Meet Lori Friedman | Financial Coach – Financial Agency Owner

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

Hi Lori, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
The conventional wisdom of prioritizing debt repayment over saving is a cognitive trap that’s costing consumers hundreds of millions in lost wealth. This outdated mental model leverages loss aversion bias, making people feel good about eliminating debt while blind to the opportunity costs of delayed investing.

By reframing the narrative around wealth building rather than debt elimination, we can tap into aspirational drivers and future-self continuity. This cognitive shift unlocks tremendous value, as compound interest on investments often outpaces interest saved on debt.

The key is to position smart saving as a proactive wealth strategy, not a passive alternative to debt repayment. By aligning this message with consumers’ desire for financial empowerment and long-term security, we can drive behavior change at scale – potentially unlocking billions in consumer wealth over time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My financial services journey was sparked by personal experiences of industry mistreatment, driving me to become a beacon of support for others. I believe financial literacy is key to personal wealth and well-being. What sets me apart is my hands-on approach – I don’t just advise, I guide clients through every step of money management.

I’m proud to be a financial resource for the Wounded Warrior Project and Veterans Administration, and I’m actively involved with Native American Outreach Ministries. These roles allow me to give back and extend my expertise to communities that often face unique financial challenges.

What excites me most is seeing clients transform from financially uncertain to confident and empowered. My mission goes beyond managing money – it’s about changing lives through education and support, creating a more financially literate society one client at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s my week-long itinerary starting in Los Angeles and heading down to Orange County:
Day 1: Los Angeles

Start with lunch at Gladstones, enjoying seafood right on the beach
Drive down Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at scenic viewpoints
End the day in Santa Monica, walking the pier and enjoying sunset

Day 2: Malibu

Breakfast at Malibu Farm Cafe on Malibu Pier
Hike in Topanga State Park
Wine tasting at Malibu Wines
Dinner at Nobu Malibu

Day 3: Los Angeles to Newport Beach

Morning at Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades
Continue down PCH, stopping at Manhattan Beach for lunch
Arrive in Newport Beach, enjoy dinner at Javier’s

Day 4: Newport Beach

Breakfast at The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove
Rent bikes and ride along the boardwalk
Afternoon harbor cruise
Sunset dinner at The Dock

Day 5: Laguna Beach

Visit Laguna Beach’s art galleries and boutiques
Lunch at The Deck on Laguna Beach
Hike in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Dinner at Studio at Montage Laguna Beach

Day 6: Dana Point

Whale watching excursion from Dana Point Harbor
Lunch at Harbor Grill
Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano
Dinner at Raya at The Ritz-Carlton

Day 7: Huntington Beach

Breakfast at Sugar Shack Cafe (THE BEST BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PLACE IN OC!)
Surfing lesson at Huntington Beach
Visit International Surfing Museum
Farewell dinner at Duke’s on the beach

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my husband of nearly 33 years. This enduring partnership has been the bedrock of my success, providing unwavering support through life’s challenges and triumphs.

In our fast-paced world, a 33-year marriage stands out as a testament to commitment and shared growth. It’s not just a personal achievement; it’s a powerful symbol of stability and resilience that resonates deeply with our collective desire for lasting connections.

This long-term support system has amplified my decision-making capabilities, enhanced my emotional intelligence, and provided a sounding board for ideas that have shaped my career trajectory.
By acknowledging him, I’m not just expressing personal gratitude. I’m highlighting the often unseen pillars that uphold visible success – a narrative that connects powerfully with our audience’s own experiences and aspirations.

In essence, my success story is interwoven with our shared journey, demonstrating that behind every achievement lies a network of support, with my husband at its core.

Website: https://www.lorifriedman.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorimariefriedman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=guest_homepage-basic_nav-header-signin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.friedman.77

Image Credits
Abbey Friedman, AbbeyTookThisPhoto