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
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
Article
Recognize and Prevent Elder Financial Abuse
By Erik Garcia
Yesterday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. There can be many ways the elderly are abused by family or those close to them. Let’s look at abuse from a financial aspect. Financial abuse can…
Topics Retirement Planning
Podcast
Do you want to be the Next Millionaire Next Door? with Sarah Stanley Fallaw – Plan Wisely Episode #10
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In today’s episode of the Plan Wisely Podcast, host Erik Garcia interviews Sarah Stanley Fallaw, Psychologist, Researcher and the Founder and President of DataPoints, the company that created the world’s first financial psychology…
Topics Spending & Budgeting
Article
Estate Planning in a Pandemic
By Erik Garcia
The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic has disrupted life in countless ways. The health crisis has led many people to examine their own mortality and realize that they are not prepared for the end of life…
Topics Estate Planning, Retirement Planning
Article
CARES Act Creates Tax Relief
By Erik Garcia
In March 2020, the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent; just one month later the number had skyrocketed to 14.7 percent-the highest figure since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Some 29 million Americans are now…
Topics Retirement Planning
Podcast
4 Reasons I Disagree with Dave Ramsey – Plan Wisely Episode #9
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY Dave Ramsey is one of the biggest names when it comes to personal finance, and a lot of his advice is very good. But there are 4 of his philosophies that Erik Garcia…
Topics Investing, Retirement Planning
Podcast
I Can’t Afford My Wife – A Tribute To Moms – Plan Wisely Bonus Episode
By Erik Garcia
Episode Summary According to Salary.com a stay-at-home mother’s annual salary in 2019 is valued at $178,201! Listen in as Matt and Erik pay tribute and celebrate moms everywhere. Episode Notes Salary.com tracks real-time market prices…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Women & Wealth
Article
I Can’t Afford My Wife – A Tribute To Moms
By Erik Garcia
According to Salary.com a stay-at-home mother’s annual salary in 2019 was valued at $178,201! Salary.com tracks real-time market prices of all the jobs moms perform. Stay-at-home or not, moms are way undervalued and often underappreciated….
Topics Couples & Money, Women & Wealth

