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
Using the Enneagram to Build Stronger Personal and Business Relationships with Janine Crum & Christian Moore
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview Janine Crum, Certified Enneagram Coach, and Christian Moore, CVO of Real Good Group and Co-Founder of Agent Refined. Janine and Christian share their knowledge and…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
The Dr. Suess of Color with Children’s Book Author Jesse Byrd Jr.
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview Jesse Byrd, Award-Wining Story Developer, Editor, and Writer at Jesse B. Creative. Jesse talks about his career in the publishing industry and…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Erik’s 5 Pillars of Financial Security
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT talk about Erik’s ebook entitled, 5 Pillars of Financial Security. They discuss how to manage money by applying the 5 pillars,…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Article
It Could Be Called “Love” Insurance
By Erik Garcia
Life insurance can be called “love “insurance because we use it to protect the ones we hold dear. It’s the true definition of love for your family that can be the key to ensuring their…
Article
A Stimulus Check & Your Social Security Benefits Tax
By Erik Garcia
This year has been quite an adventure for people who need to file and pay taxes. COVID-19’s impact on the economy led to the delaying of the income tax filing date as well as the…
Topics Retirement Planning
Podcast
Inter-racial Marriage Part 2: How 1 Couple is Ending Racism For Their Family Tree with Julia & Daniel Prudhomme
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview Daniel Prudhomme, Account Executive at Dell Technologies and his wife Julia Prudhomme, National Account Manager at ConvergeOne. Daniel and Julia were both born and raised…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
4 Money Conversations to Strengthen your Marriage
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT discuss a little bit about their roots, when and where they started working together, and the idea of how couples can…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Couples & Money
Article
2020 vs 2019 Tax Brackets
By Erik Garcia
With a third of the 2020 tax year behind us, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has finally released the 2020 tax brackets. While it might seem a little late in the year, you still have…
Topics Retirement Planning
Article
How Is Your Retirement Confidence?
By Erik Garcia
Retirement could be a stressful phase in your life if you did not do any prior planning before you became a retiree. This is because you need to put food on your table and pay…
Topics Retirement Planning

