Meet Chloe A. Moore, CFP® | Financial Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloe A. Moore, CFP® and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloe, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
While I’m not on the path I thought I would be on, my vision for my career has been consistent since the beginning. I’ve always wanted to be in a position professionally where I can work part-time, support my desired lifestyle, and be financially independent. I could then use my time, talent, and resources to help others in a more meaningful way where making money is not a priority. I have a passion for spreading financial literacy, especially among systemically excluded populations. In addition to providing discounted or pro bono services, I also want to do more speaking, writing, mentoring, and group coaching. Before starting my business, I hoped to eventually achieve this goal in the corporate world. Now that I’m a business owner, I’m intentional about the growth of my business and have a capacity limit for the number of individual client relationships I will maintain. Building my business intentionally is giving me the ability to reach my end goal on my terms. Because I enjoy what I do and make work life balance a priority, I’m not sure if I’ll ever stop working.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’ve been a financial planner throughout my 17-year career. I spent the first 12 years working with clients who were multi-millionaires. As you can imagine, very few clients were people of color. In addition, I was the only black female financial planner everywhere I worked. While my work was challenging and I learned many lessons about how to build and maintain wealth, my work was not fulfilling. I saw firsthand how wealth can provide access, opportunities, and freedom, but I also saw the impact of the racial wealth gap and gender pay gap on communities that have been systemically excluded.

I started my financial planning firm, Financial Staples, because I wanted to use the knowledge and experience I gained throughout my career to help more women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I decided to focus on early to mid-career tech professionals with equity compensation because I believe they have a unique opportunity to build generational wealth. My clients receive generous salaries and equity in their companies. Learning how to use these tools to invest, manage debt, and reduce taxes are key components to achieving financial freedom.

My approach to financial planning is not traditional. I’ve built my firm to address my clients’ needs and give them the best possibility for success. At the beginning of each relationship, I take the time to understand a client’s background, personal story, and money history. I also explore their values and the “why” behind their goals. This approach helps me understand how I can best help clients reach their full potential. I also aim to teach financial concepts in an easy-to-understand format so clients can make informed decisions, and I serve as an accountability partner to keep them on track. I believe that my approach helps clients develop the mindset and habits that lead to long-term progress.

I never wanted to be a business owner. I became one because I saw it as my only opportunity to create an environment where I was valued and could control my career path. The road has not been easy but I continue to push through and treat each setback as a learning opportunity. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, as they make me so much more grateful for what I’ve accomplished so far. As I continue to grow and learn, I can help to make the path easier for those who come behind me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question! I love food so let’s start there. If they love to cook, I’d have to take them to Dekalb Farmer’s Market. There are too many restaurants to name, but a few of my favorites are Heirloom Market BBQ (a unique blend of Texas and Korean barbeque), Bacchanalia (a one-of-a-kind experience with an epic tasting menu), and Feedel Bistro (amazing Ethiopian and Eritrean fare). For brunch, I would take them to one of the local favorites like Home Grown, Highland Bakery, or Buttermilk Kitchen. We’d also have to hit Buford Highway, Ponce City Market, Krog Street, Little Five Points, and a speakeasy.

Finally, I love to hike so I’d take them to a local hiking trail. If we had time, I’d travel outside of the city to see one of Georgia’s many beautiful waterfalls.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My grandmother is my greatest inspiration. She became a widow at a young age and in addition to raising her four children, she also raised two of my cousins and me. I learned so many financial and life lessons from her that are invaluable. Watching her work so hard and carefully manage her money gave me the foundation I needed to be successful in my career. She passed away before I started my business, but I can still hear her voice guiding me every day.

My biggest source of support as a business owner has been other financial advisors. I’ve been fortunate to connect with so many independent advisors through organizations, networks, and at conferences. In addition to participating in a few mastermind groups, I speak with a several advisors regularly. We’ve developed true friendships and I can lean on them for support. They also hold me accountable and push me out of my comfort zone.

Last, but certainly not least, is my friends and family. I wouldn’t have made it this far without their love and encouragement.

Website: https://www.financialstaples.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialstaples

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloemoore

Twitter: https://twitter.com/finstaples

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFMWa2y686BUu3rSJ2fHTzw