The San Diego Foundation Development & Stewardship Team is here to help you by delivering world-class philanthropy and service, and promptly responding to your needs.
In this Meet our Giving Team blog series, we’re interviewing each of our team members so you can learn more about the individuals – both professionally and personally – who are helping you and your clients give confidently to make the most social impact.
In today’s post, meet Jason Rogers, AIF®, AWS®, Director, Wealth Advisor Relations.
Interview with Jason Rogers
Jason, how did you get started working in wealth management?
My career in wealth management began with an internship at Morgan Stanley my senior year of college. I had the opportunity to work with the lead advisor in the office who taught me what it takes to be a successful wealth advisor. I was fascinated with the capital markets, analyzing investments and learning about the importance of financial planning. That internship set my path that would be the beginning of a 20-year-plus career in wealth management.
What is your favorite part about partnering with wealth advisors at San Diego Foundation (SDF)?
Wealth advisors play a critical role in providing advice and guidance to help clients achieve a secure financial future. I have the privilege of partnering with wealth advisors in San Diego to help them build successful practices and deepen their client relationships through charitable planning. I also have the opportunity to educate wealth advisors on the advantages of various charitable vehicles, such as donor-advised funds.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to a wealth advisor in 2021?
I would strongly encourage wealth advisors to talk to their clients about charitable planning. Having a conversation around giving will help advisors learn about their clients’ values, goals and passions. It can also help advisors build relationships with clients’ extended-families and promote long-term client retention.
As more wealth advisors provide comprehensive financial planning and seek ways to differentiate themselves, advice on charitable contributions has gained popularity as a value-added service.
What trends are you seeing in the financial and wealth management sector?
The basis for competition among advisors has changed. In the past, wealth advisors focused on investment advice (e.g., portfolio allocation, stock picking, mutual fund selection) and their ability to deliver superior investment returns for clients. However, investment advice has now become largely commoditized, at least for the mass market or emerging affluent clients, with most firms having access to the same products, tools, and models.
To meet investor needs, firms and advisors are shifting to holistic, goals-based advice and measuring performance based on achieving clients’ goals within agreed timeframes rather than beating market benchmarks. This is also a way to broaden the range of advice advisors provide, from investment to wealth management, and escape the commoditization of investment advice.
Why is it important for wealth advisors to consider charitable giving strategies for their clients?
Developing expertise in charitable giving strategies can separate advisors from their competitors by helping them become holistic financial advisors. For advisors who view charitable giving as a core part of their service, they raise the topic early and often with clients. When onboarding newcomers, they routinely ask about their charitable priorities.
By treating philanthropy as a central part of financial planning, advisors can suggest ways to enhance a client’s retirement or estate plan. Clients who lack a deep grounding in giving away money may appreciate their advisor’s input and understanding of the charitable landscape. It’s often a win-win proposal.
Also, many advisors wind up attracting and retaining more clients thanks to their specialized knowledge of the nonprofit space and ability to maximize tax benefits for donated funds.
What is the best lesson you have learned in your career?
Never stop learning. Beyond keeping things fresh to sustain your professional passion, learning keeps you relevant in our ever-changing world.
As I talk to successful professionals I admire, I am often struck by one commonality. They are committed to always studying their craft. To me, it’s lifelong learning that separates those who continue to rise in their fields.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity in San Diego?
Mountain biking Lake Hodges and Los Penasquitos Canyon. These activities always put a smile on my face and make me feel like a kid again.
What is your favorite destination outside of San Diego?
Wailea, South Maui. It has amazing beaches, golfing, snorkeling and restaurants. Exploring Maui by helicopter was a highlight on my last visit. I highly recommend it.
