Robert's Journey
Learning to WORK HARD
Robert knows that he has had a blessed life. He never really had to worry about money as a child because his parents, who were children of the Great Depression, worked, saved, invested and planned so that Robert and his family could THRIVE. Nevertheless, he began working at the age of seven as a paperboy. In his High School years, he worked by shelving books at the public library and scooping ice cream for hours at a restaurant. Robert always had pocket money to spend on the things that he wanted. He never got an allowance from his parents. Unfortunately, for him, he also spent his money and never learned how to save.
Learning To save
About the only productive result of his childhood earnings is a comic book collection that he has to this day. Although quite proud of the comic books, Robert learned about the power of compound interest only later in life. He can only imagine what he might have in his accounts now if even some of the money he spent on the arcade playing video game, concerts, and movies had been saved. He has learned that very important money management lesson!
Learning TO LEarn WITHOUT STOP
Robert always worked as hard in school as he did at his jobs and his studies paid off with several degrees in Chemistry and one in Theology from prestigious universities. But, he has learned to never stop learning. It was when he entered graduate school in the early 1990s that he began his current pursuit of learning about finance and investment, while at the same time learning to live on a budget, and the perils of credit card debt. What he shares with others now about money management and financial planning through his work at Prudent Steward Financial has been gained by first hand experience and countless hours of study.
Learning to RETURN
Robert began his professional career after earning his Doctorate in Chemistry by teaching Chemistry in high school. Even then, his desire to give back was evident and he brought his work ethic to challenge his students to achieve greatness, many of whom have become doctors, lawyers, venture capitalists and teachers like himself (He is most proud of those). After ten years of teaching high school, he felt called by God to pursue life in the Roman Catholic Priesthood. Robert went back to school and spent six years in the seminary before his ordination in 2012.
Learning to PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Unfortunately, right as Robert became the Administrator of a Parish, the scourge of Covid hit, shutting everything down for months, which took a toll on him physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even after things opened up again, he was not the same, and he took a leave of absence from the Priesthood. Several years later, after much heartfelt discernment, he finds himself unable to return to active ministry. At the age of 53, Robert began to pursue licenses in life insurance and investment securities and worked for a year offering those to people. But, Robert's heart is not in sales, but in education and encouragement, like he did in teaching and in ministry. Robert now feels that he is being called to give back by helping others learn the lessons that he has learned through education and walking alongside of them to achieve their goals. His financial planning solutions and money management education will help others, and his heart for their good will seal the deal.
LEarning to live in hope
Regardless of the challenges in your life, financially or otherwise, Robert lives by an optimism that can help you overcome them. He wants to share his knowledge of money management with you, but more than that, he wants to share his hope with you for a bright future, free from financial restraint. It is not always an easy path, but it is one Robert finds filled with hope.
Robert wants to help you THRIVE!