Cindy Couyoumjian was born in Warren, MI. She attended Oakland University and earned her BA in marketing in 1985. After graduation, she moved to California and joined The Equitable, where she served the company for the next eighteen years.
In 2003, Couyoumjian became an independent advisor. She is a certified financial planner (CFP). She has seven security licenses as well as her insurance license. With over 30 years of experience, Couyoumjian is skilled in financial planning, insurance planning, retirement analysis, retirement planning, estate planning, and mutual funds.
Couyoumjian owns and operates Cinergy Financial, a private financial planning firm. The firm is committed to enriching its retail investors to financial literacy through education and knowledge. They seek to empower investors to make good decisions. Couyoumjian and her team are devoted and passionate about doing the best they can for their clients.
1. Tell us a bit about what you do.
Through education, I help provide people with financial literacy or financial knowledge to empower investors to make the right decisions when it comes to their financial fears.
2. What gave you the idea for Cinergy Financial? How did it start?
I was working with big firms for the first 17 years of my career, and I realized that I needed more flexibility and investment opportunities for my clients. So, I ventured into becoming an independent financial planner with independent broker-dealer. This helped elevate my investment methodology get to a point to author a book.
3. What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?
My favorite thing is being able to help people meet their financial goals. I love being able to provide them peace of mind to retire comfortably.
4. What keys to being productive can you share with us?
Key to be productive is by incorporate hard work, integrity, and focusing on others before your own needs. Also, a good attitude. All of this attributes to helping you be more productive and highlighting your own preferences.
5. Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
My long-term goal was to write a book and help investors understand the world of money, economics, and finance. I’m excited to publish my book called, “Wake up, America! Financial Literacy in Crisis; Investing in a New World of a Realm of Possibility”, it will be published next year in 2020. I’m hoping in the first quarter.
6. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
Stop and listen; versus being reactive and emotional. When I was younger, I was sometimes too impulsive.
7. What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
Perseverance. Hang in there through the difficult times. There are many facets to this business. You need to learn, market, and then establish your own business. There are several moving parts, and you need to stick with it, day in and day out. Stay focused on others, work hard, be integral, and everything will fall into place.
8. What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love to read and exercise. I’m involved with my church activities. I love being with my children, my family. I also love travelling, particularly to Mexico.
9. Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg.
Rich Man, Poor Man by Irwin Shaw.
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell a younger Cindy Couyoumjian to be patient, listen more, and be less emotional. When I was younger, sometimes I was too impulsive. I would tell her to take a step back and think things through. By being patient and listening more, I could have avoided some impulsive decisions I made without enough research.