I am Jodi Thacker, the founder of Riverbend Financial Wellness. I found a love for finances both personally and professionally. I’ve worked in state government accounting for over 30 years managing multiple million dollar budgets.

I have volunteered with several organizations teaching and counseling others in a variety of personal financial topics as well as provided income tax assistance. I served a short time as a Personal Financial Counselor for the service members of Utah Army National Guard.

I have a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Finance. I am an Accredited Financial Counselor, AFC®.

In addition to my education and experience, I bring the strength of my own successful financial journey. As a teenager, my dad instilled in me good financial principles.  I left home shortly after high school and married at a young age.

My first husband controlled the finances and me. Four years later, I chose to take back control and became a single mother of two. I had a college degree, secure job (although at entry level pay), and did not receive any spousal or child support. Therefore, as a young adult I quickly taught myself to budget, save a little for emergencies, keep debt manageable, and save for retirement.

In my second marriage, we tried to share financial responsibilities, however, we still had our issues and disagreements around money. Thirteen years later, I chose to divorce and rebuild my life and finances again. So after going through two divorces, I was a single working mom of four children for a combined total of 15 years.

I rebuilt my life and finances twice, all on a modest government salary.  Although I made my share of mistakes, I managed to stay financially stable and eventually learned to thrive, not just survive.  I love to teach others, especially empower women, to take control of their finances and live a life of financial wellness and freedom.