We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Ryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is a very personal thing that we often forget is personal. We can get swept up in the collective groupthink, taking on what others believe is risky or not risky and then measuring our lives and actions against other people’s risk tolerances. This is not a fair comparison or a recipe for success in our own lives.

I left a corporate career without a golden parachute, and I am quite sure that many people thought I was completely crazy or just stupid for walking away. Giving up something after more than 25 years, a great salary, generous benefits, and prestige, all for an unproven business, is a risky move from the outside. But honestly, this was the least risky move I could make because I was betting on myself.

Behind the scenes, I had been preparing for a move for years. I got to know myself, understood what I wanted and what was important to me, and stopped trying to align my dreams with a corporate priority list. I started to make financial moves that were very different from my peer group, allowing me to squirrel away a nest egg that would open doors to explore and experiment in the future.

It also meant learning to trust my inner voice and not the loud outside majority. The world around us is full of opinions and agendas, coming in through societal expectations, social media, and even well-meaning friends and family. In my opinion, living up to what you think others believe you should be doing or what you think they will judge you on is a risky bet. My approach is to define what you want out of life and then chase it without apology.

Not making some big move (this was starting my own business) would be a risk because I was stuck. I felt underappreciated under-respected, and was keeping my corporate job for the wrong reasons. Those reasons were that I thought I needed a steady paycheck, and I didn’t have a replacement for the benefits the companies provided me. The golden handcuffs were in place, giving me the perception that I couldn’t find something better outside their world. It created an environment of self-doubt because what I wanted didn’t align with what the world wanted from me.

Trusting myself and listening to my inner voice and gut instinct when they told me something wasn’t right was the biggest risk mitigation I could take. That voice and instinct are there for a reason. That reason might not be obvious initially, but it will become more apparent as you ask questions and dig deeper.

So, taking the perceived risk of jumping out on my own has defined my life for the better. It took away the conflict in my heart and mind, creating self-doubt. It also gives me the freedom of time and energy. It allows me to be there for my family and kids when they need me and to set a schedule to be true to my creative energies. And best of all, is becoming a money coach, helping others get beyond the perceived risks and roadblocks to become empowered in their own lives by taking control of their financial lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Thrive at Money, I help women feel empowered with money by providing education and action plans on day-to-day personal and business finances to improve their confidence and control over their money.

By taking charge of their financial future, I help my clients no longer feel chained to their desks, drowning in dread over mounting credit card bills, or missing out on precious family moments. How? By mastering their finances, they’re unlocking the door to freedom.

Imagine choosing to stay at your job because it fuels your passions, not because bills dictate so. Envision taking guilt-free vacations, reducing stress to a mere whisper, and creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. It all boils down to one powerful truth: when you take control of your money, you take control of your life.

Like many, I was once caught in a cycle of financial stress, living paycheck to paycheck, but I was also making enough money that things shouldn’t have felt so tight.

It wasn’t until I took control, aligning my money habits with where I actually wanted to be, that I broke free and transformed my entire life. Inspired by this journey, I founded Thrive at Money to help others achieve similar breakthroughs. Now, I have the privilege of guiding clients toward their own financial victories.

The transformations I witness daily are what make me the most proud. Imagine the moment when someone realizes they have the power to shape their financial future. They feel exhilarated when they pay off that burdensome debt, proud when they can afford to send their kids to college without loans, or thrilled when they finally have the financial stability to grow a business they’re passionate about.

What makes Thrive at Money different is I’m here to assist, educate, and help hold people accountable to their dreams, not sell products. I believe that money management isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the relationship you have with your money and how it fits into your life as a whole.

When my clients gain financial clarity and confidence, it ripples into all areas of their lives. It’s like watching a seed sprout and grow—suddenly, their mental health improves, their relationships flourish, and their overall quality of life skyrockets. This is the magic of financial wellness, and it’s incredibly inspiring to be a part of.

I don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all solution. My philosophy isn’t about cutting what you love. Yes, you can keep your coffee and use your credit cards. The journey is about gaining alignment with your goals and understanding the behaviors behind your actions. So many people worry they will be told they are overspending, but many of my clients have an income issue that we need to address.

My perspective comes from being in the trenches along the way, from paying off large debts to getting spending in line with my income and goals, even working out how to significantly increase my income and start my entrepreneurial journey. I spent many years in a corporate career, afraid to lose the benefits and steady paycheck. As I learned what I actually needed to support my family and how to fill in the gaps, I was able to confidently take the leap into opening my own business. I stopped hiding behind the fear of the unknown, found my truths, and was able to see a clear road to a different path of life and the joy and freedoms that come with it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in Colorado are where you can enjoy nature, friends, and good food.

On a week-long itinerary, I would spend a day in the city, exploring Union Station, eating ice cream at Milkbox, and playing in the outdoor fountains. I would include a tour of RINO and the graffiti art walls, grabbing food and margaritas at McDevitt’s Tacos in the Vīb Hotel. Another day could be to attend a Rockies game, hang out in McGregor Square for a pregame snack, and soak in all our beautiful sunshine. Rounding out a tour of downtown, we would have to include visiting the museum district, walking through the Denver Art Museum plaza, and enjoying the museums’ culture.

I would spend a day in the foothills, touring Golden and Morrison, with either an early morning hike up the steps at Red Rocks or an evening concert. I would spend a couple of days in the mountains, soaking up nature, hiking a trail in Silverthorne, hanging out at the marina in Frisco, or getting some ski turns in at Keystone if it’s winter. Then, I’d have to take my friend down to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, drive to the top of Pikes Peak, and soak in the fantastic views.

Coming back to Denver, I wouldn’t be able to miss one of my favorite places, the Denver Botanical Gardens, and enjoy some sweet potato fries by the lake. And we’d wrap up the adventure with a fantastic pizza and beer at Esters Pub.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my family. First, my parents, who always helped me believe I could do anything I could dream up. They helped me learn to make decisions like an adult and work through any situation or idea. A special shoutout goes to my mom, who showed me that a woman could do anything a man could do! And to my husband and daughters, who have supported every crazy idea I have ever come up with. Thank you for their love, belief, and support throughout my life!

Website: www.thriveatmoney.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveatmoney/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyryan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveatmoney

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thriveatmoney

Image Credits
Melyssa Stout Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.