Throughout your career in financial services, you have been dedicated to financial literacy and empowerment, especially for women and families. Was there a defining moment that sparked your commitment to this mission? What made you realize this work was your calling?
Financial illiteracy shaped my life from an early age. I had a front-row seat to the chaos that unfolds when you don’t read the fine print. During the housing crisis, my parents—like millions of other immigrant families—purchased a home with a mortgage that, within months, became significantly higher than the property’s value. They signed documents in English that had been translated into Spanish, and crucial details were lost in translation. I witnessed firsthand how financial illiteracy can unravel stability and security.
That experience became my greatest motivator because a lack of financial knowledge doesn’t just impact your savings; it can cost you your financial security, your retirement, even your health. Financial instability takes a profound toll on our stress levels and overall well-being, and I’m committed to ensuring others don’t face the same hardships.
What has been your proudest achievement thus far, and why?
One of the most meaningful moments for me was appearing on WLRN’s local PBS segment, Ante Usted. Being part of the 2.9% of Hispanic CFP® Professionals is something I deeply cherish. As a bilingual advisor, having the opportunity to educate and support my community is incredibly special to me and something I’m very proud of. If my parents had access to someone like me back then, our future would have looked very different.
You could imagine I did not sleep that night! My first time on a TV set was an exhilarating experience, and I love pushing myself outside of my comfort zone – and this was definitely a push!
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career and what have you learned from them?
You’ll laugh at this, but one of the biggest challenges I face daily is my appearance. When people picture a financial advisor, they often envision a “John Smith”- an experienced, 60-year-old white man with gray hair, someone who's navigated multiple financial crises and confidently tells you what to do with your money.
I couldn’t be further from that image. I’m a 5 ft tall Colombian woman in my 30s—so what could I possibly know, right?
I began my career at Merrill Lynch Private Banking, working with South Florida’s wealthiest business owners. Early on, I was exposed to complex financial strategies, giving me a depth of perspective and experience that has shaped my approach over the past decade.
And when it comes to work ethic? I run like a horse. I firmly believe that hard work beats talent every time, and I make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Walk with confidence. Let the results and client testimonials speak for themselves. And above all, continue delivering the exceptional service I know how to provide because the right clients will recognize the value and follow.
What surprised you most on this journey?
How happy it would make me. I nearly cackled when I first heard the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
The truth is, I genuinely love what I do. My clients are thoughtful, kind people. They ask about my family, my well-being, my hobbies. I truly enjoy my meetings because I get to help bring clarity to someone’s financial picture. Sure, some conversations can feel overwhelming, but when a relationship is built on trust, the stress of financial planning diminishes.
So when I’m asked, “What should I look for in a financial advisor?” the answer is often simpler than people expect: How do they make you feel? Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Do you feel heard?
There are practical ways to narrow your search—a Certified Financial Planner designation, relevant experience, and client testimonials—but at the end of the day, financial planning is personal. How you feel around your advisor matters.
I never imagined I would love my career as much as I do—but I do, wholeheartedly.
What influences and inspires you?
My twin boys—and the hope of a brighter future for them. That’s what keeps me going. Like anyone, I sometimes get caught up in negative news, tumbling into a spiral of hopelessness. But when I pause and zoom out, I remind myself of something powerful: I have full control over the people I surround myself with and the impact we create together.
I have control over my daily actions, and as long as I take small steps—choosing kindness, leading with integrity, making intentional decisions—those moments compound over time. They shape a better world, not just for me, but for the people around me.
At the end of it all, I hope to leave behind a legacy that proves the immense power of small acts of kindness. Because they matter. They ripple outward, transforming lives in ways we may never fully see.
Every leader faces moments of uncertainty, doubt, or fear. What scares you and how are you navigating that fear?
Failure—complete and utter failure. The thought of disappointing my husband, my boys, and my community weighs on me. At times, impostor syndrome creeps in, challenging my sense of confidence.
But I anchor myself in what I know to be true: knowledge is power.
The better prepared I am, the better I can navigate any situation. So, every morning, I wake up and focus on what I can control. I prepare, I do my due diligence, I collaborate with my team to deliver great service. And just as importantly, I stay open and receptive to constructive feedback, whether it comes from my clients, my community, or the person who keeps me grounded above all—my husband.
I’ve learned that it’s not about eliminating doubt. It’s about pushing forward anyway, leading with preparation, integrity, and trust in the process.
What are some common challenges your clients often face and how does KINNECT Financial uniquely solve them- in a way that sets you apart from the many other South Florida advisory firms?
Financial illiteracy can have serious consequences, often leading individuals to make decisions that work against their long-term financial well-being. One of the most common challenges our clients face is not knowing the full range of financial tools available to them, or how to use them effectively.
