Invite Paula to Speak
Invite Paula to Speak
Retirement planning talks that start with dreams, not spreadsheets.
Paula Swain, CFP® is the founder of Financial Center for Women and author of "Retiring on Purpose: A Woman's Guide to Confident, Joyful, and Intentional Retirement." She speaks to women's groups, podcasts, and community organizations about what it really takes to build a retirement you're excited about — not one you're afraid of.
Contact Paula
Meet Paula
At 55, Paula Swain found herself divorced and staring at a retirement plan in pieces. She had spent decades helping others with their finances, but now she had to rebuild her own from scratch. That experience changed everything.
Today, Paula is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the founder of Financial Center for Women, a practice dedicated exclusively to helping women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s navigate midlife financial transitions. She's the author of "Retiring on Purpose" and host of the weekly show "Unstoppable," where she shares straight talk about money, retirement, and building a life you don't need a vacation from.
Paula's approach is different. She doesn't start with your portfolio — she starts with your dreams. And she doesn't talk down to her audiences — she talks with them, like a wise friend who's been where they are and knows the way forward.
See Paula in Action
Signature Talks
Retiring on Purpose: How I Rebuilt My Financial Future After Divorce at 55
At 55, Paula had to start over. Her marriage ended, her retirement plan was in pieces, and for the first time in her career as a financial planner, she was the one who felt lost. In this deeply personal talk, Paula shares the story of rebuilding — not just her finances, but her confidence, her clarity, and her vision for what retirement could actually look like.
This isn't theory. It's what Paula lived. And it's the message women need to hear: It's not too late. You're not behind. And your next chapter can still be your best one.
Dreams First, Spreadsheets Later: A Different Way to Plan Your Retirement
Most retirement advice starts with fear: "Do you have enough?" Paula flips the script. In this interactive talk, she walks audiences through a different approach — one that starts with what you actually want your life to look like, then builds the plan around it.
Attendees will leave with a new framework for thinking about retirement and a simple exercise they can do at home to start designing their next chapter with intention.
You're Not Behind: Why Smart Women Feel Lost About Money
She's run businesses, raised families, managed careers — but when it comes to retirement planning, she feels like she's failing. Sound familiar? In this talk, Paula addresses the elephant in the room: the shame and embarrassment women feel about not "knowing this stuff already."
Paula explains why the financial system wasn't built for women's lives, normalizes the feelings so many carry in silence, and gives audiences permission to start exactly where they are — without judgment.
What to Expect When Paula Speaks
Real Talk, Not Jargon
Paula speaks in plain language because retirement planning shouldn't require a translator.
Stories That Stick
Paula draws from her own journey and the hundreds of women she's worked with to make every point memorable.
Warmth Without Fluff
She's direct, but never harsh. Audiences feel seen, not lectured.
Actionable Takeaways
Every talk leaves audiences with something they can do, not just something to think about.
Credentials
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
- Author, "Retiring on Purpose: A Woman's Guide to Confident, Joyful, and Intentional Retirement"
- Host, "Unstoppable" weekly show
- Founder, Financial Center for Women
- Creator, Girl Talks — judgment-free money conversations for women
Book Paula
Paula is available for podcasts, local events, women's groups, and community organizations in Southeast Michigan and virtually nationwide.
Email: paula@financialcenterwomen.com
Phone: (734) 738-6300