There’s something I want to talk about that newbies and seasoned-pros alike can benefit from: financial plans (no, really!). They’re not just for the wealthy or those high-earners who have multiple investment portfolios, they’re for everyone. Yes, that means you! No matter where you are, no matter where you’re starting from, no matter if you feel behind, ahead, or just hanging on, a financial plan is one of the best tools you can have in your hands.

As a financial planner, I keep meeting people (especially younger adults) who feel like financial stability just isn’t something they can have despite working hard and doing their best. There’s an ever-present feeling of being behind no matter what.

I’ve also talked to so many people who feel like they’re not “ready” for a financial planner, like they have to reach a certain level of wealth before they can even ask for help. And they’re not wrong to feel that way. In my industry, the problems most financial planners solve assume their clients have already reached a certain milestone on their own. And if you’re struggling to get there, it can feel like the door to professional support is closed.

I’ve been there and I know what it’s like to feel stressed every time money crosses your mind. That sinking feeling when you think you’re not where you “should” be, or when you avoid opening your banking app because you’re bracing for bad news, can be a major barrier to getting financial support.

That’s Where the Starter Plan Comes In

I created the Starter Plan because I wanted to fill the gaps and open the door to financial planning to everybody. I wanted to create a way for people to get practical, judgment-free help before they’ve “made it,” so they can actually get to where they want to be.

More people than ever, especially Millennials, are dealing with record levels of financial stress. When we look at some recent studies, it’s no surprise why that is:

• Over 38% of Millennials feel anxious or depressed about money every single week
• Half of them say those worries interrupt their sleep

And yet, most don’t have a financial plan. It’s not because they don’t care, but because they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. That’s where I come in.

Don’t worry, you’re not going to be lectured about spending or saving. I’m not here to make you feel guilty or tell you what you “should” be doing, or to stop getting coffee at your local cafe. The Starter Plan I offer is a system: a supportive, hands-on process to help you start confronting your financial stressors, so you can:

• Gain clarity and control
• Start making tangible progress
• Stop feeling like opportunities or financial comfort “aren’t for you”

What the Process Looks Like

To keep things transparent, here’s exactly what you can expect when we work together:

1. We’ll set you up with PocketGuard. This is a simple, intuitive app to track your spending in a way that’s manageable and doesn’t create extra work for you (we love that!)
2. We’ll do the setup for you. From linking your accounts to creating spending categories that reflect your real life and your goals, consider it done. The key here is you won’t leave with “homework” you have to figure out on your own; you’ll leave with a system that’s already running.
3. You’ll sit down with a Certified Financial Planner (me!) where I’ll listen to your struggles and the unique challenges you’re facing, and I’ll give you personalized advice for overcoming the specific obstacles standing in your way. There’s no up-selling, no jargon, no lectures. You don’t need to have everything figured out, we’ll do that together.
4. You’ll get a customized monthly check-in guide. This is a short list of questions to help you understand your spending reports, see what’s working, and spot where you might want to make changes.
5. If you’re in a partnership, we’ll include conversation prompts designed to help you communicate better about money, reduce tension, and align your accounts and systems so you’re working as a team.
6. You’ll leave with all the tools you need so you’re ready to take matters into your own hands, but also knowing we’re here if you want more support.

Your Options After the Setup

• If you know you’ll benefit from ongoing accountability, you can buy monthly or quarterly check-in sessions at a discount upfront.
• Or you can simply reach out when you need a tune-up, fresh ideas, or a neutral third party to help with a money decision.

The Key Takeaway

This doesn’t need to be complicated or anxiety-inducing. The Starter Plan is about removing the friction between you and the life you want to live. 

After our session, you’ll walk away with a functioning money management system, personalized advice you can trust, the clarity to understand your finances, and the confidence to make it work for you.