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 66: Do I Need a Bookkeeper? with Jeremiah Bradley
By Erik Garcia
Many insurance agency owners struggle with the financial side of their business – Am I paying too much in taxes? Are my finances in order? Am I making a profit? These questions can be daunting,…
Podcast
Episode 65: 3 Money Strategies to Teach Your Kids
By Erik Garcia
We all want our kids to develop healthy money habits. We want them to grow to be financially independent humans. They need to develop the skills to face life’s financial challenges while the consequences are…
Podcast
Episode 64: Am I Getting a Good Deal in My Marriage? with Dr. Matt Morris
By Erik Garcia
Money is a flash point in marriages. Throw in income disparity between spouses and you have even more opportunity for complex, emotionally charged conflict. In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia,…
Podcast
Episode 63: Security, Hope and Significance: The True Value of Mothers
By Erik Garcia
Mother’s Day seems like a silly holiday! Well, at least that’s the perspective of guest hosts Missy Garcia and Grace Angel on the Stuff About Money podcast. In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™,…
Podcast
Episode 62: Margin, Seasons, & Values. Work-Life Balance in Perspective.
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ is joined by a long-time friend of the show, Couples Counselor Dr. Matt Morris, and first-time guest Michael Baudin. Listen in…
Podcast
Episode 61: S-Corp vs. LLC: Which Is Best for My Company?
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Xavier Angel, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC), sits down with CPA Keith Raymond to discuss common…
Podcast
Episode 60: Understanding the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite
By Erik Garcia
“I was excited when I finally understood what the radio announcer was talking about this morning on my commute! All of those financial terms made perfect sense to me” In this episode of the Stuff…
Podcast
Champion People With Jeff Roy
By Erik Garcia
Whoa! Mind blown. Rescuing donkeys from the side of the road, funding hospitals, training hockey players, and so much more. Jeff and Una Roy live by the mantra, “Give with no expectation of anything in…
Podcast
Paying for College With Christen Arafeh
By Erik Garcia
College is CRAZY expensive. As a parent, where do you start planning for your child’s Higher Ed? There is so much competing for your money and with many colleges not offering merit-based financial aid, the…

