Retirement Planning with a Human-First Approach

Helping Women Step Into Retirement with Confidence and Clarity

Because retirement is a shared journey, married clients work with me alongside their spouse. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for both of you — and honors your goals as a couple.

Retirement isn’t just about money — it’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing you’re going to be okay, that you won’t outlive your savings, and that your future is aligned with the life you actually want to live.

For many women, though, retirement feels like stepping into the unknown. The numbers might be there on paper, but the questions linger: Will I have enough? Am I making the right choices? What will life look like when I’m not working?

I’ve seen too many women step into retirement carrying more worry than joy. That’s why I founded Purposeful Money: to give women not only a solid financial plan, but also the confidence and clarity to embrace this next season fully.

With 20 years of experience in wealth management — and a passion for truly listening to the person behind the portfolio — I’m here to make sure you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. And as a fee-only fiduciary planner, you can be sure that your best interests are at the heart of all I do.

My Philosophy: Life-Centered Guidance for Your Next Chapter

Working with me means:

Partnership First.

We walk through this together — you’re never just a number on a spreadsheet. I’m here to listen, to explain, and to make sure you always feel supported.

Purpose-Driven Planning.

Money isn’t the end goal — it’s a tool to help you live the life you want. That means retirement planning goes beyond charts and projections. We’ll start with what matters most to you:

What do you want your days to look like?
How do you want to use your time, talents, and resources?
What will bring you joy, meaning, and connection in this next chapter? (And so much more!)

Peace of Mind.

You’ll always know where you stand. Whether it’s the everyday 411 questions (“Can I take my kids on that trip?”) or the 911 moments (“The market just dropped — what does this mean for me?”), I’ll be in your corner with clear, practical guidance.

My approach to retirement planning and wealth management is holistic– blending financial expertise with life planning to ensure your retirement is both secure and fulfilling.

My Story: Shaped by Experience, Driven by Purpose

When I first entered this field, I quickly learned how broken the traditional financial model was. Advisors were pressured to “sell products,” not truly help people. That never sat right with me.

When my own family went through a personal crisis after a devastating loss, I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to make big financial decisions in a vulnerable moment. What my family needed wasn’t jargon or sales pitches — we needed someone to listen, to meet us where we were, and to walk with us step by step.

That experience shaped everything about how I serve my clients today: with empathy, clarity, and a focus on the whole person behind the portfolio.

Erin O’Brien, CFP®

President and Certified Financial Planner™

Erin O’Brien has spent more than 25 years guiding clients through one of life’s biggest transitions: retirement. As a fiduciary Certified Financial Planner™, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, and Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the IRS, she brings a depth of technical expertise that ensures her clients’ finances are in good hands.

But what sets Erin apart is her personal, human-first approach. With a special interest in working with women in their 50s and beyond, Erin calls this time of life the “Season of You.”

“I find great satisfaction serving as a woman’s financial partner and go-to, building relationship and supporting her through all the ups and downs life and finances bring — whether it’s practical things like explaining a mortgage disclosure in plain English or filling out paperwork together; or the more soulful questions like where would she love to live at this stage of her life or how to balance helping her kids while keeping her future secure. That’s the stuff that keeps me saying I have the best job in the world.”

Memberships & Designations

Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA℠)
Enrolled Agent (EA), admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) – Registered Member
Member of the XY Planning Network

Erin McIntosh, Client Care and Support

Keeping Everything Running Smoothly (with a Smile)

Erin (the other Erin!) has spent over 12 years helping clients feel cared for and confident. She loves making the details simple so you can focus on what matters most in your life. She combines industry know-how with genuine warmth to create a smooth, welcoming experience for every client.

The Sapphire Team: Seamless Back Office Support

The Sapphire Team partners with Purposeful Money to handle the operational details, from paperwork to processing. Their work ensures every account is managed with care and precision.

Beyond the Numbers

I live in Naples, Florida, with my (soon to be) husband and with our purposeful pups, in our home we call Holiday House. Family and faith are at the heart of our lives. For fun, I love running, baseball, golf, the beach and all things summer. But more than anything I love being called mom, and now “Gramma.”

One of the greatest joys of my career has been the relationships I’ve built with clients over the years. Whether it’s swapping stories about kids, celebrating a trip you’ve taken, or hearing about your next big dream, those personal connections are what make this work so meaningful.

At the end of the day, financial planning is about helping you create your Season of You — a retirement that feels intentional, secure, and deeply fulfilling.