Early experiences with financial uncertainty spurred Abacus advisor Susan Olson’s commitment to pro bono service. “Growing up, I didn’t have a lot,” she shares, “and I wish that my family had more help with financial planning early on.”

Before joining Abacus, Susan spent twelve years as a school principal working with families from diverse financial backgrounds. Her path to financial planning came unexpectedly when Abacus’ founder, a parent at her school, noticed her exceptional ability to help people through difficult situations. “If you can talk to them about their children, you can talk to them about their money,” he observed. Though initially skeptical, Susan came to see financial planning as another way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This insight led to her career transition, and she has now spent the past eleven years as a financial planner.

Through Abacus’s pro bono program, which connects advisors with clients who cannot afford traditional financial planning services, Susan has found numerous opportunities to create impact. One of her most meaningful experiences involves helping victims of California wildfires navigate their insurance plans and rebuild their lives. She has also provided guidance to pro bono clients facing emotionally complex financial decisions, including widows and LGBTQ+ individuals.

“For me, one of the most rewarding things is to help my clients make decisions so they don’t feel alone,” Susan explains. “I encourage them to prioritize what’s causing them the most anxiety, helping them plan for their long-term future and to make decisions that will benefit their well-being down the road.”

Beyond the personal satisfaction of helping others, Susan sees pro bono work as valuable professional development. “It’s an amazing feeling to help people. It can also be great for professional development or marketing yourself as someone with a rich and diverse skill set.” She particularly advocates for involving new associates in pro bono sessions, noting that “pro bono work shows [newer advisors] how to think on their feet, answer unexpected questions and realize the breadth of ways they can assist clients with financial planning. It’s a great way to introduce how they can use their skills to help people.”

Disclosure
Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC by the SEC nor does it indicate that Abacus Wealth Partners, LLC has attained a particular level of skill or ability.