Meet Walli Miller

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Walli Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Walli, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

As a kid, I was labeled the “lawyer” of the family—not because I loved to argue (though I never backed down from a good debate), but because I asked a lot of questions. My curiosity drove me to understand the “why” behind everything. From conversations with fascinating people to reading books that explored everything from the existence of God to the extinction of the Dodo bird, I was always seeking deeper truths.

This curiosity naturally led me into the legal field, where I worked in criminal defense investigations for 19 years. My job was to uncover the untold story, and I quickly learned that nothing is ever as it seems. Just like in finances, there’s always a deeper story behind why and how things happen.

Fast forward to today, and that same investigative curiosity fuels my work as a financial coach. I love uncovering the triggers that cause my clients to spend when they know they should be saving. My role is to help them understand the difference between mindless shopping and intentional spending while they use money as a tool to design the life they want.

When clients finally grasp this concept, it’s a transformative moment. They often come to me thinking financial coaching is just about crunching numbers. But what they underestimate is the power of understanding and repairing their relationship with money. It’s not just about figuring out the finances—it’s about digging deeper to uncover the underlying issues, much like I did as an investigator. Witnessing these breakthroughs is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work today.

At the age of 39 I retired my role as a criminal defense investigator and now focus my time on helping people investigate their relationship with money in order to reach financial independence.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the founder of Financially Thriving Money Coaching, a financial coaching practice specifically designed to empower women, particularly those who are aspiring to be first-generation millionaires and those interested in pursuing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). My work is all about helping ambitious women gain control over their finances so they can break generational poverty cycles, build generational wealth, and make working optional.

What excites me most about this work is witnessing the profound transformations my clients experience. It’s not just about the numbers or creating a budget—it’s about reshaping their entire relationship with money. Many of my clients come to me overwhelmed, stuck in a cycle of earning, saving, and spending without truly understanding why they struggle to make progress in their finances. Through our work together, they discover the triggers and patterns that have been holding them back, and they learn how to make intentional, mindful decisions about their money.

What I want people to know about Financially Thriving is that it’s more than just a coaching service—it’s a movement. I’m here to break the cycle of financial stress, build wealth, and create a future where financial independence isn’t just a dream, but a reality for the women and families I work with.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been most impactful in my journey: curiosity, resilience, and the ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

Curiosity has been a driving force throughout my life. It’s what led me to ask tough questions as a child, drove my success in the investigative field, and now fuels my passion for financial coaching. My advice for those early in their journey is to nurture their curiosity. Don’t be afraid to ask “why” and dig deeper, whether it’s in your professional life, personal growth, or understanding your relationship with money. Curiosity can open doors to new opportunities and lead to insights that others might overlook.

Resilience is another key quality that has helped me navigate challenges and setbacks. My career in criminal defense investigations wasn’t easy, and neither is the work I do today as a financial coach. Both are exciting. There are tough moments, but resilience has allowed me to keep pushing forward, learn from difficulties, and ultimately achieve success. For those just starting out, I recommend embracing challenges as learning experiences and staying committed to your goals, even when the path gets tough. Building resilience is about showing up consistently, no matter how many times you get off course.

Finally, the ability to connect with people on a deeper level has been essential to my work. Whether I was investigating a case or coaching a client, understanding people—their motivations, fears, and desires—has been crucial. For anyone looking to develop this skill, I suggest focusing on active listening and empathy. Truly understanding the people you work with or serve can make all the difference in your effectiveness and impact. It’s not just about solving a problem; it’s about understanding the person behind the problem.

Developing these qualities takes time and effort, but they are well worth the time.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

One challenge I’m currently facing is grappling with feelings of self-doubt and not always recognizing the significance of my own accomplishments. There are times when I struggle to see my story as interesting or inspiring, even though I know it has the power to impact others. I recently resonated with the idea that it’s a CHOICE to believe in the magnitude of our past accomplishments and the transformations we’ve undergone. It’s easy to downplay our own experiences, but I’m learning to appreciate and celebrate those milestones rather than dismiss them.

Dealing with the inner critic is an ongoing challenge—one that I believe many people face, especially when they’re pushing themselves to grow and evolve. It’s part of the process of stepping into new spaces and expanding our impact. I’m working on embracing my story and trusting that it has value, even on days when self-doubt creeps in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://financiallythriving.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financially_thriving/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallimiller/

Image Credits

Two Photographers:

Photos by Rissa (File Names: Walli Miller 21 and Walli Miller 22)

All other photos by Maria Camila Photography