Featured in the News: My Journey in Financial Planning and Election to the FPA Long Island Board

Ronit Rogoszinski, a West Hempstead resident and mother of four, was recently elected to the Financial Planning Association of Long Island Board of Directors as the new Director of Women in Finance. The founder of Women + Wealth Solutions in Carle Place, Rogoszinski works closely with women and families navigating major financial life transitions.

Q: Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

A: I’ve been in the financial services industry for about 36 years. I opened my own practice, Women + Wealth Solutions, in 2006 and have been actively managing money for clients within the context of their lives ever since.

I earned my BA in Economics from Queens College and was hired by Citibank for a two-year management training program. I eventually transitioned to the investment side of the business, became licensed and insured, and in 2011 I qualified for the Certified Financial Planner™ designation.

Q: What is a Certified Financial Planner?

A: A Certified Financial Planner™ is trained to perform comprehensive financial planning for clients. CFP® professionals are fiduciaries, which means we are required to act in the client’s best interest.

The designation provides depth of knowledge around money management within legal, tax, and financial structures. My role is to help clients understand their overall financial picture. From there, we can rebalance, adjust, or continue managing their investments to help them reach their goals.

If a client has long-term goals such as retirement, college funding, or buying a home, my job is to help them understand where their finances stand today and what steps we need to take to accomplish those goals.

Q: How did you become interested in this career path?

A: After finishing my management training program, I became a branch manager in Glendale, Queens. At the time I was expecting my first child and noticed that the financial advisor in my branch had a more flexible schedule. I became curious about the work he was doing.

To move into the investment side of the business, I resigned from Citibank before being hired by Citicorp Investment Services. I initially went into the role for the flexibility, but within a day I fell in love with the idea of truly guiding and serving clients through active money management.

I stayed there for 18 years before learning that it was possible to become an independent financial advisor. I wanted the independence to treat my clients the way I believed they should be treated, so I opened my own practice. Nearly 20 years later, it remains the best decision I ever made.

Q: What is your mission with Women + Wealth Solutions?

A: Over the years I realized that many of my clients were women. I work with men and couples as well, but women seemed to gravitate toward me. It wasn’t that I was offering different investment solutions, but rather the style, approach, and conversations we were having made me more relatable.

I decided to name my practice in a way that clearly communicated that I help women. If that could remove even a small amount of hesitation a woman might have about coming to the table and talking about money, then it was worth doing.

As women, we often place more barriers in front of ourselves when it comes to discussing finances. Anything I can do to help remove those barriers is important to me.

Q: What is the Financial Planning Association of Long Island?

A: The Financial Planning Association of Long Island advocates for the financial planning profession and supports the role of CFP® professionals. The organization provides continuing education opportunities, which are required for CFP® certification. CFP® professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, and the FPA provides accredited programs to help fulfill that requirement.

The FPA also provides pro bono financial planning for the community. For individuals who cannot afford a financial plan, they can still receive guidance. For example, I may consult with someone going through a divorce who needs financial direction.

The organization also gives CFP® professionals the opportunity to network and connect with other professionals in the field. There is a real sense of camaraderie within the group, and we support one another.

Q: How does it feel being elected to the board as Director of Women in Finance ?A: This is my first time serving on the board, and it is truly an honor.

I’ve realized there are still not enough women in this industry. Those of us who have been here for many years need to be more visible and vocal in order to attract younger women into the profession.

For me, it’s a real privilege to be part of a group of experienced women with so much knowledge. If we can continue to grow, support each other, and learn from one another, I believe we can open the door for more young women to enter this field.

Anything we can do to promote education, mentorship, and opportunity is something worth pursuing.

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