Employee Spotlight: Emily Perkins
What is your title at Badgley Phelps?
Associate Wealth Manager
You recently passed your CFP® exam! What’s some good advice you could pass along to someone considering starting the process?
The biggest point I’ll make is that the CFP® journey is a marathon. Before diving in, I encourage you to really think deeply as to why you want to pursue the CFP® designation. Envision your end goal and ask yourself, does the CFP® help get me there? Preparing for the exam requires a great deal of commitment to studying, staying disciplined, and making sacrifices along the way.
Last year, as I was preparing to pass my exam, I had to be thoughtful about when to take it since it’s only offered three times a year. My husband and I had several huge life events we couldn’t miss, and I knew it would be a challenge to commit to studying during the beautiful PNW summer.
When it came time to buckle down, I followed a very structured plan and found a study program that aligned with my learning style, which I think was crucial. I’m a visual person who enjoys a classroom environment, so having that structure was important to my learning.
How can women use their financial power to create generational impact?
I read a recent study published by the CFP® Board, that stated women are increasingly taking control of their financial well-being—with more than 2/3 of women acting as the family’s primary decision makers for investments.
From my own experience, I was introduced at an early age to the concept of saving and the power of compounding interest. More time in the market is crucial rather than trying to time the market. The biggest impact we can have on the next generation is thoroughly educating the youth, sparking their excitement to learn about money, and sharing knowledge to empower them.
Describe your perfect PNW weekend.
Upon hitting a milestone of six years living in Washington, when I think about my perfect PNW weekend it usually involves hiking one of my favorite trails: Lake Ingalls, Oyster Dome, or Lake 22. When it’s not too slippery outside, you’ll probably find me out on the courts playing tennis or pickleball. And as we get into late summer and early fall, we love heading out to eastern Washington to go camping and soaking in the desert vibes. Some of my favorite memories are trips to Daroga State Park and Alta Lake, seeing Phish perform at the Gorge, and camping with a great crew around Artist Point to catch a meteor shower.
What accomplishments are you most proud of? Can be either professionally or personally, or both!
I am most proud of deciding to study abroad in Spain out of my own volition. That experience was truly life changing. It opened my world to new cultures and perspectives, and it played a big role in cultivating my passion for travel.
Professionally, it goes without saying that passing my CFP® exam is something I am very proud of.
What is a travel destination you’ve always wanted to visit—or have already experienced—that excites you, and why?
Next on my bucket list is Croatia! I’m really excited to be immersed in the culture, learn about its history, and experience it all in person.
I’ll always cherish the 12-week backpacking trip I took through Southeast Asia. It was an incredible experience and one that really deepened my love for traveling.
What’s the first thing you focus on when meeting a new client? Walk us through the process of what happens next.
I always find it fascinating to learn about people’s stories, their interests, what motivates them, and how they built the path to where they are today. Everyone’s journey is a little different, and hearing those experiences helps me better understand what really matters to them.
Early on, I just try to be a good listener and connect with clients on a personal level. I’ve found that when you take the time to understand someone’s values and goals, the rest of the process becomes much more meaningful.
As a planner, we can then collaborate to identify what’s most important, what the roadmap might look like, what the different options are, and any blind spots to be mindful of. From there, it’s really about helping my clients craft a life they want to live by design, not by default.
What advice do you give women who are balancing a career, caregiving, and long-term planning?
This is probably the pragmatic side of me, but I think it’s important to first define what truly matters most in your life. Think about your values, your morals, and the goals you aspire to achieve, and use those as your north star to help guide you.
Balancing a career, caregiving, and everything else life throws at you is not easy. We’re human, we’re not perfect, so during challenging times, having a strong support system through friends and family can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and remember to give yourself grace along the way.
You could have coffee with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
It would be David Goggins. His drive and motivation to break through mental and physical barriers is unparalleled, and I find that incredibly inspiring. His memoir, Can't Hurt Me, is the only book I’ve ever finished in 48 hours and then reread again that same week.
After reading it, I honestly felt like I could go climb Mount Rainier!
What book, podcast, or resource would you recommend to someone looking to strengthen their investing knowledge or overall financial literacy?
One of my most listened to podcasts is All the Hacks . They have tons of episodes, from personal finance to travel tips on points and rewards and often bring on interesting guests to talk about life, health, and ways to think about improving different areas of your life.
I also enjoy reading a daily newsletter called Morning Brew. It’s written in a way that’s easy to digest and focuses on current events and market news, which I like to read while enjoying a nice cuppa coffee.
Closing Thoughts
Emily’s perspective is thoughtful, practical, and forward-looking. Whether she’s helping clients clarify what matters most, encouraging others to think long term, or pursuing her own growth with focus and curiosity, she brings care, insight, and intention to her work.
We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with her and grateful for all she brings to the Badgley Phelps team.
