Building Wealth with Purpose: Denise Sarkor’s Blueprint for Financial Freedom and Legacy
What does wealth mean to you? For many, it conjures images of material abundance—dream homes, overflowing bank accounts, or a thriving business. But for Denise Sarkor, founder of Sarkor Financial Advisors, wealth transcends material gain. It’s about aligning money with purpose, leveraging community, and creating a sustainable legacy.
In the latest episode of Badass Women in Business, we had the privilege of sitting down with Denise to explore her journey from fleeing civil war in Liberia to becoming a financial powerhouse in the U.S. Her story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the transformative power of intentional financial planning. If you’re a woman entrepreneur, leader, or professional ready to redefine wealth, this blog is packed with insights you can apply today.
From Refugee to Financial Visionary
Denise’s story begins in Monrovia, Liberia, where her family’s life was upended by civil war. At just five years old, she fled with her family to the Ivory Coast and later immigrated to the United States. This tumultuous start inspired Denise’s first dream: to build a hospital in Liberia.
While her path shifted from medicine to finance, her core mission—creating infrastructure to support others—remains the same. As she puts it, “I see myself as a doctor for people’s finances, uncovering the root causes of financial challenges and helping people build systems that support their dreams.”
The Heart of Holistic Financial Planning
Denise’s approach to financial planning goes far beyond traditional investment advice. She views finances as deeply personal, shaped by an individual’s beliefs, values, and community. “We don’t rise to the level of our dreams; we fall to the level of our systems,” she says.
Holistic financial planning, as Denise defines it, involves addressing every facet of a person’s financial life—from budgeting and debt management to estate and tax planning. But the work doesn’t stop there. Denise is adamant about helping her clients break free from limiting beliefs about money, ensuring that their systems align with their goals and values.
A Personalized Approach: Who Denise Serves
Denise tailors her services to meet the unique needs of three distinct client groups:
1. Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs face unique challenges when it comes to wealth building. Denise knows this firsthand as a business owner herself. She helps entrepreneurs move beyond the common mindset of reinvesting every dollar back into the business by showing them how to balance business growth with personal financial security.
“Entrepreneurs should always begin with the end in mind,” she says. Whether planning for a business exit, optimizing cash flow, or setting up retirement accounts, Denise helps her entrepreneurial clients lay the groundwork for long-term financial success.
2. Career Professionals
For busy professionals like doctors, researchers, and executives, financial planning often takes a backseat to demanding careers. Denise steps in to help these high performers align their finances with their values. Together, they tackle everything from budgeting and investment management to family estate planning.
“It’s not just about the numbers,” Denise explains. “It’s about creating a life that reflects what matters most.”
3. Community Leaders and Legacy Builders
For clients who are focused on making a larger impact, Denise ensures that their personal finances are as solid as the communities they serve. These individuals often neglect their own financial well-being while focusing on others. Denise helps them secure their home base so they can lead with confidence.
Why Community Is Essential to Wealth
Denise’s philosophy emphasizes the power of community. Whether it’s an advisory board, a mastermind group, or trusted family members, having a strong support system is non-negotiable.
“We live in a time of hyper-individualism, but that’s a trauma response,” she says. “If you want to go far, go together.”
Denise credits her own success to the support systems she’s built, including a mastermind group of seven women who are also building financial firms. Together, they navigate challenges, share resources, and celebrate wins.
Financial Literacy: The Foundation for Success
A lack of financial literacy is one of the biggest barriers Denise sees among her clients. She recalls moments from her early career, such as helping a client open their first checking account or guiding a family through the complexities of probate after a loved one’s passing. These experiences shaped her mission to educate clients at every stage of their financial journey.
“Financial planning is a relationship,” she says. “It’s about meeting people where they are and helping them grow.”
Top Lessons from Denise Sarkor
Mindset Matters: Your beliefs about money shape your financial reality. Take time to evaluate and rewrite limiting narratives about wealth and success.
Build Strong Systems: Dreams are important, but systems make them achievable. Start with a solid foundation, whether it’s a budget, estate plan, or business strategy.
Leverage Community: You don’t have to do it all alone. Surround yourself with experts and peers who can guide and support you.
Mic Drop Moment
“Money is simply a tool to achieve the life you want and the impact you want to leave on society. When we lose sight of that, we lose sight of what wealth truly means.”
Looking Ahead: Building Wealth with Purpose
Denise’s journey is a powerful reminder that wealth is not just about accumulation—it’s about alignment, purpose, and impact. Her holistic approach challenges the traditional notions of financial planning and offers a refreshing perspective for women ready to take control of their financial futures.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur scaling your business, a professional juggling career and family, or a community leader looking to leave a legacy, Denise’s advice is clear: Start with your values, build strong systems, and lean on your community.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Connect with Denise Sarkor:
Financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and support, you can turn your dreams into actionable steps and create a legacy that lasts for generations. Until next time, stay badass!
