Ep #79: Starting and Succeeding as a Cohort with Karlyn Jones, Carolyn Stewart, and Carman Franklin

Carolyn Stewart, Karlyn Jones, and Carman Franklin are financial planners with Abacus Planning based out of Columbia, SC. They join the show today to discuss their journeys in the financial planning industry, including their biggest fears about entering the profession and what the first few weeks were like at their new firm. If you are considering a career in financial planning but are concerned about the lack of female planners, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Listen in as they describe the internship and part-time job opportunities that they applied for, what they learned from those jobs, and how their experience has helped them in their careers so far. You'll learn how the pandemic forced them to approach their careers differently, how to attract more women to the industry, and tips to pass the CFP exam.

What You'll Learn In Today's Episode:

How they each got started in financial planning. (2:30)
Why Carman pivoted to another financial planning firm. (6:55)
How to know whether a firm does real financial planning. (9:20)
What stood out about the firms they pursued. (15:30)
How the pandemic affected the way they approach their jobs. (18:10)
What the first impressions team is. (22:20)
What the first few weeks were like at the new firm. (26:15)
Their fears going into the profession. (30:20)
The most fun parts of the job. (32:50)
Tips for passing the CFP exam. (38:50)
How to attract more women into the industry. (44:55)
Tips for new planners. (48:30)

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“I learn something new every single day here.” - Carman Franklin Share on X “You’re no longer in the classroom—you’re interacting with professionals.” - Karlyn Jones Share on X “I cannot underestimate the value of going through those first few weeks.” - Carolyn Stewart Share on X

Resources In Today's Episode:

Carolyn Stewart: LinkedIn
Karlyn Jones: LinkedIn
Carman Franklin: LinkedIn
Abacus Planning Group
Yeske Buie
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Money Guy Show
Ep #73: Transitioning From the Military to Financial Planning with Stephen Maggard

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