Devin Salinas joined the Entrepreneurs’ Organization in early 2020. As a wealth management advisor and managing director at Northwestern Mutual Santa Monica, he’s seen the need for financial planning grow during the pandemic. 

What is your advice during this time of uncertainty? 

Seek professional advice. Financial success is built on a foundation of discipline and consistency.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received—and that I consistently share with my clients—is that we should never make long-term decisions based on short-term emotions or circumstances, particularly when it comes to our finances.

A financial plan should never be set in stone, and especially in times of turbulence it’s important to have a relationship with a team that understands your goals and can help navigate the ups and downs.

What is your specialty?

Integrated comprehensive financial planning. It’s not about picking investments or buying insurance products; it’s about combining investments and insurance tools through a written financial plan that helps our clients achieve their goals as efficiently as possible.

How has your business changed during this time? 

We are growing! While much of the financial sector and global economy is contracting, we have more demand than ever to serve our clients in the local community. We’re committed to continuing to bring in top talent to help us serve our new and existing clients.

Should people continue to save for retirement during the pandemic? 

Absolutely! One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to time the market. It’s nearly impossible to pick the exact right day to get out of the market and certainly to try to time when to get back in.

History has shown that time spent in the market rather than timing the market has been a true driver to success.

What’s most rewarding about your work?

Seeing our clients actualize their vision. There is nothing more rewarding than helping our clients pay for college, transition into retirement with confidence or plan to transfer their hard-earned wealth to the people and causes they care about most.

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