Thao Truong, CFP®

"I was studying in England when I received a phone call from my mom, calling from Vietnam to tell me that I’d have to come home soon, because she couldn’t support me anymore as my parents had just hit rock bottom. I was 15 years old, and it was only my first year away from home. I resolved not to give up, started working and began supporting myself. At first I was scared, but then I realized that everything is possible if I had a good plan, was disciplined, and worked hard for it."

Thao Truong holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (or CFP®) designation. She has a passion for helping people. Empowering others to make smart and informed financial decisions has always been her life goal.

Thao  was born and raised in Vietnam but left her country at the age of 15 to further her education abroad, first in northern England for a year, and then in the United States. She attended college in Seattle and New Hampshire while also tutoring in economics, financial accounting and statistics, and subsequently worked as a Teaching Assistant in microeconomics. This work allowed Thao to gain valuable experience and to pay for college and her living expenses.

She gained more experience in finance by working as an Economic Forecasting Analyst Intern, and then as a Financial Analyst, and was one of the 35 students specially selected to manage the university’s endowment.

Thao graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, with a minor in Economics from the University of New Hampshire in 2012. She moved to San Francisco and began her career in wealth management with one of the nation’s largest independent advisory firms. There, she developed expertise on the operations side of investment management and began interfacing directly with firm clients.

Wanting to move to San Diego to join her husband, she joined Avenue Advisors in May, 2015 and now works primarily on helping prepare preliminary financial plans, conducting investment research and reporting, and responding to client needs and requests.

Professional Development & Learning

Thao has a keen interest in learning the art of financial planning and investment management. She demonstrates a deep knowledge and commitment to developing and maintaining competency through continuing education.

Thao speaks three languages: English, Vietnamese, and French. She would like to improve her public speaking skills and plans to join Toastmasters.

What do you do when you’re not working?

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, and traveling. I have an active lifestyle and like to surf, run, hula dance, hike, snow-board, and just started rock climbing.

I enjoy exploring the world, and learning about different cultures and consider myself a dreamer and a wanderer, but a purposeful one!

What are some of your favorite quotes?

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey

“If you don't give up, you still have a chance. And, when you are small, you have to be very focused and rely on your brain, not your strength." – Jack Ma