We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Uziel Gomez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Uziel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through a deeply personal journey rooted in my childhood experiences. Growing up, I watched my mother manage our family’s finances with incredible skill, using methods like “out of sight, out of mind” to save for emergencies. Despite our low-income situation, my parents demonstrated the importance of living within our means, but I also saw their struggles due to a lack of resources and guidance beyond basic budgeting.
Initially, I pursued higher education to help my family overcome poverty, but I often felt lost without a clear career direction. It wasn’t until I discovered financial planning that I realized I could combine my love for numbers with a desire to empower others—especially individuals in my community facing similar challenges. What began as a personal mission to uplift my family evolved into a broader commitment to empower others. I constantly asked myself how I could guide people like my parents and my siblings while also earning a living. I realized my purpose was to empower other first-generation wealth builders navigating similar challenges, knowing that this guidance often extends to their parents and siblings as well.
Upon entering the finance profession, I recognized a significant gap in accessibility to financial planning within my community, particularly due to high fees and a lack of representation among financial planners. The statistic that only 3,140 CFP® professionals identify as Hispanic or Latino nationwide resonated with me and underscored the need for change.
This realization motivated me to start my own practice, Primeros Financial, with a clear purpose: to make real financial planning affordable and accessible. My goal is not to scale a business but to empower first-generation wealth builders, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to use money as a resource for living fulfilling lives and supporting their families. This journey has been about more than just personal success; it’s about creating pathways for others to thrive, which has ultimately defined my purpose.
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’m a Financial Planner and recently launched my practice, Primeros Financial, six months ago. My firm is dedicated to empowering first-generation wealth builders, guiding them to take control of their finances and build lasting wealth. Often, when people hear “financial planner,” they envision numbers, investments, or insurance agents—especially in minority communities where commission-based products are often pushed. At Primeros Financial, I aim to change that narrative by offering comprehensive financial planning, prioritizing my clients’ interests above all else.
I take a comprehensive approach to financial planning by examining each client’s entire financial picture while emphasizing the importance of their personal values and aspirations. Before we delve into financial discussions, I prioritize understanding what matters most to my clients—their values, missions, and goals. This insight allows me to create tailored recommendations and financial plans that closely align with their values. I provide a comprehensive suite of services—just a few of which include credit reviews, cash flow planning, insurance assessments, debt management, and investment and tax planning. What I love most about financial planning is learning about each person’s unique background and perspective, helping them pursue their aspirations, and witnessing them accomplish their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients develop a better connection with their finances.
My approach to financial planning is unique because I tailor my services to the specific needs of the individuals I serve. Many of my clients come from households where financial literacy wasn’t taught , making finance feel foreign to them. That’s why I focus on guiding my clients at every step of the process, empowering them to build generational wealth—not just in monetary terms but also through knowledge and understanding.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are leading with purpose and intention, networking, and stepping out of my comfort zone.
I lead with a purpose that transcends my personal ambitions. My mission is to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives through financial planning. My goal isn’t to scale my business; it’s to empower as many individuals as possible. I’m inspired by Muhammad Ali’s quote: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” I truly believe that when you focus on a purpose greater than yourself, everything else falls into place. Being genuine and sharing my reasons for serving others has been key to building my brand. People recognize and appreciate my authenticity, which strengthens my impact and fosters meaningful connections.
Networking has been a crucial component of my career journey. As an introvert at heart, I often hesitated when people would encourage me to step out and network, thinking I could find opportunities another way. However, I pushed myself to embrace networking, and as a result, I’ve discovered that many of the jobs, internships, and scholarships I’ve secured have come through this effort. While putting myself out there has been challenging, I’ve cultivated meaningful relationships and friendships along the way. Each connection has enriched my experience and opened doors I never anticipated.
All three have played a vital role in my development and journey, but stepping out of my comfort zone has been a true game changer. Whether through networking, presenting, or tackling projects at work, I’ve always had someone encouraging me to push my boundaries. While it was challenging at first, I’ve come to realize that if I feel too comfortable, I’m not growing. I actively seek out new learning opportunities to keep pushing myself, understanding that learning how to fail is an essential part of this process. Each setback has taught me valuable lessons that ultimately contribute to my growth. Surrounding myself with ambitious individuals whose dedication motivates me to strive for excellence has also been key. They inspire me to continually expand my limits, reminding me that stepping outside my comfort zone is where real progress happens. Embracing discomfort has become a crucial aspect of my journey, allowing me to evolve both personally and professionally.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth. Seek out networking opportunities, stay true to your purpose, and cultivate relationships with driven individuals. Each step you take will bring new insights and open doors you never imagined possible.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My mom has been instrumental in helping me develop the skills I need to succeed. It all began with her recognizing my potential and constantly reminding me of it. She would often say, “You’re going to impact people’s lives one day,” even during times when I felt inadequate. Her unwavering belief in me played a crucial role in my life, helping me persevere through challenges and build my confidence—she made me believe in my abilities until I was actually living them.
She also taught me the importance of discipline and staying focused, guiding me to invest my time and energy into my commitments. As a teenager, I often wanted to try new things—like boxing classes or learning to play the guitar—but I would easily lose interest over time. With limited resources, I had to be mindful of what I pursued. I remember her telling me that while I might be eager to start something, following through is essential. She emphasized that anything worth pursuing requires great effort and commitment.
This advice has stuck with me; when I take on a challenge, I know I must fully devote myself to it, as failure is not an option. This mindset has been crucial since I launched my practice. My mom also ingrained in me the belief that if I’m in a position to help others, then that’s a blessing I should extend to those around me. This perspective drives me to empower first-generation wealth builders in my community, ensuring that I not only succeed but also lift others along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: primerosfinancial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primerosfinancial/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/uziel-gomez
- Twitter: https://x.com/Uzigomez
