Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Pepkin.
Hi Mary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specific, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Peru. My life took a profound turn when my dad passed away tragically in a car accident in his early 40s. My mom, determined to create a better future for her children, moved us to the United States. In just two years, she completed her Master’s degree and worked full time while raising three teenagers in a new country — a powerful example of resilience and determination that has shaped my own values. I went on to attend college here in the U.S., where I met and married the love of my life. More than twenty years later, we’ve raised two smart, responsible teenagers who bring us immense joy.
About twelve years ago, I was invited by my father-in-law to join his financial planning practice. When he retired in 2023, I stepped into leadership with the same integrity, empathy, and discipline that has defined my life. I am passionate about helping clients make meaningful progress toward their financial goals and consider it a humbling honor when someone trusts me with their life savings.
I believe deeply in balancing a fulfilling career with the richness of family and friendships. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and never take any of my good fortune for granted.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know anyone who would describe their life as a perfectly smooth road. We all carry our own struggles, and many of them are invisible to others. Losing my dad at such a young age was, without question, the most defining challenge of my life. It shifted my perspective early on: once you experience something that life changing, your threshold for what feels like a “problem” becomes very different. When my teenager is going through a tough moment, I find myself thinking about parents who are facing something far more devastating, like a child’s serious illness. When I feel self-conscious about my accent or inadequate in some way, a tragic news story will cross my mind and instantly remind me how fortunate I am. Those moments pull me out of self-doubt and help me refocus.
One of my favorite quotes is from Melinda Gates: “Optimism isn’t believing that things will automatically get better; it’s the conviction that we can make things better.”
That belief has shaped how I choose to approach life’s challenges—with gratitude, perspective, and a commitment to move forward with intention.
We’ve been impressed with Ameriprise financial planning practice , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I guide my clients toward their financial goals by treating their money values, concerns, and aspirations as if they were my own. I believe financial decisions are far more than numbers and calculations—because we’re human, emotion is part of every choice we make. My role is to blend technical expertise with empathy and understanding, providing personalized advice that supports each client’s unique financial needs and long-term goals. I bring both of my certifications—Certified Financial Planner (the “knowledge”) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (the “wisdom”)—along with 22 years of industry experience, to help a wide range of clients: younger professionals who are strong savers, business owners navigating complex financial decisions, couples preparing for their children’s college costs while planning their own retirement, and pre-retirees and retirees who have already built a solid nest egg and want to preserve and optimize what they’ve created. Even the most sophisticated investors may be unaware of strategies or solutions that could meaningfully benefit their personal situation. That’s where thoughtful guidance matters.
At every stage, my goal is the same: to give clients clarity, confidence, and strategies that honor both their financial goals and the personal values behind them.
Any big plans?
I want to continue this rewarding career while still making plenty of room for fun-time. We all make time for the things we prioritize, and I try to live by that philosophy. I focus my energy on what truly matters to me, and I let go of the things I can’t control or that don’t align with my priorities. That mindset allows me to stay balanced, present, and fulfilled—both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/mary.pepkin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryPepkinCFP/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marypepkin
