Our November Member of the Month, Kristin Afelumo, CDFA, is one of those people that each time you walk away from a conversation, you’ve learned something. Whether it’s about propagating plants, figuring out your financial goals, or which cheese on the charcuterie board is the best, Kristin has you covered. Kristin is a jack of all trades as the founder and LPL financial planner of HerPlanning, a published author, and staunch supporter of women and advancing opportunities for women of color. She is a true light to have around the space, and is always building community wherever she goes. 

HerPlanning’s goal is to help you unapologetically pursue your goals. By helping take financial matters off your plate, you can focus on the areas of life that matter to you the most. Life happens, and your financial plan should be flexible enough to adapt as life changes. Whether you’re scaling the corporate ladder, building your business, or going through a life transition like marriage, divorce or planning for retirement, HerPlanning helps you build a financial strategy that’s tailored to fit your needs right now and going forward.

What do you do? Tell us a little bit about your company.

“HerPlanning™ was founded in 2014. We’re a fee-for-advice-based Financial Planning firm. We work in several states. I’ve been completely virtual since 2018. My partner Leigh sees clients in-person, her office is at 21st & Lewis. Our mission is to Empower the Unapologetic Pursuit of your Goals through Financial Planning.”

What is your typical weekday routine?

“Usually I like to ease in and ease out. I start a little later on Mondays with a team meeting with my Advisor Partner, Leigh Powell. I also meet with my admin team in the afternoon and prep for upcoming meetings. Tuesday–Thursday are all about client meetings. I meet with clients virtually all over the country. I’m on zoom calls all day. Fridays are a catch-all day where I ease out of the work week. Sometimes I do this from home, sometimes the office. But this is when I finish up projects and work on professional development as well as chat with other advisors about their business.”

What could you give a 30-minute presentation about with no advance preparation?

“My go-to presentation is how to build networks with intention, clarity and purpose. I actually wrote a book on this (it’s on amazon!).”

What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important?

“Right now my biggest challenge is balancing “practitioner” work and “CEO” work. We’re in a growth spurt and learning how to gracefully decline opportunities that aren’t a fit is something I’m getting a lot of practice at right now.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“I had no idea. When I was in high school, I took a test that said I’d be a great life insurance agent. Interestingly, I did sell P&C insurance before I started my practice and I do sell life insurance now as a part of our overall services!”

What is your favorite restaurant in Tulsa and what do you get there?

“Amelia’s—the house made ravioli. I see it’s beef short rib right now, it was lamb over the summer. *Excuse me while I make a reservation”

What is your favorite movie or book?

“Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite books. I like the BBC version of the movie. The soundtrack of the Keira Knightley movie is a lovely listen.”

Given unlimited resources, how would you go about making the world a better place?

“I’d invest it into my business. It would allow me to find talented black and brown advisors across the country and give them the training and support they deserve. Then I’d spend my time helping find the right clients for our business. There are so few BIPOC advisors working full-time as financial advisors because the industry is broken. I’d spend all my time and money working to create a better place for advisors so they can help create better financial lives for their clients and themselves. More women and minorities with more financial stability makes the world a better place.”

What is one of your favorite things about being a member of The Root Coworking?

“I love how open and airy it is. I’m all about the vibes (and the plants)!”