Meet Our Team - Courtney Collins, CFP®

Meet Courtney Collins, CFP®, Associate Financial Advisor in Allegheny Financial Group's BHKM Group. In this interview, Courtney shares what causes and community organizations are important to her, how she spends time outside of the office, and why she chose financial planning as her profession.

What childhood experiences shaped the person you are today?
Being a competitive athlete since a young age has shaped the person I am today. Surrounding myself with positive role models allowed me to succeed in competitions and in the classroom. Structure, reliability, failure, and hard work are a few of the qualities that were instilled and learned from early on, which directly influenced all aspects of my life.

How do you like to spend time outside of the office?
Outside of the office, I enjoy running the River Trail or North Park. Spending time with my dog, Mollie, brings so much joy to life. Family and friends have nicknamed me their travel agent because I enjoy researching new cities and booking reservations for upcoming trips.

What causes or community organizations are important to you?
Mentoring the next generation is something I am passionate about. I have had and continue to have many influential mentors in my life, which fosters collaboration and success. Offering additional leadership to our youth provides me with internal satisfaction because they deserve to have all the tools and mindset to accomplish their dreams.

What are you a fan of? (sports team, band, school, etc.)
I am a fan of any live sporting event. The Penguins are my favorite Pittsburgh team. Formula 1 racing is another sport I am passionate about. The speed, agility, dedication, and teamwork it takes in any sporting arena is exciting to watch. Plus, the energy that a sporting event ignites is exhilarating.

Why did you choose financial planning as your profession?
Financial planning represents more than a value in someone’s account; a personal relationship is developed. This human aspect, which is integral to the financial planning process, confirmed this was the career for me. Providing recommendations that significantly impact a family’s life is personally rewarding.

What is one piece of financial advice you offer clients?
Organization plays a significant role in success. If you are a current client, you already have an advantage because we provide you with the tools to organize your financial life that continues to evolve over time.

What are some important things to consider when choosing a financial planner?
Choosing a financial planner involves listening and observing. You want someone to represent you who truly listens to what you say and acts within your expectations. After the initial call with a financial planner, the follow-up sets the tone for the relationship.

What do you think are the most important steps people can take to improve their financial well-being?
There are several small steps you can take to make a positive impact on your financial well-being. Understanding all the assets and liabilities you own marks the starting point for decision making. Trusting professionals in the industry to provide you with recommendations, ranging from drafting legal documents to tax consulting, gives you a peace of mind that you are taken care of. Grasping that your financial well-being is multifaceted and accomplished through teamwork will allow you to confidently take steps to be successful throughout your lifetime and beyond.

Allegheny Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Allegheny Investments, LTD, a registered Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC.