Stephanie McCullough // Founder of Sofia Financial
Stephanie McCullough //
2020 Pivots + Looking Ahead to 2021
Meet Stephanie McCullough! Stephanie founded Sofia Financial in 2011 because she wanted to empower ALL women to make wise financial decisions so they can control their future! As a financial planner with a holistic focus, Stephanie is as a true partner in decision-making around money. Her clients are largely single women (divorced, widowed or always single) in the 45+ age group, who would rather not have to use their time and energy focusing on money!
We caught up with Stephanie to talk about 2020 pivots and what 2021 will bring!
What was the biggest pivot you took on this year?
I finally started my podcast - "Take Back Retirement: a financial planning podcast for women who'd rather not focus on money." It took much longer than expected to get off the ground, and we're still learning as we go, but it's out in the world and I'm really excited about it!
Where did you find the support in taking on your pivot?
I was able to find support in so many places. The key was to ask for it! A friend from college who has a business writing jingles let me license some fabulous music. My website designer recommended a wonderful podcast editor. My daughter designed the artwork and my son recorded the disclosures that go at the end. Friends and new people I met who had podcasts jumped on calls to share their hard-earned wisdom with me.
What advice would you share to women looking to pivot a big change in their life?
It can be so scary to face change! I always like to start with the Core Desired Feelings, borrowed from Danielle LaPorte. That should drive all of our efforts (including where we put our money). I feel like focusing on the goal feelings that the new pivot could make possible can give us the nudge, the motivation, the kick in the pants we might need to get over the fear.
What are ways that your mindset also pivoted this year?
My mindset got smaller and bigger at the same time. That sounds paradoxical I know. Smaller in the sense that I was in my house only for so many months, and having dinner at the table with the family for so many nights in a row. Grateful for the very basics of life - health, security, family.
But it also got bigger through the global connections I have through FemCity and a couple of other groups. Since we've all changed to virtual events I've met people from all over, and my vision of what I can build and the impact I can have has grown! I always had big goals, but they feel more doable now than they did a year ago.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in 2020?
The work I do as a financial planner is in part focused on helping clients focus on what could go wrong. And in 2020 we've seen - it can and does go wrong. That's reinforced my belief in the importance of what I do, and helped me feel OK pushing clients a bit to look at the uncomfortable stuff.
What about 2021 excites you most?
Endless possibility, and hopefully financial recovery for those suffering now. The future is most definitely female!
Final advice for those looking to create a fabulous 2020?
Keep asking questions! When it comes to money, you don't need to know the answers, you need to know the questions to ask, and have the guts to ask them.
Where can FEMs connect with you and learn more?
www.sofiafinancial.com
https://www.facebook.com/SofiaFinancial/
New podcast: Take Back Retirement: A financial planning podcast for women who'd rather not focus on the money