Women in Business Spotlight: Stacy Miller - Navigating Money & Life

Here we are nearing the end of the first quarter in 2026, and it feels like we’re somewhere

Stacy Miller, CFP - Bayview Financial Planning

between “where did the time go” and “how is it still only the beginning of the year.” I’ve had my fair share of challenges already, but I’ve still made time for connection whether that’s through small moments like neighborhood wellness walks (shoutout to my neighbor for starting those), or through the spaces that continue to bring incredible women together.

Through my role as Co-Chair of the Miami Chapter for Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE), I’ve been able to meet and connect with women across so many different paths—from casual socials to an incredible awards gala highlighting some top-tier women, to now preparing for the official Miami chapter launch. There’s something about being in rooms like this—where ideas are shared, support is real, and new relationships form naturally.

One of those relationships started at a WTE board retreat at the end of last year, where I met our next Women in Business Spotlight: Stacy Miller. As we were going around the room doing introductions, my ears perked up the second she said she was a CFP. I immediately thought, okay yes, a fellow finance person - let’s talk. And here we are.

This one was even more fun because I got to bring my business bestie into the conversation as we’re exploring a potential business opportunity together (more on that soon🤞).

So, let’s get into Stacy’s story.

Stacy’s Roots

Stacy Miller is the Founder and CEO of Bayview Financial Planning, a firm built to serve women, widows, and military-connected families. What makes her work land differently is that it’s not just based on theory; it’s based on a life she’s lived.

With a father, who served in the Navy and a husband who served 28 years in the Army, Stacy has spent decades inside the military world. That meant navigating deployments, constant relocations, and rebuilding life every few years, sometimes every six months depending on where they were stationed.

It’s a lifestyle that requires flexibility, but it also comes with trade, especially financially and emotionally.

She understands what that looks like firsthand. Not just the numbers, but the toll it can take mentally, the instability that comes with frequent change, and the reality of putting parts of your own career or plans on hold.

That lived experience is what drew her into the work she does today. There was a clear realization for her if she didn’t step in to support these families, someone else would, and that someone else might not approach it with the same level of care or integrity.

The Leap into Financial Planning

Stacy didn’t grow up thinking she would become a financial advisor.

She started her career in institutional asset management at a small independent firm, working in a highly technical environment. But over time, something started to shift.

At conferences, she found herself paying attention to a different group in the room - women who were Certified Financial Planners. There was something about the work they were doing that felt more connected.

As the years went on, she became less interested in simply managing assets and more drawn to the relationships behind the money: the conversations, the decision-making, and the real-life impact.

At the same time, she was hesitant. She had seen parts of the industry she didn’t agree with, especially when it came to how certain populations were treated. That hesitation eventually turned into clarity.

If she was going to do this, she was going to do it differently with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to the people she serves.

Where Her Work Lives Today

Today, Stacy’s work sits at the intersection of financial planning and real-life transitions.

She works with women navigating divorce, loss, career changes, or stepping into managing finances more independently. Many of them are capable and accomplished but were never taught how to fully understand or take ownership of their financial picture.

What she sees consistently is not a lack of ability, it’s a lack of exposure.

Because of her own experiences, she approaches these conversations differently. It’s less about telling someone what to do and more about helping them understand what’s in front of them clearly enough to move forward with confidence.

What Women Need to Know About Investing

One of the biggest misconceptions Stacy encounters is that women are behind when it comes to investing.

In reality, she sees the opposite. Women tend to be more thoughtful in their approach. They take their time, ask questions, and look at decisions with a long-term perspective. She describes this as being “risk aware,” not risk averse.

Being risk aware means understanding what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how it fits into your life. It’s not about avoiding risk altogether, it’s about being intentional with it.

From her perspective, this is where women often have an advantage once they have the education and confidence to step into it.

The Conversations That Matter Most

Make that money!

If there’s one topic Stacy naturally comes back to, it’s compound interest.

It’s something she introduced early on to her kids, walking them through how money grows over time. What stuck wasn’t just the concept but how quickly it clicked.

Her eldest son didn’t question it. He immediately asked how he could be on the side earning it.

That’s how she sees it. If you understand it, it works for you. If you don’t, it works against you.

Coming from a working-class background and being the first in her family to graduate from college, this wasn’t something she was taught early. It’s part of why she talks about it so often now.

More Than Just Numbers

One thing people don’t immediately expect about Stacy is that she was once a Division I student-athlete, running track and field at Boston University.

While that chapter didn’t last long at the collegiate level, it shaped how she approaches discipline, consistency, and showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.

That mindset carried into her family as well, with both of her children becoming student-athletes, including one at the Division I level.

Boundaries & the Emotional Side of Money

One of the most impactful pieces of advice Stacy received came from her therapist and centered around setting boundaries.

As someone who has worked through perfectionist tendencies and the habit of overextending, she realized she didn’t have to say yes to everything or carry more than she should.

That shift changed how she approaches both her life and her business, giving her more control over her time and energy.

It also led her deeper into understanding the emotional side of financial decision-making. Since our conversation, Stacy has officially earned her Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT) designation, expanding her ability to support clients through not just the numbers, but the life events and emotions that influence those decisions.

Because in reality, financial decisions are rarely just about math.

Building the Business

Stacy doesn’t describe herself as someone who had everything mapped out from the beginning.

When she left her previous firm, she didn’t have a full blueprint. She knew what didn’t feel right, but the rest she built as she went.

From refining her business model to navigating regulatory timelines that delayed her opening by several months, it required persistence more than anything.

It came down to continuing forward, even when things weren’t fully clear yet.

Turning Up the Volume on Confidence

During our conversation, I asked Stacy what her theme song would be for her business right now. With a smile she replied that she would choose “Timber” by Pitbull.

She picked it during a women’s empowerment event where she unexpectedly found herself walking on a catwalk and needed something that matched her energy in the moment.

It’s fun, confident, and doesn’t overthink itself.

Which reflects how she approaches her work.

What’s Next & Connect with Stacy

Today, Stacy continues to grow Bayview Financial Planning, expanding both her services and the depth of support she provides to her clients.

With her recent CeFT designation, her work continues to evolve beyond traditional financial planning by meeting women in real life moments where decisions are not just financial, but deeply personal.

You can learn more about Stacy Miller and connect with her at BayviewFP.com, where she shares insights, resources, and ways to work together.

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