We part the clouds with the financial services you need to achieve total clarity

We become business owners because we want the freedom and flexibility to design our own lives and break the ceiling on our earning potential. But if we don’t have financial literacy, security, and independence, we can never truly be free.

I realized that owning a business that I loved wasn’t enough. It was my duty to learn how to manage my resources effectively, make my financial well-being a priority, and protect my family’s future — People First Finance exists to help business owners do exactly this.

We are a team of professionals who put people first. Our mission is to provide high-quality financial services and support every business owner seeking success (with a soft spot for women business owners!).

When I was a young mother, my landlords threatened to kick me out of my apartment.

My home was the most stable part of my life at that time, and living in an expensive city, my affordable housing options were extremely limited. I was also running my first business, a demanding brick-and-mortar business, which was not yet profitable.

I felt wildly out of control, and I recognized that the real problem was that I didn’t have the financial literacy or guidance to give myself better options.

Meet Your Team

  • CEO & Founder

    I am the Founder & CEO of People First Finance. I have 20 years of experience working alongside visionary leaders of successful startups. My background is a unique combination of business operations and finance with scaling companies, including 7 years as co-owner and manager of my own brick-and-mortar retail business. I have been a business and finance consultant for a decade and excel at implementing sustainable solutions that result in profitable businesses. People First Finance is my profitable labor of love.

  • Agency Manager

    I am the Agency Manager at People First Finance, where I ensure smooth operations and timely service delivery for our clients. With a background in operations management, I specialize in optimizing workflows, managing client communications, and leading our team to meet deadlines and exceed expectations. I am passionate about creating systems that reduce manual tasks, allowing our clients to focus on their financial goals. Outside of work, I am driven by the desire to help others find balance and success in both their businesses and personal lives.

  • Bookkeeper

    As a virtual bookkeeper with over four years of experience, I am here to help business owners reclaim their time so they can focus on what truly matters—growing their business and enjoying life's best moments. My approach ensures clarity and accuracy, making it simple to track profitability which empowers informed decisions without the stress of managing the books. I am thrilled to join the People First Finance team and look forward to working with a great group of women all on a mission to help business owners lead a life they love and build businesses that thrive.

  • Lead Accountant

    I am the Lead Accountant for People First Finance. I bring over 30 years of experience as a small business owner and as an Accountant supporting small businesses. I find immense purpose in helping other female entrepreneurs grow and nurture their passion projects while finding their place at the table. In my role, I’ll help you capture the picture of where you are so you can craft a grander vision of where you want to go. My passion for this work is grounded in a desire to provide strong financial foundations for a vibrant community of women business owners, and I’m honored to work with a team that shares this purpose.

  • Bookkeeper

    I have had the pleasure of serving small business owners for over three years and I'm so excited to bring my bookkeeping skills to the People First Finance team! I excel at noticing the fine details to ensure your transactions are properly organized to provide you accurate financials. I'm passionate about this work because of the incredible impact it has on small business owners and their lives. When I'm not in number crunching mode, I love hanging out with my family and enjoying the city of Chicago especially in the summer.

  • Tax Accountant

    Wendy Barlin, CPA, is an author, professional speaker and tax strategist. Wendy has spent her entire career helping people keep more of their hard earned money with tax strategies and cash management plans.

    On a personal level, Wendy is an avid reader of books and a lover of nature who spent a year traveling the world with nothing more than a bag of clothes and a dream.

  • Operations Manager

    I am here to support your support team! I work on the backend of People First Finance creating the automation and workflows that allow our clients a seamless onboarding process and our team ease in managing multiple projects. I am passionate about helping women build businesses that allow them the time and financial freedom they desire. I have over four years of experience in the online space and have been fortunate to support amazing teams by translating their visions into reality. When I'm not behind the screen I'm walking my pup, kickboxing, planning vacations, and doing my best to survive the Minnesota winters.

Apply to work with us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our high touch onboarding process typically takes between 2 and 3 weeks. You have the option to schedule monthly or quarterly calls with your Financial Strategist, and receive a monthly financial analysis via video for your review.

  • You can reach any member of our team via one email address whenever you have a question or need support. You will receive a weekly email with any outstanding items or details our team needs.

    You will receive a monthly financial review of your business performance via a video by your Accountant.

    You will have the option to meet with your Financial Strategist monthly or quarterly, depending on your needs and availability.

    You will receive reminders, updates and information related to tax compliance and strategy throughout the year.

  • If you are dissatisfied with our services, we will always go above and beyond to make things right. That is our guarantee. If your business needs shift, and our services are no longer the best fit, we require a 30 day written notice.