We’re proud to share that Elaine Lee has earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification!
The CFP® certification is the industry standard for professional financial advisors. To earn the designation, professionals must complete university-level financial coursework and pass a six-hour exam covering 72 topics – ranging from risk management to investments, tax laws to retirement planning. Though Elaine is an experienced advisor, we encouraged her to pursue the designation; she shares that she enjoyed the added curriculum and she feels the program has enhanced her expertise.
Elaine joined Summit Place in 2016 after spending several years with a nearby firm. Elaine was drawn to our unique approach to wealth management, offering our clients comprehensive financial expertise along with concierge service. This approach resonated with her as she looked back on her earlier executive career in which she saw so many executives missing the value of a qualified advisor.
Elaine shares, “As my parents came to the ‘land of opportunity,’ it was ingrained in me that obtaining a good education was paramount and delaying gratification was a virtue. With this mindset, I spent my first paycheck wisely but also saved for my future. Years later, as the president and chief operating officer working with global brands, I was executing strategic growth plans and managing multi-million dollar budgets. Looking back, I wish I had a trusted professional helping guide my personal financial decisions when I was an executive. I was strapped for time and didn’t have the expertise to understand or manage the full picture around my finances. There’s a huge opportunity cost associated with not taking advantage of all the financial planning disciplines as you are accumulating your wealth. Investments, risk management, taxation, retirement and estate planning all work together to make sure you are preparing for your long-term goals; I’ve realized this is essential for successful executives.”
As a former executive, Elaine understands the challenges of balancing a demanding career and family. She has always wanted to guide people to take intelligent next steps with matters they don’t have time or expertise to address but are critical in doing so. Today, Elaine helps them consider and execute strategies to achieve their long-term goals so they can focus on their daily demands. Now, as a CFP®, Elaine feels she adds even more value to clients by helping them make sound decisions on an even broader array of financial issues.
Elaine emigrated to the United States from Hong Kong when she was just three years old, eventually settling in New York City. She earned her B.S. in business administration and marketing from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Currently, Elaine resides in Morris County, with husband and two daughters.
Congratulations Elaine for adding this designation to your career accomplishments! If you’d like to reach Elaine, you can send her an email here: elaine.lee@summitplacefinancial.com.
