Hi, I’m Angelica Marie — Financial Coach & Founder of RETIRING STRONG.

If you’re getting a late start on your financial goals, you’re in the right place. I’ve walked that path myself — and I know how disorienting it can feel to rebuild your life while the world keeps moving forward.

I started over more than once. I served five years in the U.S. Navy in my early twenties, and like many veterans, transitioning into civilian life wasn’t a straight line. I found myself navigating not just career changes, but life changes — all while trying to figure out where I truly belonged.

Years later, I made another pivotal decision. I left an emotionally draining and unhealthy marriage — not because it was easy, but because it was necessary. I returned to Houston at 39 with no plan, no savings, and two young children depending on me. It was one of the scariest and most liberating moments of my life.

The years that followed were humbling. I was in survival mode — doing what I had to do to care for my kids and keep going. Like many women who carry a lot on their shoulders, I didn’t always see my own value. I took on what I could, often charging less than I should have, because stability felt more urgent than self-worth.

I attempted to build a personal development coaching business, but when it didn’t gain traction, I had to let it go. I found a flexible job that gave me the space to be there for my kids, and eventually, to return to school.

I always knew I wanted to be a financial coach and educator. But because I hadn’t earned much at that point in my life, I felt a deep pull to go back to school — not just to gain knowledge, but to build a foundation I could truly stand on. I wanted the credibility to match the calling. So, at 48, I went back to the University of Houston, earning my degree in Finance with a specialization in Personal Financial Planning.

Why I Started Retiring Strong

When I decided to start my financial coaching business, it came from a deeply personal place. I wanted to help smart, hardworking people like me—people who were tired, burnt out, and stuck feeling like financial peace and freedom might never happen for them. Retiring Strong is my way of saying, “Yes, it can happen—and it’s your turn.”

I started Retiring Strong for people who are ready to reclaim their time, their money, and their sense of self. Whether you’re coming out of a hard season, facing retirement without a clear plan, or simply tired of carrying financial stress on your own, you deserve support that’s grounded, practical, and judgment-free.

Why I Do This Work

I believe financial empowerment is the cornerstone of a fulfilled life. When families learn to manage money with intention and discover the power of investing, they begin to build wealth — not just for themselves, but for the generations that follow. That’s the ripple effect I want to be part of.