After selling her firm to EP Wealth in 2016, Lynn Ballou became a fixture among EP’s leadership team that worked to take the RIA to new heights. She’s also served as a mentor for younger advisors and a fierce advocate for greater diversity in the wealth management industry.

Lynn had to put all of that on hold when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. But when she first learned of the diagnosis, she went into denial. The hardest part was accepting the fact she needed to take a step back and focus on her body. In June 2022, Lynn retired from her role at EP Wealth Advisors.

In this episode, Diana Britton is joined by Lynn Ballou, CFP Emeritus and retired senior vice president of EP Wealth Advisors, who shares her story.

Lynn discusses: 

• What she was feeling the night the doctors told her she wasn’t going to make it
  
• Why she went into denial when she was told about the cancer
  
• How she felt when she had to let go of her career 
  
• How the illness impacted her retirement plan 
  
• The importance of slowing down and taking care of your body
  
• The current struggle she has to fill her days
  
• Her advice for young professionals in the wealth management industry
  

Resources: 

• Listen to the latest episodes of The Healthy Advisor
  

Connect With Lynn Ballou:

• LinkedIn: Lynn Ballou
  
• Email: lynnballou@comcast.net
  

Connect With Wealth Management & NREI:

• WealthManagement.com
  
• LinkedIn: Diana Britton
  
• Email: diana.britton@informa.com
  
• LinkedIn: Informa
  
• LinkedIn: WealthManagement
  

About Our Guest:

Lynn Ballou, retired as Senior Vice President/Partner of EP Wealth Advisors in June 2022. She also retired in 2022 as the CFP Board of Standards Ambassador for the San Francisco Bay Area, a role in which she educated the public about the importance of financial planning. Prior to joining EP Wealth Advisors, Lynn founded Ballou Plum Wealth Advisors in 1998 with long-time friend and colleague, Marilyn Plum. Under her guidance, the firm became a trusted financial advisory office in the East Bay, one that placed emphasis on an unparalleled level of service for every generation of its client base. Particularly passionate about educating women, Lynn spent her career helping women unravel the financial complexities that accompany retirement, inherited wealth, loss of spouse, divorce and other transitional moments in life. 

If you have a struggle and wish to share your experiences and help others in similar situations, please reach out to Diana at diana.britton@informa.com.

The Healthy Advisor podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Android, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever podcasts are found.