Hello there, I'm Catalina. My work is rooted in helping people feel seen, informed, and empowered in their financial lives. Drawing on my own immigrant experience, I partner with individuals and families—especially first-generation wealth builders—to simplify complex financial decisions and build a more secure future.

HOW CATALINA WORKS WITH CLIENTS

“Everyone, regardless of their background, should feel confident that their money is a tool to help them live their values.”

OUR TEAM

Catalina and Luis work together to guide clients through complex financial decisions, leading with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

GET TO KNOW CATALINA

Catalina “Cat” Franco-Cicero, MS, CFP®, CTS™ is a dedicated Wealth Manager at Savvy Wealth, where she brings heart, expertise, and a deep sense of purpose to her fiduciary role.

Originally from Colombia and fluent in Spanish, Cat draws on her own immigrant experience to guide and empower clients, especially fellow immigrants and first-generation wealth builders, as they navigate the complexities of the U.S. financial system and language barriers.

Her commitment to inclusion and education has earned her national recognition. In 2016, she received the Financial Planning Association’s Diversity Scholarship for her work in expanding access to financial planning in underserved communities.

In 2022, she was honored by InvestmentNews with the Rising Star in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. Cat’s insights have been featured in leading media outlets including InvestmentNews, MarketWatch, FA Magazine, and Morningstar.​

Beyond her client work, Cat loves gardening and fitness. She recently became a Master Gardener Volunteer through the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is the founder of the Isles Garden Club in Pembroke Pines, FL, and enjoys high intensity interval training. Whether she’s guiding clients through complex financial decisions or championing diversity in the industry, Cat leads with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?

I jokingly tell my clients that I started my financial planning career when I was 8 years old.

My mother was the last of nine children in a family of 10 that received a visa to leave Colombia and come to the United States in 1983. She arrived in the U.S as the single mother of three - myself and my two older brothers.

I quickly learned English and became the check writer, and translator, before there was “Press 2 for Español.” To help my mom, I called the utilities companies and anyone else who didn’t speak Spanish. I experienced the angst and frustration that came along with learning a new language and new systems along with a lack of funds.

After a mid-career switch (from education, fitness and wellness) into the financial planning industry, what surprised me the most was the limited way in which financial planning operated outside the realm of high-net-worth clients. There was little connection between the basics - taxes, investments, estate planning, and so on- and the information that comes with listening to the human side into the equation.

WHAT TYPES OF CLIENTS DO YOU WORK WITH?

I typically work with executives and small business owners who are first generation wealth builders in their families. Many come from a South American background and value helping the generation before and after them gain financial stability.

IS THERE A UNIQUE APPROACH THAT SETS YOU APART?

I see families like sports teams. When they don’t have a plan for their personal finances, they often fall victim to making uninformed decisions that can significantly impact their path to building sustainable wealth for themselves and their children. Everyone, regardless of their background, should feel confident that their money is a tool to help them live their values. That’s where I come in! I help my clients achieve financial success by serving as their financial coach. They are the quarterbacks, and I prepare them for the inevitable curveballs of life so together we can score some touchdowns and win the financial game of life!

WHAT AREAS OF EXPERTISE DO YOU HAVE?

Some of the areas of expertise for me include:

• Tax Planning

• Retirement Planning

• Small Business Owners

But I'm happy to always connect to learn more.

WHAT TYPES OF STRATEGIES DO YOU USUALLY HELP CLIENTS WITH?

I am most helpful to clients with complex financial situations, including taxes. Tax reduction strategy, retirement income and distribution planning, family wealth planning, asset protection (personal, property and casualty, estate planning). The main advantage is the team approach and comprehensive coordination of all your financial affairs.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH CLIENTS?

Often clients feel their financial house is out of order with documents and accounts all over the place. I enjoy helping them get organized and get on a clear path to maximize their finances while reducing their stress.