Stocks, Bonds, Bears and Bulls — Oh My!
Mary Helen Klingen is with Blue Trust, a Boldly Sponsor.
Funny things can happen when people find out you help others with their finances for a living. Sometimes, they’ll tell you things about their finances they’ve never shared with anyone else. It can happen out of the blue—whether I’m watching TV with a friend or working out at the gym, someone will stop me and pour out their heart about their financial situation. And honestly, these moments of vulnerability are some of my favorites.
However, one theme keeps surfacing, particularly when I talk to women about their finances—something many hesitate to admit, especially in mixed companies. It’s the feeling of inadequacy when investing and the overwhelming question of where to start. With the shift from company-sponsored pensions to 401(k)s, which leaves the burden of retirement savings squarely on employees, many women feel left behind and uncertain about their financial futures.
I’ve met so many incredible women from all walks of life—doctors, lawyers, small business owners, executives, engineers—you name it. These women are forces to be reckoned with in their careers, yet they hesitate to invest in their financial futures. It’s a paradox—so confident in one area of life but filled with self-doubt in another.
But trust me, they’re not alone. I have felt this tension, too.
I started my career in the accounting profession primarily because I like numbers. People automatically assumed I was good with money because of my job title. But, although I was a certified public accountant, I knew nothing about high-yield savings accounts. It was a hard pill to swallow, especially when the men around me seemed to have this innate knowledge of the stock market or high-yield savings accounts. I couldn’t help but wonder—was there some secret class I missed in school? Was everyone learning life’s mysteries on Reddit, and I didn’t get the memo? Had I missed the boat? I felt ashamed that I didn’t have it all figured out.
After some time in the accounting profession, the Lord made it clear that I was to transition into financial planning. And once I made that leap, I vowed to get my arms around this concept of investing. After five years in the field, I've learned that investing doesn't have to be as complicated or intimidating as it seems. It's much less flashy and complex than The Wolf of Wall Street or The Big Short make it look. You don't need to know what a derivative or call option is to make wise decisions for your future. In fact, the steady, consistent investments you make in your retirement plan at work are likely putting you in a better position than all the flashy, risky strategies you hear about around the office…but I'll save my lecture on getting rich slowly and diversifying investments for later.
To all the women out there feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or ashamed when it comes to investing—you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid. Don’t lose heart. I am here to say there is a way forward. I wholeheartedly believe you can do this investing thing.
You are more than capable of taking charge of your financial future. The first step? Check out Blue Trust’s “Investing Fundamentals for Women” webinar series. It’s time to replace frustration with confidence—because you’ve got this.
Mary Helen was born and raised in Houston, TX but left a piece of her heart in Mississippi when she graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and then from The University of Texas at Austin with her Masters in Professional Accounting.
Mary Helen started her career in the accounting profession working as an auditor for EY in Houston and then as an accountant for Texas Children’s Hospital. She now works as a Senior Financial Planner for Blue Trust in which she applies biblical wisdom and technical experience to help clients make wise financial decisions. Mary Helen is a licensed CPA in Texas and a Certified Financial Planner.
Mary Helen has been a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church where she serves on leadership for both the young singles and financial stewardship ministries. Mary Helen is active in the Polished Houston chapter and served as the director of the chapter for two years. Mary Helen also serves on the alumni board for Mississippi College and the advisory board for the Mississippi College School of Business Center for faith, service, and ethics helping equip college students to live out the great commission through their vocations.
Outside of the office, you can find Mary Helen either watching her favorite musical, playing tennis, or grabbing coffee with a friend.