Meet **Cathy Brennan**, the dynamic force behind **Resourceful Planner**. Based in Belfast, Cathy is a seasoned financial expert dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their financial journeys with confidence. With a background in financial services spanning over two decades, Cathy combines her expertise with a passion for **financial education**, offering coaching and mentoring that **demystifies money management**. As a mother of three, Cathy understands the balancing act of personal and professional life, and she brings this empathy into her work. Through Resourceful Planner, Cathy aims to **empower her clients**, ensuring they feel resourceful, committed, and ready to achieve their financial goals. Join us as we delve into Cathy's inspiring journey as a female founder, her insights from various AwakenHub programmes, and her vision for a financially confident future.

**Cathy is part of our SheGenerate 3.0 cohort. With special thanks to our** **SheGen3.0 Partners** **for making the programme possible - Taylor Wessing Ireland, AIB, Catalyst NI, British Business Bank and Ulster Bank Northern Ireland.**

Describe Yourself in 6 Words or Less

Chatty, curious connector!

Describe Your Business and What Prompted You to Start It

Financial decisions are the cornerstone of making any change in life. At Resourceful Planner, I share my financial services knowledge and money management experience in a jargon-free way to support and guide individuals, couples, and families to overcome financial pain points, define their financial goals, and make informed financial decisions with confidence. Resourceful Planner offers financial education, coaching, and money mentoring both in-person and remotely for time-poor individuals and business owners who want to plan a brighter financial future. I deliver workshops with the sole aim of making an impact and founded Resourceful Planner to provide individuals with a deep experience irrespective of their income or material wealth. Through a process of ‘Clarity, Purpose, and Possibility’, individuals will feel resourceful, committed, and empowered to make financial decisions and achieve their goals. Resourceful Planner serves:

Time-poor professionals: business owners and entrepreneurs.
Individuals in transition: those wanting to stop work, change career, or plan for the future.
Women (and widows) experiencing mid-life pinch points.
Survivors of economic abuse.
Neurodiverse, vulnerable adults, and disabled entrepreneurs.

Tell Us a Little Bit More About You

My late grandmother, Maire McGrath, was a shopkeeper and mother of eight. I was her first grandchild in 1975. Maire was a strong role model and the biggest influence on my life. When she died in 2021, it stopped me in my tracks and made me focus on what was truly important. After a 25-year career in financial services, I retrained as a financial coach, founded Resourceful Planner Limited, and returned to Ulster University to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership. I have recently found my new professional home with Knightsbridge Wealth Management (NI) Ltd, where I am a Senior Financial Planner.

Fill Us in on Your Female Founder Journey

I uncovered my money story and recognised how my backstory led to shopaholic and workaholic tendencies with little boundaries in my personal or professional life. I “walked the talk”, faced my fears, backed myself, and launched Resourceful Planner. I want others to view their life through the lens of money using my unique coaching approach. As a mum to twin girls (12 years old) and a son (10 years old), I am always balancing my roles while being true to myself. Financial independence and the freedom to operate guide me on my founder journey.

SheGenerate 3.0 Programme Experience

I applied to SheGen 2.0 and, despite being unsuccessful, I applied again and secured a place on SenGen3.0 I believe all good things come to those who wait! I benefited from the 8-minute calls and monthly breakout room activities, which helped me make strong connections with my cohort. I also participated in an Adviser Incubator programme with The Verve Foundation during my participation in SenGen3.0 and realised the need to offer regulated financial advice alongside my financial coaching and speaking engagements to build a sustainable business.

SheVentures 2024 Takeaways

I secured a #PayItForward ticket from a “secret” sponsor and attended Lusty Beg to share a cabin with my #SG3 cohort, who had until then met remotely. The WhatsApp exchanges promised a powerful two days, and I found the experience beneficial for my learning, making new connections, and providing time to reflect on my next steps. The presentations were exceptional, and the presenters made themselves available over the two days. The sun shone, making it a blissful location and a heart-warming experience.

You were recently on our Executive Group Coaching Kelly Hoey Programme, how has it been?

I followed Kelly on X and was delighted when AwakenHub asked for expressions of interest to participate in the Executive Group Coaching cohort. Kelly’s approach was warm and welcoming, and her expertise guided the group to overcome challenges and learn from others' experiences. I found the peer support invaluable and was delighted to meet Kelly at SheVentures.

Thoughts On AwakenHub?

A tribe of go-getters

What Words Do You Live By?

My motto is "life is for living, have no regrets."

Future Aspirations

In 12 months and five years, I see myself loving life and making a living doing what I do best: chatting, being curious, and connecting with others to build meaningful long-term relationships.

Top Three Tips for Other Women Founders