About Me
Life can feel overwhelming — especially when money becomes
one more thing you’re supposed to “figure out.”
If you’re juggling a career, family, responsibilities and expectations,
it’s easy for your own financial goals to quietly fall to the
bottom of the list.
You don’t need more pressure.
You need clarity, support and a way forward that actually fits your life.
That’s where I come in.
I help women simplify their finances, regain confidence and take control — without rigid rules, shame or overwhelm.
Because building wealth shouldn’t feel like another full-time job.
And it definitely shouldn’t cost you your peace.
Hi, I’m Maria — some people call me Cel.
I’ve been helping Canadians with their finances for over 13 years as a Professional Financial Advisor (PFA), but what I do today goes far beyond traditional financial advice.
Before entering the financial industry, I worked in the transportation sector, where I saw firsthand how capable, hardworking professionals still struggled with money — not because they weren’t smart, but because they lacked clarity, structure and support.
Over the years, I’ve been recognized for my work, including:
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Ranked #5 on MSN’s Top 10 Financial Advisors to Watch in 2024
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Guest on Desjardins’ Discovery Series Podcast
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Speaker at industry and community events, including Advocis Vancouver Chapter
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Featured in media such as Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg
I also serve as a Learning & Development Director within my agency, supporting advisors through education, compliance and growth.
But credentials alone aren’t what define my work.
My Background
This Is My Calling — Not Just My Work
My passion for this work comes from lived experience.
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I’m a mother to an incredible daughter with Down syndrome. I’ve navigated burnout, responsibility and the pressure of “holding it all together.” I understand what it’s like to put everyone else first — and tell yourself you’ll deal with your finances later.
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That “later” often becomes years.
I don’t believe women struggle because they don’t care or don’t know enough.
They struggle because life is full — and no one ever showed them how to apply what they already know in a way that works in real life.
This is why I do what I do.
Not as a job — but as a calling.
Who I Help
I work with women professionals, solopreneurs and business owners who:
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are capable and responsible
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feel stuck despite doing their best
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know what they should be doing, but struggle to follow through
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want clarity without complexity
They’re not looking for quick fixes or financial jargon.
They want structure, support and someone who understands their world.
Why Women Professionals
I chose to work with women professionals, solopreneurs and business owners because I am one of them.
I understand what it’s like to be capable, responsible and relied on — while quietly carrying the weight of decisions, expectations and financial pressure.
Women like you aren’t struggling because you’re careless or uninformed.
You’re struggling because you’re doing a lot — and no one ever gave you a clear, supportive structure that fits real life.
I’ve seen how easily women professionals:
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put everyone else first
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delay their own financial goals
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tell themselves they’ll “deal with it later”
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carry stress silently because they feel they should know better
Over time, that pressure turns into overwhelm, hesitation and self-doubt — even for smart, accomplished women.
This is where my work matters most.
I help women professionals slow the noise, reconnect with what matters, and move forward with clarity, confidence and control — without sacrificing their values or their wellbeing.
Because when women feel supported and clear, they don’t just manage money better.
They lead their lives differently.
How I Do It
My work is centered on helping women move from knowing → doing — without pressure or overwhelm.
I use two complementary frameworks, depending on where you are in your journey:
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The Moving Up Strategy™
This provides structure and momentum.
It helps you:
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understand where you are and where you want to be
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focus on what truly matters right now
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take simple, intentional steps forward
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build confidence through progress, not perfection
Money likes movement — and this strategy helps you move up, not just financially, but in clarity and confidence.
The Release, Reset & Receive™ Method
This supports emotional and mental alignment.
It helps you:
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release habits, beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck
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reset your priorities, energy and relationship with money
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receive growth, support and opportunities without guilt or fear
Together, these frameworks create real-life application — where mindset, money and action finally work together.
What's in It for You
If you’re looking for a heart-centered coach who:
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sees the whole picture of your life
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creates a safe, judgment-free space
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offers clear steps without rigidity
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helps you simplify instead of overwhelm
You’re in the right place.
My goal is to help you experience clarity, confidence and control — while fitting financial growth into your real, busy life.
How can a financial coach support you?
No matter where you are in life — growing your career, raising a family, building a business, prioritizing health, or planning for the future — I’m here to help you:
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build and grow your wealth
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protect what you’ve worked hard for
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make decisions with confidence
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feel secure at every stage of life
My aim is simple:
to make sure your money supports your life — not the other way around.
If this resonates, let’s talk.