About Guido - Your Financial Coach

Hi, I’m Guido. In 2022, I reached a major milestone: I retired early at age 42 after a fulfilling 17-year career with an international healthcare company. Throughout my career, I developed expertise in building budgets, creating strategic plans, and managing finances for a Fortune 50 organization—and I applied those same tools to transform my personal financial life.

My Journey to Financial Freedom

Back in 2008, I set an ambitious goal for my financial future. At that time, I was starting from a modest position, and I quickly realized that reaching my target would require a comprehensive, strategic plan. I examined my current financial situation, assessed my savings rate, and projected where I would be in a decade. When my initial plan fell short on paper, I went back to the drawing board and adjusted key levers: increasing my income, boosting my savings rate, and optimizing my investment returns.

Through disciplined planning and continuous refinement, I not only achieved my original goal ahead of schedule but went on to build a level of financial security that exceeded my early expectations. There was no magic stock or silver bullet—just a commitment to making smart, incremental improvements year after year.

My success was built on a balanced approach that included:

Living within my means while still enjoying life—traveling, experiencing new cultures, and making memories around the world.

Boosting my savings rate and consistently seeking ways to optimize my spending.

Investing in real estate to diversify and strengthen my financial portfolio.

Growing my income by leveraging opportunities in my professional career.

As I refined these strategies, I came to understand that true financial freedom wasn’t just about accumulating wealth—it was about gaining full control over my time and future. Inspired by the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, I decided that I wanted to live life on my own terms.

Education

I have built a robust academic foundation that informs my approach to financial coaching. I earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Accounting from UNC Chapel Hill, where I developed strong business and financial skills. I further enhanced my expertise with an MBA from Duke University, focusing on Health Sector Management, which deepened my strategic and leadership abilities in a complex industry. Additionally, I hold a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, expanding my understanding of public health and policy. I am currently pursuing my Certified Financial Planner designation to continue advancing my skills and providing expert guidance to my clients.