These case studies highlight journeys of clients we’ve worked with, each navigating their own challenges, values, and goals.
Case Study: Building a Financial Foundation After Graduation
Meet the Client: First-gen early-career professional in education
Challenge: Earning more than their family ever had and feeling overwhelmed about how to manage it
The Situation
This client had just finished their degree and landed their first full-time role in a career they were proud of.
For the first time, they were earning more than anyone in their family ever had—and while that felt exciting, it also came with a lot of emotional pressure. They wanted to help their parents, avoid messing up, and start off “doing everything right.”
On top of that, they felt unsure about what to do next—worried about making mistakes, getting hit with a large tax bill, or missing something important that could set them back. They didn’t know how much they should be saving for retirement, how to start investing, or what financial steps to prioritize first.
But they also struggled with guilt. Even spending modestly on hobbies they enjoyed brought on feelings of shame.
The Approach
We focused on helping them feel grounded and in control, not overwhelmed.
Together, we:
Clarified what financial success meant to them, not just what others expected
Created a plan that honored both family support and personal goals
Built a values-aligned structure so they could spend confidently, without guilt
Built clarity around how much to save for retirement, how to get started with investing, and what to prioritize first—so they could move forward with confidence instead of second-guessing every decision
The Transformation
Over time, they moved from uncertainty to clarity—and began feeling empowered in their decisions:
They created a financial plan that balanced long-term savings with the ability to enjoy life in the present
Supporting their family became a thoughtful part of their plan—not an unspoken obligation
They began saving for retirement and investing intentionally, with a plan that felt manageable and aligned with their goals
They reconnected with hobbies they once felt guilty for enjoying, without second-guessing themselves
They’re no longer just trying to get it right, they’re intentionally building a life that balances their present and future.
This material is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. Avise Financial Cooperative, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Case Study: Aligning Values as a Financial Team
Meet the Client: Married couple working in tech and raising a young child
Challenge: Juggling competing financial goals while navigating different views on saving for college
The Situation
This couple came to me feeling the weight of multiple financial priorities.
They wanted to make progress on several fronts:
Paying off student loans
Saving for a future home
Contributing to retirement accounts
Starting to put money away for their child’s higher education
They were aligned on the what—but not always on the how. Their biggest point of tension was college savings. One partner felt strongly about saving early to avoid student debt. The other wanted to focus first on building a strong financial foundation and making sure their own retirement was on track.
The Approach
We created a space where they could have open, judgment-free conversations about their goals and values.
Together, we:
Laid out each of their priorities visually
Created a cash flow plan that allowed for steady progress in all areas without overextending, while clearly outlining the trade-offs based on what they chose to prioritize together
Facilitated value-based conversations around parenthood, legacy, and what kind of support they hoped to provide for their child
The Transformation
Through clarity and structure, they moved from disagreement to alignment:
They found a middle ground that honored both perspectives, contributing to education savings while staying on track with retirement and homeownership goals
Their financial plan gave them the flexibility to adapt over time as their family’s needs evolved
Most importantly, they started working as a team, feeling heard, respected, and confident in their shared vision
With a shared plan in place, they’re making steady progress, navigating each season of life with more clarity, confidence, and connection as a family.
This material is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. Avise Financial Cooperative, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Case Study: From “Getting By” to Getting Ahead
Meet the Client: First-gen professional in healthcare
Challenge: Living paycheck to paycheck despite managing money responsibly
The Situation
This client came in feeling frustrated.
They were doing everything “right”—paying bills on time, avoiding credit card debt, and living within their means.
Still, they felt stuck.
No matter how careful they were, saving felt impossible. They wanted to travel and upgrade their apartment, but those goals seemed out of reach.
The Approach
We focused on creating structure, not restriction.
Together, we:
Built a clear, values-based spending plan
Created a system to track money in a simple, non-overwhelming way
Set realistic savings goals tied to their actual life not someone else’s financial rulebook
The Transformation
Over time, they went from “just getting by” to building momentum:
Savings started to grow, starting with building their emergency fund
Future goals that once felt out of reach, like travel and creating a more comfortable living space, became part of the plan
Most importantly, they felt a sense of control and security for the first time
Now, they’re not only saving with intention, they’re making sure their spending aligns with their values, cutting out what doesn’t bring meaning, and building a life with freedom and flexibility. All without needing to follow a strict or rigid budget.
This material is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost. Avise Financial Cooperative, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.