We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Wiss, CRPC® and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I started as a solo practitioner in the financial planning field over 15 years ago. As any entrepreneur would tell you, there is no work life balance in the beginning. It’s all work work work – to get your business started and established. And then, it’s growing and growing fast and you once again, don’t have time to balance anything. At least I didn’t. The one thing going for me was that I was young and single at that time and I could devote most of my time to my practice. Fast forward to me having an established practice and starting to be in a serious relationship (with my now husband, Jeremy Wiss). One of the best things I did for myself and for my relationship was to hire a business coach – Courtney Parks. She only works with women and has a slogan of “Success Without Exhaustion.” One of the things she taught me early on is that one could have a successful practice and not work 12 hour days every day. Because I am always calendar/scheduling driven, she made sure I blocked off two nights a week (though she wanted three) for a date night or just doing activities other than work. I was worried what impact it would have on my clients as I was (and still am) used to providing a high caliber of service. Clients adjusted – and many of them – appreciated and applauded me for not working every single night. That was very refreshing. It’s very touching to feel that my clients care about me as much as I care about them. Fast forward, again, to me having a child and starting Lumen Wealth Group with my partner Christopher Campbell. I realized, that if I didn’t take a good job taking care of myself, I wouldn’t be the best I can be at taking care of my clients. Work life balance became non-negotiable. I still take 2-3 nights off from seeing clients – spending time with my son and my husband. I only work 2 Saturdays a month rather than every Saturday. I can tell the difference. The other key item is hiring help – the right help – to support you and allow you the ability to still provide that high caliber of service.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Lumen, we look at your financial picture like a jig saw puzzle. The number of pieces determines the complexity. Each piece is a goal you have and the border is your financial situation – your means. Our responsibility is to solve that puzzle by putting it together in a way that will appeal to you – something you could get excited about and thus implement. As professionals dedicated to continuing education and a high standard of ethics, we leave nothing to chance. We coordinate with other trusted professionals to ensure seamless management of your assets and protection against life’s most unpredictable events with services that range from portfolio management, insurance, tax, estate, retirement planning and beyond. The result is a customized plan that has the underpinnings of knowledge required to carry it forward, a plan that is thoroughly researched and vetted, yet flexible and responsive to your life’s many transitions.

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?
Oh my gosh, there are so many. Being from the east coast, I have had many friends visit and do just this. I could probably take up the whole magazine with the answer to this question. A day on the beach is a must – may be North Santa Monica/Malibu. I would do a few hikes – Los Leones and Temescal being at the top of the list. Huntington Gardens in Pasadena is beautiful. We could drive to Solvang or Lake Arrowhead for an overnight visit. Back in LA, we’d hit up a few rooftop bars – Shangri-LA hotel in Santa Monica; EP&LP mid-city and Perch in DTLA. Restaurants?! Where do I begin: A.O.C., Baco Mercat, Otium, Rose Café, El Cholo, The Wallace, Seabutter for Sushi, Coolhaus (for ice cream post dinner). I’m sure I’m forgetting some of my favorites as I write this.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The three key people have been listed above. My husband, Jeremy Wiss, who has always supported my very strong work ambition. My business partner, Christopher Campbell, completes me by having strengths opposite and complimentary to my strengths. Together, we are one plus one equals three when it comes to helping our clients. Last but not least, Courtney Parks, whom I still work with on a regular basis and learn a lot from. https://www.courtneyparks.com/ I’ve reached success – can’t say that it’s without exhaustion – but I’m trying!

Website: www.lumenwealthgroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-wiss-crpc®-5b5022a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lumenwealthgroup

Other: Lumen Wealth Group An Independent Group 10000 Washington Blvd, Floor 6 | Culver City, CA 90232 Cell: 323.919.0021 | Office: 424.330.2323 | Fax: 310-496-2876 | Julia@LumenWealthGroup.com Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Lumen Wealth Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.