At Mason, we talk a lot about the advice we give. This series is about the people who give it.
Beyond the Advice is a new series where we hand our advisors ten questions and get out of the way. No talking points, no scripts, just their own words on the things that shaped them, the people they admire, and what makes them tick outside the office. Because good financial advice doesn’t come from a formula. It comes from someone who understands people, and that understanding starts with knowing who they are.
First up: Sarah Baker, CFP®.
What first drew you to this work?
Growing up, I wanted to be a cashier! I loved how they handled money, rang up items, and got to interact with every customer who came through. My favorite Christmas gift as a kid was my own toy cash register. That intersection of people and their money is something I was drawn to early on, and I’ve found the perfect balance for it in a career in wealth management.
Who’s had the biggest influence on how you show up for clients?
It’s really a conviction I hold around caring for clients. Money is deeply tied to peace of mind, and to stress, fear, and anxiety when it’s not managed well. I’ve watched clients’ lives change once they understood their situation, trusted their advisor, and found real peace of mind about the future. That’s what I want for every client I work with.
What’s a piece of advice that’s stuck with you over the years?
A few, actually: Run to, not from. People over things. Don’t let money lead your career decisions. Just because you can say yes doesn’t mean you should. More is caught than taught. Always do what’s best for the client. And if it isn’t good, it isn’t over.
What does an ideal Saturday look like for you?
Playing tennis, watching my kids’ games (lacrosse, football, basketball, soccer, whatever season it is), getting things done around the house, and spending time with my husband and family.
What’s something most colleagues or clients would be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in a big family with five kids, and now have a beautiful blended family of my own — seven kids, with one married and one engaged, so maybe closer to nine these days. Our oldest jokes that we’re officially DINKs: Dual Income, Nine Kids, instead of the usual “no kids” version. We host Sunday dinner at our house almost every week, and the whole crew, plus extended family, comes together for it.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to lately?
Recent reads: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, The Fund by Rob Copeland, and The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I watch a lot of sports (tennis, football, baseball), and I’ve been listening to the Financial Advisor Success podcast by Michael Kitces.
Is there a hobby, sport, or pastime you could talk about for hours?
My kids and their sports, tennis, faith, relationships, and personality frameworks like the Enneagram.
What’s a moment, personal or professional, you’re genuinely proud of?
Professionally, it’s helping clients through major transitions: losing a spouse, divorce, retirement. Personally, it’s my son Andrew. He’s faced a lot of change and adversity, but he continues to shine in school, sports, and at home. Years ago, when he started tackle football, I asked him to thank every coach after practice; there were about seven of them. I’d watch him make his way down the line, shaking hands, saying thanks, giving fist bumps. Fast forward to this season: I was watching practice and saw my son, along with several other kids, doing the exact same thing, thanking every coach. He started that. It makes me so proud.
If you weren’t in this field, what would you be doing instead?
I’d volunteer in financial literacy. I’m passionate about everyone having access to financial help, not just those who can afford to pay for it. I also love the idea of being a Daily Money Manager: going into people’s homes and helping them manage the everyday things, checking accounts, credit cards, and more.
What’s a quality you admire most in the people you work with?
Empathy, flexibility, and patience.
Who’s someone you’d love to have dinner with?
My mother-in-law. She passed away suddenly two months before our wedding. I’d love the chance to sit down with her and talk about life, faith, marriage, and kids. She would have had so much wisdom to offer, and so much encouragement to share.
What’s a small thing that always puts you in a good mood?
Fresh flowers in my home. I pick them up most Thursdays from Trader Joe’s and put together a few arrangements Friday mornings. We call it Flower Friday. I keep it to about $20 a week, and some arrangements last two or three weeks.
If Sarah’s story resonated with you, or if you’re simply ready to talk through your own financial picture, we’d love to introduce you. Book a call with Sarah or click here to learn more about her background, credentials, and areas of focus.
Sarah Baker, CFP®, is a Senior Financial Planner at Mason Investment Advisory Services, where she helps clients navigate life’s biggest transitions with clarity and confidence. Sarah leads Mason’s Women of Wealth Initiative. She lives in Mount Airy, MD with her husband and their large, blended family, where Sunday dinners are a weekly tradition.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Mason is a fee-based advisory firm. Please consult with a qualified attorney, tax professional, or financial advisor regarding your specific situation.
