Szalach Financial Planning
Christa Leigh Szalach
Financial Advisor
Let's build YOUR dream together!
Meet Christa: Helping you Expect the Unexpected
Unexpected journeys often lead to remarkable destinations, and my story is no exception. When I reflect on my career, I never imagined that I would have clients spanning across dozens of states. In fact, I didn't anticipate being where I am today.
As a college athlete and later a professional within the athletic industry, my focus wasn't on finances. It wasn't until I joined Northwestern Mutual as a recruiter that I truly began to delve into the world of financial services. While explaining the unlimited opportunities for impact to prospective advisors and witnessing their success, I realized it was time to listen to my own aspirations. I took the leap and established my own financial services practice. This journey has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with clients across the country, who have become not just clients but friends and trusted partners.
Words I Live By: Commitment & Dedication
The skills I acquired on the field, serving as the captain of my team, taught me effective communication, the ability to understand others' motivations, problem-solving, and perseverance. Through unwavering commitment and dedication, I aspire to be a reliable individual others can depend on. I also recognize the importance of authenticity, owning up to my knowledge, acknowledging what I don't know, and taking responsibility for my mistakes. It is through these actions that true connections are fostered.
My Values
- Intentionality
- Commitment
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Loyalty
Growing up, my family relocated frequently due to my father's work in the oil industry. However, when an opportunity brought me to Arizona, I found a place to call home in Scottsdale. I adore the vibrant community of transplants that Arizona attracts, as it brings people together. And let's not forget the fabulous weather!
Beyond my professional endeavors, I keep myself busy by building relationships, networking, and engaging with various organizations in the community. Time is valuable, and I ensure that I invest it intentionally, contributing to the growth and development of the community I am a part of.
On a personal note, education and a love for animals have always held significant importance in my family. I am grateful to have an incredible support system. In my leisure time, I still indulge in my passion for soccer, enjoy country dancing, travel internationally, cheer on the Purdue Boilermakers, ski in Steamboat, Colorado, and savor delicious meals at Chipotle! People are often surprised to discover that I've been bitten by a stingray. If you're curious, feel free to ask me about that story.
I am here to help you navigate your financial journey with care, expertise, and a genuine commitment to your success. Let's embark on this adventure together!
Credentials: Leadership Roles & Memberships
- College Unit Director (CUD)– Top 10 Internship - As a College Unit Director, I lead a team of college financial representatives at Northwestern Mutual-Scottsdale. Our Top 10 internship[i]program provides college students with an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of financial planning and test-drive the career as a financial representative. Through the experience, young professionals also develop important business skills ranging from networking to time management. In 2022 I was recognized as the #10 CUD in the company.
Northwestern Mutual since 2019
Licenses:
- Life and Health License
- FINRA SIE, Series 6 and 63
Education:
- Master’s degree from Arizona State University
- Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University
Suggested Reading
Here is a book that I recommend everyone read.
Lending a hand in my community.
Community
Because I enjoy building relationships and connecting with people, community involvement is important to me. Supporting local organizations allows me to give back to the community in meaningful ways.
Educational Seminars - Speaker
Interested in having me speak at your association, school, or company? Email me to schedule a time to talk.
Women, Wine + Wealth Events – Host
We host events for "powerful women in business" - business owners or executive type females to create an inviting space for women to connect, discuss finances and life. Let us know if you would like an invite.
Arizona Veterinary Medical Association
The mission of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AzVMA) is to promote excellence in veterinary medicine by providing a forum for the veterinary community to address issues related to animal and human health and welfare, education, legislation, public information and practice management through active involvement of its members.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF)
ALSF funds cancer research, raises awareness, and supports the families of children with cancer. Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual, its employees, and financial professionals like me have donated more than $20 million to support ALSF and fund over 400,000 research hours.
Beads of Courage
Beads of Courage is an art-in-medicine program that helps kids with cancer tell their unique treatment story through colorful beads that are symbols of their courage.
Here are my areas of expertise
Financial Planning
Insurance Protection Strategies
Life Insurance Strategies
Retirement Planning & Income Strategies
Education Planning & Funding
Disability Planning
Multigenerational Planning
Estate Planning
How Northwestern Mutual helps you live the life you want.
When people feel better about their money, good things happen—they become more confident and feel more secure. For more than 160 years, Northwestern Mutual has helped people achieve the financial flexibility they need to live more and worry less.
Being a mutual company means Northwestern Mutual reports to its clients, not Wall Street. They don't believe in chasing fads or taking undue risk for short-term gains. Instead, they take a long-term approach—both in the way we help people plan to reach their goals, and in the way they do business. This has served their clients (and mine) well through all kinds of economic ups and downs, including wars, recessions, even the recent pandemic.
It's why I'm happy to be part of a company that's in it for the long-haul and prioritizes clients over profit.
