Meet Fernanda Mantovanini

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

Fernanda, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

I have a few core self-care habits that really keep me grounded. From a health perspective, I try to eat well most days of the week, but what truly keeps me going is movement. During the pandemic, I started doing strength training at home and running once a week just to stay active and sane. That small step turned into a full routine — now I run three times a week and do strength workouts three times a week as well. It helps me stay physically healthy, clears my mind, and resets my energy.

I also run races regularly. For me, running is both a form of “me-time” and a personal challenge. I like to say it’s me vs. myself — every race is a mental and physical tug-of-war. That space pushes me to build resilience, and the best part is, I can carry that mindset into my work, my family life, and when I’m faced with life’s everyday challenges.

In addition to that, I carve out intentional me-time each week — whether it’s going to the salon, getting my nails or hair done, staying home alone with music, or diving into a good book. I truly believe those quiet moments help us reconnect with who we are, who we want to become, and what we might want to shift or improve. That space for self-awareness is incredibly powerful.

As a Financial Agent and Financial Educator, I also view financial organization as a big part of self-care. Since it’s a mature and open topic at home, my husband and I update a shared spreadsheet every single day to keep our budget on track. On the first day of each month, we sit down to review actual vs. forecast and update our cash flow. That routine gives us peace of mind, clarity, and a shared sense of control. I’ve seen how avoiding money conversations can lead to stress and tension — so having that structure really helps us stay aligned.

Another habit I’ve been intentional about this year is reducing screen time — especially when I’m with my family. Even though my phone is essential for my work, I’ve started policing myself to keep it away when I’m with my daughter, who’s six. And honestly, I’ve noticed a huge difference. Our time together feels more present, more connected. We laugh more, talk more, and really enjoy each other’s company. It’s helped me fully embrace what “quality time” actually means.

All of these habits — movement, personal time, financial clarity, and digital boundaries — help me show up stronger, more focused, and more present in all areas of my life.

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 Fernanda Mantovanini, a Brazilian from a small town in the countryside of São Paulo. I come from a hardworking, middle-class family and started working at 15 to earn my own income — and I haven’t stopped since.

After college, I began my career in corporate finance through a trainee program at Deloitte, which opened doors to positions at EY, IBM, and other major companies. I lived and worked in São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro, earned a postgraduate degree in Controllership, completed an MBA in Business Management, and even launched a small business along the way.

In 2017, I married my husband Helcio and became a stepmom to Melissa and Henrique. A year later, our daughter Yolanda was born, completing our family. At the end of 2021, we received unexpected news: my stepchildren’s mother would be relocating to the U.S. with her new husband. After some reflection, we knew we wanted to keep our family close and maintain the bond between siblings. We decided the best path forward was for my husband to pursue a job transfer, and by July 2022, we had moved to Atlanta, Georgia — ready to start a completely new chapter from scratch.

The move was unplanned and challenging. I arrived with a business I had to manage from a distance, old plans on hold, and a deep sense of uncertainty. I eventually sold the business and focused on helping my family adapt: supporting my husband at work, helping my daughter learn a new language and adjust to school, and taking over the family’s finances.

With a completely different economy, an unfamiliar financial system, a high cost of living, and just one income at first, I quickly realized how critical strong financial planning was. I dove into learning how things worked in the U.S. — I studied, compared, tested, and searched for the right protection and investment solutions that reflected what we were used to in Brazil but made sense for our new reality.

That’s when everything came together.

I brought together my 16 years of experience in corporate finance, my background as an entrepreneur, and the practical lessons of rebuilding life in a new country — as a woman, a mother, and the financial backbone of a family. In December 2024, I became a licensed Financial Agent, and in June 2025, I became a Certified Financial Education Instructor — both milestones that aligned perfectly with my mission: to help other Brazilians — especially immigrant and expatriate women — rebuild their financial lives with clarity, confidence, and long-term planning.

