Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillie Ruden.
Hi Lillie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly meaningful. I was born and raised in Lehi, Utah, the youngest of four kids. My mom is from Springville, and my dad was from Spokane, Washington. He worked for the United States Postal Service, and my mom was a pediatric nurse at Utah Valley Pediatrics. Even though both of my parents worked hard, they struggled to make ends meet. I remember my dad frequently pulling money from his 401(k) just to cover household needs, put food on the table, or do simple landscaping projects. At one point, my parents wanted to build a new home, but they didn’t qualify for the loan. A loan officer falsified their income to help them get approved. Looking back, it was a terrible decision; they became house poor and stressed under the financial weight.
Still, my parents loved us deeply and gave everything they could to provide for us. I’m incredibly grateful for the life and values they gave me. When I was ten years old, my dad passed away by suicide after a long battle with depression. No child should have to experience that kind of loss so young. It was heartbreaking, but it also shaped who I am. I realized early on that I had a choice: I could either be a victim of my circumstances or a victor over them. I chose the latter, and that decision has guided me ever since.
I worked hard to pay for most of my college education. I attended both Utah Valley University and Utah State University, and I recently graduated from USU with a degree in Finance and a minor in Personal Financial Planning. I chose financial advising because I want to help families like mine, people who work hard, love deeply, and just need the right guidance to make smarter financial decisions. I hope to give others the peace of mind my parents didn’t always have.
In January 2025, I started working at Allegis Financial Partners, and I’m currently working toward becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This career allows me to blend empathy with strategy and help others build a life they’re proud of, no matter where they started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all, but if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.
Paying for college was one of my earliest challenges. I took on multiple jobs, applied for scholarships, and eventually sought help from outside sources just to stay on track. It taught me resourcefulness, grit, and the value of investing in myself.
Starting my career in financial advising hasn’t been simple either. Building a book of business from scratch takes persistence, courage, and a lot of belief in what you’re doing, especially when you’re young and new to the industry. There have been moments of self-doubt, anxiety, and burnout, especially in the early stages of college and stepping into a field where I’m often one of the youngest in the room.
But I keep going because I believe in the mission: helping people avoid the financial mistakes that brought stress to my own family. Every challenge has made me stronger, more empathetic, and more committed to creating a future where peace of mind is possible, no matter someone’s background or starting point.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth every step.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work at Allegis Financial Partners. We believe that financial planning should feel personal, empowering, and accessible, regardless of your stage of life or income level. As a financial advisor, I specialize in helping individuals and families build a strong financial foundation through protection, savings strategies, and long-term planning. Our approach is simple: we help people make smart decisions with their money so they can live more confidently and securely.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all financial advice. Every client has a different story, and we tailor our guidance based on what truly matters to them. Whether it’s budgeting, insurance, debt management, investing, or retirement planning, our goal is to educate and walk alongside clients, not just sell them something.
What sets Allegis apart is our commitment to long-term relationships and education. We’re not here for just a transaction; we’re here to guide you through life’s transitions, changes, and opportunities. I focus on helping younger individuals, young families, and women understand how to take control of their money early on, so they can avoid common financial mistakes and build a future they’re proud of. I take pride in helping my clients build financial confidence.
Alongside my work as an advisor, I also started an Instagram platform (@findswlillie) where I share great discounts or “good finds.” I believe there’s always a way to save money, and you don’t need to pay full price for most things if you do a little research. Whether it’s a deal at Costco, a cute Amazon find, or a financial tip to avoid hidden fees, I see value in blending personal finance with real-life tools and content people can use.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Troy Mathews: My mentor and friend for the past two years. He introduced me to Allegis Financial Partners and has supported me every step of the way. Truthfully, I may have changed career paths if it weren’t for his constant guidance, encouragement, and belief in me.
Utah State Professors:
Ben Blau: My first finance professor, who confirmed for me that this was the field I wanted to pursue.
Austin Beard: One of my final professors, who reignited my excitement for financial advising. I still reach out to him with questions to this day.
Kristyn Allred: She led a business trip to London that changed my perspective entirely. From her, I learned that it’s possible to balance it all—as a professional, a mom, a wife, a runner, and a world traveler—without losing sight of your priorities.
Lianne Wappett: One of my first professors who helped me see the power of networking and inspired me as a strong, successful woman thriving in a male-dominated industry.
My Family and Friends: I wouldn’t have succeeded without their love, encouragement, and unwavering support. My family members were some of my very first clients, and their trust in me gave me the confidence I needed to keep moving forward. My close friends have also been among my first clients and followers on my Instagram (@findswlillie).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allegisfp.com/locations/layton/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findswlillie/ and https://www.instagram.com/lillie_ruden/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576574243874
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillieruden/
