Episode Overview

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Priya Malani, founder of Stash Wealth, to explore her unconventional journey into wealth management and how she’s redefining financial planning for young professionals. From her early days at Merrill Lynch to nearly pursuing medical school, Priya shares how personal experiences and a passion for helping others shaped her entrepreneurial path. The conversation highlights the importance of character in the financial industry and why building trustworthy, human-centered services matters more than ever.

What You'll Hear In This Episode

• How Priya transitioned from a career in finance to launching Stash Wealth

• Her personal background as a first-generation Indian-American

• Why she turned down mergers and co-CEO opportunities to stay aligned with her vision

• The importance of tough love in financial planning

• How Stash Wealth’s lifestyle-centric approach empowers clients

• Honest perspectives on industry corruption, market volatility, and economic cycles

• Practical advice on staying grounded during financial uncertainty

• Why character matters when choosing a financial advisor

Key Takeaways

• Priya Malani’s journey into wealth management was shaped by her desire to serve and uplift others through financial literacy, especially among young professionals.

• Stash Wealth is committed to accessible, lifestyle-based financial planning with no asset minimums and a tough-love approach that prioritizes client empowerment.

• The financial industry remains flawed and profit-driven, which underscores the importance of working with advisors who lead with character and integrity.

• Market volatility is part of the cycle; the key is planning, staying the course, and having a trustworthy advisor to guide you through the noise.

• Emotions can derail financial decisions—working with someone who can provide rational, long-term guidance is essential.

Notes/Final Thoughts

Priya’s story exemplifies how saying no to conventional paths can open doors to building something meaningful and lasting. Her vision for Stash Wealth stands in contrast to much of the financial services industry by centering on transparency, long-term value, and client trust. For anyone seeking a no-BS approach to financial health, Priya and her team are a safe and reliable choice.

Ways to Connect with Priya

Website & Fit Check
Call: stashwealth.com
Instagram: @itspriyamalani