With more than a decade in the financial services industry, Galina Koval, CFP, CLU, ChFC, RFC, is the owner of Living Benefits, LLC, in Stuart, Florida, where she has established herself as a trusted retirement income planner. Her journey began far from finance in the world of performing arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in stage drama acting from the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts in 1987. However, her professional path shifted when her husband, who worked in the insurance industry, inspired her to try financial services. This transition marked the beginning of Ms. Koval’s distinguished new career.
Credentialed as a certified financial planner (CFP), a chartered life underwriter (CLU), a chartered financial consultant (ChFC), a registered financial consultant (RFC), and a certified social security planer, as well as a retired income certified professional (RICP) by The American College of Financial Services, Ms. Koval’s career is diverse and remarkable. She started as an account executive with The Hartford from 2005 to 2009, laying the foundation for her expertise in the industry. She then worked as an independent insurance broker with Living Benefits, LLC from 2010 to 2011, where she honed her skills in personalized financial planning. Following this, she held significant leadership roles, including regional sales vice president at MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC, from 2011 to 2014 and senior vice president at Highland Capital Brokerage from 2014 to 2016. These roles gave her valuable insights into high-level financial planning and client relationship management.
In 2017, Ms. Koval boldly established Living Benefits, LLC. Her previous experience at Futurity First Insurance Group, LLC, where she worked as a retirement income planner from 2016 to 2017, provided her with the know-how to lead her own firm successfully. Throughout her career, Ms. Koval has distinguished herself by earning the trust of her clients, which, along with becoming an entrepreneur, she considers her most notable achievement.
Impressively, one of the unique aspects of Ms. Koval’s life is her background in the performing arts. She had a brief but meaningful career as an actress in Russia, a path that reflects her family’s rich legacy in the performing arts. Her parents were stage actors, with her father later becoming a stage director and eventually the director of a local television station. This artistic heritage, spanning three generations, also included her grandparents, who were involved in acting and music. Despite the vast differences between the performing arts and financial planning, Ms. Koval’s ability to connect with people, a skill undoubtedly developed in her acting days, has been a cornerstone of her success in the financial industry.
Ms. Koval’s approach to financial planning is deeply rooted in caring for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of being passionate about the work, especially in a field as technical and complex as financial services. Her love for the subject matter and her desire to share knowledge with her clients are crucial to her professional success. Ms. Koval also stresses the significance of listening to clients, understanding their unique needs, and tailoring her advice accordingly. This personalized approach, combined with her honesty, integrity, and reliability, has enabled her to forge strong and enduring relationships with her clients.
In addition to her work, Ms. Koval is dedicated to passing on her knowledge, influence, and passion to the next generation, particularly her daughter, who has entered the insurance industry. During the next five years, Ms. Koval plans to continue developing her daughter’s expertise in the field, allowing her to pursue opportunities independently, even though she is not directly involved in Living Benefits, LLC. This mentorship reflects Ms. Koval’s desire to leave an enduring legacy beyond her career.
Ms. Koval is also known for her commitment to her clients in Martin County and Port St. Lucie, where she operates her business. Unlike many financial advisors who may rely on automated systems, she offers a personal touch, ensuring that her clients interact with her directly. This hands-on approach has set her apart from others in the field and made her a preferred choice for those seeking personalized financial guidance. By managing a client base that she can personally care for, Ms. Koval ensures that each client receives the support they need, fostering trust and loyalty. Her motivation to remain engaged and active in her profession is driven by a strong sense of responsibility toward her clients, many of whom have been with her for years. Her sense of duty and desire to continuously improve her business and client relationships keep her energized and focused daily. Ms. Koval finds immense satisfaction in the appreciation and gratitude of her clients, who often express their thanks for her clear explanations and the positive impact she has had on their lives. These moments and the referrals from satisfied clients are the most rewarding aspects of her career.
In her personal life, Ms. Koval enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cruising, and scuba diving—reflecting her appreciation for family and adventure. As she looks to the future, she aims to achieve a harmonious work-life balance that allows her to allocate more time to her family while continuing to provide exceptional service to her clients. Ms. Koval’s career is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others. From her early days in the performing arts to her current role as a respected financial planner, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a deep care for the people she serves.