We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stephanie Olson. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Stephanie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days mostly involve conversations that people tend to avoid—talking honestly about money. I meet with clients one-on-one over video, because there’s no such thing as a “standard” financial life, and I don’t believe in cookie-cutter plans. Personal finance is deeply tied to emotions, habits, and values, so my job is to dig into those layers and create strategies that truly fit each person’s life.
A typical session starts with updating account balances, manually tracking new expenses, then tackling the next step toward their goals. I create specific, next steps to eliminate debt, build an emergency fund, or prepare for a major life change. Every day, I get to watch clients replace stress and uncertainty with clarity and control, which is exactly why I do this work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Stephanie Olson, the founder of Adulting Financial, where our mission is to give people the tools and confidence to take control of their financial futures—without the shame, jargon, or cookie-cutter advice that so often comes with money talk. I started this business because I saw too many people skipping over the foundational steps like budgeting, debt payoff, and building an emergency fund, and jumping straight into investing before they were truly ready. My approach is personal, goal-driven, and judgment-free, because money is deeply tied to emotions, values, and life changes. Every client’s journey is different, and I customize their financial plan to reflect that. At the end of the day, my success is measured by clients reaching a point where they don’t need me anymore. I’m constantly working myself out of a job.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Honestly, I think I came hardwired for this. Before I landed in finance, I was a kid sitting at my parents’ kitchen table making pretend budgets for fun. Even before that, I was roping my friends into starting imaginary businesses with me, complete with “official” paperwork and a love of office supplies. I’ve always been fascinated by the structure behind how things run. Long before I knew what a financial advisor was, I knew that understanding your money, without shame or judgment, was the fastest path to independence. Adulting Financial was just the natural next step in turning that lifelong obsession into a way to help others.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
All through college, I was convinced I was headed toward becoming a financial advisor—it felt like my calling. But as I got deeper into the industry, I realized most firms skipped the most important steps in someone’s financial journey: the basics. Budgets, debt payoff, emergency funds—the foundational work that actually creates stability and freedom—were treated like an afterthought. It left me feeling lost, because I couldn’t see myself working in a system that ignored the very things that mattered most to me.
After college, I kept finding myself back at the kitchen table with friends, helping them build budgets and figure out how to navigate the real world without shame or judgment. Eventually, I decided that if I couldn’t find a company that shared my values, I’d have to create one. That’s how Adulting Financial was born: out of the belief that everyone deserves the tools and confidence to take control of their money and their future, starting with the fundamentals.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
One truth I hold that most people push back on is this: debt is not a normal or inevitable part of life.
I’m not saying debt is inherently “bad,” but I do believe we’ve been conditioned to see credit card balances, car loans, mortgages, and student loans as just another stage of adulthood. That mindset keeps people from even asking if there’s another way. With the right knowledge, planning, focus, and hard work, you can absolutely avoid most debt. Yes, there’s privilege in access to resources, but the biggest privilege is financial literacy—the understanding that you have options.
The same goes for retirement. My generation has largely written off the idea of early retirement all together, but I disagree completely. If it’s your goal, it’s attainable. You just have to be willing to trade some spending today for freedom tomorrow. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about making intentional choices so your money works for you instead of chaining you down.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Personal finance is not exactly a “crowd-pleaser” topic. It’s the thing people avoid at dinner parties, not the thing they lean in to hear more about. My entire business is basically a social faux pas—and I’m okay with that. I’m not in this for the flash; the flashy side of finance often profits off taking advantage of people. I started this business because I want to change the culture around money, to make it a conversation we have openly, without shame or secrecy.
Financial knowledge is power, and yet it’s hoarded like a trade secret. I’m willing to give my absolute best whether anyone praises me for it or not, because if I can equip even one person with the tools to take control of their money, they carry that freedom for life. That’s worth more than applause.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adultingfinancial.com
