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
Why should I teach my children about money?
By Erik Garcia
Why should I teach my children about money? Whether we like it or not, money plays a part in everyone’s life. People either don’t have enough, they have too much, they are working hard to…
Topics Kids & Money
Article
When to start teaching children about money
By Erik Garcia
Every parent wants their kids to grow up well-rounded, competent, and confident. As someone who talks about money for a living, there is a bit of added pressure that my kids are well-rounded, competent, and…
Topics Kids & Money
Article
How to Discuss Finances with Your Partner
By Erik Garcia
Meet Andrew and Jen Andrew and Jen have been together for five years. They know each other’s favorite food, least favorite color, how they like their coffee and they both know that Jen is not…
Topics Couples & Money
Article
10 Reasons Why You Don’t Need a Budget
By Erik Garcia
Why let your financial freedom be limited to a painful budget? Sure – you may spend a bit more money than you actually make, but that doesn’t make you a bad person, does it? Here…
Topics Spending & Budgeting
Article
Do You Know Where Your Money Is? 4 Tips to Manage & Keep Track of Your Money
By Erik Garcia
Do you remember the game hide and seek? Have you ever played hide and seek with a toddler? They’re typically terrible hiders. In fact, my 2-year-old broadcasts where she’s hiding before I’m done counting; and…
Topics Insurance Planning, Investing
Article
Get Clarity: Two principles to making wiser money decisions
By Erik Garcia
People can either make their money work for them or work against them, and more often than not, they unknowingly choose the latter. This is because they are approaching their money in one of two…
Topics Insurance Planning, Investing
Article
Holiday gifts…or burdens?
By Erik Garcia
This post was collaboratively authored with Couples Counselor (and friend) Dr. Matt Morris. Visit his website to learn more. We’re family guys, gift givers, and holiday celebrants, but we’re both tired of seeing our clients struggle…
Topics Spending & Budgeting
Article
Financial Emergencies-part 2: A practical lesson in finances from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge
By Erik Garcia
I came across recently a story about the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. When it was completed in 1937 it was the longest single span in the world. Costing over $27 million dollars it stretched…
Topics Saving
Article
Do you know where your money is going? 3 things you can do to find out.
By Erik Garcia
“What is money”? Seems like a simple question that should be easy to answer, right? As defined by Webster’s money is “something (such as coins or bills) used as a way to pay for goods…
Topics Spending & Budgeting

