I never set out to work in financial services—my plan was to become a teacher. While finishing my final semester at Utica College of Syracuse University in 2007, I took a part-time filing job at a financial firm to earn some extra income. But what started as temporary work quickly turned into something I loved. I was drawn to the organization, the problem-solving, and the sense of purpose that came with helping clients. Instead of stepping into a classroom, I decided to stay and build a career that continues to challenge and inspire me nearly two decades later.
Since then, I’ve grown my expertise in operations and leadership, earning my FINRA Series 7 license in 2021 and my Series 66 license in 2024. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles, including on Osaic’s Service Excellence Council (formerly the National Operations Excellence Council) in 2022. In January 2025, I was selected to return to the council—a role I’m honored to hold as we continue working together to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and the overall client experience. After spending most of my career with one firm, I was drawn to Xavier and Erik’s client-centered approach to financial planning. After many great conversations, I knew it was the right fit and officially joined the Plan Wisely team in November 2024.
On a personal note:
Outside of work, my story centers on family and community. My husband, Andrew, and I live in West Winfield, NY, where we’re raising our three daughters. Between soccer and volleyball schedules, school events, and cheering for our favorite teams (the Buffalo Bills, Manchester City F.C., the USMNT, and UNC), there’s always something happening—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Giving back and staying active are big parts of who we are as a family. Each year, I take part in the American Heart Association’s Heart Run and Walk in Utica, honoring family members affected by heart disease and remembering my Uncle Frank. We also proudly support the Kelberman Center’s annual autism fundraising efforts and walk to celebrate my niece—and the unique, wonderful qualities autism has awarded her. Both causes are deeply personal to me and remind our family of the power of compassion, awareness, and community.
And if you know me, you know I’m rarely without a great pair of heels, a bold lip color, and a good laugh with family or friends. I believe life’s better when you bring a little style, warmth, and joy to everything you do—whether that’s at work, at home, or somewhere in between.
My Content
Podcast
Episode 103: 3 Myths About Building Wealth (Part 1)
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC® begin a two-part series on how wealth is actually built and…
FAQ
Partnering for Prosperity: How Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors Work for You
By Erik Garcia
Navigating the complexities of personal finance requires more than just picking stocks; it demands a strategic approach that aligns your financial resources with your life goals. At Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors, we believe in transparency,…
Topics Investing
Article
Give to Others: Why Generosity Is More Foundational Than We Think
By Erik Garcia
I recently came across a piece of research that stopped me in my tracks. According to data summarized by Grey Matter Research in their analysis of the average American donor, Americans overestimate what they give…
Topics Give to Others
Podcast
Episode 102: What 100 Conversations About Money Taught Us
By Erik Garcia
In this milestone episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and co-host Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC®, reflect on what they’ve learned after reaching 100 episodes of honest,…
FAQ
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest First?
By Erik Garcia
The answer to this question depends a lot on two things: the type of debt you have and the type of investor you are. In most situations, paying off high-interest debt — especially credit cards…
Topics Debt Management, Investing
Podcast
Episode 101: King Cake and the Seasons of Money
By Erik Garcia
In this solo episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, reflects on King Cake season in New Orleans, an annual reminder that some things are wonderful precisely because they don’t last forever….
FAQ
How Should I Invest My Money?
By Erik Garcia
The way you should invest your money really comes down to the goal and the purpose of that money. We like to attach purpose to every investment account, because that purpose should drive how the…
Topics Investing
FAQ
How Much Do I Need to Retire Comfortably?
By Erik Garcia
The question “How much do I need to retire comfortably?” can actually be answered two different ways.One is: How much income will you need in retirement?The other is: How much do you need to have…
Topics Retirement Planning
Podcast
Episode 99: Should You Wait to Invest When the Market Feels Expensive?
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia is joined by Miles Clark, Senior Analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to explore a simple but important question: what’s better—time…

