We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Schmid a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission of our office is to increase the financial IQ of our community—to teach people how money really works, so they can make smart, empowered decisions and build a life that isn’t dictated by financial stress.

But for me, it’s personal. I didn’t grow up hearing people talk about money or financial strategy. The advice I got was basic: work hard and save. That was it. No talk of how to protect what you earn, how debt compounds, how investing works, or how to actually build wealth. So when I got my first “real job” and asked HR which retirement plan to choose, I was told they weren’t allowed to give financial advice. And I remember thinking: That’s it? I’m supposed to just guess?

That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t until I randomly met someone at a networking event—someone who explained the fundamentals and actually taught me how money works—that things started to click. That process of sitting down for a financial needs analysis changed the trajectory of my life. I became a client, but it wasn’t until COVID hit that I realized how many people I cared about still didn’t know what I now knew. I decided to shift my career and make financial education and planning my full-time mission.

Katie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The thing is, money has rules—and I’m here to make sure people don’t get outplayed by them. I work with individuals, families, and businesses to raise their financial IQ, design a strategy just for them, and create peace of mind through holistic planning. Our office offers financial needs analyses, educational workshops, and one-on-one planning sessions that cover everything from budgeting and debt recovery to protection strategies, savings, and retirement planning.

We take a full-picture approach—not just one slice of the plan. We help clients see where their money is going, where it’s working for them, and where they’re losing ground—so they can make strong, informed decisions that protect and grow what they’ve built. What sets us apart is our commitment to education first. We don’t gatekeep information. We don’t lead with products. We lead with clarity, confidence, and a plan that actually fits real life.

I’m really proud of the trust we’ve built in the community—especially among people who’ve felt excluded or overwhelmed by traditional financial spaces. More than anything, I want people to know that wealth isn’t about what you earn—it’s about what you keep, what you protect, and how well your money works for you. That’s what we’re here to help with.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Over the years, I’ve realized it’s rarely about the numbers—it’s about how people feel during the process. My clients tell me they choose to work with me because I help them feel smarter, not smaller. There’s already enough shame and fear around money, and I’m not here to add to it. My job is to give people the facts, speak in a way that’s real and relatable, and help them make confident decisions without intimidation.

I translate complex topics into everyday language and meet people where they are—helping them align their money habits with their long-term goals. And once they understand what I know, that knowledge becomes power no one can take away or use against them. That’s the kind of empowerment that sticks—and it’s why so many of my clients stay for the long haul. Honestly, many have become friends, and it’s led to deeper connections beyond just finances.

Some of the workshops I’ve led have even opened the door to volunteer opportunities. I foster a service dog in training for Clear Path for Veterans, and I serve on the board of WBOC—Women, Business, Opportunities, and Connections. It’s all connected. The way I show up for my clients is the way I show up in my community—with care, clarity, and commitment.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

By the time I was 30, I had gotten myself completely debt-free using the same principles I now teach—and I knew I wasn’t going back to school or taking out more loans. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, and my dad always said I wouldn’t be happy until I worked for myself. He was right, but it took me a while to figure out what my version of entrepreneurship looked like.

Everything shifted when I became a client at the firm I’m with now. I realized I could learn about money and help others do the same. Getting started didn’t require a huge investment—just $100 for my Independent Business Application and background check. That was the overhead. It was a no-brainer.

Since then, I’ve built my business on relationships, education, and trust. I don’t hoard knowledge out of fear someone might DIY their way out of needing me. If anything, I give freely—because people value having someone they can call who will pick up the phone, walk them through the process, and help them get back to living their lives. That’s how I started—and that’s why they stay.

Because of this work, I now have so much freedom in my life. When I’m not working, you’ll find me in the garden, taking care of my fur-babies, or spending time with the amazing women from WBOC. I wouldn’t trade what I’ve built—for myself or for my clients—for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.primerica.com/kschmid
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyitskatieschmid/

Image Credits

Professional headshot by Alice Patterson, Loving My Company