When finance feels personal

Payton McKay, a junior majoring in personal financial planning from Jenison, Mich., did not find her future internship by scrolling job boards.

She found it while scrolling Instagram. A post from financial advisor Morgan Galvan stood out because it blended personal finance with creativity, warmth, and design. The content felt human in a field McKay often saw portrayed as rigid.

Instead of moving on, McKay reached out to ask for a short Zoom conversation. That choice changed everything. “Through that first conversation, I was introduced to a completely different way of thinking about financial planning,” she said.

Galvan offered to mentor McKay, and the two began meeting regularly before class. Through that relationship, McKay learned about Verde Capital Management and a firm culture centered on creativity and genuine care for clients.

From curiosity to opportunity

As McKay learned more about Verde, she sought every opportunity to understand the firm from the inside. She shadowed former interns, attended events, and made the effort to connect with founder Carl Szasz to learn more about his perspective.

By the time the formal interview process began, McKay already felt aligned with the people and the mission.

“The interview felt conversational and deeply human,” she said. “Instead of feeling evaluated, I felt seen.” That experience confirmed what she had sensed all along. Verde was not just another wealth management firm. It was a place where creativity, culture and client experience drive the work.

Building her foundation at CMU

McKay credits Central Michigan University with helping her recognize and pursue the right opportunities.

Her introduction to personal financial planning came through the Financial Planning Association at CMU, where she met alumna Stephanie Trexler, founder of Golden Goose Wealth Planning. That connection led to McKay’s first internship and ongoing mentorship that continues to shape her professional growth.

McKay also strengthened her analytical skills through involvement in the Student Managed Investment Funds, where working with real portfolios deepened her understanding of markets and collaboration.

“Those experiences showed me what the profession really looks like,” she said.

Learning beyond the classroom

Faculty mentorship also played a key role in McKay’s development. She credits finance faculty member Brad Taylor with encouraging students to recognize their potential and step confidently into new challenges.

Speaker events hosted by the College of Business Administration further shaped her perspective, including the Women Entrepreneurs Panel. Those conversations inspired McKay to launch Her Wealth Maison, a creative platform that blends financial education with lifestyle and design.

“I want finance to feel approachable and personal,” she said.

Looking ahead to a career in client-centered wealth management

As McKay prepares for her Wealth Management Internship with Verde Capital Management, her long-term goals remain focused on growth and meaningful connection.

“The number in a client’s bank account should be the least interesting thing about them,” she said. “I want wealth to be a tool for possibility, freedom, and joy.”

For McKay, what began as a moment of curiosity has grown into a clear sense of purpose and a career path rooted in creativity and care.