Continuing our “Ask Away” Advisor Spotlight Series!
In our featured “Ask Away” Advisor Spotlight Series, learn more about some exceptional LPL Financial advisors partnering with Financial Resources Group — incredible minds with interesting backgrounds. Discover their unique insights, strategies, and personal stories that have fueled their success.
Each month, we’ll cast a spotlight on a different advisor, unveiling what makes them stand out in the competitive financial services landscape.
The series continues with Kim Ramchandani, ChFC®, Senior Vice President, Financial Consultant at Webster Investments. Get to know Kim through this Q&A and be sure to watch the short video below where she personally introduces herself!
Q: What is your background and how did you enter the financial planning and investment industry?
A: I was born in Chennai, India and at the age of 16, I embarked on a journey that took me across four continents. From India to Africa, back to India and then to Madrid, Spain, and eventually settling in the United States, I’ve experienced diverse cultures and environments. Despite the challenges of frequent relocation and the need to work in my family’s business, I seized the opportunity to pursue higher education when I got married and moved to the United States.
My career began with Webster Bank in 1999 where I started working as a teller. Over time I began advancing in my career but then decided to take a couple of years off to raise my two children who were born in 2002 and 2003. Returning to Webster in 2005, I transitioned into the role of Sales Assistant at Webster Investments, where I provided support to an advisor. In November 2007, I was promoted to the financial advisor role. Since then, I have wholeheartedly embraced this role, continually striving to assist clients with their financial needs.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in financial advising?
A: I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers and a strong grasp of math and economics, pursuing a college education in business finance felt like the perfect fit for me. Whenever I am passionate about something, I dive in wholeheartedly. While juggling responsibilities at Webster, I pursued my degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College, furthering my knowledge and skills. As a sales assistant, I witnessed firsthand the appreciation clients had for the financial advisor I supported. Their gratitude was fulfilling and resonated with me at a personal level, confirming my desire to pursue a financial advisor role. Motivated by this, I decided to obtain all necessary licenses, Series, 6, 63, 7 and 26 that are held with LPL Financial, to become a financial advisor. Since transitioning into this role, I’ve found immense joy in helping my clients navigate their financial journeys. Hearing their expressions of gratitude reinforces the impact I can make in their lives, making this career incredibly fulfilling for me.
Q: Do you specialize in working with specific clients?
A: I currently assist clients in all stages of their financial journey, whether they’re new to investing or seasoned veterans. I strongly believe in providing financial advice to everyone, regardless of their account size or level of investment knowledge. That being said, I do have a passion for helping clients work towards living a comfortable retirement.
Q: What sets you apart in building strong, lasting relationships?
A: When it comes to building strong, enduring relationships, I believe that active listening and understanding are essential. Recognizing that each person and their goals are unique, I prioritize customizing financial plans to fit their individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about empathizing with clients and truly understanding their perspective. By doing so, I can effectively meet their needs and foster trust and collaboration.
Developing a deep understanding of my clients is essential. Beyond discussions about investments, I genuinely care about my clients and take pleasure in learning about them and their families. I want them to feel assured that I’m here to support them, especially during challenging times such as the loss of a spouse. In my experience, I’ve observed that in many married couples, one spouse typically manages the finances. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed the devastation when these individuals lose their significant other and are left feeling lost. It’s gratifying to be a valued advisor, a source of support during such difficult transitions. My goal is to ensure that they are well-informed about their finances and accounts, and I’m committed to being patient and supportive throughout their journey.
Q: What is your process once someone becomes a client?
A: Once individuals become clients, I guide them through a comprehensive financial planning process that goes beyond a one-time transaction. I tailor a holistic plan for each client, recognizing that as their needs and lives change, so must their strategy. What is crucial today may differ tomorrow, necessitating an adaptable planning approach.
Transparency is key when working with clients. I believe in candidly discussing all aspects of their financial situation, including the positives and negatives in a straightforward manner. Using clear, jargon-free language I ensure clients fully understand their financial matters, avoiding the confusion often associated with financial terminology. Simplifying the information and making it digestible creates greater understanding and confidence in clients’ financial decisions.
Q: What are some of your personal interests?
A: Traveling is a passion of mine, especially now that our children ages 21 and 20, are off at college leaving us as empty nesters! We make it a priority to take weekend getaways every month and twice a year, my husband and I go on significant trips, including a special anniversary getaway. Additionally, we cherish our summer vacations with our kids. Exploring new destinations brings me joy. From the vibrant cities of Dubai and Hong Kong to the landscapes of Thailand and Europe’s cultural treasures in Spain, Italy and France, each journey is an enriching experience. Traveling allows me to expand my horizons and create lasting memories with my loved ones.
I also love watching sports. When I lived in Spain, I followed soccer, so I enjoy watching that. Also, being from India, cricket is the main sport there, so I do also love watching cricket.
Also, languages. I love learning new languages. Right now, I speak two Indian languages – Hindi and Sindhi as well as Spanish and English.
Q: What are some fun facts that make you unique?
A: The ability to speak fluently in four different languages and having the experience of living in different continents, has helped me be better educated in global economics. What makes me unique are my traits, my values, my beliefs, the diversity I’ve experienced from my travels. I’ve learned so much. My skills, talents, and the challenges I’ve faced taught me a lot and have shaped me into who I am today and continue to make me more resilient, stronger, and wiser each and every day.
I’ve also been a Five Star Award* recipient; however, having clients that are completely grateful and appreciative of my efforts and seeing the impact I’ve had on their lives is the best award I could ever get.
Q: Are you involved in the community and if so, explain your involvement?
A: Yes, I enjoy supporting the food pantries in Waterbury, Cheshire, and Southington. When my kids were growing up, we were always active with the soup kitchens and donated to the local food pantries. I am also involved with the Hindu religious temples in Southington and Middletown and help out there by cooking and donating food. Additionally, Webster Bank has always had a connection with United Way, so I support them as well.
I also have a close involvement with St. Jude’s hospital with the adopt-a-kid program. Last year, we had a meeting here with a speaker from Texas who spoke about a program called DeliverFund that assists victims of human trafficking that really touched my heart. So right then and there – I signed up to help a child.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: I make time for myself to nourish my mind, body, and spirit by exercising and spending time with family and friends. Making a healthy work-life balance requires making choices and setting boundaries. I always take time to vacation – even if it’s just for one day a month. You need that time to recharge because our jobs can be stressful at times – seeing the markets ups and downs. In our line of business, we can never turn our cell phones off, however having help at work goes a long way. Thankfully I have a great support system here at Webster who make my time off relaxing and worry free.
I love my job and family, so I give equal importance to both.
Meet Kim in this brief video below!
Video created by Jenny Franchi
*Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2019 Five Star Wealth Managers.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Webster Bank and Webster Investments are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Webster Investments and may also be employees of Webster Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Webster Bank or Webster Investments.
Securities and insurance offered through LPL, or its affiliates are:
Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency | Not Bank Guaranteed | Not Bank Deposits or Obligations | May Lose Value |