Name: Claire O’Neil
Title: CERTIFED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
SH&J team member since: September, 2018
How did you decide to become a financial planner?
I started out in the business working alongside financial advisors and through this experience fell in love with the idea of working more closely with clients. I decided to get a CFP® license so I could be a direct help in advising for their financial success.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is working directly with clients and meeting new people along the way. Being able to take the stress off of people’s plate for major financial decisions and helping them navigate different scenarios is the best part of my day.
You’re originally from Kansas City, Missouri, so what brought you to Colorado and SH&J?
I had lived in Missouri my whole life, but have always had a soft spot in my heart for Colorado and the outdoor lifestyle, as Breckenridge was a family vacation destination growing up. After college, I was looking for a change of pace, so I packed up my stuff and moved to Colorado.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time in the mountains hiking or skiing but if I’m not in the mountains you can find me hanging with my Spanish Water Dog, Hugo, in the parks or playing volleyball. Outside of outdoor activities, I love to explore restaurants and try new foods.
Do you have a favorite place you like to ski or hike?
Winter Park is my new favorite but Breckenridge is hands down my favorite mountain town. This is where my family vacation spot was growing up and is a longtime favorite city of mine.
What’s something about you that would surprise us?
I come from a really large Irish family (60+ counting aunts, uncles and cousins) so I have an unknown passion for Irish culture and music. My family enjoys listening to Irish bands in the Kansas City area and my cousin actually runs one of the biggest Irish events in the city.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been to?
Nice, France. It’s a small city by the ocean and I loved spending 5 days there before visiting my sister who was living in Barcelona. The food and atmosphere were amazing. You can walk everywhere and it had a really laidback vibe.
If money was not a factor, what would you do?
I would travel around the world and learn to speak a new language. I would also consider splitting my Colorado time between Denver and the Mountains.