Ep. 198 – Marisa Lonic – Inside the Family Office: A Family's Journey Working with a Financial Advisor
Ever wonder what really happens when you decide to work with a financial advisor for the first time, especially when life already feels like a full-time juggling act?
I sat down with Marisa Lonic—author, coach, and founder of Mama Work It—to talk about the emotional side of money, career pivots, and raising four kids, including twins.
We dive into what it's like to navigate big life changes like moving states, the vulnerability that comes with opening up about your finances, and why timing and trust matter so much when you're leaning on experts. Marisa also shares a powerful personal story about motherhood and a surprising tattoo that taught her something unexpected about growth.
Please enjoy my conversation with Marisa Lonic.
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And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
Both financial planning and coaching are deeply emotional processes that require trust and vulnerability, and investing in the right partnership can help you tackle transitions, clarify your goals, and ultimately write your own story instead of letting circumstances dictate it.
1 Way You Can Apply This
When facing daunting financial or life transitions, seek out a trusted advisor or coach to guide you through the process—much like Marisa and Anthony did by partnering with Paul for comprehensive financial planning and life guidance. By taking that first step and inviting in expert support, you’ll ease overwhelm, gain accountability, and create a tailored roadmap, making big decisions feel less isolating and more manageable while building long-term confidence in your choices.
1 Question to Ask
Is there an important area of my life—like my finances, career, or personal growth—that I’ve been putting off because of fear, overwhelm, or uncertainty, and what’s one step I can take to start addressing it today?
Key Moments From the Show
00:20 Maycember chaos—parenting feels overwhelming this time of year.
01:00 Having three or more kids changes family dynamics in unpredictable ways.
04:42 Deciding to finally work with a financial advisor after putting it off for years.
06:44 Major life event—moving from California to Texas—triggers reaching out for financial guidance.
07:12 Readiness is key; people only seek coaching or financial advice when they’re truly ready.
08:38 Financial planning goes beyond numbers—deep, personal questions lead to stronger plans.
09:17 Money and kids are the most sensitive, vulnerable topics for families.
10:33 Initial advisor process—no numbers at first, just a real conversation to assess fit.
11:33 Front-loading trust and understanding before even signing a contract.
13:26 Sharing sensitive financial info requires a lot of trust and vulnerability.
14:30 Process is intense but not overwhelming when you’re ready and organized.
15:56 “One-stop shop” for financial, tax, and estate planning is valued for convenience.
17:39 Estate planning is the most emotional and difficult part of the process, especially for parents.
19:02 Estate planning lets you control your story—plans can change, nothing is set in stone.
20:41 Onboarding process is smooth and structured when clients are organized and ready.
23:37 Biggest fear for many is not knowing their financial status—often worse in their mind than reality.
25:21 Internal stories and beliefs often prevent people from seeking help or planning for the future.
26:53 Timing, trust, and an established relationship are crucial in choosing an advisor.
28:12 Podcast conversations and referrals are more meaningful than traditional marketing.
30:40 Client stories have far greater impact than any marketing.
32:17 Coaching as a valuable self-investment—accountability and guidance make a difference.
35:00 Reframing coaching and financial planning as an “investment” rather than a “cost.”
36:17 Vulnerability—pivoting a book project about moms’ stories into a blog series.
40:04 Personal vulnerable story—regret after an impulsive tattoo and sharing it with her family.
43:52 Support from family and the learning process from personal vulnerability.
44:22 Where to find Marisa’s work and more resources for parents or those seeking coaching.
Resources Featured in This Episode:
Stories That Stick - Book