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
Article
The Psychology of Money
By Erik Garcia
Most people think financial success is about finding the right investment. The right stock.The right strategy.The right retirement plan. Those things matter. But after years of working with families, business owners, retirees, and investors, I’ve…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Podcast
Motivation Won’t Build Wealth. Habits Will
By Erik Garcia
Most people believe financial transformation starts with motivation. Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ and Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT argue the opposite: motivation fades, but habits compound. In this episode, they explain why relying on bursts of inspiration or willpower…
Article
Why Smart People Make Emotional Financial Decisions
By Erik Garcia
Most financial mistakes aren’t caused by a lack of knowledge. They’re caused by a lack of awareness. Have you ever looked at your investment account during a market downturn and felt your stomach drop? Have you ever seen…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Podcast
Emotions Are Signals, Not Instructions
By Erik Garcia
Money is emotional — and in this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ and Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT explore why emotions have such a powerful influence on financial behavior. From market volatility and economic uncertainty to comparison, insecurity, and…
Article
The Invisible Algorithm Running Your Financial Decisions
By Erik Garcia
Have you ever looked back at a financial decision and wondered, “What was I thinking?” Maybe it was a purchase you didn’t really need. Maybe it was selling an investment because the market felt scary. Maybe it was putting off…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Article
Changemakers: Why This Matters to You
By Erik Garcia
Recently, I was honored to be selected as one of four Changemakers from the Osaic network, a recognition given to advisors helping reshape the future of financial planning. Osaic is the national wealth management platform…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Podcast
Mindset: Your Financial Beliefs Driving Your Financial Decisions
By Erik Garcia
In the opening episode of The Psychology of Money series, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ and Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT explore one of the most overlooked drivers of financial success: mindset. Long before people learn…
Podcast
Episode 109: Time, Compounding, and the Truth About Building Wealth
By Erik Garcia
In this episode, Erik P. Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Xavier J. Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, unpack a misunderstood truth about building wealth: real wealth takes time. Picking up from their earlier conversations on discipline, behavior,…
Article
Navigating Income Disparity in Marriage
By Erik Garcia
Financial planning works best when it is rooted in purpose. At its core, it is not just about numbers or paychecks. It is about building a life together around shared values, shared goals, and a…
Topics Couples & Money

