Hi, we’re Young & Scrappy… and we’re so glad you’re here!
We’re a passionate team of independent, fiduciary financial planners and coaches who take a deeply personal and supportive approach to this work.
Together, we’ll get you moving toward your most joyful, abundant, and giving life.
Access
We love working with LGBTQ+ folks, BIPOC pals, and other historically marginalized communities. Our society thrives when everyone has access to resources, support, and knowledge.
Intersectionality
In the words of Murri scholar Lilla Watson, “Our liberation is bound together.” The fights against homophobia, transphobia, racism, fatphobia, ableism, classism, etc. are all related struggles.
Our Values
In a world where money is so often used as a tool of power, oppression, and violence, we believe there’s a better way forward.
These are the values that drive our work as people and as planners.
Empowerment
We’re not just here to tell you what to do, we’re here to guide you through making your own informed and values-driven decisions, so you feel confident and excited about reaching your goals.
Acceptance
Fear-based financial tactics don’t work, and money shouldn’t feel shameful! This is a safe and judgment-free space to address any money baggage and find the financial path that works for you.
Anti- Capitalism
Our society is built on consumption, hustle, and maintaining the status quo. Even as we must work within the systems we have, we acknowledge the ways that capitalism creates harm and inequality.
Joy
No matter your background or financial situation, you deserve to live your fullest, most abundant life. Even (ESPECIALLY) in this dumpster fire of a capitalist hellscape. Joy is resistance, dear friends.
Meet your new money nerd BFFs:
Michelle Waymire
Aries Sun | Aries Moon | Leo Rising
Hopeless iced coffee addict
Obsessed with bears 🐻
Parent to Momo, a cranky
Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix
Introvert who plays an extrovert on Zoom
Founder, Chief Money Nerd
(Pronouns: She/they/he indifferent)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Hey sweet friend, Michelle here!
I’m a queer and neurodivergent financial advisor and coach, and I love helping LGBTQ+ folx and heart-centered entrepreneurs use their money to live joyful and abundant lives.
I started out as a theatre kid, but through life's weird twists and turns, I found myself in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program studying finance. While I wasn’t very good at the wearing-suits-and-shaking-hands part of the program, I found the human and psychological aspects of money fascinating.
This industry is male, pale, and stale–and it’s filled with people whose primary focus is on profit and optimization. I started Young & Scrappy because while I want my clients to make lots of money and thrive, I believe the emotional side of money is equally–if not MORE–important!
Being an entrepreneur also gives me the freedom to work on my own terms, serve only the kickass progressive clients that I love so much, and think creatively about how we amass and manage our resources as people. Everyday I wake up grateful to do this work–it’s truly an honor to serve and support you.
Oriana Falkowski
Financial Planner and Coach
(Pronouns: she/they/ella)
Location: Haydenville, MA
Hola, I’m Oriana!
I’m a financial coach, financial planner, and social worker at heart, and actually got into this work because my own personal money story has had so many seasons.
As a first-gen immigrant from the Dominican Republic, I experienced poverty growing up. I was then a stay-at-home mom for years, before transitioning to primary breadwinner for my family of five. After getting my Master’s in Social Work, I decided to become self-employed instead of going the W-2 route.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been obsessed with personal finance since early 2016, when I decided it was time to stop surviving and start thriving with my money. In my research on how to improve my own finances, I became fascinated by the brain, human motivation, and how all of those things affect our relationship with money. When I finally found the approach to money that works for me, I became an Accredited Financial Counselor, AFC® and am passionate about helping others on their own financial journeys.
When not nerding out on money topics, you can find me driving kiddos around, cooking up a delicious meal, or planning my family’s next adventure!
Always growing and learning new things
Lover of all things crafty
Orgullosamente Latina!
Listens to Latin music way too loud
Sugar addict, especially chocolate
and ice cream
Not to brag, but we have creds, baby!
We may have lots of fun around here, but we’re serious about doing great work for and with our clients. Between the two of us, we hold several designations in investment management, financial planning, and financial coaching.
Feel like we’re the right team to support you in reaching your financial goals?
Read more about our work and apply to work with us!
Whether you’re looking for a badass anti-capitalist financial planner or an accepting coach to help with your budget, we’ve got you. Browse through our services and take the next step today.