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 Next Normal: Your Money with Sarah Fallaw
By Erik Garcia
Does your household need a Chief Financial Officer? Sarah Fallaw, President at DataPoints, shares her knowledge and expertise on saving money and being financially successful in this episode of the Building Us podcast, hosted by…
Topics Behavioral Finance, Building Us Podcast, Saving
Podcast
The Next Normal: Your Health with Dr. Jose Calderon
By Erik Garcia
How does the mind-body connection contribute to illness or wellness? Jose Calderon- Abbo, MD, a Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Imagine Recovery, shares his knowledge and expertise on mind-body medicine and the GI tract in…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
The Next Normal: Your Habits with Brandon Ecker
By Erik Garcia
How can consistency help you achieve your goals? In today’s episode of the Building Us podcast, Brandon Ecker M. Ed., Certified CrossFit Trainer and Head Coach at CrossFit NOLA joins co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Article
Financial New Years Resolutions
By Erik Garcia
Financial New Years Resolutions You might be like most people and make a new year’s resolution about your money. I want you to be unlike most people and actually achieve your resolution. It’s not for…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Article
Covid-10 Stimulus Package
By Erik Garcia
There is lots of news of the day as 2020 is in the books. But most eyes have been following the latest $900 billion COVID-19 relief stimulus bill that the U.S. Senate and House of…
Topics Money 101
Podcast
Is Marriage a Straight Jacket?
By Erik Garcia
Is marriage constraining or liberating? In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT explain why marriage is a straight jacket to some people, the aspects…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Couples & Money
Article
Let’s Be Honest: 8 Tips To Improving Your Finances In 2021
By Erik Garcia
If you’re like most Americans, you make a New Year’s resolution that somehow relates to your finances. The top 3 financial resolutions usually include things like spending less, getting out of debt, or saving more….
Topics Behavioral Finance
Podcast
Crisis Fretting vs. Crisis Planning. Dealing with Quarantine Then and Now
By Erik Garcia
What is the difference between crisis fretting and crisis planning? In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and co-host Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT share tips on how to avoid…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Why Is Saving Money So Hard?
By Erik Garcia
Why is saving money so difficult? In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT ask a handful of people about how difficult it is for…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Saving

