Volunteer Financial Mentor

Cecilia Gorman

Passionate About...
Budgeting• Divorce / Separation• Entrepreneurship/Small Business

Cecilia Gorman is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and intentional money management. With her professional experience as a coach and trainer, Cecilia brings practical, heart-centered guidance to young adults navigating their financial futures. She’s been featured on the Bigger Pockets Money and Millionaires Unveiled podcasts, sharing her journey toward financial independence—a path paved with a passion for personal finance books, thoughtful budgeting, and smart investing. A proud member of the Orange County ChooseFI community, Cecilia leads by example, showing that being financially prudent is not about restriction, but about freedom and informed choices.

As a small business owner with a background in leadership development and manager training, Cecilia blends financial discipline with entrepreneurial insight. She understands the power of financial clarity in both personal and professional growth and is excited to help others uncover that same confidence. Whether it’s creating a budget that works, exploring investment options, or just building financial habits that stick, Cecilia brings wisdom, empathy, and a genuine love for helping others succeed.

Get to Know Cecilia

What is something unique you'd like us to know about you? I applied to be in the Peace Corps in my 20s. The application process took forever and was extensive. I waited months and months to hear whether I had been accepted. The day I finally interviewed for a FT job because I got tired of waiting, I got my acceptance letter. However, the company hired me on the spot during my interview, and I accepted the job. I often wonder what life would look like for me now if I had joined the Peace Corps.

What would the title of your autobiography be? If I were to write an autobiography, it would be titled Always Believe in Better. That phrase has quietly guided so many of my decisions—personally, professionally, and financially. It captures the belief that growth is always possible, that improvement is always within reach, and that we each have the power to shape a future that's more aligned, more intentional, and more fulfilling than where we started. Whether it's helping managers lead with more empathy, coaching young adults toward financial freedom, or simply navigating my own life journey, I've learned that better doesn’t mean perfect—it just means progress. And believing in better keeps me moving forward, grounded in purpose and fueled by possibility.

Would you like to share a short quote about the impact you hope to make by volunteering for 3rd Decade? Through this program, my goal is to empower young adults with the confidence and clarity they need to take control of their financial lives. I hope to offer more than just practical budgeting or saving advice—I want to help them build a healthy mindset around money, one rooted in intentionality, self-trust, and long-term vision. My aim is to create a supportive space where financial literacy feels accessible, not overwhelming, and where I help to reinforce the idea that they are capable of making wise, value-aligned decisions. If I can help just one person shift from financial stress to financial confidence, I’ll consider that a meaningful success.