Client Testimonials
Maria has such a gift for helping you process the complexities of learning about finances and pushing you to be your best financial self. The calculator and spreadsheets are so helpful and user friendly. At first it can be a little daunting/frustrating looking at the numbers but with Maria’s encouragement and guidance, I began to use these tools to further motivate myself while I planned and executed my money goals. I think one of the biggest things I learned is to change my perspective on finances and take those steps towards building generational wealth. Through the program, I felt empowered and extra motivated to reach my goals. I was able to pay off my credit card debt sooner while still saving and building my savings funds and begin the process of investing for the future.
— Cindy, Legal Representative, New York, NY (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I had no plan for my money. Being a first generation college graduate, I had no guidance on how to manage my finances. All I had was a checkings and savings account. I had no knowledge of investing and where to start. It was only when I sat down with Maria that she made me realize what my goals were and that it is possible to accomplish them! With Maria’s helpful and resourceful financial goal sheet, I was able to become more organized with my finances and goals. She breaks it down in a way that is easy to understand. And she gives a lot of feedback! Her coaching sessions made me feel comfortable and welcomed. There are no dumb questions! My favorite aspects of our sessions were definitely learning about investing. I have opened an IRA account. Something I never thought I would do. I feel confident that I will reach my long term goals (retirement). Maria made me realize that my goals are actually more attainable than I thought. I highly recommend her to anyone regardless if they have short-term or long-term money goals. She cares about her clients and works with you to create a plan. She simplified the way I manage my money. I will forever be grateful for her encouragement and knowledge that helped me establish a positive relationship with money.
— Flor, NYC (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria, I struggled with] understanding how to start investing. I didn’t have clarity on terminology and the various elements that go into a 401k, Roth, etc., so I felt paralyzed on getting that started. A secondary concern was that I also felt like my budgeting hadn’t ‘stuck’ in the past, and I didn’t have a straightforward system for this. After my session, I am really happy with the breakdown of what different terms mean (regarding investing), and the clear breakdown of how to go about getting my retirement investing set up. And, while I was familiar with the idea that saving and investing should be directed towards goals, I really felt like this clicked for me during the session. This occurred when we were filling out the Goals sheet. Seeing the numbers on the spreadsheet live-updating, tied to the different goals (MY goals), having different timelines for each goal, etc. was really helpful! It made me see this effort of ‘getting organized’ or ‘getting a grasp’ on money as something more functional, concrete, and pragmatic, as opposed to something nebulous or aspirational. That was a really good feeling!”
— Nayeli, Product Design Manager, NYC (Power Hour Client)
Maria fostered a safe space that allowed me to be open about my money and goals. Talking about money among friends, family, and colleagues can sometimes be deemed taboo. This service allows you to lay things out and be realistic about the good and bad habits you may have and reframe existing perspectives.
[My favorite part of the session was] goal setting! My goals were not defined and that helped me be able to think about the next step, investing. The idea of retiring early was also not something I gave too much thought. I had a lot of misconceptions about retirement accounts, penalties and restrictions. Maria’s explanations helped reframe my mindset. For the first time, I feel like the possibility of focusing on a small business venture while not working a full time job is realistic.
I would recommend this service to anyone who is scared to take the first step to start to dig into their finances. Maria helped me understand the systems that exist and how to take advantage of them. Thank you!
— Rocio, Client Operations Manager, Brooklyn, NY (Power Hour Client)
Prior to my session with Maria, I was uncertain about my approach to investing. I wasn’t sure what I was investing for and what goals I really wanted to achieve through this method. Maria took her time in boiling down investing to its simplest terms (in a very practical way). I loved her references of finance to our everyday life, as well as the diagrams that showed how long it would take to achieve my specific goals when saving vs. investing. Not only that, but explaining what types of funds to invest in based on how much risk I am willing to take was very helpful. [My favorite parts of the session were] Maria’s relatability in her human/human approach instead of a teacher/student one; Maria set the intention of being a guide, sharing what she has learned and inspiring/pushing me to do the same and go beyond this session to further educate myself. Coming out of the session, I feel more confident in setting realistic goals for my life, while also allowing myself the grace to be patient and fluid in this process. This was honestly a perfect session - I wouldn’t go back and change a thing.
— Ikechukwu, Los Angeles, CA (Power Hour Client)
It's very particular to be a first-gen earner and it comes with a lot of complex baggage and expectations that can be hard to navigate. Having someone that understood this made it easier to be honest. It was invaluable to be able to work with someone that understands the expectation or need to take care of family, scarcity mindset, the hesitancy or inability to formulate goals beyond "rainy day" accounts, and the very intense emotional/psychological damage that can come from growing up in financially insecure households. U
nderstanding the deep emotions behind money aside, your patience and ability to communicate information specific to my financial needs was wonderful! The budget workbook was/is AMAZING and I talk about your approach to budgeting to everyone that will listen.
I feel so EMPOWERED to make the bigger decisions now!
— Mattie, Senior Client Experience Analyst, Austin, TX (CLEAR Client)
Hey Maria!
I just wanted to send a thank-you email!
