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
Relationships As a Measure of Net Worth: How to Build Healthy Connections
By Erik Garcia
What if relationships showed up on our balance sheets like our businesses and other investments do? Relationships as a Measure of Net Worth: How to Build Healthy Connections As a financial advisor, I’m used to…
Topics Behavioral Finance, Couples & Money
Podcast
The Household CFO with Dr. Sarah Fallaw
By Erik Garcia
Does your household need a Chief Financial Officer? Revisit this throwback episode of the Building Us podcast, where hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT. are joined by Sarah Fallaw, President at…
Podcast
College Loans and Financial Aid with John Hupalo
By Erik Garcia
Paying for college is tricky! Filling out the FAFSA, applying for loans, trying for scholarships… and then, debt. The process is anxiety inducing and sometimes ambiguous – but that doesn’t mean it has to be!…
Podcast
Liquid Assets and What They Do For You
By Erik Garcia
We all know that in the case of an emergency, it’s nice to have finances not tied up in stuff like real estate or the like – i.e., liquid assets. But did you know that’s…
Podcast
Social Media and Financial Advice
By Erik Garcia
Social media is ubiquitous. Everyone uses it, including us, and including you (if you’re counting podcasts)! This includes people who give financial advice, even if it’s not always the best. Your favorite financial influencers, Erik…
Podcast
The 10 Tenets of Relationships as According to Dr. Matt Morris
By Erik Garcia
Finances are important. Building wealth is important. At Plan Wisely, we deal with money and stocks and finance all day long. But you know what’s really, really important? Relationships. Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA welcomes longtime…
Article
Are you a “but” thinker or an “and” thinker?
By Erik Garcia
Source: Harvard Business Review The Big Takeaway: When faced with a tough decision, most people think in terms of either/or. You can only choose one. Many successful people, however, think in terms of both/and. Embracing…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Article
Getting things done – even if they’re not fun
By Erik Garcia
Source: Psychology Today The Big Takeaway: It’s not always easy to get to everything on your to-do list. Things like exercise, eating right, and saving money for your future are easy to put on the…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Podcast
Farewell, 2022, and Hello, 2023!
By Erik Garcia
What a year 2022 was! Ups and downs in the market, financial happiness, financial sadness… and now, we usher it out the door and welcome in 2023. Who knows what 2023 will bring for you…

