Greetings, I’m Sam, the founder of SJL Financial. Although I’ve spent my entire life in Delaware, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore the world through my travels. My journey began when I joined the military during high school, and today, almost 25 years later, I still proudly serve. Over the years, I’ve held diverse roles ranging from farmhand, drafter, and land surveyor to personal trainer, air cargo craftsman, recruiter, and senior enlisted leader. However, my true passion lies in financial planning.
Money management wasn’t always my strong suit, but meeting the love of my life inspired me to do better. The spark was ignited when, during a family trip to Disney World in 2013, I came across a copy of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine at an airport gift shop. This eye-opening experience made me realize how much I didn’t know about the financial considerations that would shape our future.
Determined to learn and grow, I immersed myself in every available resource. In 2018, I was honored to receive a full Veteran’s Scholarship to the American College of Financial Services through the Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs. The rigorous coursework for the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) curriculum followed, culminating in earning both the ChFC and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designations in 2022.
During my exploration of financial planning concepts, I recognized a gap in the industry’s ability to meet the unique needs of military families. I wanted to become a resource that could leverage the specific pay and benefits of military service to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
Today, my mission is to serve you. I am committed to helping you understand your financial situation, setting clear goals for your future, and providing a well-marked path to success. Money is not only about numbers but also about emotions. It drives our dreams and supports our lifestyles, yet it can also create worries that keep us awake at night.
A financial plan is more than just investments, insurance, or products. It should be a collaborative effort, taking into account your partner and important relationships in your life. It encourages important but sometimes difficult conversations, being honest about the limits of your resources while remaining reasonable about assumptions regarding the unknown. It blends mathematical concepts with behavioral challenges, fostering accountability, confidence, and hope.
Currently, only 33% of people have a written financial plan, according to Schwab. I’m determined to change that statistic, as I believe everyone deserves a financial plan. Even if you’re on a path without a plan right now, having a written financial plan can make that path intentional.
When you’re ready to put your path on a plan, I’m here to help! My enthusiasm lies in transforming people’s lives through personalized financial planning. Let’s assess where you stand and discuss the life you aspire to build—because together, we can plan for that!
Schedule a Free Consultation
Sam Lewis, CFP®, ChFC®
SJL Financial, LLC
Wilmington, DE 19803
302-827-7526
www.wecanplanforthat.com