Meet Jen Fontanilla | Certified Money Coach (CMC)®, Author, Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Fontanilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, how do you think about risk?
Risk has played a huge role in my life and career. I actually embrace it. I have this funny joke about myself that I function off of “Fire. Ready. Aim.” I understand that there are different levels of risk and I do think it’s important to assess the amount of risk that you need to take when it comes to making certain decisions. However, I find value in learning how to make decisions quickly and not vacillate too much on what could go wrong. Have things always turned out perfectly or the way I expected? Of course not! However, anytime I have taken massive risk, the one thing that I can count on is that I know I will learn valuable insight and tremendously gain so much from the experience. It pushes me to figure out things. I often say there is always a solution and that comes from the experience of failing but always coming back up and figuring it out and believing that I will always be okay. Indecisions will only let opportunities slip by.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I get the privilege to work with people who often times find themselves in a confused time in their life, things may feel overwhelming, they just want to get their stuff right (particularly getting their money right, but we all know how this spills into other areas of our lives), and just wanting to finally make the change they know they’ve been needing to make and are tired of putting it off any longer. One time I surveyed a few of these people and asked them to give me their feedback in working with me and the biggest common answers were that I am relatable, loyal and open to understanding people and their situation, and I have the ability to connect. I often share my own personal mistakes and struggles and never come from a place that I have done everything perfectly. We can make an impact and difference when we can be humble about our own journey in hopes that it inspires people to realize that they, too, can overcome their present situation and do better.

How did I get here? Lots of mistakes! Not allowing setbacks to keep me down. Knowing that I can always figure things out and that God always has my back no matter what happens good or bad. Lots of learning, investing in myself whether that was through coaching, reading books, learning new systems and programs, etc. But most of all, the biggest thing that made a huge difference was undertanding money mindset and realizing I needed to learn how to make intentional decisions that came from basing those decisions on my core values. I now make sure that what I choose to do is in alignment with me, what I want, where I want to go, and those core values. When I operate from that space, it flows into everything else that I do – personally and professionally. I think more clearly, I find more opportunities, I become aligned with the right people, and my overall look on everything is at a much higher level of love, purpose, and intention.

It is not always easy. The path hasn’t always been smooth. There are always those conversations you’re having in your head. There were many, many years of asking myself, “What am I doing?” Should I just give up? Should I change what I’m doing? Do I want to even still do this? Is anyone even listening to what I’m saying? I don’t think anyone is even looking at my stuff. There are other people who are way ahead of me, what’s the point” and on and on and on. There will always be challenges, there will always be other people who are doing what you’re doing, there will always something else we’re comparing ourselves to. But the important thing to remember is your unique core genius. What is your story and what makes you unique in how you show up and help others? Focus on you and what value you bring. Be mindful at what you are putting your engery into. What you focus on expands. I always keep in mind and it redirects me when I feel myself feeling the self-doubt creep in.

I think the biggest lesson I learned was finding the value in working on yourself. Sometimes it was very easy for me to get caught up in just learning logistics, the strategy, and those are all important. However, focusing on your mindset and any subconscious patterns that we need to be aware of and how they affect what we do and what we keep repeating is so incredibly important. Also, giving yourself permission to let go of certain relationships and things that no longer serve you or are not in alignment with who you want to be or what you’re trying to do. These things can take up valuable space in your life and until we learn to clear that, we are not creating the space for other people or opportunities to come into our life. Once I did that and made peace and forgave and sat well with it, it was amazing to witness all the incredible things that started coming across my way. It is so possible to create a life that is filled with grace and ease. Again, it’s not that there won’t be hardships and challenges, but it is possible to flow through life with a different mentality and appraoch that feels freeing and exhilarating. And when you feel your best, you can show up as the best version of yourself and that allows you to give your best to yourself and to those you are trying to help.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area, I know I would have to be selective because there are just so many places to visit here in Southern California. I would mix it up with a bit of fun and culture. I definitely go to some museums like The Getty Center and The Getty Villa. We would go to Third Street Promenade and check out the pier and eat some seafood at The Lobster. I would find some fun activity or concert on the beach. One of my goals for us would be to hike to the Hollywood sign! There are so many incredible places to eat. I always like going to Grand Central Market to see the different food choices. But we definitely would hit up Perch for some brunch, overlooking the city with the sun shining down. Even just driving down the coast is always such an amazing thing to do and see.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Summer D. Watson, MHS, PhD

Website: www.jenmoneycoach.com

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Image Credits
Caitlin Baker Photography (@caitlinbakerphotography)