About

Philip is the co-founder of The Art of Finance. Though Austin isn’t the city of his birth, after 27 years he thinks he can qualify as a “native.” He met his future wife Julia while at UT during a theatre production about a baby monkey and they were married 18 months later. But getting married at a young age required them to learn how to handle their own finances. Little did they know it would end up sparking a passion that would further develop over time.

After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin, Philip began his career as a “starving” artist. He waited tables, parked cars, and made lattes. Crafting a good cappuccino is a skill that will last a lifetime. Philip found his passion for teaching and coaching while organizing theater production for the Zach Theater and KidsActing. But one can only listen to grade schoolers sing Annie for so long so he started looking for a way to continue being a teacher in a different context. Philip was approached by a financial services recruiter who said, “This industry needs more people like you — a people person.” So he was inspired to make a difference in a notoriously un-caring industry.

He took the Series 7 exam in 2011 and received his Certified Financial Planner certification in 2015. Philip wears his CFP® marks with pride and is passionate about educating creatives and couples on the benefits of budgeting and investing. Outside of work he’s an experienced mountain bike racer, tea-party attendant for his daughter, drinker of hipster beers and recently decided to teach himself how to play the guitar. Be careful…he might try to recruit you into his jam band.

Julia is Philip’s better half as well as the co-founder of the Art of Finance. She’s been creative for as long as she can remember, practically growing up onstage. After graduating early from the University of Texas with a degree in theater, she was pretty certain stardom was around the corner. But after a while of getting burned out from the constant commercial auditions she ended up spending five years in the mortgage industry where her number-crunching skills were honed. She also channeled her extra energy into a number of small creative businesses, such as opening a successful online vintage clothing store.

After watching Philip make his way through the cut-throat financial industry, she was inspired to help him create something different. They both knew there was a need for objective financial education and guidance. Eventually she and Philip would decide to build their own planning firm focused on empowering fellow creative types to take command of their own money.

At the Art of Finance, Julia primarily focuses on creating an authentic, approachable company. She’ll be the first face you see when you sign up for a consultation. She’s is herself an Accredited Financial Counselor® who specializes in helping beginner investors and real estate strategy. Her main love is helping clients hold space for their complicated emotions about money. To her, finances aren’t just about numbers, they’re ultimately really about feelings. She prides herself on coming up with non-financial metaphors and leaving her clients feeling encouraged. She’s also a flagrant Beyoncé worshipper, yogi, sourdough baker and mom to a toddler. She’s also got a rad podcast you should check out here.

Helen is a Texas transplant who would much rather be in snow than summer heat. She has a BA in English and MS in Library Science which means she loves books, reading, and writing. Seven years ago, she put those degrees to use by starting an editing business, and she works as a freelance editor when she’s not managing the logistics at The Art of Finance. Helen arrived in Texas via New Hampshire, Maryland, and Ohio. She and her family love to travel and have recently spent time in Italy and Hungary. Her long, long list of places to see includes more cold places than warm. When she’s not managing schedules or editing, you can usually find Helen reading or in the kitchen. She’s not quite up to Great British Baking Show standards yet, but has discovered that even the messy desserts taste pretty good.

Kara grew up in Iowa, where the people are friendly and the corn tastes better. Her BFA in graphic design brought her to Austin, where she spent the next 18 years working full-time designing for nonprofits, dancing, playing music, eating tacos, and fully integrating “y’all” into her vocabulary. Kara started with The Art of Finance as a client, and her relationship with personal finance changed forever and for the better. She was able to plan for and start a new chapter of life: living in coastal Maine, working for herself, and spending more time adventuring and creating art (starring animals riding bikes, playing instruments, and generally being whimsical). You Need a Budget is a part of her morning ritual, along with walking the best dog in the world, drinking a delicious caffeinated beverage, and conquering the daily Wordle.