Financially Wise with Brittney Castro

While the industries of couture and investment are both interested in profit, profit is not the main motivation for either. Especially at its high end, the fashion industry is about the re-creation of a self-image, power and empowerment. And at its high end, so is finance. Meet Brittney Castro, founder and CEO of Financially Wise, Inc., a Los Angeles based financial planning and educational firm whose mission is to teach individuals and couples the art of managing their finances, but in a thoughtful and proactive way. Shattering the glass ceiling of the financial world, Castro is all about showing people that there is a way to make self-care — say via a guilt-free and therapeutic shopping spree — a priority while staying within your budget.

Photographer: Ben Cope | Stylist: Kaylee Jackson | Hair: Hailey Adickes | Makeup: Brett Freedman

Perfectly placing herself apart from all the other financial experts on the market, Castro is devoted to helping others while encouraging gratitude and the importance of self-care; “in other words: buy the shoes!” This financial expert takes the guilt out of “treating yourself”, while also helping you save for the future. “It’s all about BALANCE,” states Castro. And for her, balance comes in the form of Gucci, Alice + Olivia, Zara, Frame, All Saints, Veronica Beard, Rag & Bone and Chanel.

Known for making holistic financial planning fun, educational, and approachable, Brittney Castro is not your typical finance mogul — she is real — and unlike “old school” financial advisors, Castro is bringing a youthful and entertaining approach to the sometimes brutal task of budgeting. Recognizing that a fruitful financial plan is as beneficial to one’s self-care as a soothing oatmeal sheet mask, also with no one-size-fits-all rule, Castro and Financially Wise, Inc., approaches financial planning in a personalized and relatable way. Since 2013, the LA based financial house has offered services ranging from fee-only financial planning, online money courses, and financial wellness workshops, in addition to speaking engagements and brand partnerships.

“Most people don’t talk about how the financial stress and worry affects them and their overall health,” shares Castro. “When you can take care of yourself on all levels, you will feel healthier, wealthier and happier. Adding self-care items into one's budget has always been one of my biggest tips for clients and this year we all need to make sure we are finding ways to spend time and money wisely to take care of ourselves from a holistic and well-being point of view. Whether it is carving out time for a day trip to get out in nature, investing in a new self-care routine, or hiring a professional licensed therapist, self-care is important and we always need to carve out the money for this within our budget and make it a priority,” encourages the financier. 

"When you can take care of yourself on all levels, you will feel healthier, wealthier and happier."

- Brittney Castro

Elected one of the 40 under 40 in 2020 by Investment News and one of the 22 “Women to Watch” in 2018, Castro’s passion for advocating the benefits of a well groomed budget has only grown, garnering recognition as a noted financial expert and a go-to corespondent for media outlets and platforms like The New York Times, CBS, Good Day LA, Fox 11 News, Glamour, Elle, Marie Claire and more. Being sought out even more during the uncertain financial climate of the 2020 pandemic, Castro is becoming essential as she also encourages the practice of gratitude, believing in its power to bring forth abundance — not something you hear most financial experts preach. Defying the odds and overcoming great adversity herself, the financial mogul chooses to empower other women through her platform and as a spokeswoman, encouraging you to have faith in your dreams. As self-care in all capacities is just as important as a balanced budget, away from the office, you can find Brittney meditating, traveling, exploring, and of course, dancing!

If you are looking to get in touch with Brittney, or to hear more of her tips, visit https://www.financiallywiseinc.com/ or check out her “Finance Fridays,” on Instagram, where she answers all your money questions!