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 107: 3 Behaviors That Protect Your Wealth: The Disciplines That Keep You From Losing What You’ve Built
By Erik Garcia
In the last episode, we broke down the behaviors that quietly destroy wealth—emotional decisions, lifestyle creep, and overconfidence. But avoiding mistakes is only half the equation. In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Xavier Angel,…
Podcast
Episode 106: Before You Build Wealth… Stop Destroying It: The 3 Behaviors That Sabotage Your Financial Future (Part 1 of 4)
By Erik Garcia
Before you can build wealth, you have to stop destroying it. Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler said it best: “People don’t act rationally.” And when it comes to money, that shows up in ways that…
Podcast
Episode 105: Beyond the Salary: Real Money Decisions for New Pharmacists
By Erik Garcia
Landing that first job feels like the finish line, but for most young professionals, it is really just the beginning. In this episode, Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC®, sits down with Christopher Bland, PharmD, FCCP,…
Article
The Lasagna Market: AI, Diversification, and the Return to Normal Investing
By Erik Garcia
Every few years, investors start to feel like something fundamental has changed about the markets. The headlines are louder.The technology feels more disruptive.And the pace of change makes it seem like the old rules may…
Topics Investing
Podcast
Episode 104: Normal Returns, Broader Markets, Sexy Bonds and Lasagna With Phil Blancato
By Erik Garcia
Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, welcomes back Phil Blancato for their annual market conversation, now a tradition on Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You In School. Phil is Chief Market Strategist at Osaic Wealth,…
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,…
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,…

