Blanca Sepulveda, a visionary entrepreneur and financial coach, has been making waves in the Greater Chicago area with her dedicated efforts to empower families towards financial independence. As the founder of
Transformation Financial LLC and a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, Blanca has demonstrated exceptional commitment to helping individuals from all walks of life achieve financial stability and prosperity.
Blanca’s journey began with a passion for community service and financial education. Her team at Transformation Financial LLC is devoted to partnering with community-based organizations and businesses to bring financial awareness to the forefront. Through workshops and complimentary consultations, they provide essential financial strategies and solutions aimed at fostering a secure financial future for families and individuals.
Blanca’s work is not only about financial education but also about giving back to the community. Over the years, she has remained an advocate for various social causes, continuously supporting community initiatives and legacy building. This commitment to service has recently earned her the title of NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer of the Month for June, recognizing her efforts in leading over ten financial education workshops.
Her extensive experience in the financial sector, including roles at World Financial Group and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to drive impactful change. Additionally, her involvement in various volunteer organizations such as Junior Achievement of Chicago, Rotary International, and The Latinista is a testament of her dedication to community empowerment and leadership development.
Blanca’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to financial empowerment. Her work with Transformation Financial LLC continues to inspire many, proving that with the right guidance and support, financial independence is within reach for everyone.
What inspired you to start Transformation Financial LLC and focus on financial education and community empowerment?Blanca: The inspiration to start Transformation Financial LLC was deeply rooted in the example set by my family, especially my grandmother. She moved from Jalisco, MX, to the U.S. to work and save for a home, balancing multiple jobs with unwavering commitment and discipline—hardly ever getting a day off. Her hard work and sacrifices, which culminated in building her custom-made home where she retired and lived until she passed away at 91, demonstrated the power of financial discipline and resilience. Despite barely making ends meet, her determination was unwavering. Her legacy of generosity and love for family profoundly influenced my dedication to financial literacy and community empowerment because she didn't have to work so hard and forgo many things, including buying a car. Her legacy inspires me.
My journey in financial education also draws from my parents' lessons of resilience through hardships. My father, who worked tirelessly as a plant manager during the week and a car mechanic on weekends with hardly a day off. My mother, who made and sold cakes and piñatas, babysat, carpooled, and was a hairdresser for friends and family, later transitioning to factory work and housekeeping after their divorce, exemplified strength and perseverance. Starting my career in the banking industry and working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for 20 years while working part-time as a waitress and bartender with hardly a day off, I wanted to break the pattern. Transformation Financial was born from this understanding and my desire to support others facing similar challenges, including securing a better future for my son. I am proud that he has grown into a financially responsible adult, reflecting the importance of financial literacy through what I have been doing for the last ten years with Transformation Financial. I aim to leave a legacy of financial empowerment for future generations to come, starting with my own family.
Can you share a success story from one of your financial education workshops that particularly stands out to you?Blanca: One success story from my financial education workshops that particularly stands out involves a mother of four. After attending a workshop, she kept my business card and reached out to me two years later when her husband passed away. She needed help understanding the 401(k) he left behind, as well as the paperwork and decisions she had to make. This story highlights the importance of financial literacy, especially for individuals who face language barriers. It's heartwarming to see how intrigued and motivated people become during my workshops, often leading to personal follow-ups where I can provide the guidance they need during challenging times.
How has your experience at organizations like the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and World Financial Group influenced your approach to financial coaching?Blanca: My experience at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and World Financial Group has profoundly influenced my approach to financial coaching. At the FRBC, I was introduced to Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization focused on financial literacy, where I volunteered for 15 years. This experience showed me the critical role of financial education in empowering individuals and sparked my passion for making a difference. Working with World Financial Group further opened my eyes to the widespread lack of financial literacy. It was through this role that I truly understood why organizations like Junior Achievement are so vital. These experiences collectively inspired me to leave my corporate job and dedicate myself to providing impactful financial education, helping individuals make informed financial decisions and achieve their goals.
What challenges have you faced in your mission to empower families financially, and how have you overcome them?Blanca: One of the biggest challenges in my mission to empower families financially is getting people to prioritize financial decision-making and education. Many people, especially spenders, often overlook the importance of saving and financial planning. However, I remain steadfast in my commitment to my community. I continue to advocate for financial literacy because there are individuals who are actively seeking knowledge on social media and other platforms, and many more who simply don’t know what they don’t know.
Reflecting on my own journey, I realize how common it is to struggle in silence. Despite working at a bank and attending college, I was in debt and unaware of the importance of an emergency fund or the power of compound interest. My grandmother faced similar challenges. These experiences drive my passion to help others avoid the same pitfalls. Financial ignorance can have severe consequences, including contributing to high divorce rates. By sharing my story and offering guidance, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are ready to learn and take control of their financial futures.
As a Certified NAHREP10 Trainer, what advice would you give to individuals seeking to achieve financial independence and stability?Blanca: As a Certified NAHREP10 Trainer, my advice for individuals seeking financial independence and stability is to always be open to learning something new. Regardless of your career, understanding money is crucial. Think of money as a game; to win, you need to know the rules. Attend as many workshops as you can and familiarize yourself with the
NAHREP 10 principles. Seek advice from independent agents and certified trainers who aren't tied to one company and who can provide an unbiased perspective.
It's also important to talk to licensed agents who work in a fiduciary capacity. Educate yourself about investing, long-term care, living trusts, and Medicare. There's a wealth of information out there and sharing this knowledge with your loved ones is invaluable. And of course, if you need personalized guidance, don't hesitate to
call me. Let's win the game together!
Blanca Sepulveda’s work exemplifies the impact of dedicated financial coaching and community service. Her journey and achievements serve as an inspiration to many, reinforcing the importance of financial literacy and the power of giving back.