Aura L. Carmi, CFP®

Principal, Wealth Advisor

Backpacking.

When I’m backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, you might think that’s about as far away as I can get from thinking about the investment markets and financial planning. While it brings me great enjoyment, I never completely disengage as I’m reminded of subtle similarities along the way.

Traversing a pass or reaching a summit is the product of a lot of preparation and a lot of little steps -- putting one foot in front of another, remaining patient, staying focused on the objective, taking care of yourself, and, most importantly, taking time to enjoy the journey. That’s not unlike financial planning which isn’t always exciting, or glamorous, but when it’s done right, it can lead to remarkable accomplishments that bring great meaning, purpose, and enjoyment to life.

Music.

My parents were Juilliard-trained concert violinists, and my mom performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for decades. I could never come close to replicating their musical talents, but I am forever grateful to them for teaching me how to listen to music. They taught me to be an active listener, to discern and appreciate how all the elements of a solo performance or an entire orchestra fit together. They taught me to listen with my heart, to capture the feelings and emotions the music embodies. And they taught me to listen for the artistic subtleties and nuance that gives music its character and meaning.

As a financial advisor, I continue to practice their gift of listening well to each and every client. Nothing is more important than being attuned to my clients’ rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and dynamics – the way they express what’s important to them and what they need from me.

Gardening and Horticulture.

I enjoy gardening and horticulture – nurturing, cultivating, and sharing the unique shapes, colors, fragrances, and tastes that are not a part of everyday landscapes. Growing an  heirloom fruit or vegetable, or a rare plant or tree, is a labor of love and an honor. Each has its own history and significance along with wonders still to come.

My clients are also one-of-kind. I have great respect for their backgrounds, heritage, and accomplishments. I will always do my best to help them overcome whatever challenges they face so they may continue to flourish and pass on their legacies to their families and the causes they care about.

Business Sense.

When I think about where my business acumen comes from, I have to credit my father and my grandmother. My father was an extraordinary businessman and real estate developer. He was entrepreneurial, self-reliant, and driven to provide value to his customers, employees, and community. My grandmother was the quintessential stock trader and budget-minded homemaker, saving and investing so well during the depression that my grandparents paid for both my mom and aunt to attend prestigious private colleges, enabling their successes in their careers. Indeed, my aunt, June E. O’Neill, was a well-respected economist and head of the Congressional Budget Office during the Clinton Administration. My mom, in the 60’s, was given a permanent contract in the LA Phil, unusual for a woman back then.  Mine is a family in which determination and hard work came together, in an illustration of the American Dream.

The world has become more complicated and contentious since those days; however, my family has inspired me to help my clients pursue their personal and business endeavors and achieve their own American Dreams.