MEMBER PROFILE - April 2023

Jen Reisinger, financial advisor, Edward Jones

At the age of 19, Jen Reisinger did what any sensible teenager would do— she began investing in mutual funds.

At least, that’s what she thought any sensible teenager should do.

Reisinger, now a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments, admitted she didn’t realize how unusual it is for a 19-year-old to be interested in investing until she became a financial advisor.

“I have an accounting degree, so I’ve worked in finance since I was 19. I worked in banking, public accounting and manufacturing finance before coming to Edward Jones,” Reisinger said. “I also owned two other businesses during that time, and I’ve loved owning a business. Business development, helping people, networking with other people in the community—I love that aspect of starting businesses from scratch.”

Just over eight years ago, Reisinger joined Edward Jones.

“Being able to build something from nothing, to connect with people in the community, help other people, and still get to do finance related work was the perfect combination for me,” she said.

Despite her interest in finance at a young age, she was concerned that getting a job in finance meant that she’d have to move to New York City to find work.

“I didn’t want to leave my family and friends, so I stayed and worked in accounting,” Reisinger said.

She grew up in the Yorkville-Oswego area and married her high school sweetheart. A er leaving for Ohio for a decade, she returned to Illinois in 2008 to be closer to family.

Since 2016, Reisinger has operated from her offices in the old Sundstrand headquarters building on Harrison Ave. in Rockford. Reisinger commutes from Davis Junction daily, so she values opportunities to connect with the business community in Rockford.

“I love to connect and network. I love to be a resource to my clients. If a client needs something to help them achieve their goals, I like to connect them with what they’re looking for,” she said.

Reisinger is proud to sponsor the first Coffee with the Chamber: “I love Meg’s Daily Grind. I love their coffee and the opportunity to meet people in the community, to share a cup of coffee with people. It’s fun.”

Before seeking out an investment strategy, Reisinger says it’s important to know some basics.

“Don’t start investing until you have an emergency fund in place. It’s important that you have money on hand so you don’t have to pull from stocks or funds when the market is low,” she said. “And if you’re approaching retirement, or want to know how much money you need to get to retirement, that’s an important first step.”

She also recommends aiming for a specific goal. Whether it’s basic budgeting, saving for a second home or a child’s education, or travel, a financial planner can help you plot a course to achieve those goals.

Reisinger is looking forward to meeting everyone at the Co ee With the Chamber event at Meg’s Daily Grind, 1141 N. Alpine Rd. in Rockford, April 13, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The views expressed are those of Reisinger and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.