George Stefanou – First-generation Greek-American, Forbes “Best in State” Next Gen Wealth Advisor (2023, 2024), author of Two Comma Wealth, and founder of the financial planning firm Two Comma Wealth.

Early Hustle:

Grew up working flea markets, managing a coffee stand by 14, learning firsthand about hard work and margins (selling hundreds of cups from a single bulk bag of beans).

Family stress on work ethic over formal education (first in his family to finish high school/college).

Mindset & Upbringing:

Dad: 4th grade education, Greek immigrant roots, championed U.S. for its opportunity.

Education wasn’t pressured but encouraged as a path out of manual labor — “you can make a lot more money owning the business than swinging the hammer.”

Professional Beginnings:

Started at CVS (Florida): progressed from cashier to store management, realized the corporate grind wasn’t for him.

Discovered financial advising, took the risk, and built a book of clients from scratch despite early financial hardship.

Career in Financial Planning:

Earned numerous certifications (to build trust while young).

Stresses need for lifelong learning and combining IQ and EQ for real success with clients.

About Two Comma Wealth (the book):

Written for both consumers and industry peers.

Focuses on actionable strategies for surpassing $1M net worth, but especially on what changes after you cross that threshold:

Complexity, emotional swings with market volatility, nuances around distributions, withdrawal rates, taxes, and estate planning.

Challenges of first-generation wealth (scarcity mindset, fear of spending, finding balance between living now and preserving legacy).

Aims to demystify wealth management for “everyday millionaires.”

Certified Financial Planner Career Path:

Entry routes: Broker/dealer, fee-only/RIAs, or hybrid.

Education/licensing: Can get entry-level securities licenses in months; advanced credentials (CFP, CFA) take years but build a valuable career “moat.”

Highly front-loaded: Most start with low/no pay, lots of cold prospecting, high attrition/turnover. Significant success and six/seven figures possible for those that break through.

Modern firms now offer more support, salary, and training versus the old eat-what-you-kill model.

The Power of Having a Moat:

High difficulty of becoming a trusted CFP means fewer competitors once you succeed, and deeper, more meaningful client relationships.

Final Takeaways:

CFPs and financial planners can have massive, positive multigenerational impact—if they combine technical skill with empathy and true service.

The field is very challenging at first but extremely rewarding.

Barriers to entry and trust are a signal that the opportunity is real.

Connect with George Stefanou:

Book: Two Comma Wealth

Contact: Find George on all major social media or email directly (contact in show notes)

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