Getting to Know Kari, Founder of Adaptive Financial Design

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to help people. I also really enjoyed working and saving money. I started babysitting when I was just a kid and began working as a lifeguard as soon as I was old enough. I loved saving money and the feeling of watching my checking account grow. 

When college hit, I made some not so smart financial decisions, particularly with high-interest credit cards. After earning my degree in Finance, I knew it was time to turn my financial situation around. I focused hard on budgeting and paying down debt, which gave me a sense of control.

During this time, I was working in financial services amid the 2007-2008 financial crisis, which provided me with valuable education. I was fortunate to work at a firm that valued financial planning and education, and they encouraged me to begin my CFP® coursework. In 2014, I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, which further fueled my passion for financial planning.

Over my 16 years in the industry, I have had the privilege of working with people in various financial situations, from budgeting and debt management to gifting and estate planning. Ultimately, I take great pride in the opportunity to help others, which is what matters most to me.