Northwestern Mutual

Above: L to R: Bromley Palamountain, financial advisor Shirley Medina, client experience coordinator Sam Coan, director of operations

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My Local List

  • Favorite Beach: RAT Beach
  • Best Breakfast Spot: Eat at Joe’s
  • Weekend Getaway: Terranea Resort
  • Favorite Lunch: Lil Simmzy’s at the Point

Financial advisor Bromley Palamountain and his team at Northwestern Mutual offer personalized, tax-optimized strategies tailored to clients’ goals. They craft detailed financial plans for families, business owners and real estate investors.

Describe a time when you took advice that turned out to be really good.

When I was a freshman at UC Berkeley, I took some advice that turned out to be life-changing. My roommate’s dad sent him two books that he recommended he read: The Richest Man in Babylon and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Without a dad in my own life, and perceiving my roommate’s family to be wealthy, I figured I should read them too. These books started me on a journey into personal finance and later inspired me to become a real estate investor. Looking back on it, these books served as a catalyst for how I serve and guide my clients to achieve greater financial outcomes for themselves.

What inspired you to pursue this profession?

Personal experience. I realized I had “won the game” of financial security by studying and implementing the fundamental principles of smart money management. I wanted to help others achieve the same financial freedom I have. It is a classic story of the student becoming the teacher, and it continues to be highly rewarding.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from advising others?

It’s not what you make; it’s what you keep. I’ve encountered countless individuals who initially told me they have no capacity to save, despite earning substantial annual incomes. It’s an easy trap to fall into in a society heavily influenced by consumerism. It’s imperative to have automated savings systems in place, ensuring you aren’t spending every dollar that comes in—or worse, spending money you haven’t yet earned. Those who can live below their means are the ones who experience true financial freedom.

What are the best ways to establish trust with new clients?

It comes down to simple things like always being on time and doing what you say you’re going to do. We establish trust by truly listening, catering advice specific to each client and not taking a cookie-cutter approach to planning.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your field?

That they’re not worthy or ready to warrant the services of a financial advisor. Many people wait to consult with an advisor until they are married, have children or are approaching retirement. This tends to be the biggest regret they have, and we often hear, “I should have started this process sooner.” It’s like hiring a personal trainer to help get you in shape. You don’t have to be in peak shape during your first session. Your trainer will look at your goals, assess your current situation, design a plan to get you there and ultimately hold you accountable. That’s what we do for our clients’ finances.

How do you balance providing expert advice with respecting a client’s personal values and preferences?

We make it a priority to understand what matters most to each client and educate them along the way. Whether that be gifting strategies to charities or creating generational wealth, we tailor our financial plans to their specific goals. This is at the core of our process. We take pride in balancing empathy and financial strategy to create trust within our partnerships. When clients feel truly heard and respected, they are more open to making informed decisions that serve them long-term.

What do you think distinguishes an average advisor from an exceptional one?

It comes down to having a continuous hunger for growth in the field and never being satisfied. We believe in consistent, methodical growth and getting 1% better each day. 

 

Disclaimer: Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance), Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. Bromley Thomas Palamountain is an Insurance Agent of NM. Bromley Thomas Palamountain is an Agent of NLTC. Investment brokerage services provided by Bromley Thomas Palamountain as a Registered Representative of NMIS. Investment advisory services provided by Bromley Thomas Palamountain as an Advisor of NMWMC.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro