Jean Riordan, CFP®
Relationship Manager and VP of Tax Planning
Jean graduated from the University of Albany, SUNY with a degree in Business/Management Economics and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She has three children and currently resides in Poughkeepsie, New York, with her husband Richard.
Get to Know Jean
If you could live anywhere, which city would you call home?
Just put me anywhere near the ocean and I’d be happy. Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, Wildwood, Cape May, and Long Beach Island are just some places that come to mind.
If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Let’s start by saying that after this piece of my bio is published, my colleagues won’t want me cooking their next meal! That’s because my food palate is “simple.” For starters, a meal that consists of hot tea and a biscuit can’t be beaten. I’m also more of a snacker since my favorite foods are side dishes like guacamole, hummus, and nuts.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m an avid reader and especially enjoy Nelson DeMille novels. I also love anything to do with sports. I recently played softball in a corporate league, coached my daughter’s baseball and have more trophies than all my six brothers combined (make sure they don’t see this!). I also enjoy watching March Madness, college football, the New York Giants, and the New York Mets. Skiing and bike riding are some of my favorite activities.
Who is your biggest hero?
My mom. She raised ten children (I’m the third youngest) practically by herself. She did so with a lot of love but without much money, a car, or even a credit card. She supported us financially by working the overnight shift at Barclay’s Bank in New York City. Fortunately, a local bank courier had a similar schedule and was generous enough to drive her each way from New Rochelle. When she’d get home from work, she’d then prepare us for school, complete house chores, and make our meals. Those experiences taught us how to look after one another (that’s why all of my siblings are very close) and her work ethic was passed down to each of us.
What would you do with your Mega Millions winnings?
Growing up, one of my neighbors helped prepare my paperwork for a high school scholarship I received. Without her assistance, I may not be where I am today. As a result, I want to pay it forward by helping high school students get college scholarships, especially around the Poughkeepsie area since there are far too many unparented kids. I’d also make certain that everyone in my large family is taken care of and never has to worry about money.
What are some of your most memorable moments?
Watching my son play college football. I remember one game his school (Williams) played against their rival Amherst (their annual game is known as the “Biggest Little Game in America”). Williams won with a goal-line stand to end the game. The excitement and aftermath felt like I was in a movie. I also spend a lot of time teaching underprivileged kids in my community and when they have their aha moments, I never forget them.