Meet Crystal Gunn of The Financial Wisdom Institute

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Gunn

Hi Crystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After graduating from Michigan State University, I worked in the accounting department of a credit union for a very short time before I was recruited by another credit union, as the accounting manager. Within 2 years, I was Vice President of that credit union and the only black VP in the entire Oakland County Chapter of Credit Unions.

From there I started a mortgage broker office, with my husband (we divorced 5 years later), went on to become a life insurance agent, then a manager of a mortgage processing team at a financial institution, then a housing counselor, ultimately becoming the manager of that agency.

For the next six years, I returned to corporate America, but two years ago, I made the bold decision to step away from that position and fully pursue my passion. What were once a background endeavors have now taken center stage in my life. The growth and positive impact on others have been more profound than I could have anticipated, but embracing my purpose has been a transformative experience—and it feels incredible.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road of entrepreneurship is a mix of smooth stretches and plenty of challenges—bumps, potholes, steep hills, and unexpected detours. These obstacles are inseparable from the entrepreneurial journey, but that’s where the real growth and magic happen. Success comes from embracing the journey, not avoiding it.

One of my biggest challenges has been managing the parts of the business I’d rather not handle. These tasks, while not requiring full-time roles, are essential for growth. As a result, I’ve worn many hats, but this has been part of the process. To prepare for the future, I’ve created job aids and detailed job descriptions, making it easier to onboard the right people when the time comes. This has also taught me that a large team isn’t necessary; many tasks can be effectively outsourced, saving time, energy, and resources.

Instead of letting frustration take over, I focus on what the journey is teaching me and where it’s leading me. By embracing these lessons the first time, I’m better equipped to avoid revisiting those same bumps and hills. It’s all part of the process—and the progress.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Financial Wisdom Institute?
About the Financial Wisdom Institute:

The Financial Wisdom Institute (FWI) was created to address a critical need: expanding access to financial education and empowering communities to stop the 2053 prediction of Black Americans having zero wealth. But FWI goes deeper than traditional financial education by addressing a vital, often overlooked component—financial healing. True transformation requires more than learning how to budget or invest; it requires understanding and repairing the emotional, historical, and cultural wounds that shape our financial decisions.

Why FWI?

The idea for the Financial Wisdom Institute (FWI) was assigned to me over seven years. I always knew I was meant to create an institute at some point, but for a long time, I wasn’t sure why or how it would take shape. Over the years, as I worked closely with clients and communities, the “why” became clear. It wasn’t just about teaching financial skills; it was about addressing the deeper issues holding people back—issues rooted in emotions, generational patterns, and systemic challenges. These insights shaped the foundation and curriculum of FWI.

Through my work, I realized that financial education alone wasn’t enough to create lasting change. Many people know the mechanics of managing money—how to budget, save, or invest—but still struggle to move forward. What was missing was financial healing: understanding and repairing the underlying beliefs and behaviors that keep people stuck. FWI is designed to fill that gap, combining financial literacy with emotional and cultural awareness to provide a truly transformative experience.

FWI was also born out of a desire to make financial education accessible to as many people as possible. The 2053 prediction of Black Americans having zero wealth is not just a statistic; it’s a call to action. We need to equip individuals and families with the tools and knowledge to rewrite that narrative. By offering on-demand learning and flexible programs, FWI empowers people to start where they are, explore what interests them, and build a foundation for wealth and legacy.

This journey of discovery, both in my work with clients and in building FWI, has been transformative. It’s taught me that true financial success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about healing, forgiveness, growth, and empowerment. FWI is not just an institute—it’s a movement to inspire individuals to break through barriers, build wealth, and create a brighter future for generations to come.

What We Do and What’s Coming in Phase One:

Phase one of FWI launches in the first quarter of 2025 with a focus on accessibility, healing, and growth:

YouTube Channel: Our YouTube channel offers free, bite-sized content that’s easy to consume and designed to meet people where they are. New videos are added daily, covering a range of topics to ignite interest, provide actionable tips, and introduce deeper financial concepts—all while addressing the emotional and cultural factors tied to financial behaviors.

Courses: Alongside the YouTube channel, we’re introducing a mix of new in-person and virtual courses. These include the expansion of signature programs like “Get Your Financial House in Order”, “Credit Surge” and the creation of “Radical Wealth: Black Women Breaking Chains! Building Empires,” as well as new offerings designed to provide flexible, impactful learning experiences for all levels.

Tailored Learning Paths: FWI allows learners to explore topics of personal interest, such as budgeting, credit repair, or legacy planning, while introducing them to other essential aspects of financial growth. Each step is designed to educate and heal, creating a comprehensive path to financial success.

What Sets FWI Apart:

What truly sets FWI apart is our focus on financial healing. We recognize that finances are deeply tied to emotions, history, racism, conditioning and culture, especially within African American communities. Our programs dive into these deeper layers to help participants break free from generational patterns, address money-related trauma, and build a healthier relationship with wealth. By blending practical financial education with emotional and cultural awareness, FWI offers a unique, holistic approach to transformation.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

The Financial Wisdom Institute represents the next chapter in my mission to change lives through financial education and healing. Through personal coaching, panel discussions, podcast appearances and workshops through my non-profit United Community Solutions, we impacted over 3,600 people locally in 2024. In 2025 and beyond, FWI aims to multiply that reach and create a nationwide wave of change. I am proud of how this initiative not only provides scalable, accessible resources but also fosters healing and empowerment at every step.

What We Want Readers to Know:

FWI is your gateway to financial freedom and healing, offering resources for every stage of your journey. From free YouTube content to structured courses and memberships, we make it easy to start where you are and grow into where you want to be. Whether you’re working on repairing your credit, overcoming financial trauma, securing your legacy, or building generational wealth, FWI is here to support you. Together, we can stop the 2053 prediction, build wealth today, and create a brighter future for generations to come.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was the youngest of two and a total daddy’s girl. My personality mirrored my dad’s—laid-back and easygoing, with a touch of nonchalance. I was generally quiet and reserved, but when I did speak up, it was intentional. I was comfortable being alone and always found ways to keep myself entertained, diving into whatever piqued my interest at the time. While I enjoyed hanging out with friends, I was just as happy staying home with a good book.

Interestingly, not much has changed. My core personality and preferences remain the same, shaping how I navigate life today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crystalgunn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_l_gunn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalGunn.FinancialStrategist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrystalGunn
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialWisdomInstitute