We help clients navigate the financial services world to protect their hard-earned money, improve their current financial situation to the maximum extent possible, and successfully set and achieve their longer-term goals. We believe that clients are the best judges of their own financial situations and needs, and do not need to be told how to spend their money.
Appointments focus on what clients want to get out of the program. Our counselors advocate with and for clients, coach them through the various options and inform them of their rights as consumers so they feel empowered to make the best decision.
Financial counseling services are funded by the City and County of San Francisco, and provided by four nonprofit service providers. All financial counselors are certified by the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors.
John
John has been a leader in the financial capability field since 2008. John has helped over 8,000 clients address severe personal and financial challenges, giving them support and tested tools to achieve financial security and economic mobility. As a San Francisco native from a second-generation Mexican family, a former small business owner, financial advisor and a UC Berkeley graduate, John brings a unique and powerful combination of local, cultural, and financial expertise to his work with diverse clients and partners.
Antonio
Antonio was born and raised in Utah, but the Bay Area has become his adopted home after 20 years. He holds a degree in Finance and Mathematics and is currently pursuing a CFP®(Certified Financial Planner) designation. Prior to working at the Center, Antonio was employed at major banks and financial service companies. Antonio loves to help people in the community by volunteering his time as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for The Women’s Building SF, Project Open Hand, and Trips 4 Kids. Antonio is a proud first generation Mexican-American and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Andrea
Andrea was born and raised in South America and earned her degree from Santa María University in Caracas, Venezuela. She has over 10 years of experience in business and corporate law as a legal assistant and legal business adviser. Andrea moved to the Bay Area in 2016 and after assisting friends with financial advice for several years, she became a licensed financial counselor in 2022. She is passionate about combing her interests, career, and her background as a native-Spanish speaker to empower others in her community.
Tatania
Tatania was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and has lived in the Excelsior District all her life. She is a San Francisco State University Alumni and has been working at Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) as a Family Economic Success Coach. Tatania realizes the importance of ensuring financial capability is available not only to adults but youth in all communities.
Felipe
Felipe was born and raised in the Mission District of San Francisco. He worked with the Mission Economic Development Agency’s (MEDA) tax team providing free tax services for low to moderate income households. The majority of the families he assisted during this time resembled his own growing up and allowed him the opportunity to be a trusted source of information for his community. He is committed to supporting his community to empowerment through financial capability and education.
Howard
Team Lead
Howard has been with BALANCE for over 27 years and has worked in the financial services sector for almost 30 years! He earned his BA from Central College in Pella, Iowa with degrees in International Management and Spanish. He is dedicated to serving the local community through financial empowerment and prides himself on being professional, helpful, and non-judgmental. Howard’s advice to his clients is to “not focus on your past failures but build on your current successes".
Chris
Chris is a certified financial counselor and educator with a background in financial services, accounting, and non-profit work. He earned his BS from Golden Gate University with a degree in business. His dedication to help others find ways to improve their lives and interest in personal finance are expressed in his practice of financial counseling, education, and empowerment. He thoroughly enjoys problem solving with clients and celebrating their wins, both big and small.
Julia
Julia is a University of Cal Berkeley alumni (GO BEARS!) and she resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Julia is bi-lingual in English and Mandarin and draws on nonprofit experience mentoring and coaching youth. She enjoys helping others manage their finances and has even extended her help to family and friends. We’re excited to have her share her passion for helping others with our clients through Financial Counseling.
Nalleli
Nalleli was born and raised in Colorado where she developed a love for nature and community advocacy from an early age. Seeking a diverse educational experience, she attended the University of San Francisco. She started her professional career working at a law firm and accounting firm. In her roles, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of financial literacy in people's lives. As a result, she is committed to empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve financial well-being.
