Community Champion: Fátima Pérez-Luthi
Fátima Pérez-Luthi brings a wholehearted commitment to financial wellness into every aspect of her life. Inspired by her own and her family’s past, she is dedicated to expanding access to financial education and support for underserved communities, ensuring that opportunity is not limited by circumstance.
Aligned with the mission of the National Financial Educators Council and its Kansas affiliate chapter, Community Champion Fátima Pérez-Luthi focuses on empowering individuals and families to shape their own financial futures. Her warmth, energy, and genuine concern for others elevate her impact and serve as a daily reminder that our greatest achievements are reached together.
Personal Statement
My journey into financial wellness wasn’t something I first learned in a classroom – it was something I lived, experienced, and had to fight through. Today, as a Founder, Financial Health Strategist, and Protection Advisor, I bring over 13 years of experience across banking, lending, personal finance, and risk management. I’ve had the opportunity to work with thousands of individuals and families, but what truly shapes my perspective is not just what I’ve seen professionally – it’s what I’ve lived personally.
Financial education is not optional – it is foundational. It influences how we make decisions, respond to challenges, and access opportunities. For many, financial education was never provided – not at school, not at home, and not from the systems they rely on. Without it, people are left to navigate credit, lending, insurance, and wealth-building without clarity or confidence, often at a cost that goes beyond money. It affects peace of mind, relationships, and long-term stability. Financial education is about empowerment, dignity, and creating a path forward.
In 2016, our lives shifted, forcing us to confront our financial reality. I remember the silence in the room, the growing stack of unopened mail, and the physical weight of stress – a tight chest, sleepless nights, and constant worry. We didn’t feel irresponsible; we felt lost. We were using financial tools without understanding them, and our habits lacked strategy. Over time, the gaps compounded until it became overwhelming.
Yet, that moment became our turning point. We chose a complete reset. Step by step, we tracked our spending, had honest conversations, shifted habits, and stayed consistent even when progress was slow. We paid off debt, strengthened our financial discipline, and experienced true financial health – not perfection, but progress and alignment.
As I continued my career in banking and lending, I saw these same challenges in others. Many lacked access to information and support. Language barriers added another layer: I witnessed non-English-speaking clients signing documents they didn’t fully understand, accepting insurance or loans without proper explanation. I realized that financial literacy is also advocacy – ensuring that people are informed and protected.
During 2020-2021, while working in the mortgage industry, I saw even deeper gaps. Denials outnumbered approvals, and while we could advise clients to improve credit or save more, there was no structured guidance or ongoing support. The system identified gaps but didn’t walk with people to close them. I wanted to change that.
This calling led to the creation in 2020 of The Grind Coaching & Consulting, a practice focused on helping individuals and families take control of how they spend, save, borrow, and plan. It also inspired Voyage CFO 4U, a platform to guide people like a personal CFO, and expanded into protection through Luthi & Associates, Inc., in partnership with American Family Insurance.
Every part of this work is intentional – creating access, simplifying complexity, and providing continuous support, not just in crisis but throughout the entire financial journey.
Today, I am honored to contribute to financial literacy efforts nationwide through the National Financial Educators Council, advocating for education that is inclusive, practical, and transformative. Leading initiatives in Kansas allows me to reach people earlier, helping them before challenges become crises, and guiding them toward stability, confidence, and clarity.
My mission is to meet people with understanding, add value to their lives, and help them build a secure, confident financial future. I know what it feels like to be on the other side – and I know what’s possible when education, tools, and support come together.
Community Champion: Fátima Pérez-Luthi
Through almost a decade of experience in life coaching, banking, and finance and her trusted participation on the Kansas Financial Educators Council Advisory Board, Fátima Pérez-Luthi has shown unwavering devotion to improving financial wellness education. Her leadership, counseling expertise, and genuine commitment to community advancement serve as an inspiration to colleagues and partners throughout Kansas.
Fátima’s continued encouragement and service help us promote financial literacy initiatives, support educators, and deliver resources that foster stronger, more financially resilient communities. On the Kansas Council’s behalf, we offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation for Fátima Pérez-Luthi’s outstanding dedication.
