Rachel Shin CFP®
Growing up, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I was older, I always said one of two things: work with numbers or be a therapist. Financial planning turned out to be the perfect blend of both—highly analytical, while helping people navigate something deeply personal and often scary.
My earliest money memory is being told "no" by my mom for something I REALLY wanted. That's when I realized people "money doesn’t just grow on trees." It made me curious about the “hows” and “whys” of money, and it spurred me to want financial independence for myself and my family. I learned early that working hard isn't enough; you need a plan.
I became an advisor because I wanted to take the taboo out of talking about money. Clients usually come to me with a specific question, like "Can I afford to retire?" or "Should I take this job?" My job is to show them it's all connected. You can't know if you have enough to retire without understanding your cash flow, your spending, and most importantly, what you value in life. Together, we dig deep into the core of your fears and concerns, ask the questions that get us to the real issue, and then build a plan. I get to be a cheerleader along the way, showing you that the goals you want to accomplish might not be as far-fetched as you think. At the same time, I’m your guide, providing clarity on how to course-correct when your financial plan is off track (and what trade-offs may come with that).
EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS
- B.A., Finance/ Financial Planning, California State University
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification
- Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam – FINRA
LIFE PASSIONS
As an Orange County native based in San Francisco, I love being by the water, exploring the city's parks, and knowing the mountains are only an hour away. A perfect day includes a concert and dinner with friends and cooking at home for the people I love. Music, dancing, and seeing my favorite artists live is what makes me the happiest!