Our stories give us the power to become the author of our past and future experiences and unleash our truth. Every woman has a story, and this is the story of Jennifer Perri, “The Smart Money Gal”.
Jennifer is a Transformational Life & Money Coach, Consultant, and Best-Selling Author. Through her work with her financial advising firm, Swan Financial, Jennifer has been able to help hundreds of women manage their toughest seasons victoriously, such as their divorce, loss of a loved one, and career transitions. As a Transformational Life & Money Coach and through her “Smart Money Gal,” platform, Jennifer helps women find their financial confidence, reclaim their power, and embrace a life of prosperity.
The Beginning
The Journey was not easy. In her 20’s, Jennifer found herself engulfed in a volatile marriage marked by mental, emotional, and physical abuse. The relationship finally imploded, leaving her broken and her abuser imprisoned. At the time, she had no job, no child support, and limited resources to keep her family afloat. She did not know who to turn to for guidance or how to pick up the pieces of her life. She felt completely lost and isolated.
As painful as those dark days were, her divorce ultimately saved her life and paved the way for her to turn the pain she had suffered into a passion to help others.
She felt led to help other women; in her own words “a way to take my “mess” and make it my “message.” I wanted to become for other women the person I desperately needed but could not find. My experiences helped me turn my wounds into wisdom; I remain determined to help other women transition from trauma to triumph.”
Being a Reliable Financial Adviser
“Most money managers and financial advisors work on their terms. They say they are providing customized plans and strategies based on the unique needs of the clients. But from what I have seen up close and personal, there is nothing unique or custom about it. They have set plans, programs, and systems through which they funnel most of their clients. They fit you into the “box” of what they offer, even if it does not quite…fit” said Jennifer.
She further States: The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finances. Our money is inextricably tied to our individual lives and major events that happen along the way. When someone has faced a life-altering event that is usually when I meet them for the very first time. Maybe they are seeking financial help as they are mourning the loss of the love of their life, or are coming out of a divorce, or overcoming the wreckage of abuse.
I am happy to admit I do things differently when it comes to money and helping people manage it.
I flip the script on traditional financial planning by addressing emotional and situational pieces first. Once your head and heart are clear and focused, then we pick up the financial pieces, together.
I don’t try to force you through your healing process or push you out of the financial driver’s seat into a predetermined lane. I use my education, my background knowledge, expertise, and life experiences to help create customized plans built around you.
When we work together, you’re in the driver’s seat the entire time. Just consider me your road trip wing woman who points out bumps in the roads, watches the potholes and blind spots and keeps your spirits lifted with love and laughter.
Challenges and Achievements
When asked about challenges faced by her, Jennifer said “The financial services industry is a male-dominated one. This makes it hard for women to excel as financial professionals and makes it even harder for women who need financial help to be heard and understood. Women view money very differently than men and need a unique style of financial planning.”
She considers herself blessed that others in her community and across the nation have honored her work and found value in her mission.
Some of her accolades include 2013-2016, 2020 Women’s Choice Award for Financial Advisors; Kentucky Colonel Award for civic leadership from the Commonwealth of Kentucky; 2013 Inductee into the National Academy of Best-Selling Authors; 2013 Acquisition International Financial Advisory Firm of the Year-USA; and multi-year award winner in the Best of Atlanta Business Hall of Fame from the city of Atlanta.
Apart from this, Jennifer had the incredible opportunity to co-author a Best-Selling book with Jack Canfield, creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She has also been cited for her knowledge and have appeared on sources such as ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, Fortune, and Forbes.
She states “Although many have found inspiration within my story, ultimately, chasing someone else’s version of success is empty. At the very core, my passion is helping women stand in their power and write their own story. Through my transformative programs and private sessions, my clients achieve fiscal confidence and lay the foundations for a life of power, prosperity, and purpose. “
Future Goals and Advice for young women
In addition to her one-on-one coaching, Jennifer is launching The Smart Money Gal Academy that will provide online courses and resources for families, divorcees, widows, and entrepreneurs.
When The Tycoon Media asked Jennifer for advice to emerging women business leaders and professionals, she said:
Women need to realize they are worth it; in everything they do and all, they want to accomplish. Know your worth, ask for what you want, and pursue whatever that is with an unshakeable desire to succeed. Don’t let anyone else write your story.
