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 83: Is the Piggy Bank Dead? Teaching Kids to Manage Digital Money
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, certified financial planners Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, are joined by Javier Sanchez, AVP of Financial Literacy for Fidelity Bank….
Article
Investment Themes for 2025: What Investors Need to Know
By Erik Garcia
By Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® & Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC It is rare for the financial markets to have experienced two consecutive years 20%+ growth. But with inflation remaining sticky, economic uncertainties looming,…
Topics Investing
Podcast
Episode 82: Will 2025 Bring More Volatility? Expert Market Outlook with Phil Blancato
By Erik Garcia
What should you expect in 2025? Will market volatility and inflation trends continue to dominate the economy? In this dynamic episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, host Erik Garcia, CFP®,…
Podcast
Episode 81: Ditch Your Resolutions: Rewire Your Mindset for Financial Success
By Erik Garcia
Why do most New Year’s resolutions fail, and why is it often a waste of time to even set them? In this engaging episode of “Stuff About Money,” certified financial planners Xavier Angel and Erik Garcia…
Podcast
Episode 80: Common Money Mistakes Advisors See Clients Make
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, host Erik Garcia, CFP®, teams up with Brenton Harrison, the host of the New Money, New Problems podcast, to discuss the most…
Podcast
Episode 79: Navigating Student Loans: A Roadmap to Funding College with John Hupalo
By Erik Garcia
In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, and host of the Stuff About Money podcast, continues his conversation with John Hupalo from My College Corner, exploring the complex world of student loans. Building on their previous…
Podcast
Episode 78: Navigating FAFSA with John Hupalo
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the “Stuff About Money” podcast, host Erik Garcia, CFP®, CHFC®, BFA®, welcomes back his good friend John Hupalo from mycollegecorner to discuss college financing. This is part one of their conversation,…
Podcast
Episode 77: Less Bad Decisions: How To Build Wealth with Bradley Flowers
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of “The Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School,” host Erik Garcia welcomes Bradley Flowers, co-host of “The Insurance Guys Podcast” and owner of Portal Insurance. Bradley shares his unique…
Podcast
Episode 76: Investing in Quality: A Conversation with Kevin Caron, CFA
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the “Stuff About Money” podcast, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, discuss investing with Kevin Caron, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager for Washington Crossing Advisors. They explore…

