Background
I’m Sara Young, CFP®, founder of Live + Give Financial. I became a financial planner when I realized I could serve clients differently than the traditional commission-based business models, and instead focus on unbiased advice, technical expertise, and building long-term impactful relationships.
My path has been nontraditional from the start and I'm proud to break barriers & stereotypes. In addition to my healthcare background (uncommon), I paid for and completed the Certified Financial Planner™ coursework on my own before ever working a day in the industry (almost unheard of). I was determined to prioritize quality advice over sales skills and join a team digging deep into the well of comprehensive financial planning for every client.
I spent 3.5 years at Foster & Motley, an independent RIA in Cincinnati managing over $2 billion of investments for clients on a fee-only basis. Through direct mentorship, a collaborative team environment, multiple seasons of tax preparation, and direct client communication from the beginning I was brought up to speed on real-world planning very quickly. After only two years my apprenticeship was complete and I was able to use the CFP® marks after my name.
I launched Live + Give Financial with a vision to serve clients differently. As a former bedside nurse married to a career-changing physician, I've had confused 3am conversations about the taxes on my paycheck, been through the rigors of being a med school family, navigated student loans (taking them out and now repaying them), and feeling targeted constantly with sales pitches and the "doctor tax." From removing minimum savings requirements, working on a subscription basis, and offering a level of transparency and empowerment not standard in the industry, it's my goal to start changing the perception of what it looks like for younger families to start harnessing the power of financial planning in their earliest earning years.
About Me
My family fuels my work on a daily basis. My husband Wes is a pizza-tossing aficionado who spends most of his time at the hospital training as an anesthesiology resident. In his spare time he keeps us laughing and adventuring. Our three small kids bring their big personalities and endless questions along for the ride from (before) sunup to sundown. We have all taken a liking to gardening, and on weekends can be found experimenting with straw-bale vegetable gardening and vermicomposting. When I have a few minutes to myself, I try to keep up with multiple book clubs and squeeze in business and parenting books from time to time. I don't like coffee, but am kept sufficiently caffeinated by my tea habit.
Locally I volunteer for Junior Achievement of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana bringing financial literacy to kids in grades K-12 through interactive curriculum and classroom engagement. My husband and I also serve on the hospitality team at our church.
I'm here to cheer you on and hope you'll join for an impactful journey!
Credentials
- Certified Financial Planner® Professional; since 2022
Memberships & Affiliations
- XY Planning Network; 2023 - Present
- The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA); 2022 - Present