The 411 on 529 Plans

After 15 years in consumer marketing positions at AT&T, I learned that Maryland’s prepaid tuition program was looking for an executive director. It was a great fit, because they really needed marketing help to create awareness and increase enrollment. Plus, my twins were eight years old at the time, so they were right in the target market. I could talk with clients about my personal reasons for believing in the Maryland 529 program. Under my leadership, the plans grew to more than 185,000 beneficiaries with $5 billion in assets invested for higher education.

After leading Maryland’s 529 programs for 16 years, Joan was ready for a new challenge – one that was an outgrowth of her 529 experience.

Finding Her Niche

I took the summer off and realized what I enjoyed most about my job was working one-on-one with parents saving for college. I knew I wanted to broaden that to working with families on overall financial planning. So, I came to Wagener-Lee and obtained my Series 7 and 66 and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. It’s been an exciting ride and I really enjoy helping Steve Lee, Rick Wagener and Amanda Piper help our clients achieve their goals at every age and stage of their lives.

Joan knows financial planning isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about turning dreams into reality.

“Their Eyes Just Light Up”

The best part for me is when you show clients their financial plan, from beginning to end, for the first time. When they realize they have a strong probability of their money lasting through their lifetime, their eyes just light up. Some have no idea what their situation is, but when they see they can achieve the future they’ve dreamed of, it’s a wonderful sight.

Fun Fact

Joan’s father was a minor league baseball player who helped her believe in herself. “He always made me feel there wasn’t anything I couldn’t accomplish. Even when I was overwhelmed and in tears after bringing my twins home from the hospital, Dad assured me, ‘I have never seen anything that you put your mind to doing that you weren’t able to do.’”

 Joan 101

 A native of Oakland, New Jersey, Joan graduated from Drew University with a B.A. in mathematics and economics, then earned her master’s degree in management from the College of New Jersey. Joan is a three-time member of the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women list, and is a member of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle, which provides grants to non-profits that help empower women and their families to achieve self-sufficiency. Joan and her husband live in Ellicott City. On weekends, she’s an active member of the United Methodist Church, and enjoys taking an aqua spin class and watching Orioles and Ravens games.