PDS Planning Employee Spotlight – Jillian Wendling
Get To Know Planning Analyst Jillian Wendling
As a Planning Analyst for PDS Planning, Jillian Wendling is an integral part of the advisory team and serves as a key point of contact for clients on a daily basis. In addition to actively participating in client meetings and managing any post-meeting action items, Jillian coordinates the analytical review of clients’ various planning needs on an ongoing basis, leads pre-meeting work sessions, and finalizes meeting preparations.
Jillian began her career working with a locally registered investment advisory firm where she stayed for 10 years before joining a group specializing in 401(k) plans at a large corporate brokerage. Jillian credits that work with broadening her horizons beyond the private wealth side of the industry and enabling her to gain insight and knowledge of the inner workings at the corporate level.
At PDS, we are proud to have a team of forward-thinking leaders, expert planners, and staff who approach our clients’ financial decisions the same way we approach investing our own money. Learn more about Jillian’s role with PDS, as well as about how she spends her time away from work.
How do you think PDS Planning is different from other financial planning firms?
What really drew me in about PDS Planning is the company’s fee-based approach to financial planning. Historically, I’ve worked for firms that charge a percentage of assets under management. It’s refreshing to be at a company that is able to put that aside and truly place the client’s financial future first by eliminating the need to have all of their assets under “one roof”.
What is your favorite aspect of working at PDS?
My favorite part of working at PDS is the team collaboration. It is truly an environment that thrives off of collective teamwork.
Do you see anything new on the horizon of the financial planning industry?
I believe that we are going to start to see a shift in the way firms collect and/or justify their fee management. Today’s clients are more educated and hands-on with their finances when it comes to planning their future. The industry is already beginning to put more rules and regulations into place to protect clients and hold advisors to their fiduciary standards. I think it’s likely we see a trend where clients actively search out firms that provide a flat-base fee for both asset management and planning vs the traditional firms that only provide asset management for a nominal percentage without holistic financial planning.
Tell us about your family
My husband Chris and I met as next-door neighbors who shared a mutual love of our dogs. Fast forward almost a decade later, we share three amazing little boys (Pierce, Parker & Henry – who are identical twins) and our beloved dog, Minnie. We reside in Upper Arlington and love being active in the community.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
When we aren’t chasing our three active young boys around, we enjoy spending as much time outside as possible. We love to explore all the new things that are happening in Columbus. From the new Quarry Trails Metro Park to the family-friendly Pins Mechanical, we try to take advantage of all of the wonderful things Columbus is creating. We also enjoy hosting friends for family game nights or watching movies outside.
What are you reading/watching/listening to?
Recently the boys have really gotten into Star Wars. Growing up with two younger brothers, I watched the classics with them. It’s been fun experiencing the new additions to the Star Wars collections with the boys. I am a true crime junkie, so oftentimes you will find me listening to the newest crime podcast.
Are you involved with PDS Cares?
New to PDS, I am thrilled to be a part of a company that is so passionate about giving back to the community. I am looking forward to being able to give back to those charities that I hold near and dear to my heart.
Connect with Jillian on Linkedin
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