We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha McPherson, CLTC© and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think you’re always one risk away from opening the door for yourself to genuine success and ultimate happiness. Throughout my career, especially during my formative years, I found myself rarely adhering to the safe and conventional path (figurately). Now and then, whenever inspiration strikes– I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to push the boundaries of possibility and draw lines outside of the box. When I look back, no matter what’s going on, I’m always so glad I did. Some of it was crazy, can’t believe it worked out.. but…. You have to trust yourself, listen to your emotions, bet and believe in yourself. You can and will be fine. Embracing the challenge of self-discovery, fearlessly embracing risks, and nurturing a strong unwavering sense of love and care will awaken the dormant potential for profound growth. This will ensure that you not only persevere but flourish in the body of your authentic self.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What never fails to surprise others about me is my early start in the music industry and my professional journey as a professional guitar player. From songwriting to touring, recording, sessioning and performing in front of countless live audiences.. I’ve always been immersed in the world of music. It’s something I’m still fortunate to be able to balance.

However, a longing within me to take a break and explore different faucets of life drove me up the ranks of management at a Fortune 500 company. A profound appreciation for the significance of achieving a harmonious work-life balance began to grow which led me to consulting for businesses in Orange County. During this period, an unfortunate accident further emphasized the imperative need of preparing for life’s uncertainties and the sudden twists it can bring.

While I had plans in place, I realized that taking more proactive steps could have placed me in a far more advantageous position while recovering. This pivotal event ignited a passion within me for financial planning and being an advocate for individuals with disabilities, minorities, and widows. My life’s purpose became crystal clear—to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to gracefully navigate life’s challenges with unwavering confidence and foresight. I’m laser focused on ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find an advocate to help guide them to achieve financial security and a brighter future.

I’ve been fortune to have been trained by experts such as Author Erin Botsford (Barrons Top 100 Advisor, CNN, CNBC), Harley Gordon, Esq (Founding member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and as seen on Wall Street Journal, CBS, PBS), and America’s Retirement Asset Distribution Professional & Ed Slott Master Elite Advisor, Andrei Hall CFP®. I’ve been able to further enrich my knowledge by studying under a team of astute Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) and having my Certification for Long- Term Care. A professional with a CLTC® designation has acquired the critical tools necessary to discuss the subject of longevity and its acute consequences on a client’s family –financially, physically and emotionally – years down the road. The best way to protect families from the potential devastation of long-term care is not to sell a product, but rather, offer advice that leads to a plan to mitigate those consequences.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way and my personal beliefs are rooted in the core of Hall Wealth Management and McPherson Insurance (Medicarerocks.com). Our personal brand and culture stand out and keeps our clients referring their loved ones to us due to the unique combination of values and principles we hold dear. Our unwavering commitment to a holistic process ensures that we consider the broader well-being of our clients, recognizing that financial decisions are intertwined with their overall health and happiness. Our emphasis on active listening allows us to truly understand our clients’ needs, concerns, and aspirations, enabling us to provide personalized and effective solutions. Empathy is at the core of our interactions, fostering a genuine connection with our clients and creating a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. Finally, celebrating diversity is not just a motto but a cornerstone of our practice, as we value and embrace the unique perspectives and backgrounds of each individual. These qualities collectively make us a trusted and compassionate ally in navigating the complexities of today’s rapidly changing world.

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?
Let’s pretend we have one super long day. We’d shoot up the I-5 to Grffith Park and then cruise to Studio City for some rolls at Teru Sushi. We’d then make our way back to Sunset Blvd and drive west, but only after stopping at Amoeba Music. We’d get out of the car in Malibu at Corral beach before heading south on PCH to Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The beauty of those spots are you don’t need a plan. Life just happens. Depending on how hungry we were, we might stop off at The Warehouse in Marina Del Rey for a steak or some salmon. I’d make sure we saved some space so we could go to Bar Envie for some New Orlean’s style appetizers or Nick’s in Belmont Shore for a drink worth the $16. We’d end the night at the Lighthouse house in Huntington Harbor. Throughout the week we’d probably go to Ho-Kee for duck and Motto Tea Cafe for Japanese Souffle, both in San Gabriel. We’d go to Genghis Cohen for some NY style chinese food and hope the chefs are having an “ON” night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shoutout is extended to Andrei Hall for consistently exemplifying a remarkable combination of kindness, guidance, understanding, and educational support to everyone he encounters in the community. Thank you for being an inspiring leader! A shoutout also goes out to the Southern California Black Chamber Of Commerce, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment for the minority business community, and fostering business development and prosperity.

Website: HWMG-LPL.COM

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-mcpherson-cltc%C2%A9-46a323257/

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mcpherson-insurance-irvine

Youtube: https://youtu.be/-_FTwVNYDiY

Other: TikTok: @Mcphersoninsurance

Image Credits
Erica Torres Photography ( All High quality professional Headshots) Travon Smith Sr (Photo of me on the phone) David Perez (Photo of me playing guitar) Anabel The Frenchie & Giuseppe The Chug (Photo of dogs)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.