Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Brow.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story in financial planning was shaped in 2008, during the financial crisis. At the time, I was a Vice President at a large national bank. Every day, our branch lobby was filled with scared, emotional clients who had just watched the market drop more than 50%.
I spent my days listening, handing out tissues, and calling internally to see what we could do to help. The answer I was consistently given was: “Tell them not to worry. The market will go back up.”
That response shocked me.
I realized that in the traditional investment world, once a client is risk-profiled and placed into a “moderate aggressive” portfolio, the managers are expected to follow that model regardless of changing market conditions. I also realized that not all advisors are fiduciaries — and how important it is to work with someone who is legally and ethically required to put the client’s best interests first. When markets fall, many clients are left with little more than reassurance, rather than guidance.
That experience changed everything for me. It showed me that someone has to actively manage risk, not just returns. Today, that belief is at the core of my work — reducing risk when it’s necessary to limit losses, and then re-risking at the right time so clients can participate in the recovery.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my biggest challenges has been building a firm that intentionally goes against the traditional financial industry model.
Most firms rely on commissions, asset minimums, and static investment approaches that don’t work well for women or business owners. Creating a flat-fee, fiduciary, faith-based practice meant walking away from the safety of large institutions and choosing a path built around clients rather than industry norms.
Another challenge has been helping clients unlearn what they’ve been told about money — that they should simply endure market losses, that faith and investing don’t belong together, or that they need millions of dollars before they deserve real planning. Many of the women and business owners I serve have done incredibly well yet still feel overlooked and underserved by the industry.
As a Christian woman in a numbers-driven field, integrating faith, values, and risk management into my work hasn’t always been easy — but it has been worth it. Staying true to my convictions has allowed me to serve clients with clarity, integrity, and care, especially during uncertain seasons.
We’ve been impressed with Full Bloom Financial , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Full Bloom Financial, I provide comprehensive financial planning for women, their families, and business owners — without the traditional barriers that keep many people from getting real advice.
I work on a flat-fee basis, which allows clients to receive planning and investment guidance without needing to meet a minimum asset threshold. This is especially important for business owners, who often have 80% or more of their net worth tied up in their business, not sitting in an investment account.
My role is to help clients manage their entire financial life — not just a portfolio. That holistic approach is why I refer to my work as being a Financial Life Cultivator.
I also design and manage Biblically Responsible Investment (BRI) portfolios for my clients.
In addition, I use technical analysis as part of my investment process to help manage risk — reducing exposure when market conditions deteriorate and re-entering when conditions improve. This allows clients to stay invested with intention, rather than fear or blind optimism.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that my clients feel confident, informed, and supported — especially during uncertain times.
As a Christian woman, it’s important that financial planning is not only technically sound, but also ethically and spiritually aligned. I believe money should support a life of purpose, generosity, and stewardship — not be a source of constant stress.
I care deeply about serving women who may not have always felt empowered in financial conversations and business owners who are building something meaningful but often lack holistic guidance. Relationships matter more to me than transactions, and trust is always the foundation of my work.
My flat-fee pricing model is intentional and values-driven.
Traditional asset-based pricing often limits access to quality advice by requiring large portfolios — $1 million or more in many cases. That model doesn’t serve women or business owners well, especially when much of their wealth is tied up outside of investable accounts.
Flat fees remove those barriers. Clients know exactly what they’re paying, there are no hidden incentives, and my advice is not influenced by how much money is invested. This creates a truly fiduciary relationship and allows decisions to be made based on what’s best for the client — not what benefits the advisor.
For me, transparent pricing is about access, integrity, and stewardship — and it’s a core part of how I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fullbloomfinancial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellefullbloom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573924984885
- LinkedIn: https://fullbloomfinancial.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleFullBloom
