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
UPDATE: RMD Requirements
By Erik Garcia
If you missed the news, the IRS announced that if you already took out your maximum percent for your Required Minimum Distribution, you are still in luck. According to the IRS, you can still…
Topics Retirement Planning
Podcast
Keeping Up with the Joneses
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT discuss how the copy-paste model of emulating others works in achieving success in relationships, finance, and…
Article
Summer Travel: Flying in the Pandemic
By Erik Garcia
After months of desolation at the airports, air travel has increased every week leading into the busy summer vacation season. With full flights becoming more of the norm, it is more challenging than ever to…
Topics Retirement Planning
Article
Risk Tolerance Vs Risk Capacity: Knowing The Difference
By Erik Garcia
The economy that we all wake up in each day under COVID-19 looks a lot different from the one that existed before the virus took hold in the United States and around the world. It…
Topics Retirement Planning
Podcast
Giving Principle
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT talk about the significance and values of giving, the purpose it gives to everyone, and how…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Give to Others
Podcast
Is School out Forever? A Parents Guide to What’s Next
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT chat with guest Dr. Ashley Brooks, LPC, LMFT, the Director of Counseling at Restoration Counseling. They discuss ideas on how we can…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Beautiful Simplicity
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT, talk about the beautiful simplicity of a relationship, financial management as a couple, the importance of investing in a relationship,…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Couples & Money
Article
Financial Lessons This Crisis Can Teach You
By Erik Garcia
The current economic crisis was unexpected, but it hit quickly. Within a month, the stock market lost about a third of its value. Many investors were hit particularly hard. As states largely locked down, many…
Topics Retirement Planning
Article
Your 401k Match is Suspended. Now What?
By Erik Garcia
The recent global pandemic has caused many different types of economic fallout. It has resulted in many companies suspending the matching of their employee’s 401(k) contributions. The Plan Sponsor Council of America conducted a survey….
Topics Retirement Planning

