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The Importance of Knowing Your Risk Tolerance

  • Lauren Pearson
  • March 28, 2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Risk tolerance isn’t just math on a questionnaire — it’s emotional, and it shows up most when markets get ugly.

  • The right portfolio is the one you can actually stick with, so listening and alignment matter as much as returns.

  • When someone’s been burned before, rebuilding trust starts with empathy, clarity, and a plan that feels safe enough to follow.

Lauren reflects on her early days as a financial adviser, starting her career in September 2007 — just before the stock market peaked and quickly tumbled. Entering the industry during such a volatile period taught her invaluable lessons about understanding clients’ emotions and risk tolerance.

One story stands out: a client who had experienced significant losses and had grown distrustful of financial advisers. Despite being financially secure, the client’s strong aversion to risk shaped their investment needs. Lauren recognized that even when someone has wealth, their emotional comfort with risk matters just as much as their financial situation. By truly listening and aligning investment strategies with the client’s comfort level, she was able to help rebuild trust and offer a sense of security.

This experience shaped Lauren’s approach to financial advising: understanding that risk isn’t just about numbers — it’s about emotions. It’s about tailoring strategies to individual needs and fostering open, empathetic communication. For Lauren, being a successful adviser means prioritizing trust, listening carefully, and helping clients achieve both financial stability and emotional comfort.

Lauren Pearson, CFP®
Lauren Pearson
Website |  + postsBio ⮌

The most important thing in my life is my family. My husband, Andrew, and our three smart and brave daughters.

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