Wendy Turk

Life has a funny way to take you where you’re supposed to be, whether it’s on a straight path or a winding road. I’ve always been a meticulous planner, but I didn’t originally set out to be a financial planner.

 

I grew up in Los Angeles and loved it so much I stayed here to attend UCLA, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I took a stint doing DNA research for a biotech company, appreciating that I was helping people, but also realizing that I didn’t ever directly see the results of my work.

 

And that’s where the road led me—back to UCLA to obtain a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning. I’ve always loved finances, documenting every expense from the first time I received an allowance.

 

Coupled with my interpersonal skills, patience, organization, and creativity, I knew would be well-suited for a career in financial planning. Even more importantly, I found that my skill set could fill a great need for financial literacy, especially among women.

 

With over 15 years’ experience, I work with clients to create comprehensive plans that consider both the numbers and the emotions surrounding money. My top skills are listening, teaching, and organization.

 

This gives each and every client clarity about their finances and empowers them to enjoy their lives, today and tomorrow. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing my clients have babies, send kids to college, get married, retire, take a fantastic vacation, and everything in between, knowing that I helped them reach those goals.

 

I have an ongoing podcast, Money Talks, where women of diverse backgrounds tell stories about their personal experiences with money, and I also created Money & Me, a children’s education program that teaches financial literacy at an early age.

 

In my spare time, I enjoy hanging with my kids, Owen and Andrew, and my husband Jason. We visit National Parks (we’re on a bit of a quest to visit them all), cook and bake together (sourdough became a thing during Covid), and share many beach days, regardless of the season. I have been a PTA Board member at my children’s school for 4 years, currently serving as the PTA Treasurer (surprise!).