Why I Became a Financial Planner

Marshall Welch Group - Why I Became A Financial Advisor

By Marshall Clay JD, CFP®

How does one choose a career path? For many, the decision involves the excitement of future opportunities, benefits, or flexibility—but for me it was simple: I wanted a career where I could merge my passion for finance with my legal and military experience to have a significant impact on people’s lives. While money is certainly not the most important thing in life, it can have a tremendously negative impact if not allocated correctly.

First Career Steps

My journey was certainly not typical. Before joining The Welch Group, I served seven years as an Officer in the United States Army, where I performed two combat tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in the Republic of South Korea. I earned a law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham following my Army career. My passion for finance led me to pursue a career in the financial services industry. In 2012, I joined The Welch Group as an Associate Advisor and am now a Member and Senior Advisor, having earned my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ accreditation along the way. I believe my unique education along with my world experience adds unique value to our firm and its ability to serve clients.

Why I Love What I Do

Through my education, career, and life experience, I discovered a passion for helping clients because the financial world is complex and affects many aspects of our lives. In addition, law and financial matters tend to go hand in hand, and I am uniquely positioned to educate and advise clients in these areas. My main goal is to allow my clients to spend more time doing what they love to do and are best at, and less time worrying about what I feel I’m best at. 

The financial world is full of moving parts, and managing these parts can sometimes prove overwhelming and challenging. Helping clients overcome these challenges is what I find rewarding about my job because people need my services and I have the opportunity to add tremendous value to their lives. I work hard at my profession because I have a desire to make the residents of Birmingham, AL, and the surrounding area the most financially savvy in the country. There is a discipline to growing wealth, and I enjoy educating my clients on how to best manage their assets. I’m motivated every day to do all I can to help bring comfort, clarity, and stability to their financial future.

What’s Your Story?

Now that you know a bit about me, I’d love to hear your story. What are you looking for in a financial planner? What challenges do you currently face? I’d love to see if I can help you create a plan for your ideal financial future. Schedule an introductory phone call by reaching out to me at 205-879-5001.

About Marshall  

Marshall Clay is partner and Senior Advisor at The Welch Group, guiding his clients through the complex financial landscape so they can be confident in their financial future. With 10 years of experience in the financial industry, Marshall is passionate about carrying the burden of financial planning and management so his clients can spend more time doing what they love. Known for working with excellence and integrity, Marshall is committed to listening, communicating with honesty, and delivering results in his client’s best interest.  

Marshall has a bachelor’s degree in human and regional geography with a minor in environmental engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served seven years as an Officer in the United States Army, where he performed two combat tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in the Republic of South Korea. He also has a Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Outside of work, Marshall enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, pushing himself physically to stay in top shape, playing golf, and traveling. To learn more about Marshall, connect with him on LinkedIn.