Another major hurdle arises when clients follow advice from various "experts" without fully understanding the strategies they are implementing. Over time, this can result in a disjointed stack of financial approaches that are not regularly reviewed, potentially causing their wealth management efforts to work against them rather than for them.
At KINNECT Financial, our mission is to seamlessly connect every aspect of our clients’ financial plans. We take a holistic approach that encompasses cash flow management, budgeting, retirement and income planning, wealth management, trust and estate reviews, and insurance assessments. Our priority is ensuring our clients’ goals are understood and that an active, strategic plan is in place to pursue them. More than just building wealth, we focus on protecting it—minimizing external risks that could threaten our clients’ financial futures.
What truly sets us apart is not only what we do, but who we are. We are parents, business owners, and dedicated professionals with a personal commitment to understanding and solving our clients' financial concerns. Our team brings over 30 years of combined experience, including a CPA, an attorney, and CFP professionals, ensuring expert guidance across all facets of financial planning.
At KINNECT Financial, we don’t just manage assets—we empower our clients to become well-rounded, financially confident individuals.
What is the biggest mistake clients make when hiring a financial advisor? What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
I’d say it is thinking you have to go with your parent’s advisor or family advisor. More often than not, this advisor hasn’t shown interest in meeting you, getting to know you, or involving you in a constructive, individualized planning conversation.
It’s important to work with someone that genuinely cares about you, your story, your worries, your goals and helps you through a customized approach tailored to you.
One of the biggest misconceptions holding people back from finding the right advisor is they think financial advisors are only for the wealthy. In fact, 42% of consumers believe financial advisors are only for wealthy individuals and 45% think financial advisors cost much more than they actually do, leading many to avoid seeking professional guidance.
This is why only 30% of consumers have a paid financial advisor, and many who don’t, cite reasons such as lack of trust or feeling disconnected from the advisor’s approach. However, 95% of those who do have an advisor say it’s worth the money, reinforcing the importance of working with someone who genuinely understands and supports your financial goals.
At KINNECT Financial, you don’t have to have $1M to work with us. We actually work with people at all wealth levels because the assets under management don’t tell the whole story. We come in as consultants, review every aspect of your plan, and advise.
What advice can you give to someone who is feeling disconnected from their financial future? What are some steps you can offer to empower her to regain control?
I would say take a step back and visualize where you want to be at the end of this year. Then look further- next year, the next five years, the next ten. What do you want to accomplish? Then, sit down with one of us- someone who makes you feel comfortable, seen and heard. Share your vision and start building the plan that gets you there!
Many people don’t realize just how simple it is to begin their financial journey, and the sooner you get started the better. Compounding is powerful. Most people don’t realize time in the market is far more valuable than timing the market. The earlier you start, the greater the impact on your long-term wealth.
What does the future of finance look like?
Automation and AI are driving productivity in meaningful ways, streamlining processes where efficiency matters most. Yet, one thing remains unchanged—the emotional side of money. No matter how advanced technology becomes, the human touch in financial guidance will always be essential.
At KINNECT Financial, we embrace innovation, leveraging technology to enhance our services. But at the core of everything we do is the understanding that financial planning is deeply personal. We live in an experience economy, where trust, clarity, and emotional reassurance matter just as much as the numbers. In life’s most overwhelming financial moments, you’ll always want to work with someone who provides not just solutions, but peace of mind.
What are your goals currently? What is next on the horizon for Mari Delgado?
Right now, my focus is growing my business by working with clients I genuinely connect with.
Because financial planning is deeply relationship-driven, I’ve found that when people who truly appreciate my approach hire me, they become my greatest advocates. They believe in my work, trust my expertise, and actively help expand my network and open doors to new opportunities.
On a personal level, my little ones are about to start school, and time feels like it’s slipping away faster than ever. I’m focusing on being present, both at home and at work. True balance may not exist, but I strive to give 100% to whatever I’m doing. Some days, my family gets 60% of me, other days, they get 30%, but I ensure that wherever I am, I’m fully engaged. Time-blocking has been a game-changer!
What advice would you give to other professionals who want to be successful in this industry or are embarking on a similar journey?
Seek out conversations with people already thriving in the field you're pursuing. They can share insights you won’t find in a Google search—real experiences, lessons learned, and perspectives on what makes their work fulfilling (or challenging). Ask the important questions: Are they happy? Why? Why not? Their stories can offer valuable guidance as you shape your own path.
In my industry, I always come back to a powerful quote: “No one is YOU, and THAT is your superpower!”
The key to success isn’t just mastering technical skills. It’s leaning into what makes you unique. What comes naturally to you? What do you genuinely love doing? Find ways to align these strengths with a role that allows you to thrive, and your career will become more than just a job. It will be a part of your life that helps you to truly flourish and become your fullest self.
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