Meet Your New Coach

My initial career ambitions were to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather and become an accountant, crunching numbers all day in my happy place; a cubicle with a calculator, spreadsheet or database, and a problem to solve. I married my high school sweetheart at 20 years old, was swept away to join his military adventures, and completed my undergraduate degree in accounting and financial management. However, I couldn’t shake this gut feeling that I was missing a level of connection and understanding with everyday people.

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Then, I had two bouncy babies and we moved across the country. I put my graduate studies on hold to survive motherhood while trying to cultivate a new community for our young family, so far from everything and everyone I knew at the time. It was in the depths of trying not to completely lose myself, and drain our bank account from retail therapy, that I began volunteering with a not-for-profit organization providing financial assistance and education to Marines and Sailors. I quickly found the missing piece, or people, I should say, and where I belonged professionally. I also joined a local Hike-it-Baby group and learned the crucial parenting skill of intentionally cultivating community.

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While I was volunteering, a mentor and fellow volunteer recommended that I apply for a military spouse fellowship with FINRA Foundation for the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification. After three years of studying, moving, stopping, adding a fifth member to our family, and almost giving up, I obtained my AFC® certification in August 2024 and founded my financial coaching business, Financial Compass Coaching.

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There’s always been something enchanting to me about the ability to see the dollars and cents in my wallet or bank account and then transform them into the realization of a life well-lived. This has never been easy, but I’ve discovered endless possibilities emerge when money meets a bit of creativity and an understanding of one’s personal values. When I align my money and mindset, my path feels lighter and I can be in the moment focusing only on what’s in front of me.

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I am always finding something new to keep me on this money map saying, “I want to know more”; thrilled by the mystery of peaking around another bend, chasing rabbit trails, retracing my steps, stumbling along the way, and then reveling in the magic that can be made with a little inspiration and intention. I truly find joy and comfort knowing that we are all somewhere on this same journey; reaching for different viewpoints, with different timelines, and finding new paths along the way, but never alone. I'd love to take this journey with you!