Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Sikora-Arnold.
Hi Kathleen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into financial advising began at a career fair at Penn State University. I was recruited there by American Express Financial Advisors, which is now known as Ameriprise Financial, and as they say, the rest is history.
After accepting the opportunity to become a financial advisor, I moved to the Philadelphia suburbs with my now husband David, whom I also met while we were both students at Penn State. Like many new advisors, the early years required a lot of hard work and long hours as I focused on building my practice. Those efforts eventually grew into a thriving financial planning business I run today. I now own an Ameriprise Financial franchise, and I truly enjoy helping clients plan for their futures and work toward financial success.
Being a business owner has also given me the flexibility to be present for my family. David and I have two sons, Zachary and Tyler, and raising them while building my career has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Our connection to Penn State remains strong. We are active volunteers with the university, which is especially meaningful since it is where our story began. Our oldest is currently a sophomore at Penn State, and his younger brother will be joining him there this fall.
Both my family and my business are incredibly important to me. I truly enjoy working with my clients and helping them achieve their financial goals, but also value the time I get to spend with my family and friends. One of the things I love most about my career is the opportunity to meet people from many backgrounds and help them build financial confidence for the future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, my career path has been very rewarding. That said, like most businesses, the early years required a lot of dedication and long hours while I worked to build my client base and grow my practice. Looking back, those years were well worth it. Seeing how the business has grown and watching my clients reach their financial goals makes all of that hard work meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kathleen M. Sikora-Arnold, CFS® Financial Advisor Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC An Ameriprise Financial franchise?
As a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial, I work with a diverse group of clients and help them plan for a wide range of financial goals. That can include saving for education, purchasing a home, planning for retirement, or making the transition into retirement.
A big part of my work is really getting to know my clients. Everyone’s situation, priorities, and goals are different, so taking the time to understand those details allows me to provide recommendations that are tailored to their needs. I help clients explore appropriate investment and insurance solutions that support their long-term plans.
What I enjoy most about my work is the relationships I build with my clients over time. Financial planning is not a one-time conversation. It is an ongoing process, and I take pride in helping guide clients through the different stages of their lives and seeing them achieve the goals they have worked toward.
What does success mean to you?
From a financial perspective, I define success as reaching a point where you are financially independent and work becomes optional rather than necessary.
More broadly, however, success means balance. While I am proud of the business I have built, I believe true success also includes the ability to raise a family, stay connected with the community, and help others achieve their goals. Watching my clients reach their financial milestones while also being able to be present for my family and contribute to my community has been incredibly meaningful to me.
For me, success is not just about building a successful business, but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients, my family, and my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/kathleen.m.sikora-arnold
- Instagram: Email: Kathleen.M.Sikora-Arnold@ampf.com
