Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Stephens.
Hi Marisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story actually started with a blind leap of faith. Growing up, financial literacy wasn’t something we discussed in my household. I had to learn everything on my own – through my own experiences and from watching others. My first real glimpse into the potential of money came early in my career when a coworker suggested I invest my 401k differently. I had no idea why it mattered, but I trusted him, so I blindly followed his advice. That simple nudge sparked something in me. I was curious and realized so much more was possible.
That experience stayed with me through my decade in tech, where I built mobile apps to help people manage their money. But over time, I felt a growing disconnect between the code I was writing and the very real emotional weight I saw the people around me carrying. I watched friends and family who were earning good money, still feel financially lost, overwhelmed, and honestly a little ashamed. Having money and feeling good about your money are two completely different things. When I discovered financial coaching as a career, I immediately fell in love. It combined my passion for personal finance, my love of systems, and my desire to help people use money as a tool for fulfillment. Now I get to be that catalyst for my clients, opening doors to a future they didn’t even know was possible. I dove in headfirst and haven’t looked back since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely wasn’t smooth. I didn’t have anyone guiding me, so I experienced a lot of trial and error as I was trying to decipher between what I actually wanted versus what I felt like I was “supposed” to want. And with the silent pressure of social media, I felt as though I was playing a constant game of internal tug-o-war. The biggest breakthrough came when I stopped asking “Can I afford this?” and starting asking “How important is this to me?” and “Does this support the life I’m building?”
That reframe sounds simple, but it really helped shift my perspective. Once I got crystal clear on my actual values and priorities, decisions that used to feel heavy became obvious. It became so much easier to stay true to myself. I stopped questioning every dollar and started spending (and saving) with intention. My financial situation didn’t just improve, my overall happiness did.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cents of Value?
Cents of Value provides personalized financial coaching for busy millennials, especially millennials of color, who are ready to finally feel like an adult when it comes to their money. Many are out here building careers, showing up for their family, doing amazing things, but still feel anxious, stretched thin, and emotionally drained from trying to figure it out alone, not knowing where to start or who to trust. I serve as my clients’ financial thought partner, helping them make confident financial decisions and align their money with their unique lifestyle. My goal is to save them the years of trial and error I went through, so they can spend less time stressing about money and more time doing the things they actually enjoy.
I truly believe you can save for the future AND still fully enjoy the present. And to make that possible, we have to get honest and real. My clients often tell me our sessions feel like therapy (and I take that as a compliment) because we talk about more than just what’s in your bank account. I want to know the person behind the budget. What excites you, what keeps you up at night, what are your dreams and your fears. I see so much shame and embarrassment around money, and I’m proud to be a safe space where you can release that and do things that once seemed impossible. Whether that’s finally paying off debt, seeing your savings grow for the first time, or having enough cushion to take a random Tuesday off just because. I want to be that trusted guide for others that my coworker was for me.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
While I do have mentors and fellow coaches that have been instrumental in helping me build this business, my clients are my main motivation. As we work together, I not only see their perspective of money change, but more importantly, I see their perspective of themselves change. They come to me feeling insecure and depleted and, over time, become someone who not only trusts their choices but truly believes in what they are capable of and deserving of.
I had a client tell me that her daughter randomly said to her “Mom, you seem happier”. She had no idea her financial stress had been affecting how she showed up for her family. That’s a moment I think about when I ask myself why I do this work. I’m so proud of my clients and honored to have their trust. Their vulnerability and courage to change their financial stories is what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centsofvalue.com/
