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
Home Team Bias Cramping Your Investment Success?
By Erik Garcia
Video Transcription: I’m a Saints fan, I’ve always been a Saints fan. I was a Saints fan when the Saints were bad and I’ve been a Saints fan ever since they drafted Drew Brees. Let…
Topics Investing
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One Big Obstacle Keeping You From Achieving Financial Security
By Erik Garcia
Video Transcription: A Stanford professor back in the 60’s took kids mainly four and five, put them in a room one at a time with one marshmallow. The instructions were: If you can go…
Topics Behavioral Finance
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Lent and Your Money: 4 Areas To Focus On To Improve Your Finances Now
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Every year after Mardi Gras is Lent. Fat Tuesday, then Ash Wednesday. For the Christian, lent is a time of fasting with the purpose of drawing nearer to God. For me, lent is a…
Topics Behavioral Finance, Give to Others, Saving
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I Lost My Wallet: A Lesson In Borrowing Money
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Let’s face it. Teaching kids about money seems hard. No one ever plans for their child to grow up and be broke, or lack money management skills. But it happens every day. If you have…
Topics Kids & Money, Video
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Let’s Be Honest: Making Space For What Matters Most
By Erik Garcia
This time of year there is a game that we play around our house. It’s called “Let’s be honest”. It started years ago in preparation for the deluge of new stuff (toys) my wife knew…
Topics Behavioral Finance
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7 Truths About the Market and Financial Planning I Was Reminded of On My Beach Trip
By Erik Garcia
With summer 2017 in the books, and cooler weather on the way, the world continues to heat up. The uncertainty in our country and world can create fear and anxiety for our finances and for…
Topics Investing
Article
6 Mistakes You Make Setting Financial Goals And Tips On How to Fix Them
By Erik Garcia
fWith the new year comes new resolutions or recycled failed resolutions from the previous year. Certainly hitting your goals will enhance our life…if you can just stick to your promises and hit the mark. Unfortunately,…
Article
Five Things You Should Consider About Santa’s Generous Spirit
By Erik Garcia
There is great debate about what some people believe about the Big Guy and his presence in the Christmas Holidays. No matter what you believe about the man in red, though, there are at least…
Topics Give to Others
Article
2 Gifts to Give This Holiday Season to Build Your Wealth
By Erik Garcia
With Thanksgiving behind and Christmas ahead we are in the middle of the gift giving season. What if you could give a gift that would build your wealth? In my day to day context wealth…
Topics Give to Others

