Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Zerillo

Hi Billy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My story in financial planning is not a traditional one. I believe this is a strength because I understand the perspective of someone who isn’t familiar with the industry.

I got into financial planning by chance. I’ve always wanted to make a positive impact on others’ lives, but I wasn’t sure how. Like many 18-year-olds in the early 2000s, I went to college without a clear plan, following the advice to get a degree.

Before college, I spent years in the hospitality industry. It was all I knew, so I found a college that offered a related degree. After graduating in 2009, right after the 2008 market crash, I got a job in hotels. I worked in this industry until I was 31 years old.

If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know the demanding nature of the job. Long hours and high stress took a toll on me. I began to question if this was the path I wanted to follow for the next 35 years. I no longer enjoyed my work, and it was negatively affecting my life, including my relationship with my wife and my overall health.

I knew I needed a change, but I wasn’t sure what to do. I tried different jobs, searching for the right fit. It wasn’t until we moved to Pennsylvania after my wife completed her nursing doctorate that I found my calling.

I was introduced to a financial advisor and invited to meet with him. I realized it was time to take our finances seriously. That meeting was a game-changer. I remember sitting there thinking, “This is what I want to do.” However, I was scared because I didn’t have the necessary skills.

At that moment, my wife encouraged me, saying, “You’d be really good at this. You can learn the technical skills, but you can’t teach your ability to connect with people.”

Fast forward six years, and here we are. My primary focus is helping women understand their money and find purpose in their financial choices. I want them to live life on their own terms. I love what I do because it allows me to make a positive impact on others.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Whenever you step out on your own or embark on something new, the road is rarely smooth. It’s the road less traveled, and naturally, there are bound to be bumps along the way.

Starting my career meant learning new skills and investing time. It wasn’t as if clients were knocking down my door on day one. I had to work diligently to build the expertise necessary to earn their trust. In the beginning, it was tough.

Dealing with setbacks was particularly challenging. There were times when opportunities seemed promising only to vanish at the last minute. Like many, I faced moments of self-doubt, questioning my capabilities. I believe we all experience this at some point in our lives. There were days when quitting seemed like the easiest option.

Yet, deep down, I knew that giving up would mean abandoning my goals and aspirations. All the pain, fear, and failures would be for nothing. I often reminded myself that if I was going through all this, I had to keep my eyes on the prize at the end of the rainbow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I didn’t grow up dreaming of working in finance; I grew up watching people struggle with their finances. I saw firsthand how money—or the lack of it—can shape someone’s life, choices, and sense of self-worth. It became clear to me early on that money is more than just numbers; it’s deeply connected to our sense of self and our freedom to live the lives we want.

My Mission

When I transitioned into the financial world, I quickly realized the advice given was often one-size-fits-all. Advisors can get caught up in charts and jargon, forgetting the most important element—the person. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to changing financial advising into a more personalized, human-centered approach, particularly for women professionals, who are often overlooked in advice that aligns with their values and goals.

The Impact I Make

What I’m most proud of is the impact I can make on others. Many careers change lives, but I’m excited to help individuals shift their paths. My work doesn’t stop with my clients; it extends to everyone they influence, creating long-lasting change.

What Sets Me Apart

What sets me apart from other advisors is my empathy and ability to meet clients where they are. In our society, we often dictate what others need without truly understanding their situation. I focus on improving financial health, which encompasses not only the numbers but also how individuals feel about their finances.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

If you’re starting out in the advisory space, here are a few key pieces of advice:

Surround Yourself with Success: Take time to connect with successful advisors who align with your values. This network will help you navigate challenges and avoid swimming against the current.

Identify Your Target Audience: Discover who you want to serve deeply, understand their pain points, and focus on solving those issues. Remember, you can’t be everything to everyone.

Leverage Your Strengths: Double down on what you excel at and hire out for areas where you’re not an expert. Your role is to be the best resource for your client, not to do it all.

Commit to Continuous Improvement: Aim to get 1% better each day. Whether it’s listening to podcasts, reading blogs, or taking courses, dedicate time to sharpen your skill set.

Ask for Help: One thing I wish I knew before starting was to ask for help before you need it. Don’t feel you have to have all the answers—humility and a willingness to seek assistance are key to growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iws.terrawealth.com/home?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2MBi0SwAO_OGHHPCT1BhpFqAgYhPmySHhY_FBXoXRMkIsw_KY-ndCZUf0_aem_Afoy5hbtda144fI47AQgTvodrMBT8XgjwXElcFCENPy4rtIpMG9FNbo8tMhPAElbQbAtLtNeeInxVYVTOWl5rpbz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoneytalkadvisor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.zerillo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyzerillofinancialadvisor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourmoneyyourpurposechannel

Image Credits

TerraWealth