What happens when your finances fall apart—and instead of breaking down, you rebuild the system that failed you? In episode 236 of Joy Found Here, Lacy Garcia, founder and CEO of Willow, shares how a personal financial crisis and single motherhood inspired her to redefine financial advising. With honesty and insight, she shows that true empowerment with money begins with empathy and education—not spreadsheets—and that taking control of your finances is really about reclaiming confidence, independence, and joy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• When life “blew up” and money shame surfaced (04:13)
• Breaking the silence around women and money (04:38)
• Divorce, single motherhood, and a new mission (05:37)
• The three E’s: empathy, education, empowerment (07:20)
• Baby steps to build financial confidence (10:08)
• Busting money myths and budget guilt (15:57)
• Turning crisis into a company with purpose (16:52)
• Independence, relationships, and self-worth (29:24)
• Teaching kids the truth about money (35:54)
• Finding joy through financial clarity (43:05)

As the Founder and CEO of Willow, Lacy Garcia is redefining financial advising for women and next-generation investors. With over 15 years in wealth management, she saw how few advisors truly understand the emotional and cultural realities of money—especially for women and underrepresented groups. Through Willow, she built an award-winning platform focused on empathy, education, and empowerment, connecting clients with advisors who listen, guide, and build confidence without judgment. A proud Cuban-American and single mom, Lacy’s mission is to make financial confidence accessible to everyone—because wealth-building isn’t about privilege, it’s about awareness and action.

In this episode, Lacy shares how a mid-thirties financial crisis following divorce inspired her to create Willow and break the silence around women and money. She offers simple, sustainable steps—like automating savings, tracking expenses, and maximizing employer matches—and reminds listeners that it’s never too late to start. Together with Stephanie, she explores financial independence, teaching kids about money, and how neglecting self-care can cost more than dollars. Through her story, Lacy shows that taking control of your finances is one of the most powerful paths to freedom, confidence, and lasting joy.

Connect with Lacy Garcia:

• Trust Willow Website
• Willow Talk on YouTube
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Let's Connect:

• Website
• Instagram

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