Brooke Stanford, CRPC®

Growing up, I was originally zoned for a low-performing school where things like clear backpacks and fights were part of daily life. My parents wanted a better path for me and to keep as many academic doors open as possible. In middle school, I was placed in a Finance Magnet Program and stayed with it through high school. That shift changed my direction and taught me early on how important opportunity and planning can be.

At first, I’d considered going into sports medicine or biomechanical engineering. It sounded exciting, and I was an athlete. But when I realized how uncertain it would be to spend a decade on schooling without knowing if I’d truly enjoy it, I saw a bigger lesson: the decisions we make today shape our options tomorrow. That’s true whether you’re choosing a career, building a business, or managing money.

At 23, I lost my dad unexpectedly. Overnight, I became the point person for our family’s finances supporting my mom (who jokes, but is completely serious, when she says she “cries over fractions”) and my younger brother. I learned in real time how to translate complexity into next steps, sitting on the floor of my parent’s office combing through files, and making decisions when emotions are high. Financial planning became my way to turn pivotal moments into ordered decisions.

My family and I have lived the same transitions my clients face like climbing the career ladder, loss of loved ones, buying a home, marriage, blended family dynamics, becoming a parental figure, launching businesses, caring for aging relatives, and even planning for retirement. Each come with steps that, if done correctly, reduce stress and build momentum.

Professionally, I’ve ran a tax-focused financial planning firm and coordinated with CPAs on complex families’ finances. I’ve worked on retail trading desks and led a nationwide robo-advice service team. Whatever the situation, the job is the same: cut through complexity, create clarity, and build confidence. For me, financial planning isn’t about net worth labels. It’s about aligning money with purpose and giving people the freedom to focus on what they care about most, one tax-efficient step at a time.