A native of the Northwest, I use my analytical skills and creative insights to meld economic and consumer perspectives into personalized financial plans and investing strategies. Good financial counsel, begins with sharing stories, thinking together, and, above all else, listening.

My money management and investing skills began in childhood. I was blessed to be born into family with good money sense and solid values. I never knew how much money my parents had nor earned. I never saw them argue about money. However, there were many discussions revolving around financial choices based on current circumstances. Loans and reduced savings were not an option for discretionary items.

Around age seven, I began receiving an allowance for doing chores and started a savings account. Paying for things myself, I developed confidence in meeting goals. Learning to be financially creative, I earned more money by painting houses, funded most of my undergraduate degree, all my graduate degree, and now own rental property debt-free. The greatest blessing came from my Dad who taught me about investing. When he arrived home from work, our routine was for me to quote the performance of his stocks and the Dow. My Dad’s approach to stocks was similar to any risky venture: safety first by being prepared and knowledgeable. My respect for the volatility and riskiness of the market has served me well in balancing passion with prudence. Over the years, this childhood foundation and passion to make smart choices about money has been sharpened by education and experience.