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

Alright, Shehara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

When I changed careers from Engineering to Financial Services, I did it because I wanted to help promote Financial Literacy. It’s a subject that is not taught in schools.

I remember being 25 years old and living in Philadelphia. I started my first role after completing the Technical Sales and Marketing program at the engineering company I worked for at the time.

Philly was a new city and I wanted to learn the city as well as meet other young professionals. I attended the Urban League Young Professionals Financial Empowerment event. There were numerous vendors in financial services ranging from banks to insurance companies. I was intrigued because I wanted to experience financial empowerment. I walked into a room full of vendors and decided to approach a financial advisor at a well known bank. I don’t remember meeting a financial advisor before that. I wasn’t even sure what to say but as I approached the table, I decided to say, “I’m 25 years old and I want to retire by the time I’m 30.” I knew that 5 years was a short period of time but, funny enough, 30 years old seemed ancient at the time. I know it’s so young, though.

We talked and set up a meeting. I visited his office in downtown Philadelphia and walked away with what I thought was paperwork to open an account. I believe it may have been a Roth IRA. However, weeks and months passed by and I wasn’t contributing any funds to the account. I reached out to the advisor and never got a response.

Eventually, I realized that the account was never opened and I determined that I needed to learn this for myself. I started to read more books, attend workshops and just gather as much information as I could on personal finances. After prayer and guidance from God, I was so intrigued by personal finances that I decided to change careers and help others.

My goal and mission today is to close the racial wealth gap and help the “25 year old Shehara” who needs help and guidance on her wealth building journey. I accomplish that as an author with my book, In the Meantime: Own Your Financial Narrative, as a speaker, content creator and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Shehara , 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 am the founder of Your Story Financial and Your Story Financial Academy, I am committed to helping mid-level successful, ambitious STEM Professionals, especially Black women in STEM, who want to go from feeling ashamed, stuck, paralyzed and experiencing constant panic about her personal finances for not knowing what her financial future holds to having a clear path to financial freedom and developing a life centered financial plan that inspires her so that she feel safe, secure, confident, motivated, financially independent and has peace of mind which helps her know that she doesn’t have to rely on anyone for her financial future and security.

A few years after earning my B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, I changed careers in 2004 to pursue my purpose of helping clients achieve financial success. With my first financial services role, I worked with a global financial services company and never looked back!

Years later, I became a financial advisor so I could help people improve their financial position in a bigger way. As time progressed, I desired to help ambitious mid-level STEM professionals craft amazing financial success stories and close their personal wealth gaps.

As a fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Financial Life-Planner Strategist, I help STEM professionals gain access to solid financial planning whether they are at the beginning of their financial journey or have more financial experience under their belts.

I am the author of In the Meantime: Own Your Financial Narrative and a professional speaker who enjoys traveling, dancing, and watching documentaries covering topics from history to food.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As a financial planner, we often tell clients and investors that it’s about time in the market not timing the market. Well, I believe something similar happens regarding building reputation. I have been a financial advisor for over 14 years and longevity definitely has its advantages. I believe that whether you are just starting or you’ve been around for a long time, you must be consistent and persistent. People have come to understand that when I say something I will do it and if I can’t or something changes then I communicate it. I believe that is what helps build a solid reputation. People want to know that you can be trusted.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have used social media for a number of years and what I am realizing is that of all the platforms, Linkedin has been the best for building and having a social media presence for sharing content catered to STEM professionals. In the beginning of 2023, I took a Linkedin Masterclass so that I could become more proficient at reaching my target audience in a greater way. I post educational, inspirational, and motivational content multiple times a week. Since taking the masterclass I am doubling down on posting. In the beginning, it can be tiresome but I also joined a mastermind group with likeminded people who want to post consistently as well and it kept me inspired to stay active on Linkedin.

I recommend getting educated from a trusted source with proven results and joining a community, especially in the beginning, so that you can stay motivated and inspired to create fresh content. In addition to that, don’t be afraid to reach out and engage with your target audience to let them know you are a resource for them should they need it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/moneyandmoves
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Shehara