The wisdom of the daughter of two mothers
This daughter of two mothers will challenge every negative stereotype you’ve heard about children growing up with same-sex parents.
Meet Cinara Foor, financial planner and daughter of two lesbians
How many 21 year olds do you know who have invested in a Roth IRA and own their own home? Today you’ll meet an aspiring financial planner who is adept at retaining, investing, and growing her money as she works toward financial independence – despite seemingly negative experiences with family finance growing up. The daughter of two mothers who were adopted from China when she was nine months old, Cinara Foor is on her way to success in a male-dominated industry as she aims to educate clients about money management, insurance coverage and investment planning.
Cinara recently completed her BBA in Corporate Finance and Financial Planning from the University of Akron. She works as a personal assistant at MassMutual Financial Group and is preparing for the CFP and Series 7 exams with the goal of becoming a financial planner, eventually returning to either college or law school.
Cinara’s unique experiences as the child of two mothers led her into the financial planning industry, and today she shares her experience of being raised by same-sex parents, how her bankruptcy was both the best and worst thing that could have happened to her, and why financial professionals didn’t know how they should serve their family. Listen to Cinara’s advice to young listeners about college and finances, and learn how she overcame the limiting ideas about money typically held by people from minority backgrounds.
Listen to this episode of Queer Money:
Topics that are dealt with with a daughter of two mothers
The moments that sparked Cinara’s interest in financial planning
- Watch as two mothers navigate legal situations that traditional couples don’t deal with (e.g., power of attorney, estate planning).
- In her senior year of high school, her parents went bankrupt
Cinara’s experience being raised by two mothers
- I didn’t realize she wasn’t “normal”, the other kids didn’t care
- Friends’ parents made up reasons why they couldn’t come over
- Cinara was an incredibly supportive mother and never felt restricted
- Both mothers are involved in the community
Cinara’s unique educational experiences
- Attended PCMS Montessori School through eighth grade
- Work at your own pace as you have the freedom to pursue your interests
- Transferring to a very large public high school
- Participation in DECA, a business program to earn academic credit
- Always put yourself in situations where you had the opportunity to develop
- I am currently studying for the CFP Series 7 exam
Cinara’s beliefs about money growing up
- Very conservative at first
- Read more about young entrepreneurs
- Determined to get a certificate of deposit in middle school
- Fascinated by investments
- Money is not discussed in the household
How Cinara deals with limiting beliefs about money typically held by minorities
- Surround yourself with the right people to encourage optimism
- Prepare for financial freedom with a Roth IRA and invest yourself
Cinara’s introduction to financial planning as a profession
- Finance major, interest in corporate career
- The professor wanted to explore the career path of a financial planner
- Heard Carina Diamond speak about financial literacy and independence
The evolution of financial planning as an industry
- Often portrayed as cutthroat and impersonal
- Holistic plans require a financial planner to take on the role of advisor
Cinara’s advice for young listeners on money and studies
- Make full use of the scholarship and financial support opportunities
- Start saving now
- Consider a Roth IRA
- Pay off your credit cards every month to avoid interest
- Live within your means