Derek Hagen, CFA, CFP®, FBS®, CFT™

“Learning is no longer preparation for the job. It is the job!”

-David Meier

I grew up with a scarcity mindset—I never knew I had options. I always craved clear instructions for the next step. After enrolling in technical college and later studying economics at a local university, I asked my advisor what I should do with my degree. The options ranged from law school to an MBA, a PhD in economics, or even a CFA. Instead of receiving a definitive path, I was given choices. I longed to be told exactly what to do so I could get the proper training.

Over time, I learned that professional success isn’t about acquiring a fixed set of skills. It’s about continuously learning, discovering connections across disciplines, and adapting to new challenges. As one of my instructors in tech school used to say, “Something is always related to something else.” This insight opened my eyes to the idea that lifelong learning is essential for finding those hidden connections that can transform our practice.

The Traditional Path vs. Lifelong Learning

Throughout our education, we were trained to learn in order to land a job—elementary school to middle school, then high school, college, and finally, the workforce.

Once we enter the workforce, it might seem like our learning should stop. However, in our field, learning never ends. The financial planning profession is continually evolving—consider the growing role of behavioral finance and the integration of psychology into the planning process, an area Money Quotient has championed for decades.

Our job isn’t merely to learn to get a job—it’s to be professional learners, committed to lifelong growth.

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Learning Keeps Us Sharp

Staying sharp means embracing new information, techniques, and strategies that improve our work. Even when we think we’ve mastered a topic, there’s always more to learn.

drawing of what you know vs. what there is to learn

It isn’t just about knowing what we don’t know—there’s often much more we aren’t aware of at all. Shifting our mindset to become lifelong learners fuels our curiosity and keeps us open to new skills, techniques, and philosophies.

drawing of what you know vs. what you think there is to learn vs. what they actually is to learn

At Money Quotient, we’re here to support your journey of continuous learning. With refresher trainings, monthly webinars, online courses, and more, we provide the tools you need to stay sharp and adaptable in an ever-changing field.

Remember, learning isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing process that empowers you to connect ideas, innovate, and lead in the world of financial planning.

Want to Learn More?

Money Quotient trains financial professionals in the True Wealth process and helps them implement the concepts into their practices. The first step is to learn about the Fundamentals of True Wealth Planning.