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
Podcast
Episode 88: Parent PLUS vs. Private College Loans with John Hupalo
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, welcomes back longtime guest and college funding expert John Hupalo from MyCollegeCorner.com. As Erik navigates the emotional rollercoaster of planning for his own…
Podcast
Episode 87: Dollar Cost Averaging: Your 401(k)’s Superpower
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School podcast, certified financial planner Erik Garcia speaks directly to those regularly investing in a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA. With the market…
Podcast
How To Prep Your Finances for the Next Recession (Throwback Episode)
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, I (Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™) take a solo journey back to 2019—pre-COVID, pre-pandemic stimulus, pre-whatever the heck this current economy is….
Podcast
Episode 86: How to Actually Use Money for Happiness
By Erik Garcia
We all think having more money will make us happier, but what if the way we instinctively spend it isn’t actually the key to lasting happiness? In this episode of Stuff About Money, Erik Garcia,…
Podcast
Episode 85: Should You Pay Your Mortgage Off Early?
By Erik Garcia
Debt. Some people hate it. Some people tolerate it. And when it comes to a mortgage, the debate gets even more interesting. In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School,…
Article
Tomorrow Never Comes – Why We Procrastinate Financial Planning
By Erik Garcia
By Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® & Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC “Free crabs tomorrow.” That was the promise painted on the side of Joe’s Crab Shack. Unfortunately, the crabs were never free—because tomorrow never…
Topics Behavioral Finance
Podcast
Episode 84: Tomorrow Never Comes: Why We Put Off Financial Decisions
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik and Xavier kick off this episode with a slightly humorous conversation about the unique way people from New Orleans speak—because if nothing else, in The…
Article
Debt: The Wealth Killer—How to Squash It
By Erik Garcia
By Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® & Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC “Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self. –”Nathan W. Morris, Economics Expert “The rich rule over the poor, and the…
Topics Debt Management
Article
5 Reasons Agency Owners Need a Financial Advisor Who Gets Their Business
By Erik Garcia
As an independent insurance agency owner, your financial journey is different from traditional business owners. Your income is variable, your risk tolerance is unique, and your business is deeply tied to your financial future. Through conversations with agency…
Topics Insurance Agency Owners

