From the moment I saw Donna speak at a women's financial empowerment event here in Santa Barbara, I knew I had to have her on this podcast. Her goofy, yet gracious demeanor is beyond endearing and her personal story of emigrating to the United States from China represents the American Dream at its finest.

Donna is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, but she is not your average advisor. Her personal trials and tribulations have allowed her to identify her unique strengths and passions, which she now applies to make a meaningful contribution to her community. Donna has dedicated her career to providing women with the financial education and support that her family was never fortunate enough to receive.

In this episode, we talk about Donna's experience emigrating to the U.S. and how she ultimately found her way to the wealth management industry; we touch on the power of practicing smart money management, the importance of positive self talk, and her recommendations for staying committed to your purpose (even when life gets in the way).

#PurposePlays from this episode

• Create a financial vision board. Write down the things that are most important to you, the things that give you the most anxiety or fear. Then talk to a financial advisor and map out a game plan with small, measurable steps so you can reach these goals.
• Create a "Lucky Stick List". We all get hit by a Lucky Stick every once in a while, but more often than not we take these moments or things for granted. Create a list of when and how you've been hit with the Lucky Stick (i.e. an alternative to a Gratitude Practice).

Links:

Donna's Practice in Santa Barbara, California

CFP Board list with top questions to ask your Financial Advisor.

Donna's book recommendation: Triumphs of Experience by George E. Vaillant