Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Buckley.
Hi Tara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I look back at my career with Edward Jones, I see a story defined by steady growth, opportunity, and a belief that meaningful work can start from the most modest beginnings. My journey didn’t begin with licenses or a long-term plan. It began in 2008, with a simple part-time position – and a willingness to learn.
I entered Edward Jones in 2008 not fully knowing the path ahead. What I did know was that I enjoyed helping people and being part of something stable and people focused. The part-time position provided a front row seat to the culture: one where relationships mattered, teamwork is valued, and my personal development was encouraged.
It wasn’t long before I realized that Edward Jones was more than a job – it was a place I could build a long-term career.
I quickly advanced to a full-time position. The more I absorbed – client service, workflow, operational processes – the clearer it became that I wanted to deepen my expertise and take on more responsibility.
Full-time work opened the door for me to understand what financial advising truly meant: partnering with clients in a way that felt personal, steady and deeply impactful.
In 2013, I had the opportunity to expand my career path with Edward Jones. I achieved major milestones by earning my Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. This accomplishment not only strengthened my technical foundation but gave me the confidence to take the next steps in my career development.
In 2016, I took a role in our home office in the Compliance Department. To prepare for this role, I earned my Series 9, Series 10 and Series 24 licenses. This role provided an in depth understanding of firm and FNRA guidelines in the financial industry. Even though I really thrived in this role, I had set my expectations that at some point in my career I wanted to serve clients as their Financial Advisor.
In 2018, I was presented with an opportunity to take the role as the Financial Advisor and establish my own Edward Jones branch in Gaffney, SC. I have been so thankful for the opportunities that I have been given. Working for a firm that cares about the development and personal career goals of its employees is incredible. I am very humbled daily when I sit in my branch at Edward Jones and build relationships with my clients. The Financial Advisor career has been one that I have dreamed about, worked diligently to achieve and has impacted my life in immeasurable ways.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road in my career has not always unfolded smoothly. Many times, along the journey, I would have to remind myself to stay focused on the goal ahead and not to give up.
In 2012, my husband passed away suddenly, and my boys and I were devastated. Our sweet little family was overwhelmed with grief and despair. In an instant I became a single mom and the bread winner of my family, and I wasn’t sure how to move forward. I am thankful that I have a very supportive family. My sisters encouraged me daily just to take the next step and my work family helped me take the time I needed to heal. In those darkest days, I learned that God is my provider, and He will guide me every step along the way.
We’ve been impressed with Edward Jones, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Edward Jones, These Are Our Core Values
Our clients’ interests come first.
Our entire firm is organized around this principle, and it aligns everything we do. Our branch office business model supports deep, personal relationships with our clients. We tailor solutions to help our clients achieve their financial goals. Our investments in training, technology and organic growth are designed to help us serve our clients.
We believe in a quality-oriented, long-term investment philosophy.
We do not compete for every order, nor does our investment philosophy suit all investors. Our investment philosophy appeals to serious, long-term individual investors and encourages clients to invest for the long term in quality investments. We believe a well-diversified portfolio of quality investments, aligned with a client’s goals and risk tolerance, will be more successful over time.
We value working in partnership.
As a privately held partnership, our financial independence enables us to make long-term decisions and investments in our future. We enjoy freedom from focusing decisions on maximizing near-term profits to satisfy analysts and shareholders.
We are a partnership in spirit, as well. That spirit is reflected in the way we treat our clients and one another. Partnership eliminates competition and fosters a culture of cooperation. It nurtures the volunteerism that is essential to our success.
As partners, we are part of a worthy enterprise much greater than ourselves. As stewards, we seek to leave our firm better than we found it.
Individuals and their contributions are valued and respected.
We recognize that our success is the result of many individual contributions, and we strive to create a workplace in which individuals can achieve their full potential. We seek to attract and retain the most talented individuals of diverse backgrounds and provide them the opportunity and support to excel. Our practices demonstrate respect:
• We embrace responsibility-based management to empower leaders and associates to achieve results through alignment, execution and accountability.
• We value open communication and diversity of thought, perspectives and experiences.
• We reward performance through variable compensation that recognizes individuals and their contributions.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have learned along my journey is life is about the relationship. I can establish goals and work hard to achieve them, but the thing that is most important is the people that you take with you on the journey. I have been so blessed to have a wonderful family, and I work for a firm that truly cares about me and my development. Edward Jones has invested in me, and in turn I can invest in my colleagues through serving in leadership and serving my clients financial needs. Edward Jones is more than a job – it is a place I have built a long-term career.
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