I founded Focused Up Financial because finances are important, yes, but finances are a means to an end, not the end. I founded this firm to help people ultimately focus on their lives. I want to help people who are passionate about striving for more. Those who want to better themselves not only financially, but in every aspect of their lives.
I traveled a unique path to find my way to the financial planning industry. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting Sciences, I entered the public accounting world. After a few years, I took my shot in the corporate accounting world.
Something was missing, though.
I figured out that my passion for helping people was not being fulfilled. So, with bright and starry eyes I made a bold decision to dedicate a year to service work. Was I nervous? You bet. Did I know what was going to happen? Not in the least. Am I glad I did it? No doubt in my mind. It changed the whole direction of my life!
When I returned to Chicago I knew I wanted to integrate my CPA background with helping people, which led me to financial planning. I think about that decision a lot. I feel blessed that I can meet and help so many dynamic and diverse families and individuals.
One of the greatest freedoms in the financial planning industry is being a fee-only planner. As a fee-only firm, we are only compensated by our clients. We do not accept fees for recommending products. Because of this, I take pride in offering recommendations that benefit each client’s individual goals.
In my free time, I enjoy checking out the different neighborhoods of Chicago; biking on the wonderful lakefront trail (which I hardly do enough!); and volunteering at a variety of organizations including, the Financial Planning Association, my church, and LadderUp, a not-for-profit tax assistance program.
I look forward to learning about what drives you, so together we can build on your finances and help you live your best life.