Courtney Lutz McLellan
Co-Founder
Chief Financial Officer
Credentials
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CDFA®️ Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
Licenses previously held
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Chartered Financial Analyst®, Completed Level 1
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FINRA Series 7, 24, 63 and 65
Why I founded Phoenix Financial Advocates
I have worked in finance in several capacities, mostly in investment management. One conclusion I came to through the years was that, sadly enough, greed often dominates the finance industry, and that most financial institutions are predatory. I saw this so often that it honestly made me not want to be a part of the industry anymore.
Our society tends to equate one’s “worth” with financial accumulation; and this mentality causes people to develop a toxic relationship with money. I have known very wealthy people who are miserable because they tie their own self worth to how much money they have; but I have also known many hardworking people who lie awake at night wondering how to pay their bills, even though they have seemingly done “all the right things” to achieve that American dream.
What I believe very deeply is that people are trying as hard as they can… sometimes it is all they can do to survive the “day to day,” and to put one foot in front of the other. And because I am passionate about helping, and because I think that there really is a better and healthier way to manage your financial life, I (along with some very inspiring colleagues) decided to start Phoenix Financial Advocates.
Through Phoenix, I want to empower and educate, and I want to show you how to change your relationship with money. We’ll fight to save you money, but we’ll also hold you accountable. We will guide you through tough transitions, and we’ll do so with an empathetic approach. We will be your financial advocates, and we will stand firmly in your corner. In order to do that, we’ll really get to know you, and we’ll always help you find the best financial options for your unique situation. And the reason WHY we want to help is because we know that no matter what your particular “net worth” is, you are truly worthy of this level of service. I am so honored to help you on this journey.
Allison Terrill
Co-Founder
Chief Marketing Officer
Why I founded Phoenix Financial Advocates
When I was faced with an unexpected divorce, I was blindsided. Not only was the divorce process emotionally devastating, but financially devastating as well. I needed help.
Thankfully, my best friend, Joy, came to the rescue. She was a former paralegal who helped me tackle legal and financial documents I didn’t understand while I homeschooled my 2 beautiful boys during a global pandemic and picked up the pieces of my life. Without Joy’s help, my legal bills would have sky rocketed and my trauma would have been delayed further.
Joy is my muse for this company. At Phoenix Financial, our goal is to be your personal financial assistant through your divorce process and in the rebuilding of your next life: your Second Act. We will streamline your legal and financial efforts and work closely with your lawyer to make this arduous process as smooth as possible. We hope to add a little “Joy” to this life-changing experience.
My partners at Phoenix Financial have helped me lower my legal bills, slash my credit card debt and negotiate my taxes so that I could stay afloat financially for the sake of me and my boys. Courtney and Anne have absolutely helped me put my best financial foot forward to restart my life in the best way possible. I am forever grateful for our partnership. We are overjoyed and determined to help others through this difficult process, a true full circle moment for me.
Anne Podplesky
Co-Founder
Chief Operating Officer
Why I founded Phoenix Financial Advocates
There was a need. Actually, there were so many needs.
For years I worked at large banking institutions; and simply put, I saw how predatory the industry could be. It was common practice for employees to know very little about the products they were selling, not to mention the actual financial implications those products would have for their customers. And all too often, the employees were given very little training on these matters.
Frustrated, this led me to completely change paths and enter a different industry. Working in Operations Management and HR, I unfortunately witnessed many hard-working employees attempting to get loans for homes and vehicles from no-name, greed-driven companies that profited off of high-interest loans to customers. These were honest people chasing the American Dream who were already in precarious financial circumstances. Angry and saddened witnessing others being convinced they could never get loans from traditional US banks, I felt led to step in. I provided education on free financial resources and took the time to empower my employees with financial knowledge, which ignited a passion within me.
I first met Allison and Courtney when we were on the founding team of a financial start up geared towards helping middle-income clients who were nearing retirement. While doing this work, we also uncovered a great need for financial advocacy & education for people going through divorce. The clients we saw most were women in their 40s, as well as the growing population experiencing “gray divorce” (divorce after 50). The three of us formed an amazing bond, mostly because of the fulfilling work we were doing together. Inspired by this, we set out on our own to continue this much needed advocacy work, and do it better than anyone in the industry. And THAT is how Phoenix Financial Advocates was born.
At Phoenix, we want to ensure that our clients have a healthy relationship with money. Finding trustworthy financial partners is paramount. I am thrilled to be a part of a company that uses a holistic approach; and we sincerely look forward to “meeting you where you are” and helping you get on solid footing in your financial life.
Kelly Treble
Credentials
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CDFA®️ Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
Licenses previously held
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CPA
I have always loved finance and numbers and I am passionate about empowering others, so I knew immediately when I saw what PFA was doing, this was a dream position getting to combine the two. When Courtney shared with me their vision for this company: a passion for doing what is right, staying true to our morals, and putting clients first, I knew this was something I wanted to be part of.
During the first half of my career I spent 10 years climbing the ranks in "big bank" accounting and finance roles. Through those years I developed valuable skills in budgeting, forecasting, auditing, regulations, compliance and taxes. But I didn't feel like what I was doing mattered or made a difference and I needed change. So I completely switched career paths and started my own business in sales and leadership development. Through this role, I have spent 12 years coaching, educating, encouraging and empowering others. And while I love being able to help others in sales, I missed my finance roots.
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst I get to combine my financial expertise and my passion for empowering others. I will hold your hand through this difficult process and be your advocate. I can help you understand the numbers and show you how various settlement options will look for you so that you and your attorney can put your best case forward.