Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
Born and raised in NJ. Originally from North Brunswick. Moved to Hillsborough in 2020.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
One daughter, Mikayla, age 10, 5 th grader
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
I am part of a wealth management team with Wells Fargo Advisors that works with individuals, families, foundations, and businesses. On a broad level, we work with our clients to figure out their financial goals and create a custom plan to get them there. We build deep relationships with our clients that span generations, so that means the goalpost is always moving as we transition from the parents to the children and grandchildren of our clients. At our core, we are in the relationship business and that means confidence and trust are the top priority. My area of focus is centered around women in transitional stages of their lives, whether that means understanding executive compensation packages with a career advancement, planning for retirement, going through a divorce or dealing with the death of a spouse. I am also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and have advanced knowledge around the financial complexities involved with the separation of assets.
When did you decide you wanted to become a financial consultant?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in finance. I started interning at Wells Fargo Advisors right out of high school 2010. I was going to Rutgers Business School where I graduated with a BS in Finance in 2014 and wanted exposure to the industry. I continued to intern throughout undergrad and had a full time job lined up after graduation. I joined a high performing team and learned the ropes over the next few years managing their practice in a supporting role where I honed my financial planning skills. I eventually took the next step in my career in 2019 when I became a partner on the team.
Has finance and helping others always been a part of your life?
I have always had an innate understanding of the importance of budgeting, saving, and planning for the future. I was the kid with the piggy bank and purchased my first CD when I was 16 from the money I saved up working after school. As an adult, it made sense for me to get into the financial industry and I find great personal satisfaction in helping my clients build their wealth and achieve their goals.
What do you recommend for someone looking to get started with investments?
-For someone looking to get started with investing, I would break it down in two ways: the why and the how. First assess why you are wanting to invest. Is it for a short-term goal, meaning the next 5-10 years? Think saving to buy a home or your child’s education. Or are you thinking more long term like retirement? Once you figure out why, think about how you are going to accomplish this, and this can mean different things for different people. If you are somebody that has time to do your own research and monitor your investments, then you can easily get started online yourself. If you are busy, don’t feel like you want the responsibility, or maybe have a more complex situation, then just like you go to the doctor for a wellness checkup, seek a professional for a financial checkup.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
One tip I would have for a fellow Momtreprenuer would be to find good people you can rely on in your business and then delegate accordingly. We can’t be all things to all
people, and the more you can take off of your plate the more you will be able to find balance in your personal and business life.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I have a huge soft spot for animals. We have a big boxer dog named Rocky and even though I’m allergic to cats we took in a relative’s cat that was named after me AKA Katie Cat.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Game night! We love board games and cards.
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Classic Starbucks
3 – Favorite lunch place? Luna Rossa in Bedminster
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Tranquility Farms in Green Township
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Focacceria in Basking Ridge
6 – Favorite boutique?
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? The Pluckemin Inn
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? O’Bagel
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Pizza & Pasta
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Gabriel’s Fountain in Martinsville
This article was done in partnership with Katie Tacinelli of Wells Fargo Advisors, be sure to reach out to her for all of your financial planning needs!
