A Day In the Life of One of Our Advisors, Richard Jones

Krisha & Richard Jones

Did I finish everything on my list today? No. Did I make a difference? I hope so—and I believe I did.

Some days are fun, some are easy, and some, like today, are just plain hard. But I’ve learned that the hard days are often the ones where our work matters most.

As financial advisors at HBW, we have a unique opportunity to forge deep, personal connections with our clients. If I were only managing 401(k) plans or building assets, I wouldn’t experience the relationships that truly define my career. Last week, I received a text the day my client’s new baby was born. When my own children arrived, I didn’t think to text my accountant, insurance agent, or realtor. That says something about the trust and connection we build.

Today, within minutes of my clients accepting a full-price offer on their home, I got a celebratory message. But I also received this message from a different client today: “Richard, I am sorry to tell you that David is at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, room 227. He’s terminal. I need to see you if possible.”

I made it to the hospital by 6:30pm. The family was waiting for me to review the DNR form before signing it—just the wife, their two children, and me. How did I get into this inner circle? I’m just their financial advisor. Or am I?

There’s no such thing as “just a financial advisor.” If you want to build a lasting business, you have to embrace the reality that we are called to be by our clients’ side not just for their best days, but for their most challenging ones as well.

Last week, I had a tough conversation with a client about her divorce and its impact on her finances and her son. Earlier today, I told a client I was genuinely worried about his future if he continued spending the way he was. I even told him I feared he might feel trapped and hopeless. He looked at me… and agreed. Together, we created a plan to reduce his debt, lower his bills, and increase his monthly cash flow—all while protecting his retirement. For the first time in nearly a year, he left our meeting with hope.

I share these stories to remind you how important our work truly is. If you see yourself as just someone who picks mutual funds or opens Roth IRAs, you might be missing the bigger picture. We are trusted guides, confidants, and sometimes even lifelines for the people we serve.

So, the next time you have a hard day, remember you’re not just managing portfolios—you’re changing lives. Keep showing up, keep caring, and keep making a difference. That’s what makes us more than financial advisors. That’s what makes us indispensable.

With gratitude and belief in all of you,
Richard Jones