Dear FPA San Francisco Members,

FPA Board Member | Treasurer & Director-at-Large | Founder, Fiat Lux Financial Planning

This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Kate Wilusz, a longtime FPA leader whose career, passion for learning, and love of community continue to enrich our chapter.

Professionally, Kate recently launched her own advice-only financial planning firm, Fiat Lux Financial Planning. “It’s been an adventure to launch a new business,” she says. At the same time, she’s nearly finished with her Master of Science in Financial Planning. “It’s been amazing to continue my learning and to meet and be inspired by other CFPs in the program. Our industry has a bright future!”

Kate splits her time between Guerneville and San Francisco, a lifestyle she describes as “pretty much the best combination since peanut butter and chocolate.” When she’s not working or studying, you’ll find her gardening, playing sports, traveling, or exploring the outdoors with her dog, Churro. One of her favorite conversation starters? Her 1972 light blue Volkswagen bus. “It’s running like a champ and a lot of fun to take out for a drive on Highway 1,” she shares.

She’s also a devoted fan of podcasts and learning. “I am a devotee of Freakonomics,” she says, adding that her textbooks on Portfolio Management and Investor Psychology are keeping her busy at the moment. She follows real estate trends through classes and podcasts and looks forward to fall sports: Cal Bears and Niners football, and hopefully, “an Orange October for the Giants.”

Looking ahead, Kate is most excited about one simple but meaningful milestone: finishing her Master’s program. “I would say weekends without homework,” she says with a smile.

Kate has been part of FPA San Francisco since 2009 and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Programs Co-Chair, President-Elect, President, and Past President. In 2024, she returned to the board as Treasurer and a Director at Large. What she values most hasn’t changed: “The smart, talented, and inspiring people I meet.”

Her guiding mantra, a reminder to live fully, comes from Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Beyond FPA, Kate serves on the UC Berkeley Advisory Committee, has been deeply involved in the chapter’s Pro Bono program and Financial Planning Day since its very first year in 2012, and is a docent at Armstrong Woods in Guerneville. Her commitment to service, education, and community shines through in all she does.

We are grateful for Kate’s long-standing leadership and the many ways she continues to inspire our profession. 

Warmly,

Jeremiah Griffith, CFP®

President, FPA San Francisco Chapter

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