Workshop: Diving into Investments

Learn about asset allocation, the behavioral habits that make or break returns, stocks vs. bonds, and where alternatives like REITs, commodities, and crypto fit — if at all — in a well-built plan. Whether you're building your first portfolio or fine-tuning a lifetime of investments, hear three Certified Financial Planners have a candid conversation on what actually works.

This is a hybrid event. Registration is required for Zoom attendance. In-person attendance in Koret Auditorium does not require registration; seats available first come, first served.

Part of Financial Planning Day. See a full schedule here.

Panelists:

Jenny Coffey Smith, MSAPF, CFP ® has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® since 2008. She has a Master’s degree in Security Analysis and Portfolio Management, has a B.S. in Economics from Arizona State University and an M.S. from Creighton University. She has been a long-time volunteer and former board member of the Financial Planning Association of San Francisco. She also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children.

Jenny is enthusiastic about financial planning.  She loves meeting people, hearing their stories, and helping them find practical solutions for the future.

Cynthia Flannigan, CFP ® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and volunteers regularly as a one-on-one counselor for FPA’s Financial Planning Days. She has previously been on the board of the Junior League of San Francisco, the Bay Area Financial Planning Association and a former chapter president for the Financial Planning Association of San Francisco. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University teaching the investments course. She obtained her CFP designation in 2008 and completed a master’s in financial planning and taxation at Golden Gate University. She is a self-described Excel nerd; a wine enthusiast and her ‘green thumb’ extends only to spider plants.

Deirdre Hegarty, CFP®  is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a part-time Academic Professional in Boston University's Financial Planning Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, as well as a Master of Arts in International Policy Studies from Stanford University.

Deirdre enjoys working with clients across all areas of the financial planning process and especially loves helping clients develop greater confidence in understanding and applying investing concepts. She is excited to be participating for the second time as a one-on-one counselor at FPA's Financial Planning Day and looks forward to being of service to friends and neighbors in the community.

Moderator:

Tim Connolly, CFP ® holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Kenyon College. He has also completed the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning Program at Golden Gate University and earned the CFP® certification in November 2024. After completing his undergraduate studies, Tim held roles in tax consulting where he was responsible for working directly with business owners, executives, and other professionals to identify and quantify tax strategies related to company research and development. During COVID, Tim decided to utilize his education and professional knowledge directly with individuals, and he joined a fee-only financial planning firm where he worked with a range of different individuals and situations.

He is currently a Financial Planner at YESKEBUIE. In addition to continuing to work closely with families on their financial goals, Tim is a member of YESKEBUIE’s Investment Committee where he is responsible for investment research and portfolio design directly affecting over $1 Billion in client assets.