09/03/2026
Often times, a person's relationship with money is rooted very deeply. My bio dad, Mark Stevens, was a fantastic human being that loved his community and was devoted in his faith as a Christian. I think he was a great Dad while he was alive as well. One of the things I am most proud of him for is the family prayer devotional that he wrote and had published, 'Cool Shades & Butterflies'. It represents the best of my Dad. He wasn't perfect. Neither am I. One of the biggest struggles my dad faced was with his mental health. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the treatment and medication available was not great at the time. When he was in the midst of a manic episode he would gamble and found himself in financial trouble frequently. I was never old enough to understand the impacts of this first-hand and always heard it retold by family members after his death. This has shaped my relationship with money over time and I have spent so so much time processing this on my own and in therapy. A silver lining in this is that it has equipped me well to hold meaningful discussions with my clients about money and financial planning. I don't get scared by the messy stuff because I know it is just life. I am human just like you and I want to help you if you need it. - Craig
