5 Questions with Sam Paganelli, CFA®

Sam is a CFA® charterholder and Associate Advisor at Rather & Kittrell. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with an accounting degree in 2018. During his time at UT, Sam was a member of the Global Leadership Scholars program and the Chancellor’s Honors Program. Sam spent three years in finance at the Tennessee Valley Authority before transitioning to Rather & Kittrell in June 2021.  Sam wanted to change careers to pursue his passion for helping people with their finances. He believes a solid financial plan can provide peace of mind and clarity for clients, and he is excited at the opportunity to serve families in East Tennessee and beyond.

Sam graduated from Maryville High School and has lived in Maryville his whole life. His wife of two years, Claire, is a CPA and tax accountant. Sam enjoys chess, basketball, improving at golf, watching football, and spending time with his wife outside of work.

You were recently hired.  What led you to Rather & Kittrell? 

I have a deep passion for personal finance and helping others, and I saw that same passion at Rather & Kittrell. Additionally, I recognized a close group of people who are driven and know how to laugh with each other.

Tell me about your time at The University of Tennessee as part of the Global Leadership Scholars Program.

The Global Leadership Scholars program at UT is an honors program within the college of business. It involved an honors curriculum, leadership training, company site visits, and an internship/study abroad in London, England. The program helped prepare me for the working world and opened my eyes to different cultures. When I was overseas, I traveled across Europe to Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, France, etc. Traveling to all those destinations made me realize there is truly no place quite like East Tennessee.

You are just a few years into marriage.  What have you learned about yourself as an almost newlywed?

Happy wife, happy life. I am more organized, more thoughtful, and most importantly I’ve starting cooking more. My wife is a tax accountant, so as you can imagine, the small details matter in our house.

Best piece of financial advice you’ve received?

It’s best to be someone with a small hat and lots of cattle vs. a big hat and no cattle. Money shouts, but wealth whispers. Basically, you do not have to parade your money to the public.

You are a Maryville native.  Favorite location for a good Blount County dinner?

My wife and I love eating sushi at Lemon Grass in Maryville.