As accountants, we often spend our time helping clients create sound financial plans, yet many of us neglect our own. In a recent episode of the CPA MOMS Podcast, Nicole Kehl sat down with Connie Williams, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, to talk about how women in accounting can build legacies, manage risk, and take care of their own financial futures.
Financial Habits that Reflect Balance
According to Connie, the first thing she notices in a healthy firm owner is balance, not just in the books, but in life. Burnout and financial stress are often linked, and when one area is neglected, it spills into others. She urges firm owners to create intentional time for themselves and to treat their finances with the same care they give their clients.
Cash Reserves and Personal Priorities
Whether it’s a business emergency or a personal curveball, having 3–6 months of reserves is critical. Connie reminds listeners that even if you’re paying off debt or just getting started, balance is key. Every dollar needs a purpose. Use a budget, automate savings, and personalize your financial plan to match your comfort level with risk, debt, and future goals.
Aligning Strategy with Real Life
Financial decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all. Connie encourages a partnership between financial advisors and CPAs to align investment strategy with tax planning and business goals. She also highlights that small, consistent actions, like automatic contributions, can create huge momentum over time.
Retirement Planning for Entrepreneurs
From Solo 401Ks to SEP IRAs, Connie offers a plain-English breakdown for choosing the right retirement plan based on business size, employee structure, and long-term goals. One standout piece of advice? Avoid leaving retirement funds behind in old employer plans. Instead, consider rolling them into an IRA for greater control and investment flexibility.
Take the First Small Step
You don’t have to overhaul your life to build financial security. Start by understanding your own relationship with money and your clients’. Then take just one small step, whether it’s setting up a Roth IRA or scheduling a financial planning session.
Ready to stop putting your own future last? Join the CPA MOMS community at https://cpamoms.com/start.
I believe in personalized financial strategies, understanding that every client has unique financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizons. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for college or want to protect your family’s financial future, I can help create specific strategies to help you achieve your goals.
I take time to listen and understand my client’s aspirations, concerns and life circumstances to create comprehensive financial strategies that align with objectives. I am committed to helping individuals, families and business owners achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.
With a focus on transparency and education, it is important my clients understand the strategies and investment options available to them. I empower clients to make well-informed decisions, enabling them to feel confident in their financial choices.
I have the heart of a coach in my approach to creating and supporting your financial strategies. As a way to give back to our community, and honor my previous coaches and mentors, I founded, coached and managed the nationally recognized Zoom Junior Olympic Track & Field Team.
I love making a difference. I keep my client’s best interests at the center of everything I do.