Reclaiming Financial Stability: Dr. Nicole B Simpsons’ Journey to Recovery
Dr. Nicole B Simpson, CFP®, is more than just a certified financial planner; she’s a trailblazer with a mission to transform lives and build wealth within the African American community. With over 30 years in the securities industry and two decades as a CFP® practitioner, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we delve into her remarkable career, the pivotal moments that shaped it, and her valuable insights on the importance of financial planning.
The Vision that Sparked a Career
Dr. Simpson’s journey into the financial world began during a fourth-grade field trip to the New York Stock Exchange. She vividly remembers being mesmerized by the wealth and opportunity that surrounded her. Growing up in challenging circumstances, she knew she wanted a life different from what she had experienced. She recalls, “I was in the fourth grade, I went on a field trip down to the New York Stock Exchange, and I was so mesmerized by wealth all around me. And so as a chick from the project, I was like, ‘Well, I want what they have.’ And it just stuck with me.”
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Her Path
Life didn’t unfold as expected for Dr. Simpson. As a teenage mother, her initial plan to become an attorney was derailed. However, her determination led her to explore the securities industry at a young age. She obtained licenses such as Series Seven, Series 63, and Series 65, with her journey into financial planning taking shape early in the 1990s. Reflecting on her early years, she says, “I went in that direction at a very early age. And so in the early ’90s, I was licensed with my Series Seven, ultimately 63, 65. And I began helping families. And so that was very important to me.”
The Importance of Education and Mentorship
Dr. Simpson emphasizes the significance of mentorship in her career. She advises aspiring financial planners to seek guidance from experienced professionals who can help them navigate the complexities of the industry. “Understand your why,” she adds. “Your why can’t be about money… It will require hard work, passion, and purpose in order for it to happen.”
A Focus on Community Empowerment
Dr. Simpson’s commitment extends beyond her clients. She believes in the power of comprehensive planning and strives to make a difference in her community. Her practice is designed to cater to individuals from all walks of life, with varying levels of financial readiness. She passionately states, “It eliminates your ability to say, ‘I can’t afford a financial planner.’ If you’re really serious about becoming financially free, there is someone willing to guide you to help you.”
Transforming Adversity into Advocacy
One of the most profound turning points in Dr. Simpson’s career was the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. She faced a substantial financial setback, going from making over six figures to earning less than $18,000. This experience, while traumatic, shaped her approach to financial planning. “It was traumatic, but it was also the turning point of my own practice,” she reflects. “I began to deal with how to deal with catastrophic, unanticipated events… What defines your ability to handle that issue? Where your pocket lies.”
Dr. Nicole B Simpson’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of financial planning. Her dedication to education, community engagement, and economic justice has left an indelible mark on the financial planning industry. Through mentorship and advocacy, she continues to empower individuals, helping them build wealth, preserve it, and pass it on to future generations.