According to 2023 financial reports of the US, 31% of the total female population are financial advisors. Numbers are huge, right? That means more than half of females are aiming to run a business, manage wealth, and provide expert financial guidance. As more women enter the finance industry, a fresh perspective will come that encourages future generations to take part in the business and grow the overall economic status of the US.
In this blog, you will learn about 5 famous women financial advisors, their journeys, challenges, careers, achievements, challenges, and stories about how they gained financial freedom.
Here are the 5 famous women financial advisors in the US:
1. Suze Orman
Suze tops the list of most famous women financial advisors in the US and is known for her courage and dedication. She is a testament to most of the women who say poverty is the reason for their failure. Suze started her journey as a waitress and saved money to open her restaurant. To earn more, she invested in the wrong stock and unfortunately lost all her savings. But instead of giving up, she turned this setback into a powerful lesson and joined Merril Lynch to learn finance. More than a financial advisor, Suze is a financial writer of multiple best-selling personal finance books: You’ve Earned It, Don’t Lose It and The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke Her estimated net worth is around $75 million.
Connect Suze Orman Here
Achievements
- Hosted a popular TV show, The Suze Orman Show, which aired for decades.
- Developed the Suze Orman Financial Advisor app, providing financial tools and resources.
- Featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and recognized as one of Oprah’s Super Soul 100.
Challenges:
Suze faced discrimination in the male-dominated finance industry. But her determination to achieve her goal helped her stay strong, build trust, and book a place on the list of famous women financial advisors.
2. Alexa von Tobel
Alexa is a famous women’s financial advisor in the US known for her courage, dedication, and innovative approach to managing money. After dropping out of Harvard Business School, she followed her passion for managing finance and founded a company called LearnVest in 2009. It was a financial planning company that helped people take charge of their finances. The company was later sold for about $250 million. Today, her innovative approach towards finances helps people learn and grow in the finance industry of the US.
Connect Alexa Von Tobel Here
Achievements
- Authored the book Financially Fearless, which became a bestseller.
- Featured as a financial expert on CNBC and The Today Show.
Challenges:
Alexa had to face tough challenges being a young woman in the tech finance industry, which made it hard to gain funds and respect. Her commitment to helping people manage money kept her motivated and gave her a place on the list of famous women financial advisors.
3. Cheryl Young
Cheryl is a prime example of dedication and resilience in the world of finance. She started her finance career in a very small firm, balancing many other responsibilities. Despite facing tough challenges, she never lost her focus and earned her certifications to become a financial advisor. Her breakthrough period came when she began working with high-paying clients, helping them with the right investment approach and managing money. As a Certified Financial Advisor® and Portfolio Manager®, Cheryl approaches work in wealth management, focusing on portfolio management and stock option planning. Her estimated net worth is around $10 million.
Connect Cheryl Young Here
Achievements
- Featured multiple times in major publications—the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNBC.
- Served as a senior economist at Zillow, an American online real estate marketplace.
Challenges
In the male-dominated industry, it was tough for her to make a name and gain trust and money. She had to work for long hours and face the stress of running a small firm along with personal responsibilities.
4. Mary Beth Franklin
Mary Beth is one of the most famous women financial advisors in the US, known for her expertise in social security and retirement planning. She began her career in finance as a journalist covering personal finances and contributing to major publications on retirement income strategies. Later on, with the support of offline and online modes of writing, seminars, and advisory services, she built a successful career educating others to maximize their financial resources. Her estimated net worth is around $1 million.
Connect Mary Beth Franklin Here
Achievements
- Contributed to major publications: Investment News, The Wall Street Journal, and AARP Magazine.
- Received several awards for her notable work and contribution to the finance industry: Gracie Awards, Eddie and Ozzie Awards, Kenneth A. Johnson Award, and AARP’s Best of the Best.
Challenges
Explaining how to manage the finances in a way that each person can capture and understand was always challenging for Mary. She struggled hard to earn the trust of people in the finance industry, where women were overlooked. Salute to her dedication, persistence, and excitement, which helped her become a trusted voice in the finance industry.
5. Colleen O’Callaghan
Colleen is one of the most famous women financial advisors in the US, known for her expertise in wealth management and her commitment to helping others get more financial resources. She was not from a rich family; in her early career, she understood the meaning of financial security. This motivated her to dive deep into the world of finance and teach others to manage finance and break the cycle of challenges she experienced at a young age. After gaining valuable lessons from some of the prestigious financial firms, she started her advisory practice, focusing on wealth management for individuals and families. Her estimated net worth is around $3 million.
Achievements
- Advocate for Women in Finance
- Financial Educator
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Founder of O’Callaghan Financial
Challenges
Colleen’s rise in the financial industry was never easy. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she faced skepticism and bias to make her place in the finance industry. Her approach in the finance industry was unique; she combined her understanding of finances with her professional expertise, which ultimately gave results to potential clients in growing their finances.
Conclusion
Based on the above reading, you must have learned now why the United States lies on the list of wealthiest countries in the world and why people dream of getting jobs there. The journey of these famous women financial advisors is a living testament to this. These women have opened the opportunity for young girls to come forward and participate in finance, breaking barriers that women can’t get into finance.