My Story

When I was 11, I wanted nothing more than to be a famous softball player. Despite the extra batting practices, I always seemed to have more success running around the bases than getting on one in the first place. Frustrated and unaware of my poor softball abilities, I asked my dad, “Why don’t they ever pick me to join the good team?” My dad replied, “Baby Angel… how about you try cross-country in the fall?”

After my first cross country practice, I left confused as to why people would willingly choose to run for miles in the relentlessly humid Iowa summers. Nevertheless, with my dad’s encouragement, I persisted. After finishing a mid-season race, my dad approached me, “You know, you don’t even look tired. Why don’t you run faster?”

“I don’t know. I just like running with my friends.” I said innocently smiling towards my new-found tribe of giggling, brace-faced girls.

“Baby Angel… how about you make friends with them?” my dad suggested, pointing to the girls doing high knees in perfect unison with focused looks on their faces.

And with that suggestion in mind, I set my eyes not on pace goals, but on people goals. When the gun sounded, I would pick off competitors one by one until I settled into the front of the pack. At the state meet my senior year, I saw my dad, pride in his eyes, ringing an enormous cowbell, cheering “Go Baby Angel, go!”

It’s incredible when someone sees the potential that you could never see in yourself. Now I have the opportunity to coach people in the same way my dad did for me. I may not call you Baby Angel, but I can get you to the finish line.

How I’m expanding what’s possible with money

I’ve become more conscious of my spending with a budgeting app. Every penny of incoming and outgoing cashflows are allocated and tracked. By doing this, I’ve been able to pay off my car loan much sooner than expected! I’ve shared my progress with friends for accountability and encouragement, leading them to be proactive towards their own financial freedom.

Outside of work, my passions include

Running is still a passion of mine. I often train for marathons or local races with friends by exploring Sonoma county’s awesome trails and parks. I enjoy any type of outdoor sport, especially rock climbing and paddleboarding.