Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karla Castillo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karla , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I came to this country at the age of five, stepping into a world I didn’t fully understand, but one where love, sacrifice, and hard work were constants. I was raised in a blended family—by my mom, my aunt, and the man who would become my dad. He was my uncle by marriage, but over time, he became my father in every way that counts. He adopted me and helped raise me alongside my cousins, in a household that may not have followed tradition, but overflowed with commitment and care.

My mom worked as a live-in housekeeper. My dad worked long hours as a chef in a restaurant. My aunt stayed home, not just to take care of us kids—me and her three children—but also to manage the household. She handled the finances, made sure the bills were paid, and somehow stretched every dollar to make it last. Looking back, I realize she was the CFO of our home. She didn’t have spreadsheets or formal training—but she had instinct, discipline, and an incredible ability to make things work.

From her, I learned that budgeting isn’t just about money—it’s about choices, priorities, and planning ahead. Watching her taught me to respect every dollar and to think beyond the moment.

My dad, on the other hand, was always talking about credit. “In this country, your credit is everything,” he would say. He made sure I understood the power of a good credit score and the responsibility that came with managing your name, your word, and your finances. His lessons stuck with me, and they planted the seeds of the career I have today.

My mom constantly reminded me to save. “Don’t spend all your money,” she’d tell me. Of course, like most kids, I had a smart response: “If I die, I can’t take it with me anyway!” But her message was clear—prepare for tomorrow, even when you don’t know what tomorrow holds. She taught me the value of security and discipline long before I appreciated it.

One of the most impactful things my family did was give us real responsibility early on. I started working at 15, and they gave me a small bill to pay. It wasn’t about the money—it was about learning. It was their way of teaching us that no matter how much or how little you have, you should always be responsible for your part.

Today, as a financial professional, the lessons I apply every day come directly from my upbringing. I help people plan, save, build credit, and invest—but at the heart of it all are the values I learned in that busy, blended, loving home. My parents didn’t have much, but they gave me everything that mattered. And every success I have now is rooted in the sacrifices they made then.

Karla , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the financial industry wasn’t traditional—it started with a Facebook post.

At the time, I was working retail at Verizon, where I had spent over a decade. I had earned my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, but deep down, I knew engineering wasn’t what I wanted to do. It was the degree I pursued because, like many first-generation kids, I grew up hearing one message on repeat: Go to school, get good grades, go to college. And I did that. But I hadn’t found fulfillment—I was still searching for something that felt right.

By 23, I bought my first house. By 27, I bought a second property with my brother. I was proud of those accomplishments, but I also knew I didn’t fully understand money the way I wanted to. At 30, after 12 years at Verizon, I started thinking about going back to school to get my master’s in finance. But then, that one Facebook post changed everything. It introduced me to the world of financial education—and within the first week, I learned more about money, protection, and wealth-building than I ever had in school.

That’s when I knew: this was what I was meant to do.

As an immigrant and someone who grew up in a hardworking family, I was taught all the right foundational habits—work hard, save your money, always have something put away for emergencies. But what I’ve learned since entering this field is that financial success goes far beyond that. It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. It’s about understanding how money actually works, how to protect what you build, and how to create a legacy.

My parents did the best they could with what they knew, and I’m endlessly grateful for that. But I also realized: they couldn’t teach me what they weren’t taught themselves. That became my mission—to break that cycle. I want to help others, especially those from communities like mine, understand not just how to earn money, but how to grow it, protect it, and pass it on. I want to empower people with the financial education that so many of us never received.

For me, this work is about more than finance—it’s about freedom, about security, and about creating a better future for the next generation.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

When it comes to growing my client base, I’ve found that there isn’t just one single source—it’s really a combination of trust, relationships, and collaboration.

One of the strongest sources for new clients is referrals. When I help someone, and they see real value in what I do, they naturally want to share that experience with their friends and family. There’s nothing more powerful than a client saying, “You need to talk to this person—I trust them.” Referrals are not just about growing my business—they’re a reflection of the trust I’ve built.

Another key source comes from strategic partnerships across industries. I work closely with professionals like real estate agents, attorneys, tax professionals, and small business owners. These relationships are mutually beneficial—when they have clients with financial questions or planning needs, I’m a trusted resource. And in return, I’m always looking to connect my clients with quality professionals in those fields. It’s about creating a network of value for the people we serve.

The truth is, it’s not about chasing leads—it’s about building genuine relationships. Whether it’s through a client referral or a professional partnership, every connection starts with service, trust, and the shared goal of helping people protect, grow, and understand their finances.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

For me, staying connected with clients goes far beyond just talking business. I believe the best relationships are built on genuine connection, and that means showing up for people in the everyday moments—not just the financial ones.

I like to keep in touch in a very personal and thoughtful way. Small gestures can go a long way—a simple birthday message, a note for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, or a warm holiday greeting. These little moments let my clients know I’m thinking of them as people first, not just as clients.

Depending on the occasion, I like to switch things up—maybe it’s a small gift card for coffee, or a thoughtful gift if they just had a baby or recently got married. It’s my way of celebrating their life milestones alongside them.

And if they run a business or offer a service, I try to support them by sending referrals their way whenever I can. Loyalty works both ways, and I love creating a circle of support where we’re all helping each other grow.

Ultimately, it’s not about grand gestures—it’s about consistency, care, and authenticity. That’s what keeps relationships strong and clients loyal for the long term.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kcast04