Question: How long have you worked at Beacon Wealth Consultants?
Cassandra: I joined Beacon Wealth in 2012, when I married our CEO, Rick Laymon. We call it our Marriage and Acquisition! I was already serving clients in my own practice and when we merged our businesses together, my clients followed me to Beacon. Prior to joining Beacon Wealth Consultants, I was not familiar with Biblically Responsible Investing at all and I studied intensely to learn about what God has to say about money and investing.
Question: What excites you about the Biblically Responsible Investing movement?
Cassandra: Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) has been around for almost 25 years, but many Christians have not even heard of it or considered what kind of businesses they are investing in. I find it very exciting to be able to connect with Christians through speaking engagements and writing to educate them about what kinds of companies they are profiting from and how they can make a difference.
The Socially Responsible Investing movement is only about 20 years older than the BRI movement, and look how popular and influential it is has become! I am excited about the possibility of really changing the face of business in America and across the world as all Christians unite in their investing strategy, in an effort to answer our call to love our neighbors.
Question: What type of environment do you hope to create when working with clients?
Cassandra: Because of my many years of experience in the healthcare industry, I am naturally an empathetic person. When clients are confused or overwhelmed, I quickly put myself in their shoes and make a plan that is clear and simple. I describe myself as a “handholder,” meaning that instead of just telling you what to do, I will sit by your side and help you get it done. There are times when all of us need an accountability partner to help us get started and show us what is possible.
I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable to ask questions, even if they are worried that they are “dumb” questions. I always remind my clients, “This is easy for me, because I do it every day. If you are not dealing with these issues on a regular basis, and there is no reason to expect that you would know (or remember) all the answers.”
Question: In your opinion, what does Beacon Wealth Consultants offer clients that they can’t find anywhere else?
Cassandra: At Beacon Wealth, we combine the best practices of financial planning with a Biblical approach to investing. That means that you get all the services you would expect from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM, and in addition to that, we make sure your investments are aligned with your faith values. Christians are often shocked to find that they are investing in and profiting from companies that support Planned Parenthood and abortion, adult entertainment, and companies that prey on the addictions of their brothers and sisters. That means that your investments are likely working against your charitable giving. We help Christians create a financial strategy where lifestyle expenditures, investing, and giving are working in concert on the journey to becoming excellent stewards of the resources with which they have been blessed.
Financial Planning & Investment Advisory services offered through Beacon Wealth Consultants, Inc.