The Wealth Warrior: Kelly Gushue’s Mission to Redefine Financial Power for Women

In a world where financial independence is the cornerstone of empowerment, Kelly Gushue stands out as a source of inspiration and practical wisdom for women ready to take control of their financial lives. As founder of Personal Finance Warrior, Kelly believes financial power goes beyond managing money—it’s about creating opportunities, expanding your influence, and making a meaningful impact in the world. Drawing on her impressive career as a Portfolio Strategist and Financial Advisor, she goes beyond the basics, teaching women how to navigate financial markets, real estate, digital assets, and alternative investments. Her approach empowers women to grow their resources on their own terms and pursue their biggest dreams. 

Kelly’s mission is personal. Inspired by her mother’s resilience in rebuilding a life after financial hardship, Kelly is dedicated to ensuring no woman ever feels powerless over her finances again. With degrees from Harvard and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and experiences connecting with women across 50+ countries, Kelly combines world-class expertise with a relatable and approachable style. 

Through engaging workshops, transformative coaching programs and powerful keynote speeches, Kelly inspires women worldwide to transform their financial dreams into reality. When women take control of their financial resources, they amplify their influence, create lasting impact, and step fully into their potential. Kelly Gushue isn’t just teaching women how to manage money—she’s encouraging women to embrace their financial power.

Kelly, your work is focused on empowering women to take charge of their financial futures. What are the first steps you recommend to someone who wants to start this journey?

The first step is to set up a “Finance Date” with yourself. Block out one hour in your busy schedule—lunch is a great time! Use this hour to ask yourself an important question: Do you have a retirement account? If you do, take the time to learn about its details and benefits. If you’re self-employed, consider opening an IRA and start small—even $50 or $100 each month can make a difference.

A retirement account is a foundational part of your financial future. Whether it’s a plan through your employer, or one you set up on your own, this first step is about getting your money to work for you and taking charge of your financial future.

From your experience as a Portfolio Strategist and Financial Advisor, what are some common myths about investing that you frequently encounter with clients, and how do you help them overcome these misconceptions?

One of the biggest myths I see is the belief that a more complicated portfolio—with lots of holdings and categories—is automatically better or more diversified. Many clients feel overwhelmed by an overly complex portfolio, and honestly, that’s often intentional! In reality, a simpler portfolio with fewer holdings can be easier to understand and just as effective in delivering strong returns.

When working with clients, education is a big part of my approach. I explain how the portfolio works and what’s inside, so clients feel more confident and engaged in the process. We review the mix of stocks and bonds and then build a portfolio together, discussing why each investment is included. 

Investing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of your portfolio, investing can be an approachable and empowering process.

Your mother’s story of resilience and financial independence is powerful. How did her experiences shape your approach to financial coaching, especially for women facing financial challenges?

My mom, Maryann, is my greatest inspiration. She grew up in the 1950s, a time when women were often raised to be homemakers. She let my father handle the money and received a weekly allowance for the household. When she needed to leave my father, and was frozen out of the bank account, she rebuilt her life from scratch with four children. Watching her do that taught me a lifelong lesson: financial independence is essential for every woman, no matter her circumstances.

That’s why I emphasize the importance of knowing where your accounts are, understanding how your money is managed, and actively participating in your finances—whether you’re in a relationship or not.

When I work with women, I always start by exploring their relationship with money. Each person’s story is unique. Maybe she’s a first-generation career woman, grew up in a family where money wasn’t discussed, or wants to manage finances differently than her parents. Wherever she’s starting from, I listen with empathy.

Many women haven’t had the chance to learn about managing money or investing, whether at home or with friends. I remind them: the best time to start is today. Together, we create a plan that allows their money to start working for them, step by step. Financial independence starts with about building financial confidence and engaging with the process of investing. 

Through your Women & Investing workshops, you share actionable insights with attendees. Could you share one or two core messages you want every participant to take away from these workshops?

My workshops focus on actionable, step-by-step strategies so that women feel more confident by taking action. First, take time to understand your retirement account—what’s in it, and do you have a strategy? This is a critical foundation for your future. Second, if you have debt, create a plan to pay it off. Tackling debt is key to setting yourself up for long-term financial success.

Once that’s handled, it’s time to move into the wealth-building phase—this is where it gets exciting! I teach my PFW Money Mastery System that focuses on creating a repeatable process. Once you open an investment account, start adding extra funds here. This account becomes deeply personal because it’s tied to your financial dreams. Are you saving for a home, preparing to transition into a more fulfilling career, or building a cushion to launch your own business? Your investment account becomes the vehicle to help you achieve those goals.

These three steps highlight the importance of having a plan. With a clear, step-by-step approach, my goal is to show women that investing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a journey toward creating the life they truly want.

