New Perspectives in Finance: Jillian Howell’s Story of Growth and Motivation

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we spotlight the unique voices, journeys, and motivations of financial professionals passionate about their clients’ success. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jillian Howell, a rising star at BFG Financial Advisors and one of the dedicated Client Service Associates who keeps everything running smoothly for nearly 800 families nationwide.

Jillian joined BFG in March 2025, bringing with her a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (with a minor in general business) from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her background sets her apart, blending strong communication skills with a desire to help others achieve financial well-being. Throughout our conversation, Jillian shared her journey from a family full of pharmacists (and her conscious decision to blaze her own path), her early experience engaging clients in the T. Rowe Price call center, and the drive to bring accuracy, care, and continual learning to her current advisory role.

We dove into what it’s like to enter the nuanced world of insurance, the importance of always being a “sponge” for new knowledge, and the unique challenges of juggling countless client needs under pressure. Jillian also opened up about her “why”—drawing inspiration from a late high school mentor who guided her into the business world—and how she channels that legacy in her work every day. Outside the office, we got a glimpse of her adventurous spirit, love for skiing, and her golden retriever, Beau.

If you’re curious about the people working behind the scenes to deliver exceptional service and guidance, you won’t want to miss Jillian’s perspective on finding purpose in financial planning, building client relationships, and balancing detail-oriented work with meaning.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Charting Your Own Path: Jillian illustrates the courage and clarity needed to pursue a career that aligns with your natural strengths and interests, even when it departs from family tradition.
2. The Power of Being a Sponge: Whether starting out or pivoting to new areas—in Jillian’s case, insurance and annuities—success comes from humility, curiosity, and a commitment to learning from seasoned professionals.
3. Client Service at Its Core: Jillian’s journey underscores how detail-oriented, empathetic support can make a real difference in clients’ lives—whether helping with urgent distributions or navigating the intricacies of insurance.
4. Finding Your ‘Why’: A personal “why”—rooted in relationships, legacy, and the desire to make others proud—fuels growth and resilience, especially in a demanding service environment.
5. Building Relationships Beyond the Screen: Even in today’s world of digital forms and remote service, Jillian demonstrates that taking time to get to know clients personally, whenever possible, adds an invaluable human touch to financial advice.

Join us for an inspiring look behind the curtain, and meet the people who help families graduate into retirement with confidence and care. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who values the dedicated professionals guiding their financial futures!