Meet Teresa M. Fitzgerald, Founder of Affinity Planning Partners, Mom to Noah, and Wife to Jonathan Fitzgerald, currently residing in Newnan, GA. They have 2 dachshunds named Stout & Barnee. Teresa’s office is in Peachtree City where she is “able to provide clients with a concierge approach, ensuring their needs, wants and expectations can be met in their best interest, not only for now but for the rest of their lives.” In our Q&A, Teresa shares what led her to this career path and opening her own business along one of her best Mom Hacks!
Q&A
What is your background? Tell us about your career.
I grew up in the Midwest, in Central Illinois, and my dad was in the Air Force so we moved around a lot when I was younger.
I played volleyball all the way through college while simultaneously working my way through college. My first job was at 9 as a newspaper carrier and I’ve been working ever since!
I’ve been in financial services since 2006, after a big career change from law enforcement and serving my community. Earlier in my career, I lived and worked in four major metropolitan markets: Chicago, Charlotte, New York and Atlanta.
For fun, I love to travel, spend time with my family & friends, volunteer and give back, and I also enjoy Karaoke!
What called you to work in Financial Planning?
In my prior career, I often saw the worst case scenario. I didn’t meet one person that was prepared with risk mitigation (company benefits, estate planning). When I came into this career, I had already experienced people in small communities not prepared for unplanned circumstances and it really ignited a passion for helping people to ensure they plan accordingly, in advance for the best of times but also the hardest of times. In addition, I love people, investment markets, math, strategy, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for a living!
When did you open Affinity Planning Partners?
I opened Affinity Planning Partners in January of 2023, after moving my business independently as a fiduciary, after many years of being with a larger corporate brand. In accomplishing this, I am able to provide clients with a concierge approach, ensuring their needs, wants and expectations can be met in their best interest, not only for now but for the rest of their lives.
Please share a list of the services you offer?
Affinity Planning Partners offers Financial Planning & Consulting for business owners, women and families. Retirement Income Planning, Wealth Management & investment strategies, legacy, generational, business & estate conservation as well as Lifestyle retention, insurance & risk Mitigation. In addition to being a Financial Planner, I am also a fiduciary and wealth management advisor.
What is the best thing about your job?
That over time, thanks in part to my clients, I have been able to create a business by design, which allows me to be at my son’s school events, extra-curricular activities and so on. In addition, my clients are the best thing about my job! Without them, I wouldn’t be able to focus on the financial planning and advising I love so much, making an impact with families and businesses for generations to come. Seeing them grow over time based in the path towards the goals, discussed and set, is very meaningful and rewarding work. Bringing these areas together, I am so fortunate to create a legacy by design, not only for myself and my family, but for others too!
What is your favorite “mom hack”?
My Favorite mom hack is integrating my son into learning and doing anything that is helpful for time efficiency and also spending time together. For example, if we need to meal plan or prepare, I have him help with what he can. He gets to learn how to cook and we spend time together in the process!
What do you love about Peachtree City and the surrounding areas?
I love how many activities the community has to offer and how they welcome newcomers while holding traditions that still are near and dear to their hearts. From everything such as local farmer’s markets to seasonal activities and get togethers, it’s a wonderful place to be! My family and I have chosen this as our home and we absolutely love it!
What TV show are you loving right now? Book? Movie? Podcast?
Right now, I’ve been watching “ The Crown” series on Netflix. I also love comedies, mystery and true crime shows.
I’m launching a book club in 2024 which will feature 4 books on personal growth for women – I’ve attached the visual here if you wanted to include it or just name those books, one of which I really like which is “Why we can’t sleep” by Ada Calhoun.
For fun, I am currently reading “The Burnout” by Sophie Kinsella.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our Moms?
Sure! I currently serve as a Mentor in the Elevate Coweta Students program, which you can read more about here: https://elevatecowetastudents.
I also am on a board for Women Advisors called W.I.N. which stands for Women’s Impact Network, where we focus on ensuring women financial planners and advisors are empowered to be better for their clients via a community of women with aligned goals of putting clients first, while taking care of their overall wellbeing to best serve their clients.
I’m a member of the Business Women of Fayette and Coweta and the community of women and fellow moms we have, is heartwarming and a place of belonging. In addition, being a business owner and amongst other women in business too, it’s a kindredship that I look forward to with each meeting, event and get together. Friendships that go beyond the regular meetings!
I have a passion for helping children with learning disabilities, particular to dyslexia, to ensure they can one day find the confidence to read in a way that works for them. Reading is the foundation of all learning and is pivotal for each child to excel in school, their future career(s) and their life as a whole.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.affinityplanningpartners.com. You can also find Teresa on Socials by clicking HERE.
