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
Squash Debt: Nine lessons from Dee-1 on paying off debt
By Erik Garcia
I have to admit I think Dee-1’s hit “Sallie Mae Back” is genius. Maybe it’s because he graduated from my alma mater Ben Franklin, or maybe it’s because he has taken debt, one of the…
Topics Debt Management
Article
Will Hillary or Trump be better for my stock market investments?
By Erik Garcia
This presidential election cycle has many people anxious, especially investors. A common question I hear lately is: “What is going to happen to my investments if (Insert Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, which ever one causes…
Topics Investing
Article
Eight obstacles to setting financial goals
By Erik Garcia
After you set your financial goals, you need to develop a plan to achieve them. How will you pay off your debt in 3 years? When are you going to make the time to track…
Article
I can’t afford my wife
By Erik Garcia
Do you know what your mom/wife is worth? With Mother’s Day around the corner, you should give it some thought. Whether she works outside of the house or if she’s a stay-at-home mom or if…
Topics Couples & Money, Women & Wealth
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Local Business Highlight: Charles Anderson, Artist and Activist
By Erik Garcia
I first met Charles Anderson at Canal Street Church; he’s a hard-to-miss guy with his signature artistic jackets and contagious energy. We had a chance to get to know each other better through a fantasy…
Topics
Article
Four concepts to teach your child about managing their money
By Erik Garcia
We love our kids and we want the best for them. More often than not, we want them to have things and experiences that we did not when we were younger, and we work…
Topics Kids & Money
Article
How to set smart financial goals
By Erik Garcia
Just like any goal we create -whether it be financial, health-related, education-driven, or job-related, the most important thing about creating a goal is just that: creating it. Setting goals forces us to focus on what’s…
Article
Where are you going to spend your tax refund?
By Erik Garcia
It’s tax time, and for some, it means a tax refund. Make a plan on how to spend your refund before the money is in your bank account so you can avoid the temptation…
Topics Taxes
Article
8 Simple Steps to Teach Kids About Money
By Erik Garcia
As I discussed in my last blog, Why Should I Teach My Kids about Money?, teaching children about money is no different than teaching them other important morals or values; it’s giving them the…
Topics Kids & Money
