Hi, I’m Hillary. I have a deep passion for helping people. I’m a Christian, a mom to two teenage boys & a teenage girl, and a wife to a fellow Hokie. I earned my undergraduate degree in Finance from Virginia Tech, a Master’s in Finance from the University of Alabama, and I am a YNAB Certified Budgeting Coach.

Finance is my second language, right after English. I gave German and Spanish a shot, but let’s just say that wasn’t a success. My love for finance started back in high school, and it’s been a constant in my life ever since. I’ve got this knack for teaching others how to budget and manage their money, something I’ve been doing since college. When it was just me, handling my finances was a walk in the park. But once I got married, everything changed. Suddenly, despite my success in coaching friends and groups on financial management and merging finances, my husband and I were a mess. It’s like being able to organize someone else’s closet perfectly while yours is a complete disaster.

We began using YNAB in 2018 when we were deep in consumer debt. Thanks to God’s grace and YNAB, we managed to climb out of debt, pay off two cars, escape the “credit card float” (that was a rough one), and even fund several family vacations without incurring debt or guilt! I learned how to apply the skills to avoid panicking when we had to buy a new car after I wrecked mine. It also helped us as a couple to prepare for the financial impact of having not one but two new drivers (note I said financial, not mental impact) on our insurance which is now over $7K every six months (yes you read that right, and yes I’ve search lots of providers), UGH!

Excitingly, all three of my children have had their own YNAB budgets since 2022, and it has transformed our household. Teaching finances to teens isn’t always easy, but with YNAB as an amazing tool and the strength and guidance we receive through God, we’ve managed to make it work. Conversations about money have become much easier. When they ask: “Can I have that?”, I respond with: “Check your YNAB.”

My children have had to navigate using “emergency funds” for unexpected expenses they previously would have relied on us to cover. They’ve learned to adjust their “savings” goals, realizing they control their money to a point. For example, while their original “wish farm” might have been an iPad, they can now reallocate those funds to pay for tickets to a show they’ve wanted to see for months. However, “wish farm” dollars aren’t meant to cover Starbucks (much to their dismay).

They’ve also learned how to pay regular bills, like their Spotify subscriptions, and manage unpredictable but regular expenses, such as gas for their car. All three have had jobs at some point and have learned how to assign their earnings to various categories, from tithing to wish farms and everything in between. Our household’s perspective on money changed significantly once we adopted YNAB. The current question is: “How am I suppose to be using YNAB when I’m here at college?” (for the record, we’ve not mastered this one yet)

Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege to work at City Gospel Mission’s Men’s homeless shelter, teaching money management. This experience has profoundly transformed my life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to teach others about a subject I love, a rare opportunity not everyone gets. Working with these gentlemen is a constant reminder that life should be lived fully, not overshadowed by financial stress. Managing money isn’t something we just instinctively know; it’s a skill that must be taught and practiced. While it would be wonderful to wake up one day with all the necessary tools to achieve financial freedom, the reality is that most of us must take actionable steps to gain that knowledge and control.

Driven by my passion for finance and the teaching ability I’ve been blessed with, I established a business focused on helping others navigate their financial journeys. My goal is to walk alongside each individual, empowering them to gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. I believe that financial literacy is about putting knowledge into action—transforming insights into practical steps that lead to smart, confident, and clear financial decisions. I want to ensure that no one has to walk this path alone.

Why am I a Financial Personal Trainer?

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One afternoon, I spoke with a fellow entrepreneur who confided in me about feeling overwhelmed by her “financial books.” Despite her best efforts, previous explanations about her finances left her feeling talked down to—as if she were five years old. While she wasn’t well-versed in accounting or bookkeeping, that didn’t diminish her brilliance in her own field. It became clear that what she truly needed was someone who could understand her unique perspective and meet her where she was financially.

This experience highlighted a common issue in the financial coaching world: professionals unintentionally talk down to clients instead of engaging with them on their level. We often assume a certain level of understanding that may not be there, which can leave individuals feeling small and invalidated. When complex topics are oversimplified, it can inadvertently discourage those we aim to help.

I believe there’s a better way. Rather than making assumptions about knowledge or oversimplifying concepts, we should foster a safe space where individuals can express their concerns and feel validated. It’s about respecting someone’s intelligence and understanding their unique thought processes. By taking this approach, I am confident we can effectively communicate complex financial concepts, empowering people to build a solid financial foundation without diminishing their self-worth or confidence.

That’s why I work with a diverse range of clients—students and recent grads navigating their financial journey, stay-at-home moms managing family finances, busy working moms balancing multiple responsibilities, and entrepreneurs seeking to align their personal and business finances. I recognize that each group has its unique challenges and perspectives, and I’m here to meet you where you are. Financial literacy isn’t just about knowing the facts; it’s about putting that knowledge into action to achieve smart, confident, and clear financial decisions.

A few fun facts about me:

1. I hate nicknames, yet I refer to myself as “Hill” all the time.
2. I’ve dreamed of teaching “Finance” since I stepped into my “Intro to Finance” class at Virginia Tech in 1994. (I just dated myself didn’t I)
3. I hate go to bed without my bed made. (I like it to be organized right before I go to bed)
4. I absolutely love working with and speaking to large groups of people.
5. I taught myself to crochet during the covid-quarantine.
6. If I didn’t dye my hair, I’d be 100% grey. I tried growing it out during covid, but my kids “suggested” I make a different choice.
7. I completely and emphatically abhorred the middle school years and am BEYOND elated that my youngest is now in 9th grade!
8. I’m utterly terrified to have anyone read anything I write.
9. I love college football so much that it was a factor when I chose my Master’s program and my husband.
10. I LOVE EVERYTHING VIRGINIA TECH! GO HOKIES!

I’d love to connect with you for 30 minutes. Financial clarity is a challenge many of us face—none of us woke up one day knowing exactly how to navigate it all! But I promise you can achieve this. Remember, seeking a bit of help is a smart step towards gaining control and confidence in your financial journey. You’re not alone in this!