Hi, I’m Hillary!

I’m a mom of three teens, a Christian, and a YNAB Certified Budgeting Coach with degrees in Finance from Virginia Tech and the University of Alabama. I’m here to help you gain shame-free, guilt-free, stress-free control over your finances because I know what it’s like to wrestle with money challenges myself.

Finance became my second language early on, but managing it as a couple took on a whole new level of complexity. In 2018, with debt stacking up, my husband and I turned to YNAB. Through a lot of grace and determination, we climbed out of debt, paid off cars, ditched credit card reliance, and even managed family vacations—without the guilt. Now, even as our two teenage drivers add their share to our spending plan, we’re living (mostly) free from financial stress.

Teaching my kids how to manage their own money has been transformative for our household. Today, they each have YNAB spending plans and make their own spending decisions, whether it’s putting money aside for future spending on a concert or covering their gas costs. When they ask, “Can I have that?” they hear, “Check your YNAB.”

Since 2019, I’ve taught financial management at a local homeless shelter, empowering individuals to take control of their money without guilt or shame. More recently, I became an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati, teaching financial literacy to students in the IDD TAP program—an experience that’s reminded me just how much financial clarity can change lives.

My passion is to walk alongside you, offering tools and guidance so you can make smart, clear, and confident financial decisions. Whether I’m working with college students, adults in transition, or busy families, my goal is the same: to help you create a path that brings lasting peace and control over your money—without any guilt or stress.

Why I Became a Financial Personal Trainer:

I once spoke with an entrepreneur who felt completely overwhelmed by her finances. Despite being brilliant in her field, she constantly felt talked down to by financial experts, like she was missing something. That conversation opened my eyes to a bigger issue: too many people feel judged, stressed, or confused when it comes to managing their money.

I realized there’s a better way. As a financial coach and educator, I meet you where you are—without jargon or judgment—so you feel empowered, not ashamed. Whether I’m teaching college students in the University of Cincinnati’s IDD TAP program, guiding adults at a homeless shelter, or working one-on-one with clients, my mission is the same: to create a space where you can ask questions freely, make smart decisions, and finally feel in control of your money.

Shame-free. Stress-free. Confidence-driven.

A few fun facts about me:

1. I hate nicknames, yet I call myself “Hill” all the time.
2. I’ve dreamed of teaching finance since my first “Intro to Finance” class at Virginia Tech in 1994. (Yep, I just dated myself.)
3. I refuse to go to bed unless my bed is made—it’s got to be organized right before I sleep. (weird, right?)
4. I absolutely love speaking to large groups—even crowds in the thousands!
5. I taught myself to crochet during the covid quarantine.
6. Without dye, I’d be 100% grey. I tried to embrace it during quarantine, but my kids “encouraged” me to stick with color.
7. Middle school was not my favorite phase (to put it lightly!), and I’m thrilled my youngest is now in high school!
8. Sharing my writing with others terrifies me, every time.
9. I’m so obsessed with college football that it factored into BOTH my choice of Master’s program and my choice of husband. (Don’t worry, he knows. LOL!)
10. I LOVE EVERYTHING VIRGINIA TECH! GO HOKIES!

I’d love TO CONNECT to help you gain financial clarity, confidence, and control. Together, we’ll create a path that feels shame-free, guilt-free, and stress-free.