5 Questions with Chase Kerby, CFP®

Chase joined RK in March 2018 to fulfill his passion for helping families and individuals achieve their long-term financial goals.  Chase is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he earned a bachelors degree in Finance/International Business. He studied internationally at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

What led you to the financial planning industry?

I was drawn to the financial planning industry because we all have money questions. Regardless of our stage of life, income level, or age, it is something we always wonder: “Am I doing as well as I could be doing with my money?”

My passion has always been to help others and I have always felt that I was a good steward of money, so it was a natural fit. I love to help people improve their lives and live intentionally. When I get to see the positive difference we make in our clients’ lives, when we see them set and accomplish goals they never thought within reach, it just doesn’t feel like work to me.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving memories with your family?

Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday in my family. Maybe it’s a Southern thing, but nothing brings people together quite like a great meal. Growing up, our family was always the “host” of the big Thanksgiving dinners. It has always been the classic Thanksgiving meal featuring turkey, dressing, etc. with sometimes 30+ people crowded in the house because everyone is welcome. It has always been a great reason to catch up with family and friends that you might only see a couple of times in a year.  It was through these Thanksgiving meals that I learned the value of hosting. This is something my wife, Alex, and I hope to always carry on. We love hosting people whether it’s at our home or an outside event. Special occasion or not, it is something that we value and hope to share for many years to come.

You are active in lots of outdoors activities.  What’s your favorite way to spend a beautiful fall day?

I do have to claim fall as my favorite time of year. When the weather is good, there are so many great activities that are just better this season. I’ll spend a lot of days at the farm around the horses and several afternoons going to Tennessee football games but I think it is hard to beat spending time in the Smoky Mountains when the leaves are changing. My personal favorite trail this time of year is the hike to Charlie’s Bunion. The views and the foliage change are pretty remarkable. I feel very blessed to be able to call East Tennessee home.

Speaking of family, you are a newlywed.  What was the best marriage advice you and Alex were given?

I think the best advice we were given is to now think of ourselves as one team. Every decision is no longer just about what is best for me but what is best for our “team” or marriage. Both of us have always been active in team sports for most of our lives and work within teams professionally so this guidance really hit home for us. There will be challenges, but we are excited for the future because we know we are in it together.

Are there any family holiday traditions that you look forward to starting?

There is one unusual holiday tradition that will cause most people to laugh. My wife runs a family horse farm and all of the employees are always given Christmas Day off. This means Alex and I will be cleaning out horse stalls while the rest of the country is opening up presents. Don’t feel sorry for us though. It’s not so bad and it is a good reminder that the original Christmas Day took place in a manger surrounded by similar sights and smells.