Advisor Spotlight- Jonathan Marcus

By Andrea Young on May 30, 2023

What’s your role at LWM?
I am a Senior Wealth Advisor and a member of the Investment Committee.

Do you have a specialty we should know about?
I spend a fair amount of my free time studying monetary history and monetary policy.  Much about money as a concept is misunderstood by markets, governments, and citizens, and because the financial in financial planning does involve ‘money,’ I firmly believe it is incumbent upon all professionals in the financial services industry to understand what ‘money’ is and how it works.

How important is overall financial planning with your clients?
Financial planning is the cornerstone of any successful client relationship.  Without a cohesive, organized, and intentional plan, one cannot evaluate success, failure, or progress. 

What is your daily mantra – personally and professionally?
Worry about what you can control in life, which is precious little.  One cannot control how others treat you, but if you are honest, reliable, and hardworking, you can look yourself in the mirror each day without regret.

Any special interest?
My special interest is understanding global liquidity flows, how to apply complex systems analysis to the financial market, and using derivatives data to conceptualize market structure.

I am also interested in the study of monetary and economic history so we, as a country and a globe, can best use these tools to improve the quality of life for all people.  Educating others about how modern money works has become a passion project of mine.

If you were to listen in on your clients’ conversations with their friends and family, what would they say about you?
Honest answer: He’s smart but talks too much. I like to think my clients would say that I care deeply about their success and am committed to ensuring they achieve their goals.

Who are your clients?
My clients are predominantly retired individuals who rely on me/us to craft a robust and resilient plan for them.

How do you incorporate the head and heart with your clients?
Though I personally find financial markets interesting, most of my time with clients is spent diving into their goals and vision.  Money is such a personal and emotional topic for humans that it often clouds rational judgment. Money is the ticket to the show, but not the show itself. In my experience, people tend to confuse that notion – what they really want is to see the show, and while more money may help you buy a ticket to a better seat, there are only so many tickets most people actually need.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?
Without conviction, a committed philosophy, and a process, one is more susceptible to the vagaries of whatever popular narrative happens to be most current.  For me, I feel most comfortable and have the highest conviction in an evidence-based framework, which required (and still requires) lifelong education on markets and financial planning topics.  There is always a cacophony of opposing opinions and voices in the marketplace that without a unifying philosophy and process, one may be pulled in several directions at once.  I learned early in my career that clients can sense this doubt, which can erode their trust and confidence. 

What is the most fun you have in your business?
The most fun is when a client achieves a defined goal, such as purchasing a vacation home, writing that last college tuition check, etc.  I love it when the plan works!

Favorite hobbies?
Spending time with my two boys – going hiking in green spaces.  Most of my free time is spent with them, and we love going to wildlife sanctuaries or the beach to hunt for interesting animals. I also enjoy reading history – particularly WWI history.  I am in a WWI book discussion group at the Boston Athenaeum.

To learn more about Jonathan Marcus, click HERE.