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
The Intersection of Insurance, Entrepreneurship, and Trust with Bradley Flowers
By Erik Garcia
Trust is important, whether you’re finding an insurance agent you’re comfortable with, managing finances as a married couple, or building it as a business owner. In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik…
Podcast
When Should I Teach My Kids About Money? With Dr. Roy Salgado
By Erik Garcia
Most Americans believe parents should teach their kids about money, but the reality is parents rarely engage their kids in healthy conversations about money. In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia,…
Podcast
Money & Happiness with Business Professor Rob Lalka
By Erik Garcia
Listen in on this candid conversation about money and happiness, student loan debt, life priorities, and what defines successful entrepreneurs. Tulane business professor Rob Lalka joins Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC,…
Podcast
FAQ: Investing in Down Markets
By Erik Garcia
It’s scary to invest right now! In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC answer listener questions on investing in down markets. Is it…
Podcast
How Much Should I Save?
By Erik Garcia
How much should you save? It seems like a simple enough question. In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC, break down what you…
Podcast
Coming to America: I Felt the Wind I Was Breathing Was Not Mine
By Erik Garcia
Two men, generations apart, overcome incredible odds on their way to achieve financial success. Thick skinned, dogged determination, and an unrelenting drive is sometimes what it takes to have financial success in America. Erik Garcia,…
Article
3 Questions To Ask When Building Your Investment Portfolio
By Erik Garcia
It’s Different This Time, or is it? History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. The events that drive the stock market’s downturn tend to differ, but the results are inevitably the same, turbulence in…
Topics Investing
Article
6 Reasons We Stay Invested Even Though It’s Scary Out There
By Erik Garcia
Investing is hard. Investing in down markets is harder. When you decide to invest your money, you’re making a tradeoff; you’re sacrificing something you can buy and consume today to achieve more tomorrow. And when…
Topics Investing
Podcast
Financial Margin: Fight For It
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP® sits down with fellow podcaster Mitch Gibson to discuss how to build financial margin in your life. Margin doesn’t just happen, you need…

