I learned the importance of financial literacy at a young age when I watched my beloved grandmother suffer unnecessarily from a lack of financial preparation and understanding. She spent many years living a lavish lifestyle complete with maids and a personal chef while my grandfather took care of all the finances. She relied on him completely for financial support and stability. Her life changed in an instant when my grandfather died of a heart attack, leaving no will, living trust, or bank accounts. Although left with nothing, my grandmother was determined not to be a burden on her children. As a 40-year-old widow, she made the decision to start her own catering business and worked hard to provide for herself and learn how to manage her finances for the first time.
Over the years, I’ve heard many other stories similar to my grandmother’s, including a close family member experiencing divorce after a 40-year marriage and having to go back to work to earn a paycheck right on the cusp of entering retirement. As a young girl, it became my mission to help women become financially equipped and empowered so unexpected life circumstances such as these would not find them unprepared. I wanted to be someone they could turn to who listened to their concerns and went the extra mile to help them find solutions, all so that they could experience confidence instead of worry.
Building My Career
With a bachelor’s degree in business management, I entered the financial world as a financial advisor, spending 15 years gaining experience and knowledge before founding Serenity Financial Planning. Now, after over two decades as a financial planner, with both the Chartered Financial Consultant® and Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ certifications, I specialize in serving women in the medical field and female business owners, helping them retire well, preserve their family’s wealth, and plan for their ideal future.
My experience, not only professionally but also personally, gives me a unique perspective and skillful touch to guide others on their business-owner journey. My husband and his business partner owned a thriving restaurant that they put their heart and soul into, only to see it close down during the 2008/2009 recession, like so many others. I also had a small business as a wealth management advisor, but my business succeeded during this time. What was the difference? I strongly believe it’s because I had support, resources, and others guiding and mentoring me along the way. That’s the role I want to play for others.
The difference in what I do is found in my firm’s name: Serenity Financial Planning. I strive to provide a serene approach to investing and planning that centers around my clients’ specific goals, needs, and life situations, taking a heavy burden off their shoulders so they can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s minimizing taxes, growing wealth, or risk management, our personalized strategies make our clients feel heard and cared for.
The Best Part
I love celebrating with my clients when they reach their goals or hit a milestone. Because my goal is to always exceed my clients’ expectations, it’s incredibly fulfilling when they share that I’ve made a difference in their lives. My grandmother once took me aside and said, “Sima, help as many women as you can so no one else has to live through what I did.” That’s why I come to work every day, determined to help as many women as possible and give them hope for a stronger, brighter future.
Are You Ready for a Different Financial Future?
I’d love to meet you, get to know you, and hear about your goals, your worries, and the opportunities and challenges you face in your financial life. If you’re ready to learn how to play a pivotal role in your family’s financial independence and success, schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting online or reach out to me at (858) 251-4545 or sima.alefi@lpl.com.
About Sima
Sima Alefi is founder and wealth management specialist at Serenity Financial Planning, a boutique financial firm serving women in the medical field. With two decades of experience, Sima provides her clients with a serene approach to investing while helping them pursue their goals. Sima and the Serenity team strive to offer personalized strategies for their clients’ needs while also making their clients feel heard and cared for.
Sima has a bachelor’s degree in business management and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® and Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ certifications. She cares deeply for her community and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, Sharp Healthcare Foundation, San Diego Nice Guys, and acts as a North County Advisory Board Member for the North County Food Bank. She is a lifelong learner with a dedication to growing in knowledge both personally and in the industry to assist her clients better. Sima enjoys music and exploring the beautiful Californian outdoors. To learn more about Sima, connect with her on LinkedIn.