MEMBER CASE STUDY
FPA Residency Program
FPA is My One Connection™ to Professional Growth
FPA Member: Debbie Grose, CFP®
About: Director of the fee-only financial planning firm Lighthouse
Planning, LLC in Folsom, Cali.
Website: www.lighthousefinancialplanning.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dsgrose
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/debbiegrose
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lighthousefinancialplanning
FPA Residency 2008 – Lake Arrowhead Graduate
Financial Planning Philosophy: Grose embraces the essence of what
it takes to be a successful planner: serve the clients best interest,
always.
How has attending the FPA Residency Program helped you develop
professionally?
I attended the FPA Residency Program at a pivotal point in my career. The insights gained during the
week have provided a strong foundation for establishing and building long-lasting client relationships.
The ability to connect with clients is a key factor in growing my business.
Did attending the program meet your professional goals?
Because I was so new to the profession when I attended FPA Residency, I was still developing my
professional goals. But after completing the program, I was clearer about what I wanted to accomplish
and how I wanted to move forward in my career. It was through FPA Residency that I realized I wanted
to not only help my clients, but also wanted to contribute to the profession and help move it forward.
While I still have much to do, I feel good about the progress I have made.
Tell me more about your experience with role playing with mentors?
It was both terrifying and exhilarating. Not being a natural public speaker, the thought of role playing in
front of a room full of people, not to mention the mentors, for whom I have the utmost regard and
respect for, really put me out of my comfort zone. The exhilarating part was the learning that happened.
It’s not often that you find yourself in such a supportive and constructive space where you can push
yourself and find strengths you never knew you had.
What was the most relevant, impactful advice and/or guidance your mentor offered to you?
Each and every mentor, as well as the Dean (Elissa Buie, CFP®) of that year’s program offered me
valuable advice that has become a part of who I am as a planner. However, it was Elissa who provided
me the context of how and where to gain the experience I desperately sought. She suggested I get
involved with FPA, find my passion, and show-up to make my contribution to the profession.
Did you apply the advice you received during the program to your business?
Yes. I went back to my local FPA chapter, volunteered to be on the Career Development Committee, and
through that work I’ve had the privilege of working with California State University - Sacramento and
CFP Board to bring a registered undergraduate degree to Northern California. As a result of the
experience I’ve had the opportunity to refine my communication and delivery of the importance of
financial planning and always serving in clients’ interest. I truly believe my volunteer work with FPA has
significantly contributed to my success as a planner.
In addition to your experience with mentors, how did you interact with peers during the program?
The design of the program involves dividing mentees into groups. Group activity began immediately, so
interaction with peers began right away. Some of my strongest professional connections were formed as
a result of my group. To this day I am in touch with, and regularly collaborate with, my peers from the
program.
What program attributes do you use in your career today?
During the week I made many strong connections with fellow residents as well as with the mentors.
These connections have provided a strong foundation for my career. My professional network, as well as
the ability to effectively “discover” connections with clients, serves me well every day.
Do you have any advice for fellow FPA members who are considering attending FPA Residency?
Show-up open and without expectation. The more open to the possibilities that you are, the more
rewarding your experience will be. Financial planning in not merely something you do; it is who you are.
Do you want to benefit from FPA Residency? If so, register today for FPA Residency 2015 in Denver, Colo.
October 2-7.