Hello, I’m Stephen.

My passion for financial literacy is rooted in my childhood. I didn’t grow up with money; I grew up watching my dad drive a car with a stump where the gas pedal should be. We "ate out" once a month at Little Caesars because it was all we could afford.

But over time, I witnessed a shift. We went from needing to choose which bill to pay that month and surviving off of coupons to taking family trips to Disney and Yellowstone. My birthday dinners upgraded from McDonalds to steakhouses. Things got better. My dad didn’t win the lottery or get a massive salary hike. He changed our lives through careful planning, budgeting, and discipline. Throughout all the financial harshness we experienced, he stayed focused. He proved that financial freedom is about how you manage what you have, not just how much you make.

My own journey has been far from perfect. I’ve experienced both progress and setbacks, and I’ve learned that some of the most valuable financial lessons come from failure. That perspective is what allows me to connect with people in a real, practical way—without judgment, and without unrealistic expectations.

From Passion to Profession

After years of researching techniques, learning from CFPs, and helping friends and family navigate their own budgets and manage their debts, I launched Oakford Financial Coaching. Coming from a family of educators, I love to teach in a way that is easily understandable and makes a real life impact. I pride myself on stripping away the jargon and delivering practical, down-to-earth strategies that you can actually use. Whether it is creating a budget, navigating debt, thinking through difficult decisions, or simply wanting to learn more about the world of finances, I am eager to help you achieve your goals.