Oct. 15, 2025

Investing: It's Never Too Late to Start with IMG's Paula Murphy

Investing: It's Never Too Late to Start with IMG's Paula Murphy
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In this episode of Behind the Curtain: Money Made Simple, Julie speaks with Paula Murphy, Director of Portfolio Management at Rockland Trust Investment Management Group. Paula explains what a portfolio really is, why most people already have one, and how Rockland Trust helps clients manage their financial goals. The conversation covers the importance of trust and communication with an advisor, strategies for getting started with investing, and the realities of fees and compensation. Paula also addresses common misconceptions, including the role of cryptocurrency, the meaning of “hedge,” and whether it’s ever too late to begin planning. With practical advice for beginners and reassurance for seasoned investors, Paula shares her passion for guiding clients toward financial confidence.

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[00:00:00] Introduction of guest Paula Murphy, Director of Portfolio Management at Rockland Trust IMG.

[00:01:10] Overview of Rockland Trust’s Investment Management Group and services offered.

[00:02:24] What a portfolio really is and why most people already have one.

[00:03:51] Importance of comfort and communication when working with a financial advisor.

[00:06:14] Understanding client priorities—vacations, legacy, education—and aligning financial plans.

[00:07:23] The hardest conversations: setting realistic goals and giving clients “permission” to spend.

[00:10:30] Advice for beginners: starting with workplace retirement plans, index funds, and budgeting.

[00:12:58] How Rockland Trust structures fees as a fiduciary.

[00:14:37] Paula’s perspective on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency as speculative investments.

[00:18:16] Explanation of “hedging” and portfolio diversification.

[00:21:32] The teaching aspect of Paula’s role and empowering clients to ask questions.

[00:23:37] Is it ever too late to start investing? Paula’s reassurance that it’s not.

[00:24:20] Rapid fire Q&A with Paula: favorite word, least favorite word, theme song, and more.

[00:26:35] Paula’s financial challenge for listeners: create a budget and define long-term goals.


Rockland Trust Investment Management Group products are Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency / Not Rockland Trust Guaranteed / Not Rockland Trust Deposits or Obligations, and May Lose Value.


Links:

Paula Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-murphy-53b42662

Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/

Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534