WOMEN TO WATCH

Sarah Catherine Gutierrez

Founder and Partner
Aptus Financial

I started Aptus with a passion to help people save money for retirement and invest on their own. Our clients from over 30 states include young doctors, mid-career professionals and recent retirees interested in do-it-yourself investing but looking for planning, education and guidance to do it right. You can do it yourself, but you don’t have to do it alone. We hope to be similarly disruptive with our new 401(k) business, which provides individualized financial counseling, eliminates hidden fees and puts more money into employees’ retirement accounts.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far:

When we grew the savings deferrals among the employees of our first 401(k) contract by 57 percent.

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I always thought I would change the world by making money and donating it to good causes. But in 2008 when the markets crashed because good people were given bad financial advice, I found my calling.

What is a typical workday like?

After an early start to get our three kids ready for the day, I meet with clients, prepare plans and present at community events. After the kids go down, my husband and I teach dance at our salsa club downtown!

If you could lunch with any woman, who would it be?

Elizabeth Warren. Beyond politics, she is just trying to give people a fair shake with their money. I didn’t realize all the financial traps out there, but she has worked tirelessly to sniff them out and try to fix them.

How you define success:

Seeing my children grow up to be happy and healthy is my ultimate personal definition of success. Professionally, I want to be a change agent, affecting large numbers of people and how they save and prepare for the future.

Favorite part of living in Little Rock:

People dare to dream here. I have been fortunate to experience many people and places, from studying at Harvard to working alongside women in Sudan, but never have I been so inspired by a people willing to think big.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

If you ever want to be your own boss, beware the golden handcuffs. You can have an idea for a new business, but if you don’t live below your means, that idea will probably never see the light of day.

Who is your role model?

My family. My children have taught me to live and love in the present moment, and my husband has modeled how to work hard during work hours then truly turn off and focus on family in our time together.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

River Ridge

Hometown

Little Rock

Last good read

“The Big Short” by Michael Lewis

Favorite Food

Colombian arepas

Favorite Lunch Spot

Baja Grill

First thing you do at the office each morning

Check email

Last splurge

Minivan (ugh)

Hobbies

Salsa dancing

Dream Vacation

African safari

Favorite Song

“Renegades”

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