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
How Often Do You Think About the Roman Empire (How They Viewed Wealth)? #romanempire
By Erik Garcia
Puff Daddy wasn’t Roman, but “Mo Money Mo Problems” may have resonated with the Stoics. Apparently, Erik thinks more about Roman views on wealth than he realized. And the Roman Empire is alive & well…
Podcast
#GirlMath…Come On Man!
By Erik Garcia
Are girls really bad at math? If something costs less than $5, it’s practically free, right? If I return something and get a store credit, I make money, correct? LOL Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC,…
Podcast
8 Reasons Business Owners Should Diversify Their Wealth
By Erik Garcia
Business owners often have the majority of their net worth tied up in their business. Does it make sense for them to diversify their wealth to protect their assets and achieve long-term financial security? Erik…
Podcast
The Power of Simple in Financial Planning
By Erik Garcia
Making a financial plan is complicated. There are a lot of moving parts and complexity…you could fill a book with just one plan! But often, more isn’t always better. Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC and…
Podcast
A Fresh Take on Budgeting…Even Millionaires Do It
By Erik Garcia
Erik has a confession to make… he dislikes budgeting. Yep, even though he created a budgeting course for his clients, he shares why he has an aversion to traditional budgets. In this episode of the…
Podcast
Reasons to Share Your Goals
By Erik Garcia
Or, the return of Xavier’s car: The 2008 Accord Strikes Back! Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC, and Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA, have a discussion about making and setting goals – particularly, about how sharing those…
Podcast
Common Sense Money with Daniel Prudhomme
By Erik Garcia
This is the Stuff About Money podcast, and here, we talk about… well, stuff about money! Some episodes are super specific and get into specific case studies, but sometimes, it’s good to get back to…
Podcast
I Got No Car Note! II
By Erik Garcia
Xavier’s a Certified Financial Planner driving a 2008 Accord. What? Why? Well, he drives his old car without air conditioning for a simple reason: No car note! Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC and Erik Garcia,…
Podcast
Building Wealth and Advice – Erik and Xavier Weigh In
By Erik Garcia
Building wealth is the central part of a financial planner’s livelihood. So, entering into the industry, they’d be given good, sound advice… right? Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC, share advice…

