GO FORWARD

INSIGHTS

Helping clients
take control of their financial lives.
SIMPLIFY. DEMYSTIFY. GO FORWARD.

About Me



Mary T. Go is the owner and founder of Go Forward Insights, LLC. Mary believes “no one watches your money better than you” and as a Financial Coach, she helps clients simplify and demystify their personal finance affairs.

Mary started her coaching practice after working over 20 years in financial roles for Walgreens and Pfizer. She first discovered her passion for financial coaching while working with her mother, shortly after the death of her father. Since that time, she has helped dozens of clients organize their financial lives, improve their returns, and gain financial confidence.

Her clients have included mid-career Individuals looking to organize their accounts, clients needing to regain financial confidence after life transitions, and individuals looking for an unbiased “second opinion” after creating plans on their own. She has led classroom discussions with career-transitioning executives on the value of simple mid-career financial “tweaks.”  Mary can be counted on for encouragement and confidential guidance with a strong dose of action-orientation and accountability.

Mary’s broader business experience includes senior positions within M&A and sales management, including a role based in Bern, Switzerland leading a financial integration team, and as a CFO of the $7 Billion Beauty division of Walgreens (growing EBIT by over 10% in two years). Prior to her Walgreens career, Mary worked at Pfizer for a decade, where she led large sales teams and held roles in eCommerce.

She holds a BA degree in economics from the University of Rochester and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.  Mary earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification after completing rigorous coursework through Northwestern University and passing the national board exam.

Services

Financial Coaching

One-on-one and couples' coaching sessions. Confidential sessions focused on creating a personal finance framework, from budgeting to goal setting to making money work harder. Custom, professional analysis also provided for specific financial goals.

Learn More

Speaking engagements

Customized large- and small-group speaking engagements. Interactive sessions focus audiences on small changes they can make to produce a better financial future.

Learn More

Resources

ARTICLE: Before you add a second income

Understanding Marginal versus Effective Tax Rates

Read More

ARTICLE: Avoiding the boomerang

5 simple steps to get your college-age student on the path to financial independence

Read More

LINK: Can Teenagers Invest in Roth IRAs?

A great idea for parents looking to help involve teenagers in investing - "matching" high-school earned job money with Roth contributions in the student's name.

Read More

Testimonials

 I hired Mary to help me evaluate my financial situation as well as my adviser. I couldn't have been more pleased with the advice I received from Mary… She was able to bring an unbiased view of my portfolio (as she is not associated with any of the big firms) and give me tips on other investments or changes in current investments I should be considering. My sessions with Mary resulted in a much better relationship with my current adviser. I am now able to ask the right questions and challenge him on things that I would have never challenged him on before. I highly recommend Mary. She is a great listener, very responsive, and can simply explain "financial stuff" that I have never really understood before. 

Mid-career business executive

 I knew that I should be doing more with my money, but I felt overwhelmed by the possibilities and wasn’t sure who I could trust. Mary was a godsend… she had a methodical approach and was a great communicator. Mary explained my options to me, made sure I understood and was unfailingly patient. She helped me make moves that ensured my money was allocated properly and doing more for me. I gained confidence about my current and future financial status and have Mary to thank. I highly recommend her services. 

Early-career professional

 Mary takes the time to understand your story, circumstances and desired outcomes. Then she creates a customized strategic approach that fits not only your goals and schedule, but also your individual characteristics. Her attention to detail, follow through and care has been exceptional and has made a significant impact on our lives. 

Business executive

 Mary is a wonderful Coach! Her financial background allows her to give you the right information for your situation. However, it really is her talent for listening and then formulating a plan that is specific to your needs where she really shines. Her conversational approach and use of appropriate questions for my situation provided the guidance, time to reflect and also that little extra push to help me in achieving my goals. 

Mid-career professional

 With only a few meetings, Mary was able to help me sort through the overwhelming paperwork after my husband’s death. She has a heart and even a sense of humor in tough times! She was able to walk me through the order of importance of various tasks, some I could handle easily, some requiring more help. Well within my target date of one year, I met my goal to complete my husband’s estate filing. I felt liberated. I couldn't have done it alone. 

Retired manager

 Ms. Mary Go is a Booth-trained MBA who has taken her considerable financial and organizational acumen from the Boardroom to assist individuals with budgeting and financial planning. She has described herself as an expert in “decluttering your financial life.” She is skilled, insightful, and has a wry sense of humor. She assisted me with specialized planning around a major life event. Her planning was rigorous, punctual and insightful. She is highly recommended. 

Business executive
  

Let's get Started


"This is YOUR opportunity to regain financial control and confidence. Whether indecisive about your financial plans, looking for affirmation of big financial moves, or facing a personal transition, this is a great moment to pause and get professional financial coaching focused exclusively on YOU and your goals." - Mary T. Go, Founder

Contact me

*
*