My interest in financial literacy and teaching started close to home.

When my family decided to buy our first home in Bellingham, we quickly realized our finances needed attention. We earned a steady income, but our money wasn’t organized, and we were carrying consumer debt. Before moving forward, we had to slow down, understand where our money was going, and decide what changes were reasonable for us.

For our situation, it made sense to focus on getting clear on our income and expenses, paying down debt, building an emergency fund, and creating a system that helped us stay consistent. Only after that foundation was in place did we begin saving intentionally for a down payment.

Over time, those reasonable, disciplined decisions added up. We reached a place of greater financial stability, with emergency cash in the bank, a down payment saved, and more confidence about our financial future.

That experience shaped how I approach financial coaching today.

I now work with individuals and families to help them understand their cash flow, organize their finances, and build systems that support their goals. I serve as a financial coach with The Whatcom Dream, where I teach adult financial literacy classes and provide one-on-one coaching through their ClearPath Financial Coaching program. I also work directly with clients outside Whatcom County through remote coaching.

I don’t tell people what they should do with their money or expect them to follow the same path my family did. Instead, I help clients look at their own situation, decide what’s reasonable for them, and stay accountable to the choices they make.

If you’re looking for practical guidance to get organized, create more breathing room, or make steady progress toward goals that matter to you, I’m glad to help.