A Global Advocate for Wealth, Wisdom and Women’s Financial Freedom
Cary Carbonaro opens up about her journey, offering practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement to help women build financial strength, independence, and lifelong success.
Cary Carbonaro is a powerhouse in the world of financial planning, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering women through financial literacy. With over 25 years of experience and a string of accolades to her name, she has become a leading voice in the industry—one who champions both personal empowerment and systemic change. As a bestselling author, global speaker, and Managing Wealth Advisor, Cary has made it her mission to demystify money matters and advocate for women’s financial independence.
In this interview, Cary shares her personal journey, expert insights, and practical advice on everything from overcoming financial fear to reshaping the future of wealth management. Her passion for helping women take control of their financial lives is palpable—and profoundly inspiring.
A visionary in finance, Cary Carbonaro blends expertise and empathy to uplift women and reshape the industry with grace and purpose.
What inspired you to write The Money Queen’s Guide and focus on empowering women through financial literacy?
My inspiration came from seeing how many women were unsure about their financial future, often because they felt overwhelmed by money matters or excluded from the conversation. I wanted to create a guide that would simplify financial concepts and empower women to take control of their financial destinies, without the fear or intimidation that can often accompany financial topics. I also had just gotten out of my own 4 year divorce and I wanted to share my story with women and prevent what happened to me from happening to other women.
What key financial advice would you give women in their twenties to help them achieve long-term financial success?
Start early and focus on building good financial habits. Prioritize saving and investing, even if it’s just a small amount at first. Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401(k)s, and make sure you’re taking full advantage of any employer match. It’s also important to build an emergency fund and work on developing a mindset of financial independence and security.
How do you help clients overcome their financial fears and build confidence in managing their money?
I listen to their concerns and validate their feelings, as fear often comes from a lack of understanding or control. Then, I break things down into manageable steps, offering education and creating a clear, actionable plan that makes them feel empowered. I also emphasize that financial success isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, and every small step is a win.
“Financial success isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, and every small step is a win.” – Cary Carbonaro
Can you share a memorable experience where you coached someone toward financial empowerment?
One particularly memorable experience was working with a woman who had recently gone through a divorce. She came to me feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure where to even begin. We started with budgeting and planning, and as we progressed, she became more confident in making financial decisions for herself and her children. By the end of our work together, she had not only built a solid financial foundation, but she had also found a sense of personal empowerment and control over her financial future.
How has your role as Women and Wealth Ambassador shaped your approach to addressing the financial challenges women face?
As a Women and Wealth Ambassador, I’m constantly reminded of the unique challenges women face, from earning gaps to the often higher costs of healthcare and caregiving. Women have many strikes against them compared to men. My approach is always centered on creating financial strategies that consider these factors. I aim to offer holistic solutions that support women’s financial security, including retirement planning, wealth-building strategies, and addressing their needs for flexibility and peace of mind.
What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career in financial planning?
I would encourage them to be curious, be fearless, and never underestimate the value of their voice in the room. Women bring a unique perspective to financial planning, and the industry needs more diverse voices. I’d also recommend they seek out mentorship and continuously build their knowledge base, whether it’s through formal education or real-world experience.
What tips would you offer to other authors who want to write books that inspire financial literacy and empowerment?
I’d advise authors to keep their audience in mind and create content that is both approachable and actionable. Financial topics can be intimidating, so it’s important to break them down into digestible, relatable pieces. And, most importantly, make sure the message is empowering—financial literacy isn’t just about numbers, it’s about helping people feel in control of their lives and future.
What inspired your upcoming book, Women and Wealth?
The inspiration behind Women and Wealth came from my ongoing work with women clients who have unique financial needs and concerns. I wanted to offer a comprehensive playbook that combines practical financial advice with emotional and psychological elements—helping women to not only build wealth, but also to understand the mindset behind it. The goal is to help women unlock their full financial potential, addressing both the internal and external factors that influence their financial decisions. They should know what an advisor relationship should look like.
What do you hope financial advisors and professionals take away from Women and Wealth?
I hope they take away a deeper understanding of the unique needs of female clients and the importance of tailoring financial strategies to address those needs. It’s also about creating a more inclusive environment where women feel comfortable and confident discussing money. By offering personalized, empathetic advice, advisors can help women achieve long-term financial success and security. I want to change the industry to make it more female friendly and serve women better!
What steps can be taken to address gender bias and promote financial equality in the financial services industry?
It starts with acknowledging that gender bias exists and then taking deliberate steps to create a more inclusive environment. That includes promoting women to leadership positions, offering mentorship opportunities, and ensuring that financial products and services are designed with women’s unique needs in mind. Additionally, it’s about educating both women and men about the importance of gender equality in financial decision-making and ensuring that women’s voices are heard at every level of the industry.
