Interview with Mary Lyons the Wealth Woman
Mary Lyons
Mary began a second-generation Financial advisor whose fascination with investment planning started at dinner conversations
with her parents, understanding wealth as a tool rather than an end goal.
Today, Mary is recognized as part of the nation’s top 1% in the industry and has been a recipient of the Chairman’s Council Award
(top 10 producers with American United Life Insurance Company®) for the past ten years.
With the recognition Mary has earned, she teaches her ideas and methods at national conferences, consults with the
industry’s best, and trains advisors in top firms across the United States. The world and the financial situation
shifts and changes every day. The financial strategies that worked for your grandparents and parents
no longer work today. The financial plans you made last year, even last month, may need updating.
What drives Mary is creating a strong financial portfolio that’s right for you and your family,
working with you to meet financial goals while adapting to whatever the world throws your way.
Interview with Mary Lyons the Wealth Woman
BD Mag - Mary, thank you for being our guest for Business Digest Magazine. We are looking forward to sharing insights from one of the top Financial Advisers.
You've been in the financial services game for some time now. Why did you get into the industry, and does it still get you excited?
After being a mortgage broker for three years and having conversations with people about their finances every day, I began to feel a sense of moral imperative to become a financial advisor. Regardless of income and net worth, many of the people I talked to did not have clear understandings of how to build efficiently for an optimized retirement.
My dad has been an advisor since I was four. I didn’t realize how unique our dinner table conversations were. I thought everyone knew what they should be doing. Once I started working, I realized that most people – even educated, intelligent people need help building a financial strategy. I wake up energized every day because I get to make people’s lives better with the work I do.
BD Mag - Which has been your most memorable moment to date?
I had a very reluctant client to implement some of our strategies initially pass away due to ALS. When he was diagnosed, and we went over his plan, he realized his wife and daughters would be taken care of for the rest of their lives because of the work we did. His relief – and his family’s relief was palpable. They spent the next three years creating memories with no worries about money once he passed away. Knowing the difference, I made for them will stay with me for the rest of my life.
BD Mag - If someone wanted to start a career as a financial advisor, what’s the best advice you could give them?
This job changes you when you do it right. IT isn’t just a job. It becomes a vocation. If you are looking for easy money, this isn’t it. This role is only for those who believe their higher purpose is to better others’ lives. You will work harder than you have ever worked in your life. Aside from this career, only medical professionals and spiritual/religious advisors can directly impact others’ lives.
BD Mag - You are in the top 1% of the industry nationwide. How does that make you feel knowing all your hard work has paid off?
There is still so much more work to do! Of course, I am proud of myself, but mostly I am grateful that my clients have trusted me to steward their assets. I get my most meaningful sense of satisfaction, knowing I have made a difference.
BD Mag - How important is financial literacy in 2021?
It’s vital. Without it, it is easy to become a victim of bad advice or fraud. There is so much information out there. Some of it isn’t accurate or good. There are tons of unqualified people with YouTube channels or blogs giving financial advice. Look for licensed advisors who are taking an economics-based planning approach. If your advisor doesn’t know what that is – find one who does.
BD Mag - What's the best financial advice you can give to any person or company?
Hire me! In all seriousness, start now. Don’t wait. It only gets more challenging. Find an advisor you trust and get started.
BD Mag - You’ve come such a long way, but what’s next for Mary Lyons?
I just launched Benchmark Income Group in June of 2020. I am hiring and training other financial advisors. There is only so much impact that I can make doing things independently, but with a team of trained professionals we can make a bigger difference. When people have their finances taken care of, the whole community is better off. People who aren’t worried about money begin to pursue their passion and purpose, leading to more innovation and happiness all around.
BD Mag - Mary, it's been an absolute pleasure to have you on. Your eye for detail is exceptional... I want to say a big thank you from all of us here at Business Digest Magazine, and we wish you a lifetime of continued health and happiness.
Mary Lyons: https://wealthwoman.com/ and https://benchmarkincome.com/
Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of and securities offered through OneAmerica Securities, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA, SIPC. Benchmark Income Group is not an affiliate of OneAmerica Securities and is not a broker dealer or Registered Investment Advisor.
