A New Chapter: Introducing Leslie Rea

I’m excited to officially introduce Leslie Rea, who has joined our firm as a Certified Financial Planner®. Leslie brings more than a decade of experience in comprehensive financial and estate planning, along with a rare combination of technical excellence, empathy, and clarity.

What truly sets Leslie apart is her ability to guide people through complex financial decisions during pivotal life moments—career changes, retirement, inheritances—while keeping the process grounded, empowering, and judgment-free. After navigating her own major life transition, she made a deliberate choice to build a practice centered on thoughtful planning, deep relationships, and balance.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have her on the team, and I’m looking forward to you getting to know her better.

1. What originally drew you to financial planning?

While entering the profession, I discovered that I really enjoyed helping clients reach their goals, the balance of relationships and technical analysis, and the fact that it applies to most households in the US.

2. What’s one financial habit you practice personally that you also encourage clients to adopt?
   

Being organized!

3. What do you enjoy most about working closely with a small group of clients?
   

Knowing each client well and having great relationships with them. Not being pressed for time due to the high volume of work. Having the ability to take care of each client as if they were my only client.

4. Outside of work, what helps you reset or recharge?
   

I workout at least 3x per week and try to walk 10,000 steps each day. We have great weather most days in Southern California, so I try to spend time outdoors.

5. What’s a common money myth you love helping people unlearn?
   

That you need to save every penny for retirement. I find it incredibly important to enjoy the journey, make memories, and adopt a balanced approach.

6. If you weren’t a financial planner, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
   

I would probably work in fashion, be travel blogger, or a full time real estate investor.

7. What does “living a well-balanced life” mean to you today?
   

A “well-balanced life” means having flexibility. Time to go to lunch with friends, go on walks, travel, see family, and still do some great work for incredible people.

8. What’s one small decision that can make a big difference in someone’s financial life?
   

Taking a small step in the right direction. I like to say that no decision is a decision; taking a small step in the right direction allows you to move towards a future that you envision.