How Teaching Skills Translate to Client Success with Hannah Dennis

Don't Retire...Graduate!

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! I’m your host, Eric Brotman, and today’s episode features a unique perspective in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. While we typically interview seasoned professionals in the financial planning space, this episode spotlights someone who is building a career in the world of finance from a different angle: Hannah Dennis. Hannah isn’t a financial advisor herself, but as someone who supports advisors and our clients at BFG, she’s become a linchpin of our team, helping bridge the worlds of client care and marketing.

Hannah joined BFG in June of 2023 as a client relations associate and quickly became indispensable, stepping into a leadership role in our marketing efforts and even helping our podcast shine. With a background as an elementary school teacher, Hannah brings exceptional interpersonal skills and a fresh educational approach to our industry, proving you don’t have to start as an advisor to play a crucial role in the financial planning process.

In this episode, Hannah and I dive into her transition from the classroom to a dynamic environment serving both clients and financial professionals. She shares how her teaching background enhances her ability to communicate, organize, and connect with people of all ages—including the “big kids” she now supports at BFG. We explore her journey learning personal finance “from the ground up,” the empowering experience of attending client events, and her behind-the-scenes work building strong relationships and a thriving podcast presence.

As a newlywed and self-described “accidental” financial client, Hannah also opens up about how her growing financial literacy—and early access to financial planning—has shaped her family’s approach to combining finances and setting shared goals. Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned advisor, Hannah’s story offers a relatable, real-world testament to the impact of financial education, mentorship, and a willingness to try something new.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Transferable Skills Matter: Hannah’s background as a teacher gave her a strong foundation in communication, organization, and relationship-building—skills that translated seamlessly to her success in client relations and marketing within financial services.
2. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Hannah’s journey into financial literacy underscores the importance of seeking education and expertise, especially early in adult life. Working with a financial advisor opened her eyes to strategies and opportunities she didn’t know existed.
3. Financial Advice Is for Everyone: One of Hannah’s biggest realizations was that financial planning isn’t only for the wealthy or the older generation. She became a financial planning client herself as a young professional and newlywed, and encourages others to start early.
4. Building Confidence Through New Experiences: Immersing herself in new roles—from running marketing meetings to mastering client events—helped Hannah build confidence, deepen relationships, and discover her own path to making an impact in our industry.
5. The Human Side of Finance: By working closely with clients and advisors, Hannah experiences firsthand the personal and emotional impact financial planning can have on families, reminding us that this field is as much about relationships and trust as it is about numbers.

Join us as we continue to inspire and educate on your journey toward financial freedom and purpose. Today’s episode is a reminder that you don’t need to be a financial advisor to make a meaningful difference. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode—so we can be a part of your journey to financial independence!