Consumer science alumna Melissa Acher uses a Q&A approach to help her clients think about financial planning. (Photo by Mark Simons)
How will I get an ice cream cone? That simple question is one of the key starting points for Melissa Acher (CSR '99) in dealing with clients. She uses that question to help clients understand that a point will come during retirement when they may not be able to get around on their own.
It's just one of the tools Acher uses as a financial advisor — a role she considers her dream job. In that same spirit, Life 360 questioned Acher in a recent interview to elaborate on her career.
What is your current position?
As a financial advisor at CUNA Brokerage Services located in the Purdue Federal Credit Union, I help individuals and families identify goals and the most efficient means of handling their financial households. I serve as both a planner and advisor for my clients.
In addition, I work with people to help them understand how transitions in life will impact their finances. I also work with them on aging with dignity. That means understanding the personal side of what is important to an individual and family and then helping them understand how those aspects may fit as they move into the various stages of retirement. I will use a set of three simple questions to help individuals understand retirement. First, who will change the light bulbs? Second, how will I get an ice cream cone? Finally, who will I eat lunch with? These questions look at mobility and social issues impacted by aging and retirement that also affect finances.
How did Purdue prepare you for your career?
I came to Purdue thinking I would become a pharmacist, but I disliked the chemistry and just about everything else involved in the medicinal side of pharmacy. After taking some career tests and talking with the dean of students, I decided to try financial counseling and planning. It was a perfect fit. One facet I absolutely loved is that the program incorporated behavioral and psychological studies into the financial counseling curriculum. Financial advising is not just about numbers — it's really about the personalization of financial programs for individuals and families.
Purdue provided a solid foundation of development for my career. I find everything I do continues that process. I never stop learning. I would encourage current students in the financial counseling and planning area to take a critical look at other areas of HHS and see how they might be incorporated into their own studies.
What is your greatest reward in working in this area?
I truly enjoy walking through various aspects of finances with people and coming alongside them to provide support and guidance. I am passionate about my work. Purdue inspired that passion. I have clients who tell me they can clearly see my passion. I am excited about helping them.
What is your top financial advising tip?
You've got to keep it personal. Your situation is different than your co-worker's situation. You need to identify what's important to you personally and your goals. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning.
