Theresa Disbrow, CFEI
Theresa Disbrow CFEI® is a Financial Coach and experienced Accounting Manager with over 30 years of expertise in accounting, tax preparation, and financial operations. She currently works at Genovese, Zdon & Associates, LLC, where she oversees accounting workflows, tax compliance, staff development, and client financial management. Alongside her corporate accounting role, she is the founder of Positive Balance LLC, where she helps individuals and small business owners build financial clarity, strengthen money habits, and develop practical systems for budgeting, saving, and debt reduction.
Her professional background combines deep technical accounting knowledge with hands-on financial coaching experience. She specializes in translating complex financial information into simple, actionable strategies that help clients better understand their cash flow, reduce financial stress, and make informed financial decisions. Her expertise includes business and individual tax preparation, accounting operations, and client financial education, supported by her Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) credential.
Theresa is currently transitioning toward full-time financial coaching, where she focuses on empowering clients to break out of paycheck-to-paycheck cycles and build long-term financial stability. Her approach is rooted in education, consistency, and realistic planning, emphasizing small, sustainable steps that lead to meaningful financial change. Through her work, she is committed to helping people gain confidence, control, and peace of mind in both their personal and business finances.
• Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI)
• Post University – Bachelor’s Degree, Accounting
• Influential Women 2026
• Recognition highlighted through long-term professional impact in accounting and financial education
• Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI)
• Influential Women Network
• Relay for Life
• Boy Scouts of America – Personal Management Merit Badge Counselor
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, consistency, and the time I’ve invested in building my career. A strong support system, especially my family, has also played an important role in helping me complete my education and navigate both professional and personal challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most valuable guidance I’ve received is the importance of planning and persistence. Staying committed to long-term goals, even when life becomes challenging, and continuing to move forward step by step has been essential to my growth and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to prioritize taking care of themselves and to choose a career path that is both financially supportive and personally sustainable. It’s important to make thoughtful plans not only for yourself but also for your family, because life can change unexpectedly, and preparation creates stability and options.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is that many people are hesitant to ask for help, often staying stuck in paycheck-to-paycheck cycles without realizing there are solutions available. At the same time, there is a growing opportunity to support younger individuals who are entering the workforce with student loan debt and limited financial education. Helping people understand budgeting, debt cycles, and compound interest is a major area of impact and growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, friendships, and meaningful personal time are very important to me. I also value travel and creating experiences outside of work. In addition, giving back to the community through volunteering and supporting meaningful causes is a core part of my values, along with building financial independence and flexibility that allows for a balanced life.