Today, through my brand Mantovanini Capital, I help families and business owners protect what they’ve built and grow with intention. I specialize in products like Indexed Universal Life (IUL), annuities, and living benefits, but I never approach my work as just a transaction — education and empowerment are at the center of everything I do.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding services for women-led households and small business owners, and I’m currently developing my first e-book specifically for Brazilian women living abroad. I’m also building out more educational content across platforms — because I truly believe that when we understand our finances, we step into a new level of freedom and self-worth.

Looking back, I’m grateful I was pushed out of my comfort zone. Every new connection and every story I hear reminds me just how resilient we are. We all face hard seasons — but we can reinvent ourselves. And when we do, we rise stronger. Like a phoenix.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Resilience
Life doesn’t always follow the script — and I’ve learned that many times. From not being able to study in São Paulo as planned, to moving between different cities in Brazil for work, and eventually starting over in a new country, resilience has been essential in helping me move forward without losing myself. It’s also one of the reasons I had the courage to completely pivot my career and start over here in the U.S.
My advice: When you’re early in your journey, you might think things need to move fast — but the truth is, resilience is built over time. Every challenge you face has the potential to teach you something powerful. Use hard times as fuel for growth. You’ll be surprised how much strength you actually have when you’re tested.

2. Financial literacy
Understanding money — both emotionally and practically — was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence to take control of my future, and later, it became my career.
My advice: Start saving and investing as early as possible. When you’re young, you have time on your side — compounding interest can turn small amounts into real security. And if you’re thinking about life insurance, the younger you are, the more affordable it can be. Financial habits built early create freedom later. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” — start with what you can.

3. Curiosity & lifelong learning
I’ve never stopped learning. Whether it was taking on new roles in finance, studying the U.S. financial system as an immigrant, or becoming a Certified Financial Education Instructor — staying curious has opened every door in my career.
My advice: Stay up to date and open to learning — it’s one of the biggest differentiators today. The world changes fast, and those who grow with it stay ahead. Read, ask questions, take courses, challenge what you think you know. The more you learn, the more confident and capable you become.

And one more piece of advice for those just starting out:
Work hard while you can focus hard. When you’re young, use that time and energy to build something meaningful. As life goes on, responsibilities multiply — and it’s not always easy to keep the same pace. Lay a strong foundation early. It will make a huge difference later on.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

In my experience, it’s never just one person. Throughout my life, I’ve had — and still have — many people who contributed to who I am and helped me through different phases of my journey. I truly believe we can take a little something good from everyone around us, especially those closest to us. At the same time, we also learn what not to do from certain people who cross our paths. Both kinds of experiences shape us.

That said, if I had to highlight someone, I’d start with my husband. It might sound like the obvious answer, but the truth is, he’s been a true foundation for me — and I believe I’ve been the same for him. We’ve faced a lot of challenges together, and one thing that makes our partnership work is that while we share the same long-term goals, we often have different perspectives. That allows us to complement and challenge each other in a way that makes us both better.

Looking back to my childhood and family, my parents and some of my uncles were truly formative for me. I believe our parents are always a key part of our foundation — even when we sometimes look for inspiration outside, it’s often our family that shapes our core values. Their support and the example they set helped me navigate tough times and stay focused on what really matters.

And since moving to Atlanta, I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet five people who truly were a gift in my life. I have no doubt they’ll recognize themselves when reading this. They’ve helped me navigate this new country, culture, and season with more ease, confidence, and heart. I’m a big believer that no one succeeds alone. We grow through connection, and I’m grateful for every person who’s walked part of this path with me.

And above all, my daughter Yolanda is a huge part of everything I do. She teaches me things every single day. Adult life is so full — of responsibilities, labels, bureaucracy, pressure — and having a child at home reminds me that life is so much more than that. She helps me slow down, find joy in the small things, and see challenges with fresh eyes. With her, the sky is bluer, the flowers are more colorful, and even the hardest days feel lighter. And to be totally honest… she’s also been my English teacher in many moments — the reality of being an immigrant mom. (Yes, it happens — and I love it.)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mantovaninicapital.com
• Instagram: @fernanda_mantovanini
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandamantovanini

Image Credits

People in the images: Helcio Bueno, Melissa Bueno, Henrique Bueno, Yolanda Bueno, Fabiana Tanihara