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Editor’s Note: This article is the first in Twin Lakes Area Women in Business Spotlight Series that is being written by Stephanie Jackson.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), money is the number one cause of stress in Americans. Would you agree? Krystal Hastings, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, would. As a finance professional, Hastings’ unique philosophy is to “be a light on a dark path” to financial freedom. Hastings’ goal is to help people achieve monetary autonomy and make a lasting difference in her community.
From humble beginnings, Hastings fought to overcome the odds to succeed in opening her own business one day. Hastings recounted her formative years and how they pushed her to fight for more than the circumstances she grew up in.
“I came from a less than perfect broken family. Hope was not there, and little support was given,” she said.
After graduating from Cotter High School, she attended Arkansas State University (ASU) and earned an associate of applied science degree in business and technology. Since then, she has worked for and earned success. “I have overcome and beaten the odds. I am not the statistic… I am exactly who God called me to be.”
Her professional life began over 16 years ago as a secretary in an insurance office. Working her way up the ladder, Hastings became an insurance agent and eventually office manager at the company to which she dedicated so many years. After reaching the top in the insurance field, she decided it was time to try something new and became an office administrator to another financial advisor with Edward Jones, which led to the actualization of her dream of being a business owner.
“I chose a career as an FA because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of families in my community,” she said.
Edward Jones offers the opportunity to its financial advisors to open independent branches. After passing the required registration and licensing, Hastings successfully launched her office in early 2022 and has been helping the people of her community fortify their prosperity.
Hastings resides in Mountain Home with her husband, Rick, and their daughter Aubrey. Her life revolves around “work, family, hunting and fishing,” in addition, to being an active member of her church and volunteering for a women’s shelter in Mountain Home, where she regularly ministers and counsels women in need. Her mission in life is “to serve others with honesty, integrity, and most of all, with love.”
While Hastings helps everyone who reaches out to her for financial advice, she’s drawn to empowering women to take control of their finances.
“There’s a statistic out there that 73 percent of women do not feel educated or equipped in [handling] finances,” she said.
One of her long-term goals for her clients is to educate them about money and finance.
“I don’t want to just talk at you, I want you to know what you’re doing so you can make educated decisions also.”
More than that, Hastings strives to know her clients and maintain meaningful relationships with them. Hastings is not only a financial advisor but a person who cares about the people she works for.
“It doesn’t matter if you have one dollar or a million dollars. It’s your money, you worked for it and I want to help you with it,” she said.
Follow Hastings on Facebook or LinkedIn for educational posts and office event updates.
To schedule a consultation, you may reach Hastings at 870-508-8118 or krystal.hastings@edwardjones.com.
