Equita Member Firm Spotlight: Kim Spencer of Next Step Financial

February 26, 2021

In November 2020, Kim Spencer, CFP®, CDFA®, founder of Next Step Financial, LLC, joined the Equita Financial Network platform as a Member Firm. Based in Blount County, Tennessee, Next Step Financial is a fee-only wealth management firm that helps women and families achieve financial wholeness so they can pursue their dreams. Next Step Financial works with clients in Blount County and throughout the country, providing financial planning, education, and asset management.

Kim founded Next Step Financial with the goal of educating women about their finances, empowering them, and helping them achieve their life goals. In this blog post, Kim shares her experience moving her firm to the Equita Financial Network platform.

Why did you make the move to Equita Financial Network, and how has the transition been?

Kim Spencer: I was sitting at home last spring (as we all were) and thinking about what I wanted the rest of my career (10-15 years) to look like. I realized I wanted to work with women. I already knew Katie [Burke] and Bridget [Venus Grimes], and trusted them, so I called Katie and began the process. They were so great helping me get my clients transferred over, and it was something of a process. There are always kinks, but they have been so gracious to help me work through them. 

How does the Equita platform and community help with your firm goals?

Kim Spencer: By providing all the back–office functions, as well as some great software, it is allowing me to focus more on my clients and I can get back to teaching women, which is my passion. Being able to collaborate with such great women as we have in Equita is something I’ve never had before. Women just have a different way of looking at things; I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them and I’ve learned a lot from them already. 

Do you have any tips or suggestions for others thinking about a similar move?

Kim Spencer: I think it’s a matter of following your heart. If you’re in a situation where you aren’t being heard or valued, that takes away so much from your self-esteem. Working with people who build you up and help you get to the next level is so refreshing. Also, it’s never too late to begin down a new path. This has been such a positive experience, and I have the best clients in the world. They have been so supportive. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Kim Spencer: This is the best version of working for yourself. You aren’t isolated, and you aren’t trying to wear all the hats needed in running a business. With Equita to help with all that, you are free to focus on your clients, doing what you most love to do.

Interested in Joining The Equita Platform? Reach Out to Us Today

Helping female financial advisors build their firm on their own terms is exactly why we launched Equita. If you want to bring your firm to the next level in 2021 with a network of supportive professionals and a wealth of resources, reach out to Equita today.

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