Know What’s Going On with Your Money - an Interview with Bridget Grimes, President and Founder of WealthChoice

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bridget Grimes, CFP, President and Founder of WealthChoice, about the critical importance of financial awareness—especially for women who are the primary or significant breadwinners. With a personal journey that spans Wall Street, single motherhood, and pastry school, Bridget’s mission is rooted in lived experience: to help women who are accomplished professionals but financially overwhelmed reclaim control and confidence in their financial futures.

Bridget founded WealthChoice nearly a decade ago to serve women like herself—high-achieving, time-strapped professionals who often neglect their own financial wellbeing. Her wake-up call came during a divorce when she discovered six figures in credit card debt she hadn’t been aware of. That moment sparked a powerful mindset shift: from financial avoidance to intentional engagement. She now empowers women to do the same—starting with awareness and moving toward action.

Throughout our conversation, Bridget shared that high-income earners often don’t know where their money goes, which puts their long-term goals, families, and futures at risk. Whether it’s supporting aging parents, launching adult children, or investing in themselves, breadwinner women face unique financial demands that require strategic, proactive planning.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:00:48 – Bridget launched WealthChoice to help women like herself—smart, busy, and often financially overwhelmed—gain clarity and peace of mind.
0:03:54 – Her own financial wake-up call came during a divorce when she learned of $100K in hidden debt, which ignited her mission to become financially engaged.
0:05:14 – Breadwinner women must make the mindset shift from avoidance to intentional engagement to achieve financial security and peace.
0:06:34 – Even high earners often don’t know their financial standing, leading to unnecessary anxiety and missed opportunities.
0:07:51 – The first step is simple but powerful: know what you earn, what you spend, and what’s left over to allocate intentionally.
0:10:00 – Women are often "financially squeezed" by aging parents, adult children, and societal pressures—all without a clear plan.
0:12:28 – It’s common for women to sacrifice their own futures for others. Financial planning can help prevent this imbalance.
0:15:48 – Saving beyond the 401(k) is essential for women who want to maintain their lifestyle into retirement.
0:18:30 – Career planning is just as critical as budgeting—income is the fuel for your financial future, so plan and advocate accordingly.
0:20:12 – Life changes—like divorce, elder care, or job transitions—require constant recalibration. Financial accountability and guidance are key.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. 

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl