Q&A with Joanna Burish of Custer Burish Financial Services
Q: What does “financial confidence” look like for women today?
A: Financial confidence is not about having all the answers; it is about knowing you have a trusted process to make decisions as life evolves. It looks like understanding where you are today, where you want to go, and having alignment between your financial resources and your values. It also allows for agility to change that plan if or when needed. At CBFS, financial confidence is grounded in clarity, consistency and the ability to make decisions with multiple options and confidence.
Q: What are the most common financial blind spots you see among high-achieving women?
A: Often, we see an underestimation of their own financial influence and a delay in integrating all moving pieces into one cohesive strategy. Many are highly successful in their careers, but their financial strategy is segmented rather than aligned. This means they may have a budget created, a 40l(K), or even a life insurance policy, each done separately “as their plan”, yet none of these elements ties into each other, or a plan. Due to high demanding schedules with work and family, they defer the decision to creating a true holistic financial strategy. Waiting to do this is more costly than you think as options you have today may not be available to you tomorrow for multiple reasons such as health changes, age, or unforeseen risks such as a disability.
Q: How can women align their financial decisions with their personal values and long-term vision?
A: Alignment starts with understanding what truly matters to you; family, impact, independence, legacy, flexibility, creativity, or adventure. Financial decisions should reflect those priorities, not just market trends or external expectations. This is where empathy and a good intentional listener become essential, making sure the right trusted advisor is the one listening to help you hear yourself first.
Q: What does a truly holistic financial plan include beyond investments?
A: A holistic plan connects every part of your financial life into one coordinated strategy. Coordination is the key. Investments are just one component. True planning integrates tax strategy, cash needs today and in retirement with inflation included, estate and legacy planning, insurance or potential risk evaluation, tax mindfulness and consequences, core values, and major life transitions such as business ownership exits, or philanthropy goals. It’s an ever-flowing conversation between your trusted financial, tax, and legal advisors.
Q: What is one financial decision women should consider making sooner rather than later?
A: Take ownership of a comprehensive financial plan known as a holistic plan. It’s not a collection of separate accounts or having a budget or savings plan, rather working with a holistic and fiduciary financial advisor to develop a clear, intentional and aligned strategy. Waiting often creates complexity, while starting early creates flexibility, control and many more options down the road.
Q: If a woman looks back on her life 20 years from now, what financial decisions will she be most grateful she made today?
A: She will be most grateful for the moments she chose clarity over procrastination and intention over delay. Building a plan early, protecting what matters, and aligning her financial life with her values creates both security and freedom over time.
To connect with Joanna Burish, email [email protected] or visit her website at custerburishfinancialservices.com.
