MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: JESSICA MEUNIER @ EMPOWERED PERSONAL FINANCE
Tell us about your venture/work!
I’m addressing two big gaps in the financial planning industry: price transparency and financial wellness. Typical advisors charge a % of assets under management (AUM) and often won’t work with clients if they don’t have a certain net worth. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to manage their money and grow their wealth. I charge my clients by the session, so they know exactly what they’re paying for.
The other key difference is that I focus heavily on financial wellness. Much like a doctor helps you with your physical health, I help clients with their relationship and confidence with money – this benefit carries with them for the rest of their life. Together, we reframe negative feelings toward money, release baggage from the past and create a positive money mindset.
How did you decide to tackle this particular issue?
My interest in personal finance began out of sheer necessity. My mother was an alcoholic who stopped meeting her financial obligations when I was a teenager. Anyone who has encountered financial insecurity knows how this experience can shape you. For me, it left a deep motivation to understand all things money and a desire to help others achieve financial freedom.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What’s hardest about it?
I’m proud of knowing I’m solving a problem that affects so many people, and doing it from the ground up. I love creating resources for clients, partnering together to work through challenges and collaborating with other wellness entrepreneurs. The hardest part is knowing I can help so many people, but because money is still such a taboo topic, feeling like I am not reaching as many people as I could. However, I’m encouraged by the fact that my clients are talking more about money in their communities, and I look forward to sharing my message of financial wellness with broader audiences each year.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time, relationships, and opportunities at The New School to prepare for this kind of career?
Time management is crucial to being an effective leader. Your time is a finite resource and how you use it matters. Try setting aside specific times for different activities, such as work, personal time, and errands. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on low22-impact activities.
Build your network strategically, and then keep it up in a meaningful way. Not all connections can be maintained, but try to stay close to people who share your values and work ethic – you never know how your paths may cross later.
The last piece of advice I’ll give is to be open-minded and take action. The more events you attend, groups you join and people. you talk to, the more c22larity you’ll get for your own path and resources you’ll gather along the way.
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