Many women may feel hesitant about investing, thinking it’s complicated or inaccessible. How do you help women build the confidence they need to start investing?

I like to compare learning to invest to learning how to work out at the gym. It’s much easier when you have a trainer to show you the machines or instructor to introduce you to different classes. Just like finding a workout routine that suits you—whether it’s weight training, yoga, or a fun dance class—investing is a process of figuring out what works for you. Over time, you build confidence by trying different options and discovering what feels right so that you can continue working out on an ongoing basis. 

With personal finance, it’s similar. Finding a reliable resource is key, and workshops, videos and events can play an important role in your learning. Just like there are different phases in your fitness journey, there are different stages in investing—whether it’s managing debt, saving for a home, or growing your investment account. The more you learn, the more confident you’ll become in making informed decisions. Once you start, you’ll discover more investment choices and opportunities, just like progressing and getting stronger in the gym!

Your expertise spans diverse asset classes—from financial markets to real estate and digital assets. What advice do you have for women who are interested in exploring alternative investments but don’t know where to begin?

The first step is to invest in yourself through education. It’s important to understand that alternative assets, like venture capital, private equity, or digital assets, can be more complex and carry higher risks than traditional investments. Start by seeking reliable resources—such as classes, workshops, or communities—that offer clear, unbiased insights. Engaging with trusted experts can help you understand the unique risks and rewards of these investments. Be cautious of sources promoting specific products or categories and prioritize objective, well-rounded guidance. With the right knowledge, you’ll feel confident expanding your investment strategy into alternative assets.

As someone who has lived in 11 cities and traveled to over 50 countries, how has your international experience influenced your views on finance, investing, and the unique challenges women face globally?

Through my Women & Investing workshops in cities like Shanghai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, and Hong Kong, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with first-generation career women who are often navigating the financial world and investing for the first time. As a first-generation earner myself, I can relate to their experiences and struggles.

One major hurdle many women face is a lack of financial education and the societal taboo around money and investing. Many women are learning about money without the benefit of knowledge passed down through family or community. My workshops and community provide a safe, supportive space where women feel empowered. Sometimes women need to give themselves permission to talk about money, engage with investing and take control of their financial futures!

Whether women are just starting out or seeking to grow their portfolios, I emphasize the importance of understanding and managing money so it can grow alongside their careers or businesses. By fostering a learning-oriented and supportive community, women all over the world can build the confidence to take actionable steps to invest and start building wealth. 

In an era where digital assets like cryptocurrency are gaining popularity, what should women consider before investing in such assets? 

Digital assets are a relatively new investment category – less than 20 years old. It is rapidly evolving and built on the powerful technology of blockchain. While this growth area offers exciting opportunities – it’s a great area to follow – it also comes with significant risks, as seen in the spectacular collapses of firms like FTX and Celsius. Education is essential to understanding more about the various investment opportunities and how these investments may align with your financial goals. 

What role do financial independence and wealth building play in achieving personal freedom and empowerment, and how do you convey this to women looking to secure their futures?

Financial independence and wealth building are transformative for women, providing freedom and empowerment regardless of their relationship status. For many women over 40, long-term financial planning or managing investments may have traditionally been left to a partner or spouse. However, true financial independence goes beyond earning—it’s about understanding where your money is, knowing what’s in your accounts, and actively growing it.

The exciting news? The conversation around money is evolving. Women are taking a more active role in managing their finances, and this shift is leading to women feeling more confident about investing and building wealth. I often tell women: taking charge of your money isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a way to step into your financial power.

While financial freedom is about having more choices, I love talking about financial power—using your financial knowledge to create a meaningful impact and expand your influence. When you take control of your finances, you unlock the freedom to live life on your terms—and the confidence to make an even bigger impact in the world.

You often speak about the importance of financial education. What are some practical ways women can improve their financial knowledge, especially for those with limited time?

Financial education is one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your future—you’re worth it! The first step is to find a reliable resource. With so much information out there, it’s crucial to ask: Does the source have proper training? Industry experience? Are they unbiased, or selling a product? A trustworthy guide can make all the difference in your financial journey. Once you’ve found one, take advantage of workshops, webinars, and podcasts that fit into your schedule. You don’t have to commit hours at a time—even a 15-minute podcast on your commute or a quick webinar replay can help you build confidence.

Joining a community can also make learning about finances more enjoyable and motivating. In my Personal Finance Warrior community, I provide monthly workshops on investment topics including Investing, Real Estate and Digital Assets. Just like joining a gym makes working out more fun, connecting with others who are learning about personal finance and investing can keep you inspired and accountable.

Finally, remember that personal finance is a lifelong journey, rather than a one-time lesson. The goal is to find resources and communities that make learning engaging and empowering. Becoming a Personal Finance Warrior means embracing the process—and enjoying it along the way!