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
Would you rather have a penny that doubles each day for a month or $1,000,000 today?
By Erik Garcia
Would you rather have a penny that doubles each day for a month or $1,000,000 today? If you immediately answered “of course I’d take the million!”… you might want to read this story first. The…
Topics Investing
Podcast
SIMPLE. Money Edition 3: Calculate Your Net Worth
By Erik Garcia
Your net worth is a simple calculation that can help you keep “score” of how well you are doing financially over time. In this third installment of the SIMPLE: Money Edition series, Dr. Matt Morris,…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Simple. Money Edition 2: Review Your Statements
By Erik Garcia
Where is all my money going? I spent how much on what? In this, the second installment of the SIMPLE: Money Edition series, Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT, and Erik Garcia, CFP® provide you with…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Article
4 Traits to Teach Your Kids to Set Them Up for Financial Success
By Erik Garcia
4 Traits to Teach Your Kids to Set Them Up for Financial Success When’s the last time you talked about money and finances? Not just your monthly budgeting, but about principles and values that you…
Topics Kids & Money
Podcast
SIMPLE. Money Edition 1: Automate
By Erik Garcia
Self-discipline will often let you down. In this, the first installment of the SIMPLE Money Edition series, Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT, and Erik Garcia, CFP® provide you with a simple, practical, and tactical…
Article
Insurance Needs Assessment: When You’re Newly Married
By Erik Garcia
Marriage changes everything, including insurance needs. Newly married couples should consider a comprehensive review of their current individual insurance coverage to determine if any changes are in order, as well as consider new insurance coverage…
Topics Couples & Money, Insurance Planning
Podcast
We Had Our Baby… Part 2 with Lee and Izabela Cormier
By Erik Garcia
Yay! They had their baby. In this episode of the Building Us podcast, hosted by Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT, listen in as Izabela Cormier and Lee Cormier share their experience…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Kids & Money
Podcast
Finding Her Voice with Erica and Austin Edenfield #ApraxiaAwareness
By Erik Garcia
We take the ability to speak for granted. Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT sit down with Erica Edenfield and Austin Edenfield, ATP/SMS as they share their story of helping their daughter…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Moms Are Underpaid:: An Interactive Discussion {Plus WIN a Staycation!}
By Erik Garcia
New Orleans Mom writers Seleigh Taylor and Joey Yearous join couples counselor Dr. Matt Morris and financial advisor Erik Garcia, CFP® to discuss how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted moms. Listen in here: Or watch…
Topics Building Us Podcast

