buy my first rental property with only $500 when I was 23. So it’s no surprise that I went the business and finance route in college.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Ohio University and spent some time working in banking and cash management for small and mid-size businesses.
However, soon after graduating from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University with an MBA, I had an opportunity to return to my passion for investments and started working at a regional brokerage firm. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for me to realize that a career pushing products as a salesperson wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life.
Thankfully, all hope was not lost, due to a colleague who was doing amazing work for his clients by integrating and coordinating all forms of financial planning into his services. I saw the potential impact this kind of work could have on peoples’ lives and I found myself inspired once again.
With a goal of helping people implement smart strategies with their money instead of trying to sell them the hottest products wholesalers were pushing me to sell, I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™(CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designations so I could have the expertise to assist clients with every piece of their financial picture.
You can learn more about the differences between financial advisors and CFP® professionals.
As a holistic financial planner, I focus on integrating all aspects of my clients’ finances to create comprehensive and tailored solutions.
What Really Motivates Financial Advisors
When people ask me why I became a financial advisor, I often reflect on research that shows what truly drives professionals in our field. Studies reveal that 60% of financial advisors cite emotional motivators as their primary reason for entering the profession.
These include the desire to build trust with clients, provide quality communication, and help people who feel uncomfortable managing their finances alone. This aligns perfectly with my own motivation—I genuinely love helping people navigate the complexity of their financial lives.
Interestingly, while many people assume financial advisors are primarily motivated by income potential, research shows this ranks lower than the desire to work with people and apply expertise in personal finance. This distinction is crucial because it separates advisors who are truly committed to client success from those who are simply product salespeople.
For me, the financial rewards of this career are secondary to the satisfaction I get from seeing clients achieve their dreams. The data also shows that approximately 70% of millionaire households use financial advisors, but it’s not just high-net-worth individuals who benefit from professional guidance.
With the increasing complexity of financial markets, tax laws, and retirement planning options, people from all income levels are seeking trusted advisors to help them make informed decisions about their financial future.
My Career Today
Now, 20 years after joining the financial industry, I am managing principal and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Calamita Wealth Management, where I spend my days helping clients create clarity and vision around their unknown future so they can work toward their retirement dreams. Understanding why I became a financial advisor helps me connect with clients who are facing the same uncertainties and possibilities that originally drew me to this profession.
I see so many people get caught up in the day-to-day busyness of life and lack the time, money, and energy to invest in what they truly love. Through our relationship-based process, we help carry the financial burden for our hardworking pre-retiree and retiree clients so they can get back to pursuing their purpose in life and feel confident in their financial future.
I love helping people manage the many moving parts of their financial life, making the puzzle pieces fit so they don’t run out of money or risk losing their current lifestyle. There tends to be so much uncertainty about money in retirement, and I work hard to make sure they don’t carry that emotional load alone.
This comprehensive approach addresses everything from investment management and tax planning to estate planning and insurance analysis—all coordinated to work together toward their specific goals.
The Advisor Selection Process: Building Trust in an Uncertain World
One thing that continues to reinforce why I became a financial advisor is understanding how people choose their advisors. Research shows that most people interview only one or two financial advisors before making their decision, which means trust and communication quality are absolutely critical from the first meeting.
People aren’t just looking for someone to manage their investments—they’re seeking a partner who can guide them through life’s major financial transitions with expertise and genuine care. The financial advisory industry has evolved significantly, with more advisors moving away from traditional banks and brokerage firms to establish independent practices focused on comprehensive financial planning.
This shift creates opportunities for advisors who are truly committed to putting clients first, rather than pushing proprietary products to meet sales quotas. My CFP® and CDFA® credentials demonstrate my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of competence and ethics in serving my clients.
The Best Part
Hands down, the most fulfilling part of my job is seeing the joy and relief on someone’s face when they realize they can successfully end their career and start living out their ideal retirement lifestyle because of all the work we’ve done together to prepare them for this milestone. This is the essence of why I became a financial advisor—to be there for those pivotal moments when someone’s financial dreams become reality.
I come to work every day motivated to keep doing what I’m doing because I frequently hear clients say things like, “I don’t know what we would have done without you,” or even, “You need to add ‘life coach’ to your job description!” These comments remind me that financial planning is about so much more than numbers and charts—it’s about helping people live their best lives without the constant worry about money that affects so many Americans.
The financial advisory profession continues to evolve, with technology enhancing our ability to serve clients while the human element becomes even more valuable. While robo-advisors can handle basic investment allocation, complex financial planning still requires the wisdom, empathy, and strategic thinking that only experienced human advisors can provide.
This is particularly true for the pre-retiree and retiree clients we serve, who need guidance on sophisticated strategies involving Social Security optimization, Medicare planning, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and estate planning coordination.
Are You Ready To Stop Worrying About Your Retirement?
I’d love to help you stop worrying about your financial future by giving you clarity and empowering you to make decisions that make your dreams a reality. If you’re not already a client or don’t already have an advisor helping you do that, schedule an introductory phone call using our online calendar or reach out to us at (704) 276-7325 or todd@calamitawealth.com.
Understanding my story and why I became a financial advisor is just the beginning—what matters most is how we can work together to create the financial future you deserve. At Calamita Wealth Management, we’re committed to providing the comprehensive, relationship-based financial planning that helps our Charlotte-area clients and those across the country achieve true financial peace of mind.
About Todd
Todd Calamita is the founder and managing principal of Calamita Wealth Management, an independent, fee-only wealth management company located in Charlotte, NC, serving people locally and across the country, that focuses on providing wealth management solutions to affluent individuals over age 50 and their families. Todd has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and is passionate about helping people have a better life by designing and implementing customized financial plans that bring clarity and confidence.
Todd is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™(CFP®) and CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST® (CDFA®) and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He has authored a book, Plan Smart: Conquering 10 Common Money Traps, as well as numerous articles on wide-ranging personal finance topics, from taxes to retirement accounts.
He has also been featured in a Financial Boot Camp TV series as a volunteer showing people how to make smart decisions with their money. When he’s not working, you can find Todd spending time with his wife, Teresa, and their two sons, Colin and Cameron.
He enjoys rock climbing, swimming, and traveling, and he has a black belt in Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art. To learn more about Todd, connect with him on LinkedIn.
