Sharon O'Day

Money Muse to whoever will listen. Boot-strapper. No-nonsense taskmaster. Shameless cheerleader. Always with a hand outstretched to anyone who accepts personal responsibility. And very little time for BS'ers.

"Have you ever thought of writing a book?" they ask.

I'm an American raised in Brazil. I've lived my life like a "bucket list." Hung out of helicopters in the Amazon as an aerial photographer. Trekked across Peru. Lived in a thatched-roof hut on an island off the coast of Cancun. Rode horseback at dawn around the pyramids of Giza. Lived in gossipy French villages ... and uppity Parisian neighborhoods. Hunted birds with a French count. Worked with presidents, prime ministers ... and scoundrels.

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. I've started businesses, built them, lost them and turned them around. Worldwide. I'm an international market entry expert. And a tireless problem-solver.

I've lived high on the hog, and I've been flat broke. Had everything. Lost everything. And bounced back.

[I needed to learn the difference between my "finances" and my "money." If you don't understand money, it'll fight you. I understand it now.]

And today I'm serious about helping people make sound financial decisions as they prepare for – and live – their best retirement. That's why I ghostwrite extensively for financial services providers.