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What if I look stupid?

Created by: Lorie Jones

My youngest daughter, Sammie, likes to play this new game. She rushes into my room just before she heads out for the day and ask “Mom, should I wear the ankle length blue sock with the ruffle, straight leg jeans and periwinkle top, or this fuchsia off the shoulder, top with leggings and mid length sock with my Converse?“ 

 

Now if any of you know me, I spent about a year transitioning to a minimalist wardrobe. This is for one reason only, I do not even know how to match an outfit. 

 

The thing I like about minimalism, is that I have three colors in my wardrobe, white, black, and navy blue.  I wear a button down top and a pair of black pants and everything matches.
 
I had stopped listening by the time Sammie mentioned the word, periwinkle, which I didn’t understand. Most of the rest of it could’ve been Greek.
 
I’ve seriously considered asking Skye, my senior administrative assistant , if she would volunteer to adopt Samantha and maybe they could answer these all important questions, because Skye always looks put together, matching, beautiful and accessorized, and I look very black-and-white. The difference between an ankle length and mid-length sock is completely beyond my comprehension.
 
In Samantha‘s world though, the absolute worst possible outcome is that she might “look stupid.”  I haven’t bothered mentioning, that if she takes my advice, she probably will look stupid, but that’s mostly because she doesn’t actually listen to my answer and makes up her own mind anyway regarding these fashion emergencies.  
 
I’m struck by the similarity between Sammie’s fear and my clients. So many people sitting across from me get the same slightly confused look when I am talking about a balanced allocation as I do when Sammie asks me to choose between Periwinkle and Fusica.  They think probably everyone knows and they are afraid to “look stupid” so they don’t ask. So here are my suggestions. 

1. Ask even if you are scared.

I love nothing more than explaining a financial topic and please remember I came into this job years ago with no idea what an IRA was – I have learned and I’ve done it mostly by asking questions.  

2. Look it up. 

I will say that there are not a lot of financial concepts that are explained in simple terms. A lot of times they go with the concept that many words with lots of syllables are better than plain English but usually you get enough of the idea behind the explanation that you can pivot to #1 and ask for a more in depth answer with some knowledge behind your question so you don’t feel awkward. 

3. If you really want to learn something – read a book. 

I’m not an expert on everything but if I read a book I usually can find enough context to know what questions I should be asking.  I will say today you can also usually find a YouTube video or a podcast that explains what you are looking for, and I just heard that the average person read less than two books last year, which makes me sad.

4. Find an expert!!  

I will freely admit that I know nothing about the latest fashion trends (a fact that is completely obvious when looking at my wardrobe) but I know someone who can talk for an hour on the colors, cut, lines, and don’t even get her started on shoes.  A lot of times I just hand over my credit card, explain my event, and tell her I want to look “fabulous” 

I encourage clients to know enough to be informed financially, but you don’t have to spend your days pouring over the latest market updates, that is my happy place, not yours.  Ask someone who knows, and can explain the concept in English without looking at you as if “doesn’t everyone know this?”  

 
I was asked just recently to go through an activity to describe my ideal client – and mine always has questions, is curious and wants to know more. Finance isn’t a super secret world that makes no sense, it is understandable and most concepts are simple at their core, you just need to ask. This doesn’t mean you have to be a finance geek like me, that is why you hire someone to manage your portfolio, but it does mean you have all the tools and resources to have a basic understanding of how your money is being managed, and you won’t look stupid.  

Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC is a registered investment advisor located in Colorado. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC and its representatives are in compliance with the current filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisors by those jurisdictions in which Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC maintains clients. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from filing requirements. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s web site is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its advisory services, together with access to additional investment related information, publications, and links. Accordingly, the publication of Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s web site on the Internet should not be construed by any consumer and/or prospective client as Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, over the Internet. Any subsequent, direct communication by [Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For information pertaining to the registration status of Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC, please contact the SEC, FINRA or the state securities regulators for those states in which Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC  maintains a filing. A copy of Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s current written disclosure statement discussing Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s business operations, service, and fees is available from Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC upon written request. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Fidelis Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Brandon Waite

PROFESSIONAL

Brandon is new to the wealth management business, however, he brings many skills useful to the profession because of his prior experience. Brandon has worked in the accounting world auditing hedge funds, venture capital firms, and low-income housing organizations. Assessing business risk and financial GAAP accounting has been his primary focus. He is passionate about the world of finance and helping individuals accomplish their financial dreams.

Brandon graduated from Brigham Young University- Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Additionally, he holds two professional designations, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

 

PERSONAL

He lives in Castle Rock with his wife Emily, and their three daughters. Most of his free time consists of taking his daughters to the park, enjoying all types of sports, and watching movies.