My fiance had three sessions with you around this time last year. I can't believe how much progress y'all were able to make together--a year later, we're still able to make our budgets together and talk about financial goals without any tension. Making large purchases used to be really anxiety-inducing but, after your sessions, we just check to see if it fits in the budget and ya está (e.g. current wedding planning would've been so much more stressful two years ago). She's had a huge shift in her relationship with money and I am just flabbergasted at how quickly that shift happened after your sessions.
Thanks for doing what you do, and Happy New Year!
— Email from Julian, partner of former CLEAR client
Before my Power Hour session with Maria, I was definitely having "analysis paralysis" when it came to investing. I had taken baby steps and opened up a Roth IRA and brokerage account, but was stuck on where to invest and how to do so in a way that fit into my banking system.
Now, I have a creative vision for how I want to set up my personal banking system. I am excited to move my savings that has been sitting around untouched for years into a High Yield Savings Account. I'm also looking forward to automating more of my investing and savings systems so that I can breathe easier and think less about them. I really appreciate the bottom-up approach that Maria took to address the issues I came to her with. First, she helped me take a step back and look at my finances, then recommended creative ways to organize my personal banking system in a way that fit my needs, while being more user-friendly and less anxiety-inducing than my current system. I really valued the specific action items or "homework" that she laid out for me to work on, so that I walked away from the session having concrete next steps to take.
— Beethoven, Community Manager, San Francisco, CA (Power Hour Client)
What has changed [after working with Maria] is that I have now made proactive steps to take more of a lead on managing my own finances now, and for the future. The sessions with Maria have allowed me to overcome "analysis paralysis", and trust that I can make the best decisions with how I spend and save my money for my own financial goals for right now, and for the next 5+ years! As I grow and develop my own career, these skills will be crucial in allowing me to manage my growing finances to support me and my family.
As a first-generation salvadoran-american (and first-generation college graduate learning how to navigate myself in the professional world), I immediately gravitated towards the goals of your program and I really see the benefits of having someone that can relate, to support the community through your services. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I'm so glad that I am able to get this support with you going forward!
— Mario, College Success Coordinator, NYC (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I had all my money in one bank account, no credit, and no knowledge of investing. Maria changed my thinking about how time affects money, and how that can shape my goals into cash goals vs. investment goals, as opposed to just general savings goals (which I was only thinking about in terms of cash). Moreover, the worksheet was a really helpful aid for me in looking at money beyond a month-by-month scheme, which is how I budgeted before.
Maria provided so many amazing resources to keep building on my knowledge in a way that makes me feel like this session is not just 1.5 hours, but a month, year+ long process.
— Sarah, Environmental Nonprofit Regional Manager, Murphy, NC (Power Hour Client)
[Prior to working with Maria, I struggled with] managing money/budgeting, curbing overspending/impulsive spending, and saving money for later/bigger purchases.
Now, I am a lot more mindful of where my money goes, and even if I spend more than I planned, I'm aware of my budget and that spending in one area means making sacrifices elsewhere. I've already noticed that I am better about not spending unnecessary money or making impulsive purchases that I won't actually use or need.
I liked that things were so personalized to me and my experience, that made it really helpful to work from where I was at to move towards my goals in a way that was accessible to me in the moment.
I loved that this resource was available and it was definitely such a worthwhile investment for longer term finance management.
— Rahshemah, College Student, New Haven, CT (CLEAR Client)
[After working with Maria] I finally have a plan! And a much, much greater understanding of the basics of finances and managing my money. Also less stress/anxiety. I think everyone in my life could benefit from the lessons I learned during my sessions. And I think they could all benefit from feeling more empowered as well. Especially coming from a first/second generation Latino family. I feel that this is a great first step for so many of us who never received an education like this and feel stuck or anxious about our financial situations. This knowledge helps elevate ourselves, our families and our communities, which have been historically left behind in financial mobility. We deserve to take greater control of our lives.
— Jazmin, Reporter, Elko, NV (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I was stuck in anxiety and a sense of overwhelm, not knowing how to put income/expenses into a system, or what that system even looked like. I felt stuck in patterns of relating to money that are not mine, but my parents'. Now, I expect to have an actual system [the workbook] that I can refer to whenever to see exactly where my income stands, spending, goal progress. Just having a system is huge for me, as organization is not my forté. I would absolutely recommend Maria to friends. Maria is very clear and knowledgeable on how to manage personal finances with organizational tools, and great at explaining how these tools work and correspond with income, expenses, cash flow, savings goals, etc.
— Sondra, Yoga Instructor, Saugerties, NY (Power Hour Client)
The sessions were soooo helpful! The spread sheets shared and everything I learned is unmatched! I don't think there is really anyone else offering something this informative (at such an affordable rate!) to help young people out when it comes to finances. I think a lot of us are confused and this has really helped me get on the right path to reaching my goals. [My favorite parts of the sessions were] walking through my finances and having things broken down in digestible amounts. Having finances explained to me in terms I can understand so that I can apply the knowledge even after the sessions.
