Former high-tech executive’s passion is helping people
Published in the Feb. 5, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Marisa Otto
Marisa Otto started her career in the financial industry with Edward Jones Investments in 2003 when Silicon Valley was at the bottom of the dot com bust. She was a high-tech executive for a decade when a recruiter with a financial services firm told her that if she had a head for business and the heart of a social worker, this career choice was for her.
She came across Edward Jones, which in 2003 was the No. 1 best company to work for, according to Fortune Magazine. That made her curious about the company and the more she learned about it, the more convinced she became of going into financial consulting.
Her first major in college was finance and accounting, but she earned a degree in marketing management, and management information systems. She always enjoyed playing with numbers but people interaction was also very important.
She believes in giving back, involved with the Morgan Hill community as a member of the local branch of the American Association of University Women where she has worked to send young girls to science camp to develop an interest in them for math and science.
Morgan Hill Life asked Otto about her career as a financial advisor.
Where does your passion come from for helping people build their investments?
My passion is helping people. In my field, we make people’s lives and their future better by “making sense of investing.” It’s also about relationships and building trust. When my clients are happy, I am twice as happy. Making a difference in people’s lives is a gift. The feeling of accomplishment is immeasurable.
You have a “Women and Investing Workshop” coming up Feb. 20. Why did you create this workshop?
Having been in the business for 11 years, I am finding that more and more women are coming to me needing help and advise. I see them not just as clients, but as a friend or family. I put myself in their shoes because I am also a woman. I can understand their concerns. I speak their language. I hear their struggles. Being able to help them gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
What special issues might women face in investing that might be different compared with men investing?
Women in general have less retirement savings, lower earnings, and less Social Security benefits. They also have longer life expectancy. Women are adversely affected by life events such as divorce and widowhood. The sooner they work with a certified financial planner/financial advisor, the better prepared they will be the rest of their lives. I wish I met someone like me when I got my first paycheck.
How might women who have never invested before educate themselves and build their level of knowledge to be able to engage in this financial activity?
If they have the time and inclination to do their own investing, they will have to start reading books on the principles of investing, taking fundamental analysis courses, be prepared to do their own research by reading mutual funds prospectuses, stock research opinions, keep track of economic and market movements and developments, then make investment choices based on their risk tolerance. They also need to monitor their own investments on a regular basis. It will be an ongoing commitment of work and time.
What general advice would you give women who are considering getting into stock investing opportunities?
Hire a certified financial planner or financial advisor as early as you can. Do not try to do it yourself unless you have a finance background and/or you have the time and inclination to do it. Start asking for references, or interview different people. Ask for a complimentary consultation to get to know them and to make sure you can communicate with them and you can trust them.
Marisa Otto is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Reach her at (408) 778-4400.
Women & Investing Workshop
February 20
Dinner Workshop at Marie Calendars, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Edward Jones Investments, Marisa Otto CFP
Event Presenter: Robert Gustavis, Division Vice President for SunAmerica
Seating is limited. RSVP by Thursday, February 13 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions please feel free to call Connie Ricker at 408-778-4400.
