What Every Finance Student Should Learn Before Graduating with Riley Edwards

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Riley Edwards to discuss what it’s like starting out in financial modeling and how those skills carry into real-world financial planning. The conversation covers early mistakes, learning experiences, and the importance of presenting financial information clearly. Riley shares his journey from studying finance to working in wealth management, along with how financial modeling helped him build confidence, improve communication, and handle client conversations more effectively.

Riley Edwards is a Financial Planning professional at IG Private Wealth Management, working with Fox-Revett Heslegrave & Associates. He is an Adrian College alumnus and is currently building his career in the financial planning industry. Based in Schomberg, Ontario, Canada, he focuses on helping clients understand their finances and make better decisions through clear analysis.

Expect to Learn

• What early mistakes in financial modeling look like and how to fix them
• Why understanding the basics is more important than just building models
• How financial modeling improves confidence in professional settings
• Why presentation skills matter just as much as technical skills
• How modeling helps handle difficult client conversations

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Learning modeling is easier when you have people around you to share ideas and solve problems together.” - Riley Edwards
• “Financial modeling is not just about numbers. It’s about understanding where you are today and where you’re going tomorrow.” - Riley Edwards

Financial modeling is not just about spreadsheets. It’s about turning numbers into something people can understand and use. As Riley explains, the real value comes from how you present and communicate that information, especially when the conversation is not easy.

Follow Riley:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileyedwards0405/

Company’s Website: https://www.foxrevettassociates.com

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In today’s episode:

[02:57] – First Modeling Mistake

[05:07] – Getting Started in Financial Modeling

[07:29] – Learning Experience & Education

[10:04] – Most Rewarding Part of Modeling

[12:23] – Importance of Presentation Skills

[13:37] – Challenges in Learning Modeling

[15:29] – Current Role in Wealth Management

[17:38] – Personal Motivation & Background

[19:00] – Using Modeling in Client Work

[21:18] – AI in Learning & Modeling

[25:18] – Excel Tips & Shortcuts

[27:28] – Rapid Fire Round