We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adriana Galvan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adriana below.

Adriana , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I come from a humble upbringing, my mom stayed home with us while my father worked to support all of us. I am the eldest child of immigrant parents. My mother was an early childhood educator and was intentional with our upbringing.

The one thing that I am grateful for, is raising us knowing that we have choices in life. There was no perfect path in life, but as long as we were happy and made the best choice for us, that is what truly mattered. We were not forced to choose a certain path or a certain career. It was whatever filled our cups or aligned with our values. I still remembered being in preschool and choosing what color cup I wanted to drink out of or what necklace I wanted to wear (many times I wearing 5 at a time). As an adult I am always confident in my choices and am not indecisive. I am able to look at the big picture and make the best decision possible. Which has helped me immensely in my business.

Adriana , 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?

I’ve spent over 10 years as a Human Resources Professional, with the majority of that time in the Manufacturing industry. My educational journey was intentional – I received my Associates of Arts in Business Administration in 2013 from Elgin Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management in 2016 from Judson University, and then completed a double Masters of Business Administration with concentrations in Human Resources and Business Management in 2019 from Saint Xavier University.

Throughout my HR career, I’ve predominantly supported employees from immigrant and first-generation backgrounds. I’ve learned to advocate for myself in many ways – negotiating salary, pushing for my own growth and development, and even leaving a toxic job mid-career thanks to having saved nine months of living expenses. The turning point came during my position as an HR Business Partner in the automotive industry. When I was laid off and helped my employees prepare for their next chapters, I realized none of them were financially ready for an emergency or layoff. That’s when Adriana Talks Dinero, LLC was born.

I’ve found effective ways to manage my finances, which has enabled me to purchase a home in cash at 18, invest for early retirement, pay off over $18,000 of consumer debt, create a life where I live below my means, “shop around” for the best-valued university programs, and prepare for life’s unexpected chapters. I have a deep passion for helping people and improving my community – Adriana Talks Dinero provides financial literacy education to those who would otherwise lack the resources to build generational wealth.

As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles that immigrant and blue-collar families face daily, most of which revolve around finances. My work focuses on breaking generational trauma and norms to better the individuals in our community. What distinguishes my platform from other financial education services is my empathy for those excluded from financial literacy. I explain challenging and taboo financial topics in ways my community can comprehend, and I never shame people for their past financial decisions like other financial gurus might. My philosophy is that “Personal finance is personal, and humans are complex with different motivations.” I teach various approaches to navigate financial challenges.

One of my recent accomplishments was becoming a published co-author for the Latinas In Finances book, where I shared my story to inspire other Latinas to break barriers and bet on themselves. It’s a movement aimed at inspiring the next generation by showing them that anything is possible.

I’m a true collaborator – most of my work involves uplifting my community by partnering with like-minded conveners to empower others.

As I’ve said before, “I have created this privileged life for myself through all of my struggles, and now it’s time to teach the community how to do the same. I cannot keep this wisdom to myself, and Adriana Talks Dinero will change people’s lives and create generational wealth for the future. While money doesn’t always bring happiness, it definitely brings tremendous peace to individuals and families.” My ultimate goal is to help others find their path to financial freedom and feel empowered with their money.

I offer 1:1 money coaching, financial literacy workshops, host a bilingual podcast, 1:1 career coaching and group coaching. My goal is to empower my community to make the best financial choices for them.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I used to be uncomfortable in front of the camera, but I have learned how to really comfortable and showing up is the most important part. I used to feel the need to be perfect and I don’t feel like I need to do that anymore.

Being real is key, there is no one like you! I come through authentically and have realized that there is power to storytelling. I try to open up about my life path and any mistakes I have made to make a connection. When you come from a genuine place, that brings people in quickly. The ones who have genuine interest and support will never be critical, they are there to truly cheer you on and connect with you.

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

I three sources that I get the majority of my clients through:

1. Referrals from therapists: We all know that the #1 source of problems is money, which can turn into anxiety or depression. Therapists are able to help individuals heal from their mental health situations. Then they send them to me to give them tools on how to manage their money.

2. Networking events: I make connections at networking events and once they get to know me they usually end up becoming a client, collaborator or supporter.

3. Speaking engagements: From every speaking engagement I attend, I gain at least one client. They get to know my expertise and personality better, then feel connected enough to work together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adrianatalksdinero.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianatalksdinero
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianaTalksDinero/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/84795614/admin/dashboard/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianatalksdinero
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adriana-talks-dinero/id1754895720

Image Credits

Headshots: Shot by Jenny
Events: Karina Mora