Carol Brian is a life-long resident of Lancaster County, graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, Millersville University, and The American College of Financial Services. A 36-year veteran in the financial services industry, Carol is passionate about serving, educating, motivating, and empowering women to achieve financial independence.
Carol has experienced both success and hardship throughout her life. Her personal experiences have instilled in her the professional calling to help other women pick up the pieces and more forward after financial struggles or misfortune.
The youngest of six daughters, she was in second grade when her 43-year-old father died unexpectedly, leaving her mother with a meager $10,000 life insurance policy to pay for funeral expenses and raise her family. Eventually, Carol’s mother remarried and spent 20 years with Carol’s stepfather until he died in a tragic accident. The emotional toll was difficult, but thankfully, her stepfather had protected the family with adequate life insurance coverage.
As a result of her family’s struggles, she grew up respecting the value of money. She learned first-hand how poor preparation versus a well thought out plan can make a difference for the survivors following the loss of a loved one.
Just two years after her stepfather died, Carol’s mother succumbed to ovarian cancer. Carol was the executor to the estate. Appalled by the complexity of the process for settling financial affairs, Carol has committed herself to serving as an advocate for others as they navigate the maze of paperwork and procedures.
Many of the clients she works with have been left financially vulnerable due to circumstances beyond their control – loss of a spouse or a loved one, loss of a job, or loss of a marriage. She helps guide them in making decisions that may put them back on track to financial wellness.
Carol is very actively involved in the Lancaster Chamber’s Women in Business Mentor Program as a School Liaison and Advisory Board Member, is on the Advisory Group for the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Program, is an active Member of the Greater PA Chapter of WIFS (Women in Insurance and Financial Services), is a National Member of WIFS, and is a member, and two-time past president, of the Lancaster Area Express Network Chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association).
On a personal note, Carol enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, amateur photography, and beach combing. She is married to her husband, Alan, and they have one amazing daughter, Allison.
Education
- Millersville University
- Lancaster Catholic High School
- Series 6, 63 Licensed
- The American College of Financial
Services