Shannon Taylor, ChFC®, MBA, RICP®
Shannon Taylor, ChFC®, MBA, RICP®, is a seasoned financial advisor at University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) in Austin, Texas, with nearly two decades of experience in financial services. Since obtaining her first license in 2006, Shannon has held both client-facing and back-office roles, including compliance and operations, but has found her true passion in comprehensive financial planning. She helps clients clarify and achieve their financial goals—ranging from retirement and college planning to asset allocation and insurance needs—always emphasizing that people, not money, are the driving force behind every financial decision. A retired U.S. Army Reserve officer, Shannon commissioned through ROTC, and her military experience helped shape her disciplined, service-oriented approach to financial advising. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston, and she earned her Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation through the American College of Financial Services. In 2020, Shannon faced a serious medical challenge with a brain tumor that required an invasive craniotomy and two years of recovery, including months of speech therapy. Despite being advised to leave the profession, she persevered and completed her ChFC® designation, a personal milestone she regards as a testament to resilience and determination. Shannon has been recognized as the top investment broker in North Hays County since 2018, with a brief second-place ranking in 2021, and she authored the book Sucks About Your Brain Tumor, donating proceeds to the Epidermoid Brain Tumor Society. Beyond her professional work, she actively volunteers in her community and church, serving as chair of the Missions Committee, and continues to advocate for financial literacy and meaningful goal-setting. Her philosophy centers on using financial tools to empower clients to live their priorities and realize their dreams.
• Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC)
• Northeastern University - MBA
• Best Investment Broker in North Hays County
• Chair of Admissions Committee at Church (Missions Team serving the homeless)
• Animal Advocacy
• Epidermoid Brain Tumor Society (book proceeds donation)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, the unwavering support of my family, and the intentional choice to surround myself with people who inspire and challenge me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lean into my natural strengths, even when it feels intimidating or scary.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace your natural strengths and not let fear hold you back.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest opportunities in my field is helping people prioritize retirement planning and secure their financial futures. At the same time, challenges include navigating the impact of social media and the internet on mental well-being, particularly for children, as well as managing the cyclical nature of markets and broader economic conditions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, service, and treating others the way I would want to be treated. I also prioritize resilience and surrounding myself with supportive people. Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, gardening, baking, and advocating for animals.