Anastasia Surmava
30 | Financial Advisor, Commonwealth Financial Group
Residence: Burlington
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Starting my third business venture before 30! Building my financial planning practice from the ground up has not been easy, but it has been exceptionally rewarding.
Your community involvement:
I am involved with organizations that prioritize underprivileged children. If it were not for these types of organizations, my own childhood would have looked very different. 
Putting kids first and providing a community of love and support is not only an investment in the present but also in the future of our communities.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
The community it provides, the fresh air and the ability to be close to my family and friends. As a child, I didn’t appreciate growing up in Burlington. But now I see I was a very lucky kid! It’s truly a blessing to be able to call Vermont home as an adult and raise my family here.
Favorite part of your job:
The ability to guide families, business owners and individuals on their path to financial independence. Helping my clients achieve their dreams and take the stress out of the money equation is very rewarding.
Most inspiring mentor:
My mother. She moved to the US with a 2-year-old and broken English. She worked countless jobs and always made sure I had food on the table and clothes on my back. She could have gone back to Georgia so many times, but she stayed so that I could have more opportunity than she did. I will never be able to repay her for her sacrifices. She taught me how to work hard and never let anyone else’s words define me.
Best career advice you have received:
Never stop learning; keep your mind open and your vision big.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
One of my biggest regrets in life is not learning how to the play the piano. I’ll find the time one day.
Three words that best describe you:
Driven, nurturing and creative.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Lake Champlain. There is no better place than the water.
Favorite Vermont season:
Fall, although summer is a close second.
Favorite downtime activities:
Watching a binge-worthy show with my husband and kittens.
Favorite social media:
Instagram. This platform has given me a voice and a place to share my travels and favorite things with my community.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
My grandma. She passed when my mother was 15, and I am named for her. I have so many questions about her life.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
Helping underprivileged youth gain access to basic needs, support and a sense of community.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
There isn’t one; her music choice is just as eclectic as mine!
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
I’d like to build a practice composed of clients whom I adore with a team of talented, trustworthy and driven individuals.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
Being a top 10 adviser in my firm and creating enough abundance that I am able to support my growing family, parents and community.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
I had to get more creative in the ways I was able to support my community. It led to new paths and ways to get involved.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
I had to shut down and sell my previous business, but it led to the opportunity to start anew in Vermont.
