Who’s on Your Financial Dream Team?

Assalamu Alaikum, girlie! 🌸

Here’s the truth: managing your finances alone isn’t always a flex—it can get overwhelming. Your finances deserve more than a one-woman show. It needs intentionality, like your career, relationships, and health. And just like you wouldn’t DIY a medical diagnosis (Google can’t solve everything), your finances are best handled with expert guidance.🤝

Building a financial dream team isn’t about spending more—it can help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and create generational wealth. Whether you’re planning your dream Hajj trip, saving for a down payment, or investing in your kids’ future, you need a support system to help you get there.

So today, we’re covering:

1️⃣ 5 Professionals You Need In Your Corner

2️⃣ 4 Tips to Create the Team You Need

Let’s build your squad! 💼✨

5 Professionals You Need in Your Corner

1. Financial Coach 💬

Your financial coach is your accountability partner and biggest cheerleader. Beyond helping you tackle your goals and pay off your debt, a financial coach will dive deep into your limiting beliefs around money. They’ll explore the habits that make saving impossible for you, the reason why you always feel like you “don’t have enough” even with $10,000s saved, and much more.

You could waste years trying to figure it out on your own, making costly mistakes or delaying important milestones. A coach focuses on your behavior with money; while an advisor focuses on the behavior of your money.

2. Financial Advisor 📈

If your investments are as confusing as your TikTok algorithm, you definitely need a financial advisor. They’ll guide you on long-term strategies, like retirement planning, portfolio diversification, and halal investing. This is especially important if you’re hitting big financial milestones (like a $100K net worth or more).

Without proper investment guidance, you risk leaving money on the table—or worse, losing it entirely.

3. Tax Professional 💸

If you’re like me, you hate anything to do with taxes. They can be confusing, complex, and time consuming but they’re a reality you can’t escape. A tax pro ensures you’re taking advantage of all available deductions while avoiding any “oops” moments with the IRS. This is a great time of year to meet with a tax pro and make any adjustments before tax season begins.

Bonus Tip: They can help you set up a system to track your charitable giving, so your sadaqah and zakat records are always ready.

4. Estate Planner or Attorney🏠

An estate planner isn’t just for the wealthy. They help you create wills, trusts, and other arrangements that align with Islamic guidelines. Protecting your assets and ensuring they’re distributed according to the shari’ah is one of the most important financial steps you can take.

5. A Student of Knowledge (or Scholar) 🕌

Saved the best for last. As a Muslim, you need to be intentional about your money from all directions: how you make it to how you spend it. A person of knowledge will help you make sure your money management system is halal and aligned with the shari’ah. They will help you understand concepts of Islamic finance and will be a good resource to send new questions to.

Pro Tip: It’s the best of both worlds if you have someone who specializes in Islamic Finance.

4 Tips to Build Your Dream Team

Here’s how to find the right professionals who not only meet your needs but also align with your values:

1. Define Your Goals 🗺️

Before reaching out to anyone, get clear on your financial priorities. Are you trying to pay off debt? Save for a house? Invest in halal options? Knowing your goals will help you find professionals who specialize in the areas that matter most to you.

2. Ask the Right Questions 💬

Don’t be afraid to interview potential professionals. After all, they’re there to serve you! Ask questions like:

• What’s your experience working with clients who prioritize halal investments or Islamic financial principles?

• How do you tailor your approach to fit my specific goals and values?

• What’s your process for creating a personalized financial plan?

The answers will help you gauge if they’re a good fit. Remember, the right professional should respect and understand your priorities and not get defensive.

3. Start Your Search in the Right Places 🔍

Finding qualified professionals doesn’t have to be a headache. Here are a few places to begin:

1. LinkedIn: Use filters to search for financial advisors, coaches, and accountants with relevant expertise.

2. Trusted Masajid or Islamic Centers: Many host financial workshops or have connections to professionals familiar with Islamic finance.

3. Online Communities: Check forums or groups focused on personal finance for Muslim women—someone’s likely to recommend a great pro.

4. Referrals: Ask friends or family members who’ve worked with a professional they trust.

4. Take It One Step at a Time 🧗

You don’t have to build your entire team overnight. Start with one key role that aligns with your most pressing need. I’m still building my team (currently looking for an attorney who does Islamic Wills if you know any good ones 😉)

As your goals grow, you can add more professionals to your team based on your needs.

5. Look for Someone who wants to Teach 🧗

The purpose of having professionals on your team is to be educated to make the best decisions. YOU are still in control not the expert. They are an expert in their field, not in your life. Look for someone who has the heart of a teacher and wants to help you understand, not someone who tells you what to do.

Don’t pass the steering wheel of your life to someone else.

Trying to handle all these areas alone can lead to burnout, mistakes, and missed opportunities. Imagine losing thousands of dollars in potential savings or making decisions that derail your long-term goals. The opportunity cost of “figuring it out later” is far too high, contact one professional this week!

Until next week,

Fatimah✨

Founder, Finance Girlie