We recently connected with Jennifer Butler and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

It's intriguing to contemplate this question as I reflect on the numerous risks I've taken in my life. Some of these risks have proven successful, while others haven't panned out as well.
However, looking back, I see that each risk played a role in shaping where I find myself today.
Last year, I began questioning my career path and whether it truly aligned with my passions.
It was an unsettling and intimidating process. Despite investing years in earning degrees,
certifications, and gaining the necessary experience to excel, I couldn't ignore the fact that
something felt off. The joy and inspiration I once derived from my work had dissipated, and
the drive to move forward had waned.
Facing this harsh reality was challenging. I attempted to dismiss it and convince myself
otherwise, but the sense of misalignment persisted. The dilemma was that, although I knew
what I no longer wanted, I had no clarity on what I did want. I lacked a magnetic pull toward
another career or a passion waiting to be pursued, leaving me feeling stuck.
As a high achiever and performer, residing in this state of uncertainty was uncomfortable. A
friend eventually advised me to embrace it— to allow myself to feel stuck, lost, and confused,
trusting that answers would emerge. Taking this advice, I decided to close my coaching
business, believing that the next steps would reveal themselves.
During this period, I not only explored career opportunities but also embarked on a journey
of self-discovery. I networked extensively, posed numerous questions, and delved into
countless hours of research. Eventually, I was introduced to one of the VPs at Coastal Wealth.
After weeks of interviews, I accepted the position. With little expectation and uncertainty
about whether I would enjoy it, I dove in headfirst, recognizing that every step I had taken
thus far had prepared me for this moment.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jennifer Butler, and I am a financial services professional with Coastal Wealth. Additionally, I hold the position of Executive Vice President at College Action Planning
Solutions (CAPS). My primary focus is assisting individuals in achieving financial freedom for
themselves and their children while minimizing the costs associated with their children's
college education. I hold a master’s in clinical social work and have a background in coaching.

As a solo mom, I take great pride in raising my 16-year-old son and my beloved furbaby,
Lovie.
Recently, I joined CAPS as its Vice President. The brilliant concept for helping parents
financially plan for college was developed by my partner, Jason Falick, who invited me to
collaborate with him. I eagerly accepted the opportunity as it allows me to combine my
passion for service, leadership, and impact under one umbrella. Working with CAPS enables
me to assist kids in pursuing their dreams without burdening them or their families with
unnecessary debt. Every risk, failure, and mistake becomes absolutely worthwhile in the
pursuit of this meaningful goal!

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

Above all, my commitment to personal growth has proven most impactful in achieving success in my career, as a mother, and in my overall well-being. I consistently engage in the
internal work required to overcome self-imposed obstacles and break free from limitations
that could hinder my progress. Doubts and fears are universal challenges we all face,
accompanied by old patterns that hold us back from our true potential. By candidly
examining these obstacles and putting in the effort to transcend them, the realm of
possibilities becomes limitless.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I've encountered many challenges throughout my life—some so difficult that they brought me to my knees, threatening to keep me down. Yet, isn't that a shared experience for all of
us? The truth is, our decision to be resilient is, essentially, a commitment to use these
challenges as fuel for our personal greatness. Like any skill, the more you practice choosing
resilience, the more resilient you become.
One particular story of resilience that stands out for me is a deeply personal experience. In
2014, my father passed away, reshaping my life in profound ways. It was undeniably one of
the most difficult life experiences I've faced, and to this day, I deeply miss him. Reflecting on
the months when he battled illness, what lingers most vividly is the palpable joy and
connection that infused that time.
Despite my fear and heartbreak, I made a daily choice to focus on the joy—the opportunity to
care for him as he once cared for me, the chance to relive shared activities from my
childhood, and the ability to share the words and feelings that needed to be said. Each day
brought opportunities to hold his hand, declare my love, acknowledge his greatness, and
convey my gratitude for being his daughter.

I am unequivocally certain that this choice to embrace joy amid the most challenging period
of my life, this demonstration of resilience, affirms that regardless of circumstances, I can
transform them into something beautiful and meaningful. I can pave a path of beauty
through any adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.capsplanning.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjoybutler/
• Other: Jennifer Butler jenniferbutler@mycoastalwealth.com 917-846-6245 https://mycoastalwealth.com/jbutler