— Gina, Merchandising/Fashion, New York, NY (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I had a vision and a little knowledge but felt too intimidated/overwhelmed to take the leap on my own. I was stuck because I was not confident that the resources I found online applied to my specific situation. After my sessions, I feel more in control of my finances. I know what to focus on going forward. Maria and I came up with a foundation and plan that will set me up for years to come. Maria is non-judgmental and broke down information in a way where I was easily able to understand and apply it to my own financial situation. She also encouraged choice based on my preferences. The screen sharing and resources in the guide are perfect for a beginner like me. I have already recommended CLEAR to 2 friends.
— Stephanie, Nurse, Brooklyn, NY (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I was stuck with understanding the basics of implementing a plan for an emergency fund, how to invest for my future, how to chip down on debt within a feasible timeline, and what is possible with my current and future finances. After my session with Maria, I feel relief. It’s great to see real-life examples of your current situation. My favorite part of the session was the simplicity. Maria knows how to "dumb" things down, so that anyone can truly understand. Also to see the possibilities of investing with my current situation of being in debt. I truly feel that I am first of my family to be extremely curious of how money truly works, and I can see how this subject can be a sensitive topic, especially in the Latino community. Being informed and educated about money can truly make a difference in someone’s life. I’ve already spoken to my friends and family about the session and recommended them.
— Miguel, Sports Therapy and Rehab Coach, Covina, CA (Power Hour Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I was not sure how to balance paying off my debt, saving for a home, and investing for retirement. I have since been able to start an automatic monthly saving account and have also opened an investment account. I feel I understand the key ideas of finances and can continue to learn. My favorite aspect [of the program] was the retirement portion because it changed the way I view saving for the future. Overall, amazing service and great explanations. I love the FGL guides!
— Marla, Educator, San Diego, CA (CLEAR Client)
Before my CLEAR sessions with Maria, my credit card debt was incredibly overwhelming, and I felt like I was in a hole I couldn't crawl out of. Any money related talk made me wince because I knew I had to eventually get my finances in order but I was too intimidated to start. These CLEAR sessions have given me a brighter outlook on my financial future. I have a plan in place and there was no shaming involved in any of my sessions which really helped make me feel confident about my journey and personal pace. Some things that have improved: I am no longer over-limit on my credit card, I have automated my payments and have a clear budget so I know to stay within my means. I also have started growing my emergency savings in a HYSA! I loved being able to talk to another first-gen Latina about finances! The flexibility and open communication outside of these sessions were also great. Would recommend 100%.
— Evelyn, Post Production Coordinator (Television/Film), Los Angeles, CA (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I was at square one! I did not have a framework for thinking about how to organize finances. I now have concrete, sustainable/adjustable steps to help achieve my financial goals. Seeing current numbers and future projections in a spreadsheet helped me to grasp the idea that it's not "all or nothing". Every little bit counts/helps. I would strongly recommend Maria to anyone needing "101 level course" and tangible steps to take control of their finances. Maria's approach is completely turnkey. She educates on everything from saving to debt payment to investing and more. It's so helpful to "see" all of this in one place. Maria is a clear and effective communicator, completely non-judgement and is clearly in her "zone of genius" when providing education on personal finance. Thank you, Maria!
— Lori, Business Development Director, Chicago, IL (Power Hour Client)
You were incredible! You understood my concerns and walked me through options with no pressure and gave me confidence. [Prior to working with Maria] I felt like I was living paycheck to paycheck and no progress was being made in paying off debt. [Now] I have a completely different mindset on how I approach viewing my finances. I've learned that there are options when dealing with debt. Most importantly, I've learned that there are different ways to handle money, like a high-yielding savings account, Roth IRA, and HSA.
I'm not relying on the traditional mindset I was raised on and I feel empowered and in control of my finances. The FGL Workbook was my favorite and the Investing Guide because I was able to input my numbers, along with learning new terminology. These are great because I can reference back to them even after our sessions.
— Rebecca, Academic Counselor, Dallas, TX (CLEAR Client)
[Prior to working with Maria] I was stuck not being able to make it from one paycheck to the next without being empty. [What's changed is] everything, I feel like my relationship with money has changed from anxiety and fear, to manageable and peaceful.
The workbook is my financial bible. I really loved how Maria and I went through my budget step by step. I also LOVED how many resources she provided. I love how so left me feeling like I have a plan that's organized and manageable. The session exceeded any and all of my expectations.
Since the session I have sent every single one of my friends and family the link to Maria’s Power Hour session. It was the best money I have ever spent.
— Lace, Customer Support Specialist, Martinez, CA (Power Hour Client)
[Prior to working with Maria, I was stuck around] saving for retirement, especially navigating IRAs and not knowing how much money I need to retire. I have more clarity about what I am doing and what I should do next. I am more confident now and feel less lost.
If a friend told me they felt lost about their finances, I would definitely recommend they speak with Maria. The workbook and resources are so helpful, especially after going through everything together and pausing to answer my questions.
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've hesitated to spend money on a service like this in the past and have tried to educate myself but that felt overwhelming and has only gotten me so far. I needed a trusted person to answer my questions and explain things to me in a way a video or article could not do. This was definitely money well spent!
— Claudia, Nonprofit Project Manager, New York, NY (Power Hour Client)