Bailey Marudas-Jones

Bailey Marudas-Jones joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2024, where she supports the back office by managing client onboarding and ensuring compliance. She also helps alleviate the team’s workload by handling various administrative tasks and processes. With a deep commitment to efficiency and excellence, Bailey is excited to contribute to the team’s success and help clients navigate their financial journeys at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.
Bailey grew up in Littleton, Colorado, where she still lives. In her free time, she enjoys watching old movies, reading, and learning to sew. She also loves spending time with her family and friends

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Karley Winder

PROFESSIONAL
Karley Winder started at Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2022. Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in financial management at the University of Colorado Denver business school. At Fidelis, she specializes in working with clients on their 401k plans and is dedicated to providing a valuable and quality experience for them. Karley also has several years of entrepreneurial experience from starting her own local businesses in the past. She has sincere interest in finance and is eager to continue gaining experience in the field alongside her education.

PERSONAL

Karley is a Colorado native and has lived in Castle Rock since she was a young girl. She enjoys horseback riding, Pilates, and mountain biking in her free time.

Rilee Erickson

PROFESSIONAL

Rilee began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an associate specializing in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance.  Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors she has taken on a paraplanner roll, providing life insurance support, as well as client and operations support. She also hopes to obtain her own Certified Financial Planner® designation in the years to come. Rilee’s passion in the industry is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL

Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. She is a Wyoming native, growing up on the family cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming, and now resides in Green River, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wind River Range.

Skye Fineran

PROFESSIONAL
Skye comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant in 2021 and is a recent graduate from West Texas A&M University. There she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Skye also completed Amarillo College’s paralegal certification program. Skye enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping clients to achieve their financial goals and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

 

PERSONAL
Skye grew up in Tecumseh, Michigan and currently resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her family. Skye loves art history, playing golf, and spending time with her family and friends.

RIA Innovations

Fidelis Wealth Advisors has a strategic partnership with RIA Innovations, a Division of NWAM, LLC. RIA Innovations provides administrative support services for registered investment advisors nationwide. This service is under the direction of Nelly Mubashi, the Chief Operating Officer.

 

NWAM, LLC, dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations is an SEC registered investment adviser. NWAM, LLC dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations and Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC are not affiliated companies.

Gabriel Jones

PROFESSIONAL
Gabe started with Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Investment Research Assistant in 2018, and has an intense passion for investment research.


PERSONAL
Gabe is currently in college to obtain his Bachelors in Finance, and enjoys spending time outside of work hiking and reading.

Dawn Folmer

PROFESSIONAL
Dawn Folmer comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors with a background in the finance industry, having previous experience with a registered investment advisory firm in Denver. Dawn is a recent graduate of Colorado State University Global, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. As a skilled financial planning assistant, she enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping people reach their financial dreams and retirement goals.

 

PERSONAL
Dawn is a Colorado native and resides in Castle Rock with her family, where they enjoy being adventurous and active in the outdoors. Additionally, she is passionate about travel, food, and playing golf.

Jeff Bullock

PROFESSIONAL
Jeff joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors after spending nearly 10 years working at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management in their Private Bank. As Chief Investment Officer, he is responsible for the overall investment strategy, portfolio construction, and market insights for clients.

 

Jeff held various roles during his decade at J.P. Morgan, including working as an investment specialist on their trading desk, where he was responsible for managing and trading investment portfolios for High Net-Worth families and non-profit foundations throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Jeff helped co-manage over $4.0 billion of investment assets and gained broad experience in portfolio construction and investment strategy, as well as in-depth knowledge in a variety of asset classes and markets. In recent years, Jeff was part of the leadership team that trained new advisors and established an expansion office in Utah.

 

Jeff loves helping people with their money-related questions and management. Very simply, his goal is to help others continuously improve their financial situation, regardless of the current condition. His framework centers around sound advice and proper decision-making by engaging in honest discussion and taking a long-term approach.

 

PERSONAL
Jeff holds a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is a native to Colorado and loves playing golf and being outdoors. He lives in Highlands Ranch with his wife Nicole, and their two children.

Lorie C. Jones, MBA, CFP®

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PROFESSIONAL
Lorie began working in financial services in 2013 with a Registered Investment Advisory firm in South Denver. She started as a paraplanner and provided technology and operations support before transitioning to a Client Services Manager role with Empower Retirement. There she managed a book of 300+ Core Market plans before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

 

Lorie enjoys the challenges presented by financial planning and is rewarded by helping clients thoroughly understand the complexities of finance so they can be better informed and in control of their planning.

 

In addition to securities licenses, she holds health, life, accident, property, and casualty insurance licenses in the state of Colorado and completed her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from the CFP® Board of Standards. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

 

Lorie recently launched the “Fearless Females” podcast, providing a unique space for empowering discussions that inspire women in the financial services industry and beyond. Through insightful interviews and stories, she fosters a community where challenges are met with resilience, amplifying female voices and demonstrating her dedication to fostering inclusivity and fearlessness in finance.

 

PERSONAL
Lorie graduated from Colorado State University with an MBA. She enjoys running and has participated in several marathons and half-marathons around the country. She also enjoys hiking with her family, traveling with her husband David and their five children, and working with the cub scout and boy scout programs, including volunteering with the district.