Hi! My name is Cathy Derus. I’m a CPA financial planner who loves to help young couples and new parents plan for a brighter future.
You’re busy and would rather spend time with your friends and family than worry about your finances. Could you manage your finances on your own? Sure, but like having a coach or hiring a personal trainer, a financial planner holds you accountable and encourages positive growth.
As a wife and mom, I know what it’s like to worry about your kids. It can be a challenge to juggle everything while wondering if you’re doing it right. From the big decisions around college savings, life insurance, and retirement, to the smaller ones like the diaper budget; being a parent is tough, but totally rewarding.
Starting Brightwater Financial
I’ve always been interested in business and money. Growing up, my favorite board game was Monopoly. And from keeping an inventory of Halloween candy to selling friendship bracelets, you could say that business is in my blood.
I attended Saint Louis University where I earned an Honors BSBA in Accounting with a minor in Finance, followed up by a Master of Accounting. I started my accounting career with a Big 4 public accounting firm where I got my CPA license. One of the things I really enjoyed about public accounting was providing on-the-job training to new staff. I’ve been told that I’m great at explaining complex financial topics in a simple way. Additionally, one of my strengths is building relationships.
All the while, I fostered my interest in personal finance by reading books and articles, and eventually started my own personal finance/lifestyle blog, Fiscally Chic. I love helping others while using my talents in business, money, and finance.
About Brightwater Financial
Brightwater Financial takes a fresh approach to financial planning by discovering your personal values and creating a saving, investing, and spending plan that aligns with these values. I believe that your hard-earned money should also be working hard for you. The ethos of Brightwater Financial is based on authentic connection, and a genuine desire to help you better your life through financial assurance.
As for the name Brightwater, I believe you have a bright and promising future ahead of you. Life is fluid, like water; and a successful financial plan is dynamic and flexible to your changing needs. Plus, I’m a former college swimmer.
On a personal note, I live in the Chicago area, but am originally from Cleveland. We have a three-year old daughter and a one year old son who loves to splash in the pool. When I’m not coaching my financial clients or spending time with my family, I like to bake cupcakes, enjoy a craft beer, and laugh at Jim Gaffigan stand up comedy. If you have kids, you’ll totally understand when he says, “bedtime is a crisis!”
Want to learn more? Please feel free to schedule a 30 minute complementary phone call or drop me a line anytime at [email protected]
