Kimberly Helm, AFC®, BFA™
Kimberly Helm, AFC®, BFA™, is the founder of FinSpire Financial Consulting LLC, where she helps small groups and individuals build confidence and clarity with money through simple, practical financial education. Together we build strategies to maintain cash flow, credit and industry understanding. www.FinSpireFinancial.com
Kimberly began her career as a financial advisor at Ameriprise, growing from intern to franchise owner while guiding clients through investing, insurance, and long‑term planning. That experience sparked her mission to make financial literacy accessible to everyone.
She later spent a decade in higher education as an Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Bursar/Director of Student Accounts, and Adjunct Instructor, helping students and families navigate college costs and develop real‑world financial skills.
Today, as a Marketing Strategist at Thrivent, Kimberly blends her background in finance, education, and storytelling to create clear, engaging financial content that sparks “a‑ha” moments and empowers people to make informed decisions.
Through both Thrivent and FinSpire Financial, she continues her commitment to helping people feel informed, empowered, and hopeful about their financial futures.
• Behavioral Financial Advisor™
• Accredited Financial Counselor®
• Concordia University (St. Paul) - MBA
• University of Wisconsin (Madison) - BS Consumer Sciences - Personal Finance
• Concordia University (St. Paul) - MA Organizational Management
• Association for Financial Counselors & Planning Education®
What do you attribute your success to?
Passion, discipline, and perseverance
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The grass is always greenest wherever you choose to water it
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
1) Find what fuels you and dive in!
2) Don't worry about things you can't control.
3) Don't compare yourself against others; only yourself!
4) If you can't get in the room, create your own building!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center around balance, purpose, and service. Professionally, I am accomplishing that by representing Thrivent as a purpose driven company while also developing FinSpire as a passion project dedicated to financial education. Personally, I am deeply committed to supporting a variety of causes and organizations, including my church and initiatives addressing kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and food insecurity. These commitments reflect my belief in using my skills and resources to make a meaningful impact on both individuals and the broader community.