We had the good fortune of connecting with Shirley Luu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shirley, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
That’s an easy question and it’s not just those outside of my industry, those inside of the industry aren’t aware of this either. It’s the 5-year retirement plan. No one talks about it. They never talk about how we can make money when the stock market makes money and protect ourselves when the market declines. I’m talking about no losses! Every time I talk with a new client or I’m on the stage speaking at an event, I get surprised looks or comments in disbelief. This is why I’m so committed to bringing financial literacy to the masses.
It’s all about using leverage. Putting in $20k and getting a matching of $60k using other people’s money and now you have $80k working for you. Most don’t think about using different products like index products to find creative solutions for their clients. My team and I do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My path was not easy, but I knew early on that it was the right path. I was left in crisis when my husband died unexpectedly in 2005 and had to overcome homelessness with three young children. When I got into financial services, I knew I could help women so they wouldn’t have to face what I did. And as a Vietnamese woman, I know immigrant and minority communities can benefit from financial knowledge and I feel compelled to do everything in my power to support and educate these communities. I ultimately founded Shirley Luu & Associates and have built teams across the country with this mission. Many lessons were learned along the way when I trusted the wrong people or allowed a critic to get into my head, and it’s with a deep belief and faith that I never gave up and stayed the course.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would picnic in Piedmont Park, we would take a 3-hour food, street art and history tour, visit Zoo Atlanta, and eat at the Sun Dial Restaurant to take in the 360 views of downtown. A visit with my bestie wouldn’t be complete without visiting Anh’s Kitchen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many amazing people who have come into my life and lifted me over the years. Some in small ways and others in very big ways and each is a blessing. But whenever I’m asked this question, I credit my grandmother. She was the hardest worker I have ever met. She worked from sunup to sundown tirelessly. She pushed me hard, and I’m so thankful that she did. Whenever I think something is too hard or I’m too tired, I think of her and I’m motivated to push forward.

Website: https://shirleyluuassociates.com/

Instagram: @shirleyluuassociates

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-luu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shirleyluuassociates

Image Credits
First Financial Security Tony Barnett Jim Roessner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.