Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Stead.
Emily, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
You ever hear someone say, “I am not a numbers person.”? I’ve always been the exact opposite. I’m one of the lucky few that numbers, mathematical concepts, and especially finance have always come easy to me. When I was a young kid, I even budgeted and managed my weekly allowance!
When I was taking courses at the NAU business school, I was drawn to Finance as a major right away. My father has been a Financial Advisor at the same firm for 39 years, so, after interning at different financial institutions throughout college, and studying international economics abroad in Germany, I found my place learning and being mentored by him. I now manage and advise my own clientele.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think it’s been a really rough road, but I don’t know that anyone starting up a practice from scratch would ever call it smooth! I meet with my clients when they are available, so often this means that I am holding appointments late into the evening. When I first got started, getting used to 12-15 hour days was a challenge! In addition, at first one of the biggest struggles to overcome was my age. In my industry, experience is seen as a strength, and a lack of it can be seen as a weakness. In order to overcome this, I had to get educated and become a specialist in my field and be able to demonstrate how knowledgeable I am when it comes to financial strategies and investment planning.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cetera Investors – what should we know?
I help people achieve their goals! I work with individuals, families, and business owners on a one-on-one basis, and learn about the things that are most important to them. From there, I provide unbiased financial planning services. I’m fortunate that I can work with someone in any stage of life, whether they are just getting started and trying to navigate investing basics, managing a budget, or how to use their employer’s benefits, or if they are established investors that are needing to create a distribution strategy as they approach or enter their retirement phase.
I’m known for the education-based approach I take with my clients. Too many times have I met with people that feel overwhelmed or confused with what they should be doing, and I make it a priority to ensure my clients understand the details of the options available to them. I also am flexible with location. I have clients all over the valley, as well as many that are out of town, in Tucson or Prescott, to name a few. Because it may be difficult for someone to come meet in my office due to distance, I have options for in-home appointments at the comfort of my client’s dining room table, as well as options to meet virtually.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As I mentioned before, my dad Bill has been one of my greatest supporters and a key mentor in my career. It’s great to have someone who has already navigated this career successfully on speed-dial. I’m also so fortunate to have great teammates working alongside me, like Christine Melancon, Nick Doyle, and Matt Julian. I also have a long-distance mentor who keeps me on track all the way from Kentucky, Patrick Siria. My dream team!
Pricing:
- Financial Planning Consultation: First is complimentary; $150+ thereafter
- Membership: $45+ monthly
Contact Info:
Cetera Investors is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.
- Address: 1702 E. Highland Ave Suite 204, Phoenix AZ 85016
- Website: https://emilystead.ceterainvestors.com/
- Phone: 602-841-2627 ext 228
- Email: emily.stead@ceterainvestors.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emily-Stead-110178787181342
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Esteadfinancial
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysteadfinancial/

Image Credit:
Michael Murphy Photography
Cetera Investors is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and Insurance Products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.
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