Financial Advisors Reveal What Their First Jobs Taught Them About Money
How do young adults go from fresh-faced adolescents to successful, financial advisors? Well, it all started with their very first jobs.
Christopher Walsh is a senior advisor at Capitol Choice Financial Group, who works with families on retirement planning, debt elimination and wealth building. Molly Kleiber is a financial advisor at Edward Jones, who helps individuals navigate their financial journeys. But before guiding clients on how to best manage money, they were just teenagers trying to earn enough cash to see a movie. (Spoiler alert: they succeeded.)
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And, while their first jobs had seemingly little to do with finance, they laid the foundation for who Walsh and Kleiber ultimately became — and the wisdom they impart today.
Golf Club Assembly: A Lesson in Budgeting
Walsh was just 15 when he began working for his grandfather in his putter manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Arizona. His job consisted of polishing, finishing and assembling golf clubs by hand, for minimum wage.
Looking back, Walsh said this is where he first learned that taxes take 15%-x20% of your earnings.
“Nobody warned me about any of that, and it was a rude awakening,” said Walsh. But it served as an early lesson: always budget with your net income, not your gross income.
He also learned the value of a dollar and the importance of intentional spending. Because, after working 50 hours per week practically all summer, all Walsh could afford to buy was one laptop.
“It took that long because I was spending money on little things along the way without thinking about it. Frivolous stuff that added up and quietly ate into what I was building.”
Yet, that first laptop wound up being invaluable, because it helped him learn the ins and outs of tech and marketing — skills he utilizes today in his profession.
“So, in a weird way, the lesson wasn’t just about what I spent,” said Walsh. “It was about what intentional spending on the right thing can actually set in motion.”
Candy and Toy Shop Associate: The Importance of Motivation To Work
Kleiber’s first job was as a sales associate at a candy and toy shop during the height of the Beanie Baby craze. She ran the register, stocked the shelves and talked to absolutely everyone about their motivations for purchasing the commodified stuffed animals. It was an early lesson that hype and fads do not equal long-term value.
“At the time, people were convinced these stuffed animals were guaranteed gold mines,” said Kleiber. “A $5 bear could sell for $100 brand new, thanks to supply and demand. Fast forward to today and that same bear — tag still attached — might be worth $14.50.”
Kleiber learned not all investments are created equal — some depreciate if interest fades. Prioritize sustainable performance over emotional momentum.
The second, crucial lesson Kleiber learned, which she still applies today, is that if one loves what they do, they will be motivated to work harder — and, consequently, earn more. While working at the shop, Kleiber said, she essentially got paid to spend time with her friends. She couldn’t wait for each day to start — and, as a result, was a stellar employee.
“Work felt fun and that mattered,” said Kleiber.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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