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We All Have A Story: Here's Mine

While growing up in Colorado, my parents helped me develop a strong work ethic and sense of financial responsibility. They showed me how to open a checking account, balance my checkbook, and save for the things I wanted, like my first car.

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I spent my early career in telecommunications before being laid off during the dot-com bubble. From there, I decided to switch gears and enter the more people-focused world of PR and marketing. I then launched and ran a successful PR firm and experienced the joys (and challenges!) of entrepreneurship.

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While I loved listening to my PR clients' business stories, I felt like something was missing: their work was only part of what drove them.​ I was ultimately drawn to financial planning because money, in all its forms, is at the heart of our life stories. ​I'm especially passionate about helping other women improve their financial IQ.

Michelle Francis founder of Life Story Financial
About

Why My Firm is Focused on 
Financial Planning for Women 

I experienced both a divorce and a corporate layoff early in my career. This led to a long period of financial instability. To take back control, I had to educate myself about my money to make smarter decisions about my financial future.

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I learned how good it felt to gain financial independence, instead of staying financially ignorant.

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 That's why empowering women in similar situations is my passion. I'm honored when clients share their life stories and allow me to guide them to a better future. This rewarding work brings meaning to my life—which is something I want to help my clients find, too.

Michelle Francis with her family of five

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  • Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Regis University in Denver, Colo.

  • NASAA Series 66 uniform combined state law registration in Colorado

  • Enrolled in CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ coursework with a tentative exam date of November 2024

 
I'm passionate about learning, so devote time each year to taking financial classes, reading books and attending educational conferences. I regularly participate in mastermind groups with like-minded financial planners dedicated to improving their technical skills to better serve clients.

Education

Industry Involvement

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors logo
XY Planning Network logo
Fee Only Network logo
AdvisorFinder logo
Wealthtender logo
WiserAdvisor logo

Community Involvement

Grapevine giving circle logo

Jefferson County Women for Good

SHE Leads Group logo

Arvada Chapter Active Member

Two Ponds Preservation Foundation logo

Board Member Executive Committee

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce logo

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Member

Arvada Chamber logo

Active Member

How I Spend My Free Time

I love taking family-friendly vacations and getting outside with my husband and three very active, elementary-school-age children and our Jack Russell terrier, Nutmeg. I also enjoy trying new restaurants, volunteering in my community, reading psychological thrillers and teaching my kids about money. I helped my daughters develop a budget and savings plan for new pets. Needless to say, we're now the proud owners of a breaded dragon and two gerbils!

Interesting Fact About My Family of Five

Two of my three children were diagnosed at birth with an inherited, rare disease called Phenylketonuria (PKU). It requires lifelong management through a restrictive diet and specialized medical foods and formula. It was life-changing news to be sure. But, it's given me a deep understanding about the emotional and financial challenges facing families dealing with a child who has a chronic disease or special needs. 

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